Masterclasses
Presented by exhibitors, our Masterclasses are an opportunity to learn from the experts
MASTERCLASSES
Masterclasses take place on both days of the Show. Each Masterclass is about 30 minutes long.
Below are the topics and times for Masterclasses at the 2022 Show
Saturday 10 September 2022
How to Work With an Architect to Best Effect
10:30 – 11:00
Perry Mears of Peregrine Mears Architects Ltd will talk about why a self builder should use an architect, how to develop a design brief, finding the USP for your project, making the most of the design process and how architects add value.
Time for Timber - build sustainably with a structural timber frame
11:00 – 11:30
Luke Copley-Wilkins of Carpenter Oak
Choosing to build your home or extension with a structural timber frame can be a sustainable option, but does it offer flexibility and choice in design?
Smart Control for your Home
11:30 – 12:00
Karen Chugg of Intelligent Abodes
As expert designers and installers of home control solutions, Intelligent Abodes offer advice on lighting design and control to complement the appearance of your home, whilst improving energy consumption; automated blinds and curtains to enhance and protect your home; and smart, integrated security for added peace of mind. Learn more about home control solutions and discreet multi-room audio-visual systems and how to integrate the latest technology, including voice control.
Future Homes: Energy Needs and Sustainability 
12:00 – 12:30
Paul Newman of Potton
With rising fuel bills, low carbon targets and climate change resulting in milder climates our future housing needs are likely to look very different in the future. Paul Newman looks at how Building Regulations are changing to reflect the need to conserve energy to minimise our bills and the growing use of on-site generation of electricity.
10 Steps for Planning a Successful Building Project
13:00 – 13:30
Caroline Shortt, Director of BARC Architects has over the last 15 successfully guided many clients through self build projects, from small extensions to large luxury new-build homes. In this Masterclass she will take you through a number of steps that will help ensure that your building project is a positive experience and that it avoids the pitfalls encountered by so many. She will also share some of her design tips from Barc Architects on how to create a beautiful and well-considered home.
Solar, Batteries and EVs
13:30 – 14:00
Gabriel Wondrausch of Sungift Solar, who has been in the renewables industry for over 17 years, will share his experience on the most important factors to consider while assessing which technologies may be right for your property, how they interact and how to get the best out of them.
Real Self Builders
14:00 – 14:30
Alex and Kelly Allan built their new home in a Devon village on a tight (460sqm) and overlooked infill plot that presented them with many challenges to overcome. Hear how they tackled their build and maximised the small site to create a modern three-bedroom home for their family.
Green Design and Building Materials
14:30 – 15:00
Brian Murphy will explain how Green Building Calculator provides the user with a bill of quantities and cost planning in the form of a spreadsheet tool to estimate whole building energy consumption and heating costs, including a carbon footprint calculator (covering carbon use in the construction as well as use of the building). It is designed as an impartial, easy to use, value for money tool for use by designers, architects and self builders.
Is timber the solution to sustainable construction?
15:00 – 15:30
Warren Bennett of WoodShop Directwill look at the sources and types of sustainable, environment friendly construction timbers to help you ensure that the timber choices for your build are responsibly sourced. He will expalin the significance of FSC and PEFC global sustainability benchmarks.
Sunday 11 September 2022
Low Carbon Living – A Whole House Approach
10:30 – 11:00
Luke Tinmurth of Carbon Saving Group
During our Masterclass we’ll discuss the benefits of a whole-house approach to low-carbon living, from retrofitting renovations to designing a renewable first self-build. We’ll introduce energy efficient systems that complement each other and work harmoniously to lower your carbon footprint.
You’ve heard about Solar PV on your roof - but do you know about Solar Tracking in your garden?
11:00 – 11:30
Melissa Briggs of Bee Solar Technology Ltd
Static solar panels on the roof are not a workable solution if you have gables, veluxes or your house faces the wrong way.
Find out how innovative ground mounted solar tracking systems can solve that problem (and generate you the power you need to keep those rising electricity prices under control.)
Underfloor heating and heat pumps – everything you need to know!
11:30 – 12:00
Mike Casey of Nu-Heat Underfloor Heating & Renewables
Join Nu-Heat to find out more about the benefits, considerations and options available to you when choosing a low temperature, low-carbon heating system for your home. Areas covered:
Heat pumps
- How do they work?
- Air or ground source?
- Installation and running costs
- The grants available
Underfloor heating
- Underfloor heating vs radiators
- Systems for new builds
- Systems for renovations
- Choosing the best floor coverings
Green Design and Building Materials
12:00 – 12:30
Brian Murphy will explain how Green Building Calculator provides the user with a bill of quantities and cost planning in the form of a spreadsheet tool to estimate whole building energy consumption and heating costs, including a carbon footprint calculator (covering carbon use in the construction as well as use of the building). It is designed as an impartial, easy to use, value for money tool for use by designers, architects and self builders.
Is timber the solution to sustainable construction?
12:30 – 13:00
Warren Bennett of WoodShop Direct will look at the sources and types of sustainable, environment friendly construction timbers to help you ensure that the timber choices for your build are responsibly sourced. He will expalin the significance of FSC and PEFC global sustainability benchmarks.
How to Work With an Architect to Best Effect
13:00 – 13:30
Perry Mears of Peregrine Mears Architects Ltd will talk about why a self builder should use an architect, how to develop a design brief, finding the USP for your project, making the most of the design process and how architects add value.
Smart Control for your Home
13:30 – 14:00
Karen Chugg of Intelligent Abodes
As expert designers and installers of home control solutions, Intelligent Abodes offer advice on lighting design and control to complement the appearance of your home, whilst improving energy consumption; automated blinds and curtains to enhance and protect your home; and smart, integrated security for added peace of mind. Learn more about home control solutions and discreet multi-room audio-visual systems and how to integrate the latest technology, including voice control.
Future Homes: Energy Needs and Sustainability
14:00 – 14:30
Paul Newman of Potton
With rising fuel bills, low carbon targets and climate change resulting in milder climates our future housing needs are likely to look very different in the future. Paul Newman looks at how Building Regulations are changing to reflect the need to conserve energy to minimise our bills and the growing use of on-site generation of electricity.