Artist Jane Langridge has created an incredible Cornish retreat, designed as a healthy building to calm the mind. Built as a holiday home to accommodate her extended family, first-time selfbuilder Langridge's pared back aesthetic allows the coastal views to take centre stage. 

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Following her father’s death part way through a self-build project, Rachel Bishop took over and completed the new house in his memory. The new-build stone house stands in rolling countryside and is surrounded by 75 acres of arable farmland. Blockwork walls are clad with natural split stone under a Delabole slate roof. 

This striking steel-frame home may have cost double their budget, but it was worth the money for Miles and Maxine Hancock. The unusual design is highly detailed and meant an extraordinarily complex steel frame. The project was fraught from the off, but the result is hard-won, but spectacular. 

Thinking outside the box – we explore a terrace of five customisable houses in Peckham built by Gus Zogolovitch of custom-build developers Unboxed Homes and designed by local architects Poulsom Middlehurst. Each home can be finished completely, or bought as an empty shell for the buyer to customise to their own specification. 

Floor construction has changed much in recent years, offering far more options for both ground and first floors. Professional builder, project manager and author Peter Eade explains these

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Peter Eade also delves into drainage, explaining septic tanks, below-ground and above-ground pipes and drains.

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Your choice of contractors can make or break your project. We explain how to choose a builder. 

Passivhaus turns 30 this month. The German building standard that slashes energy use and heat loss has now been adopted the world over, and has led to some groundbreaking projects, both residential and commercial. 

Tiles are hard wearing and offer a wealth of wall designs – it's small wonder they are a perennial favourite. We take a look at the extraordinary range available, to help make your house a home. 

We chat to this talented photographer about her work for some of the top architectural and interiors magazines. She offers some professional tips on how to show off your house in the best light.  

Legal: Dealing with inflated prices for building work.  

Plot Doctor: A father and daughter consider the feasibility of building on a rural site.