Improve Magazine Spring 2026

IT’S TIME TO BRING YOUR DREAMS TO LIFE

We explore the landmark documentary, Harmony, a powerful film about sustainability and nature, narrated by Kate Winslet and featuring some of the most recognisable ambassadors from The King’s Foundation

AI and Autonomy - for a flawless lawn every day

Bespoke timber entrance with decorative triple glazing

Intelligent Blinds specifically for bespoke shaped windows

Lazenby Editorial Director

Welcome to this month’s issue of

In our cover feature, we explore the inspiring work of The King’s Foundation and its commitment to sustainable building, traditional craftsmanship, and communityfocused design. Discover how its philosophy is influencing modern home improvement projects across the country.

As the days grow longer, we’re also turning our attention outdoors. From choosing the perfect BBQ setup for effortless summer entertaining to creating atmosphere with smart outdoor lighting, we’ve packed this issue with ideas to elevate your garden. Plus, we take a closer look at the latest in automated mowing technology — the time-saving innovation transforming lawn care.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply refreshing your outdoor space, I hope this issue sparks some inspiration and helps you make the most of your home.

Christina

GET IN TOUCH

Perfect for Spring!

Crispy Basa Tacos with Kiwi Salad

These Crispy Basa Tacos with Kiwi Salad are the perfect light and fresh meal for Spring days or an easy week night dinner. Golden, crunchy basa, tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a bright kiwi salad that’s sweet, tangy and zesty. The combination of crisp fish and juicy, citrus-kissed fruit keeps every bite refreshing and balanced. It’s Springtime on a plate, simple to make and even easier to love.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)

For the Crispy Basa

• 4 basa fillets (about 600–700g total)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

For the Kiwi Salad

• 3 ripe kiwis, peeled & diced

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

• Salt to taste

For Assembly

• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)

• Sour cream or garlic yogurt sauce

• Sliced avocado (optional)

• Extra lime wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Kiwi Salad

• Combine kiwi, cabbage, red onion, chili, and cilantro in a bowl.

• Toss with lime juice, olive oil, and salt.

• Chill in the fridge while you prepare the fish.

Bread the Basa

• Pat fillets dry and cut into taco-sized strips.

• Season flour with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

• Dredge fish in flour, dip in beaten egg and coat in panko.

• Press breadcrumbs firmly so they stick.

Fry Until Crispy

• Heat oil to about 180°C (350°F).

• Fry fish 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

• Drain on paper towels and lightly salt.

(You can also bake at 220°C / 425°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.)

Assemble

• Warm tortillas.

• Add crispy basa.

• Top with kiwi salad.

• Drizzle sour cream or yogurt sauce.

• Add avocado and a squeeze of lime.

Serve immediately while crispy!

Contents

06 FINDING HARMONY

A King’s vision

With the King’s landmark ‘Harmony’ documentary, narrated by Hollywood actress Kate Winslet, launched last month, Angela Sara West gives the lowdown on the new nature-focused film’s star-studded premiere at Windsor Castle, the emotive doc’s mission and unearths His Majesty’s sustainable regeneration and architecture projects.

16 STIGA PRESENTS A NEW GENERATION OF ROBOTS

AI and autonomy for a flawless lawn every day STIGA, leading European manufacturer of garden machinery, presents a new range of autonomous robot mowers designed to revolutionise the way we care for our lawns. Eight new models incorporate STIGA Vista technology, an AI-driven camera that allows the robots to “see” and comprehend the garden, and the new Antenna-FREE feature, which eliminates any physical installation and makes the user experience even simpler, more immediate and accessible to everyone..

32 THE GREAT BRITISH BBQ

Spotlight on BBQ’s

A time-honoured tradition that continues to bring us together during the warmer months. There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about the sound of sizzling sausages and the aroma of charcoal in the sunshine. Gardens are increasingly the focal point for alfresco dining.

