Structure

Masonry Walls Explained
If you are planning a self-build of brick and block, it is essential to understand the role each component plays. This detailed diagram talks you through all the components that make up a solid masonry wall.

Floor Structures: Solid or Suspended
In our series examining key self-build decisions, Mark Brinkley compares the different types of floor structure on offer, including solid concrete, suspended concrete and suspended timber, plus insulation options.

SIPs: The New Build Standard?
Long heralded the newest, most innovative housebuilding method around by staunch advocates, amidst all the hype SIPs (structural insulated panels) have quietly slipped into the mainstream. Mark Brinkley reports on the benefits of SIPs as an everyday construction method.

Everything You Need to Know About Foundations
Foundations are one of the most unpredictable aspects of any building project, but with forward planning you can reduce the risk and avoid making mistakes

The 12 Steps of Self Build: Groundworks & Foundations
The fourth step of our complete guide explains how to get your project out of the ground, with an in-depth look at foundations, drains and floor construction

Groundworks & Foundations: Excavations
The process of excavating a site before building commences is often very simple and straightforward, but on awkward sites it can develop into a major task

Groundworks & Foundations: Ground Floors
There are two distinct methods of constructing ground floors. One is to lay the floor directly onto the ground (known as solid floors); the other is to lay beams across between the walls (known as suspended floors)

Building on difficult ground
Of all the things that can hike up your build costs, spending extra money on foundations is the most common. Frequently, in the rush to plan a home, the foundation design is overlooked. A new foundation system promises to make coping with difficult ground conditions a lot less stressful

A Guide to Timber Frame
Mark Brinkley examines the key differences between masonry and timber frame, and what to expect from timber frame companies

Timber Frame or Blockwork?
Curious about the claims made by the two different groups? This article looks at the different claims and issues in turn

The Evolution of Timber Frame
Timber frame is improving all the time — it’s quicker and greener than ever, and those traditional complaints about noise and cost are slowly fading away. Mark Brinkley reports

Building with Oak
Oak framing has enjoyed a long tradition in the UK, being the favoured homebuilding method for centuries past. Having enjoyed a significant recent revival, today’s self-builders are increasingly adapting it for the 21st century

Alternative Construction Methods
Timber frame and blockwork are both popular materials for self-builders, but what are the other alternatives?

Screen Walls
If you are trying to create informal divisions within an otherwise open plan room, one solution is to use screen walls. Clive Fewins reports

Why Walls Need To Breathe
The only way to avoid condensation is to allow walls and roofs to ‘breathe’. Pat Borer and Cindy Harris explain

Structural Insulated Panels
It is one of the hottest topics in the US self-build industry and beginning to make waves over here. Proponents claim SIPs are fast, easy and cheap to use. Mark Brinkley investigates and asks: is this the new timber frame?