Meet the experts
Tommy Walsh
Tommy Walsh was at the show all day Saturday and Sunday, getting involved with a variety of activities:
NBT Challenge - TV’s favourite builder, Tommy Walsh, called upon all DIYers and brickies throughout the country to go head-to-head with him in a bricklaying challenge. On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October, Burden’s Environmental hosted a block for block challenge, putting a new eco-friendly building method to the test. Tommy was trialling the new eco-friendly building method; ThermoPlan insulated clay blocks from Natural Building Technologies (NBT). He found a selection of novice and professional bricklayers to take part in the challenge, using the traditional brick and block construction method, to find out which system performance best.
Walking Seminars - A house is only as good as the foundations it sits on - underground conditions are the great unknown in selfbuilding and can cause costs to spiral. Tommy led a walking tour on this vital subject on both Saturday and Sunday.
Open House
Tommy hosted the Open House session on Saturday and Sunday in the Live Design Theatre. The Open House session gave visitors an opportunity to 'lift the lid' on self build issues and to ask other self-builders the questions they’d always wanted to!
Tommy talks about his House & Renvoation
Tommy spoke on 2 subjects close to his heart: In one presentation Tommy revealed how he went about building his first ever self-build - a bespoke eco-friendly house in the Fenlands. His second talk focused on two of his own renovation and restoration projects - an East London Victorian home, and a Grade II listed building.
Tommy was also in the Centre throughout the two days to answer questions and chat with visitors about their own projects or concerns.
CAD Designers
CAD Designers were on hand to help visitors begin to plan their dream projects and give expert advice.
Mike Rignall runs architectural design practice, RM Projects. As a specialist in domestic remodelling and new build, Mike was available to discuss plans and illustrate elements of a build using a simple 3D design package. Customers brought their plans along and saw their ideas come to life!
Cen Davies
Edward Tucker
Greg Benson
Ask The Experts
A qualified team of specialists was on hand throughout the centre to offer free advice, support and counsel including architects, project managers, self build, renovation & eco experts, structural engineers, basement & loft experts and planning & building control experts.
On top of this we had product experts ready, willing and able to chat through core product needs.
Specifying and buying your own electrical products - BDC
Explainging how much you could save by sourcing your own electrics and how BDC could help you specify your requirements.
General Plumbing & Heating Design - Plumbing Trade Supplies
Answering any question about plumbing and heating in Self Builds and Renovations, including renewable energy products. PTS are a leading plumbing and heating supplier in the industry and were able to offer technical advice and prices on any products required including the latest product technology.
Insulation - Sheffield Insulations
Sheffield Insulations can provide the self builder and renovator with an unrivalled range of products to choose from which will allow you to 'tap' into a wealth of knowledge and experience that only a specialist can offer. Their technical team were here to provide visitors with free impartial advice and guidance on all aspect of insulating their homse.
Hardwood Flooring - Brill Sawmills
Specializing in Hardwood Flooring (suitable for underfloor heating), Doors (internal and external) and Hardwood Mouldings. Their experts offered free impartial technical advice and budgetary guidance.
Architects | Paul Richards & Benjamin Richards, Architecture Verte
Architects | Toby Jarvis & Mark Watkins, Jarvis Jefferies
Planning | Neil Davey, Buildstore
Planning | Jamie Folliard, Evans Jones
Building Control | Richard Stubbs, North Wilts District Council
Building Control | Ian Stark, Private Building Control
Project Management | Simon Comba, West Park Project Management
Project Management | Giles Cooper, Cotswold Surveyors
Eco | Dave Hilton, BuildstoreDave is the permanent Eco Building Advisor at the centre, and has completed self builds in South Africa and renovations in the UK. He hosted Walking Seminars and Seminars in both the renovation and Energy theatres.
Self Building & Renovating | David Snell
Renowned author and self-builder David Snell was on hand on Thursday and Friday to talk about Making Money from Self Building, taking Walking Seminars on Groundworks, and also hosting Question Time in the Live Design theatre. Davis Snell went from £30 in his pocket to owning a £400,000 house in eight years through a series of succesful builds and is happy to share the secrets of his sucess.
Self Building & Renovating | Mike Hardwick
An enthusiastic advocate of self-building, Mike held seminars in the How To theatre, and was also one of the feature Case Studies in the Live Design theatre.
Self Building & Renovating | John Capper
A skilled carpenter, John literally built his first house himself during evenings and weekends whilst working full time. He was in the Centre to answer questions about self building.
Basements| Michael Marshall Edwards
Michael Marshall-Edwards presented a seminar on basements each day, and was also present throughout the Show to answer queries on installing basements.
Bricks | Mike Faloona, Furness Bricks
Renovating | Ian Rock, Author & Chartered Surveyor
There is money to be made in renovation whatever the market is doing – the trick is picking the right project. Soaring house prices in recent years have masked untold mistakes made by would-be renovators, however, as the housing market cools and reality sets in, the keen amateur could get their fingers burned by taking a casual approach, It’s never been more important to pick the right project, plan every detail, and be in control of the budget. Much published Haynes Manuals’ author Ian Rock tells you what you need to know about making money from renovation and avoiding the classic renovation mistakes.
Roofing Systems | Mike Fildes, South Coast Roof Training
Bespoke Timber Frame Buildings | Oakwrights
For customers considering a bespoke timber frame home then a free consultation with one of Oakwrights experienced designers is a must. Their designers really understand architectural principles and framing which combines to produce truly individual homes. All of their planning drawings are hand drawn.
Timber Framed Systems | Oakworth Homes
Design isn't something that falls out of a book, it is about using the space available to match the way you live. Customers can bring along their ideas to get simple sketches of room layouts done or get ideas and suggestions aimed to improve the flow of a property, gain more light, benefit from views and exciting features for both inside and out.
Lofts | Shay Mahon
Shay is Principal Loft Designer at The Great Western Loft Company. The company has developed and patented a revolutionary method of attic conversion using timber frame technology and the latest insulation materials. Shay was available to discuss alternative options for converting lofts as well as highlighting the main advantages of a loft conversion.
Walking Seminars
Self Build & Renovation experts led the hugely popular walking seminars through the life size exhibits during the show, on topics covering Eco Technology, Building Systems, Groundworks and Roofing. Many visitors joined them to get unbiased guidance and insight into the nitty gritty of self build.
Finance and budgeting advisors
Our finance and budgeting advisors worked alongside the seminar schedule to offer you even more expert advice for your build.
CAT (Centre for Alternative Tehnology)
CAT is a pioneering research and demonstration centre that inspires, informs and enables people to explore new ways of living. Since opening in 1975 they have established a worldwide reputation as one of the leading organisations, demonstrating ecological technologies and lifestyles. They address every aspect of the average lifestyle including renewable energy, environmental building, energy efficiency, organic growing and alternative sewage systems. The team were here to talk to visitors their projects and possible eco solutions.
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