34 HERITAGE WINDOW COLLECTION BY DECEUNINCK

More window colours to complement every home Colour has become one of the most powerful ways for homeowners to express their style, and nowhere is that more evident than in the growing demand for coloured windows and doors. What was once a simple choice between white or woodgrain has evolved into a world of subtle tones, bold statements, and finishes that can completely transform the look of a property.

34 RESIDENTIAL DOORS

Hörmann Truedor website strengthens market presence

Hörmann Truedor is celebrating the success of its updated website which was introduced in February 2025.

46 INTERIORS

Spotlight on dining

There’s something special about the way a home feels during the colder months, with more time spent gathered around the table together.

Finding Harmony A KING’S VISION

With the King’s landmark ‘Harmony’ documentary, narrated by Hollywood actress Kate Winslet, launched last month, Angela Sara West gives the lowdown on the new nature-focused film’s star-studded premiere at Windsor Castle, the emotive doc’s mission and unearths His Majesty’s sustainable regeneration and architecture projects.

Angela also chats with a few of The King’s Foundation’s famous ambassadors, including TV’s property expert Sarah Beeny and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh, who reveals his gardening projects with David Beckham!

Offering us a fascinating front-row seat to King Charles III’s commitment to protecting our environment, a new landmark film charts his personal journey as an environmentalist, presented through the work of The King’s Foundation, his nature and sustainability charity.

For over 50 years, His Majesty has been experimenting with ways to bring nature back into every part of our lives, striving to bring humankind back into harmony with the natural world.

“It all boils down to the fact that we are actually nature ourselves. We are a part of it, not apart from it,” says the King.

Documenting his pioneering ‘Harmony’ philosophy and its profound impact worldwide, ‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision’ chronicles the King’s lifelong commitment to nature and the environment, infused with an invitation to rediscover our connection with nature, for the good of people, places and the planet.

HARMONY WORLDWIDE, VOICED BY KATE WINSLET

Filming took place over four continents, highlighting Harmony projects across the globe and revealing the King’s passion for his philosophy as never before.

Following his belief that “seeing is believing”, the eco documentary, released last month following its star-studded premiere at Windsor Castle, offers a vision of the future filled with optimism, narrated by The King’s Foundation Ambassador/ Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet.

“I share His Majesty’s passion for protecting our planet and building sustainable communities,” says Hollywood heavyweight Kate. “It’s been really rewarding to work with The King’s Foundation on this exciting project, the King’s untold personal story that shows us how Harmony can transform our future. I know audiences will learn, laugh and feel inspired.”

With the urgent message that we must put nature back at the heart of the equation, it’s hoped this timely doc dedicated to an extraordinary environmental legacy will act as a call to action, inspiring people to protect our planet and create a more sustainable future for the next generation.

FINDING HARMONY: A KING’S VISION

This fascinating film is about positivity when we need it most. All over the world, nature is in devastating decline, with the effects increasingly hard to ignore.

However, His Majesty reassures us there is hope. “For nearly every problem we face, nature, with the benefit of billions of years of evolution, has already provided us with the solutions.”

The insightful documentary offers something for all, showing how our greenthinking Monarch, as Prince of Wales, pursued early environmentalism, speaking up for the science behind biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change long before these issues became mainstream.

The doc aims to spark understanding and positive change, outlining his battle with architecture through to the life-changing work of The King’s Foundation.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE - AT ONE WITH NATURE

For His Majesty, this motivating film has been a lifetime in the making. Showcasing the King’s remarkable vision, produced by Passion Planet in collaboration with The King’s Foundation for Amazon MGM Studios, the film reveals our Head of State’s passionate approach towards promoting positive global change.

“Never has it been more important for the world to make a concerted effort to protect and prioritise our planet, and to restore our relationship with it,” says the King. “It is, therefore, my fondest hope that this film may encourage a new audience to learn about the philosophy of Harmony.”

THE KING’S FOUNDATION

The King’s Foundation, founded by King Charles III as Prince of Wales in 1990, is a global charity inspired by His Majesty’s ‘Harmony’ philosophy and deeply personal mission. Protecting and promoting nature, it spearheads placemaking and regeneration projects in the UK and overseas to revitalise communities and historic buildings, alongside offering education courses in traditional skills.

