THE BAN ON LIGHT BULBS: panic buying

While we are on the subject of Kyoto induced changes: those who haven't already overdosed on "energy saving light bulb arguements" might like to catch up. The rest of us have probably already purchased a few spare incandescent bulbs while the market irons out its problems? Most of the antique light fittings I have purchased over the years will definitely NOT suit the new ES bulbs so I am supporting the "mild stockpiling".

I guess it's a bit like sticking with XP while other PC users act as product testers for Microsoft's Vista: selfish but probably sensible. While panic buying is never a clever option I'd really prefer not to have to replace 50% of my light fitings...

Reuters reported a massive grouth in the energy saving bulb market. Well...sure! Here is one of the many ES lamp online suppliers' help links now available.

NEW WINDOWS: double glazed is now the standard

Buying a traditional single glazed casement or sash window is now effectively impossible. The standard is now double glazed and placing an order for a custom made unit is the only way you will get a traditional single glazed window. That is.... if you are allowed to install one!
This is the direct result of changes in building regulations introduced in 2002 and revised in 2006. These came about following the Kyoto agreement where the UK Government made commitments to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Document L is the section of Building Regulations for England and Wales which sets out standards of energy efficiency in buildings. The new Document L now comprises two separate sections: L1 (L1A refers to new dwellings and L1B to existing ones) and L2 (relating to non-dwellings).

As more energy efficient buildings help to reduce pollution and preserve dwindling natural fuel resources it is now a requirement that more energy efficient building products are used both in the construction of new houses and the refurbishment of existing ones. Windows are clearly weak points as they allow heat to escape and cold air to enter if not appropriately sealed and - now - double glazed.
However, where refurbishment work and improvements on existing dwellings are concerned there are a number situations which may be considered exceptions and in which the use of single glazed windows may therefore be allowed. This would for instance be appropriate on front elevations of listed buildings where only a limited number of units were being replaced. However identical the new timber frames may be to the original ones, double glazing causes light to reflect in such a way that will always highlight the increased depth and the presence of a sealed glazed unit.
Whether your planned refurbishment qualifies as an exception is something you or your designer need to determine before you reflect on the aesthetic and practical merits of single versus double glazing.

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From Building Construction Handbook

(6th Edition) by Roger Greeno

WALL PAPER: where more at home than in London?

Thousands of gallons later I am still a great supporter of Papers & Paints' Not Totally White. The milky emulsion allows a feeling of crisp cleanliness while preserving a hint of warmth. The perfet canvas for layers of subtle interior design. But England's tradition in wall papers is such that they never make a complete exit from the trendy magazines. The weather calls for an illusion of warmth in this country and lath & plaster walls - specially typical of London's historic houses, can always do with an extra little bit of "help". Logic is never far behind good interior design choices. So where to source your papers if you have time only for a couple of pit stops? Cole & Son (I am still waiting for a chance to use one of the Fornasetti papers). Recently I have discovered the smart and understated collections by Phillip Jeffries. Check out the linens: trendy and timeless is a difficult combination to achieve and Leo's Luxe Linens do it for me. Adding warmth in the Winter yet looking suitably fresh in the Summer, linen is a winner once again in my book.

ARCHIVE PHOTOS

A new request for archive photos has made me realise the importance of investing in a professional photographer. The nature of one's projects is that, by the time they are ready to be photographed, the owners have moved in. These are a few of the pictures I should have commissioned and resorted to snapping myself (hence the poor outcome). The above are only a few examples of past bathroom, kitchen and furniture designs, lighting layouts and children's bedroom and bathroom schemes. For additional information please contact me by telephone or email

SUBTERRANEAN DEVELOPMENT: loft extensions, conservatories and now... new basements

Over the last few years a number of clients have come to me with plans to extend their property under ground.
Subterranean development, as it is referred to, is a means of extending the square footage of a property either by increasing the size of an existing basement or by digging an entirely new floor below ground. The latter is often described as a ‘retrofit' and is clearly more expensive to achieve than an extension. In either case the figures seem to stack up in prime central London where the cost of extending or creating a brand new basement space is only a fraction of the value of the additional residential square footage achieved.
Needless to say the work involved is expensive. The necessary digging, which at the very least must achieve the legally required 2.4m finished head height, is done partly by hand to avoid excessive vibration. Underpinning can only be carried out at a rate of one alternate metre at a time thus avoiding disruption to the foundations. Damp proofing is now dealt with in a different way to the traditional “barrier” concept. The latest method allows water to flow between walls and a waterproof membrane. The water is managed so as to eventually flow into the waste water system thanks to under-floor pumps. This clearly implies maintenance which in turn implies ongoing costs but the argument is that the overall life of the new basement will be longer when compared to the life expentancy of a basement reliant on water-proof renders.
Andrew Lloyd Webber is often credited with being the forerunner of the “subterranean extension” trend in the residential property market. During the following years local authorities granted planning permission fairly liberally. More recently however concerns have grown that the cumulative effect of brand new basements sprouting all over central London may equate to an underground “Swiss cheese” effect. Some local authorities may use changes in planning laws to take a tougher line and it has therefore now become essential to check the latest planning documents (see for instance the Royal Borough of Kensignton & Chelsea’s subterranean development document)
Your neighbours’ cooperation is going to be essential if you are planning such an extension. In addition to the necessary party wall agreements, unavoidable where terraced properties are concerned, good communication and abundant information is going to prove helpful. Owners planning to extend under ground may find it helpful to provide their neighbours with information such as the Arup Geotechnical Scoping Study on Subterranean Development (referred to in the RBKC document above mentioned as well as in a number of archive articles – check out Telegraph and Guardian online).
Finally, a visit to one of the specialists might give you an idea as to what can be achieved. Have a look for instance at the London Basement Company’s website.

Only time will tell whether the trend is as safe as we hope it is. One thing is for sure: the recession seems to have made it more popular than ever!