Working to build sustainable communities, helping people play an active role and coexist with places and the planet in harmony, 15,000 students annually learn practical skills rooted in nature and tradition.

HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY AT STAR-STUDDED, SUSTAINABLE ‘HARMONY’ PREMIERE

The King and Queen were joined by The Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at last month’s Royal Premiere of ‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision’.

A-list Ambassadors for The King’s Foundation were also in attendance, including the film’s narrator Kate Winslet, Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh CBE and TV’s property expert Sarah Beeny (both of whom I have previously interviewed for the cover of Improve magazine) along with C4’s ‘Amazing Spaces’ presenter/architect George Clarke.

Dame Judi Dench, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Dominic Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci and astronaut Tim Peake also graced the green carpet, showing their support.

A ROYAL FIRST AT WINDSOR CASTLE WITH SUSTAINABLE TOUCHES

The first time a film premiere has taken place in a royal residence, “Only a film this special, this important, could be given such an appropriate maiden voyage,” said ‘Titanic’ star Kate Winslet on opening the screening. For every attendee, The King’s Foundation planted two trees in The Harmony Forest at its headquarters, Dumfries House, while wildflower-seeded seating cards allowed attendees to plant after the event, plus all foliage used was replanted.

GARDENING GURU ALAN TITCHMARSH TALKS HARMONY

Top TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh tells me our ‘green’ King is incredibly practical and hands on. “The King is such a great inspiration, a man who doesn’t just say ‘something should be done’. He gets out there and does it. I am full of admiration.”

“Passionate about working with nature rather than fighting it, he has that in common with all responsible gardeners. It’s up to all of us to work in harmony with nature; the planet benefits and so do we.”

Referring to rural Britain as “one of the greatest treasures of our nation,” the King cares deeply about the countryside and welfare of its communities. Alan says we have, sadly, become detached from rural life.

TEAMING UP WITH DAVID BECKHAM FOR THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Alan tells me he is honoured to have a role with The King’s Foundation. “It’s a superb organisation and I’m especially pleased to be a part of an initiative to encourage horticultural apprenticeships, alongside keen amateur gardener David Beckham.”

The green-fingered eco champion is teaming up with fellow Ambassador Sir David for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), for which Alan is Vice President.

“David, like me, is determined to make a difference and explain why gardening and horticulture is so important to us as a nation,” Alan tells me. “If we can get more people to understand its value and importance, we will help to ensure our land and landscape is cherished for the benefit of future generations. David absolutely loves the rural life and has a great garden in the Cotswolds. He gets so much out of doing it and is a great role model.”

The two charities are creating ‘The Curious Garden’ to engage people with the Great Outdoors and be curious in their own gardening endeavours and the vital contribution plants make to people, places and the planet’s health.

DAVID BECKHAM ON INSPIRING OTHERS TO GET INTO NATURE

David and Alan will join TV horticulturist, ‘Love Your Garden’ and ‘Gardeners' World’ presenter Frances Tophill on her journey to create the special garden.

“My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents,” Sir David Beckham explains. “I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden. I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and try something new.”

The Curious Garden will brim with take-home ideas for beautiful pockets of nature, be it on a windowsill or in a garden. “Simply growing more plants helps mitigate both the biodiversity and climate crises.” Alan reveals.

A GLOBAL MOVEMENT

His Majesty’s philosophy has ignited a global ‘Harmony’ movement. Whether it’s how we educate, work our land, build our communities or approach our health and wellbeing, Harmony is about rethinking how we live and work.

“Nature is our sustainer,” says the King. “Therefore, what we do to her, we do to ourselves. But we have forgotten that we need to give back to nature in return for what we take from her.”

FINDING HARMONY: THE FILM

The documentary underscores that caring for our planet is not at odds with progress. Solutions that benefit the environment can also create superior experiences for all and drive economic opportunity.

Featuring previously unseen footage, from sustainable urbanism, community regeneration and traditional skills to ethical textiles and food production, the film documents how the model of sustainable community regeneration at Dumfries House, pioneered by The King’s Foundation, has inspired similar projects globally.

RESTORING HARMONY BETWEEN HUMANITY, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT

At the forefront of championing sustainability, the King was ahead of his time decades ago when he talked about green issues but faced opposition. On pioneering organic farming, for example, people dismissed his plans.

As The Prince of Wales, he launched sustainability initiatives aimed at finding solutions and delivering practical outcomes. “I have sought to promote and encourage ways we can work with, rather than against, nature, to restore balance to our planet which is under such stress,” he says.

Now, of course, he’s bang on trend. During the last decade, the impact of natural resource depletion, climate change and rapid urbanisation has become evident.

‘Harmony’ invites us to see the world in a new way, suggesting the very things we've become disconnected

from may hold the key to our future, claiming that, even if we have broken nature, once we bring her back, the land, people and communities can heal.

THE KING’S BATTLE WITH ARCHITECTURE

Early work at the Institute for Architecture laid the foundations for The King’s Foundation, which works to build sustainable communities and transform lives through teaching practical heritage skills and leading green community regeneration projects.

An early voice questioning contemporary construction, the King’s battle with architecture has been well documented, with the poignant new documentary telling the story of his challenges and triumphs. With many of our modern buildings blank and impersonal, his focus was on the way we build our cities and towns, and the deep connection between the built and natural world.

“As a teenager in the '60s, I saw so much being destroyed around us,” he recalls. “Our precious flourished meadows, wetlands and hedges were ripped up and trees cut down, our towns and city centres ripped out, all at a huge pace. I remember thinking, this is going to go too far."

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Searching for a better way to build, the then Prince Charles started a school for designers and architects, looking at the constantly creative order of nature and the unity that holds the world and our existence together.

Scholars call it sacred geometry, or the grammar of harmony, mapping the many patterns that recur across

space and time and focusing on the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of living in balance with nature.

HARMONY: A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT THE WORLD

Key to the Harmony philosophy is learning from traditional wisdom, encouraging ecological awareness and respecting the natural world. It strongly believes looking at the world in this way and understanding nature is at human wellbeing and prosperity’s core, emphasising the urgent need to take practical action to protect and restore the climate, planet and, ultimately, build a sustainable future.

His Majesty’s 2010 book, ‘Harmony: A New Way of Looking at the World,’ co-authored with Tony Juniper and Ian Skelly, highlights the fusion of humankind with nature, rebuilding from the disconnect that happened after the great post-war acceleration, when the concrete jungles emerged.

THE POUNDBURY PROJECT

Inspired by ideas at his school of architecture, Prince Charles’ concerns saw him challenge the way Britain was developing its towns and cities into “a monstrous concrete maze” of industrialised architecture with “no charm, no character.”

He knew another way of thinking about and building urban design had a better chance of cohering communities, rather than ignoring community needs. Putting his architecture ideas into practice on a large scale on his own land, farmland owned by the Duchy of Cornwall near Dorchester, the Prince designed a new town, Poundbury, solving problems plaguing modern cities, such as the growing gap between rich and poor.

KEEPING TRADITIONAL SKILLS ALIVE, SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION & GREEN SPACES

With Poundbury proving access to green spaces is crucial for mental wellbeing, The Institute for Architecture worked to build other sustainable towns and cities designed around nature. Its traditional arts and sustainable skills enriching our changing world, creating spaces that

value both people and planet, the school encourages collaboration and makers to flourish.

Since 1990, The King’s Foundation has influenced the sustainable design of 175+ communities worldwide, 350,000 homes influenced by its town planning, sustainable urbanisation and engagement resources, improving over half a million people’s quality of life.

Today more than ever, people flock to The King's Foundation’s venues to learn how to create Harmony for their own families and communities, with the core belief that nature has the power to both teach and heal.

Championing climate awareness and sustainability, advocating Harmony globally and creating sustainable communities on an international scale, the charity practises and teaches the principles of nature that underpin architecture, horticulture, farming and wellbeing, improving both people’s and our planet’s future.

From urbanism, regeneration and heritage to biodiversity, community impact, food and health, everything is thoughtfully connected.

BUILDING ARTS & CRAFTS: UPSKILLING NEXT GENERATION OF CRAFTSPEOPLE

For those in construction and craft, and designers exploring routes into decorative building traditions, Building Arts and Crafts courses promote and preserve heritage crafts, upskilling the next generation of master craftspeople.

These heritage skills programmes inspire to create environments drawing on a vast array of traditional and sustainable approaches, materials and techniques, many in danger of dying out.

HERITAGE SKILLS + CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES

From design and building, painting and decorating and technical drawing to public consultation, geometry and structure and architectural development, you can also learn craft and conservation skills in the fields of bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, timber framing, roofing and thatching, train in tiling/ceramics, stonemasonry, lime plastering and stained glasswork, or try blacksmithing or dry-stone walling.

Demonstrating the significant role time-honoured craft skills can play in creating new spaces and places, beginner-to-advanced workshops and masterclasses celebrate age-old skills, thereby preserving the wisdom and knowledge of traditional building practices that shaped our historical built environment, ensuring we restore and conserve history, too.

SUSTAINABLE URBANISM SCHOOLS FOR ARCHITECTS, DEVELOPERS & BUILDERS

Alongside work in the built environment for communities facing rapid urbanisation worldwide, The King’s Foundation delivers education opportunities for postgraduate students in architecture and sustainable urban development.

Swansea University’s cross-disciplinary programme focuses on applied sustainable engineering solutions in real-life environments, creating solutions for the multiple challenges faced by the Global South, location of the majority of the world’s construction. Enhancing environments through myriad engineering issues, they develop designs in collaboration with the communities they serve.

Summer schools benefit architects, developers, builders, craftspeople and students interested in building crafts and architecture and how these factors respond to the local identity of historic contexts in a timeless and ecological way, deepening knowledge of traditional architecture, design, building and repair techniques and applying them in the 21st century.

DESIGN GRAVITY + STEM

The Design Gravity workshop teaches the craft of creating vaulted ceilings and stairs, while the Live Project

highlights the holistic nature of our built environment, promoting multi-disciplinary learning in elements of architecture, design and more, where students work alongside a project manager, surveyor and architect to gain first-hand experience.

STEM workshops and longer programmes, meanwhile, teach green energy, environmental science, aerospace and sustainable design.

PRESERVING HERITAGE SITES

Headquartered at its flagship ‘Harmony’ regeneration project, Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, The King’s Foundation and His Majesty have transformed this formerly run-down estate into a living demonstration of the Harmony principles.

The charity also acts as custodian of other historic Royal sites, including Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, where the King’s first passion project played out. Accessible to the public, these heritage sites are home to the outdoor skills and traditional crafts education programmes.

Welcoming millions of visitors to watch the charity’s work in action, also carried out at educational and cultural hubs in London, at The King’s Foundation School for Traditional Arts in Shoreditch, Trinity Buoy Wharf on the River Thames, and at the Garrison Chapel in Chelsea, in addition to its UK presence, the Foundation delivers programmes and projects in over a dozen sites worldwide.

HIGHGROVE GARDENS & CLUCKINGHAM PALACE

Since 1980, when he first arrived at Highgrove, now the private countryside residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with plans to turn his historic new home

into a test bed for his radical ideas about Harmony, the King has devoted much time and energy to transforming the gardens, renowned as some of the UK’s most inspiring and innovative.

Originally, the Georgian neo-classical house had little more than a neglected kitchen garden, an overgrown copse, pastureland and a few hollow oaks. Both have now undergone many thoughtful innovations, the King taking steps personally to live in a more sustainable way and managing the gardens and the Estate at Highgrove organically.

Ethical management and recycling of waste materials ensure the land here thrives in harmony with nature, with the success of this first Harmony experiment inspiring nature-based farming practices and regenerative agriculture globally.

For the film, the King warmly welcomes cameras into his living room and garden, where he's seen pruning hedges, and shows us his fun sense of humour as he feeds his chickens in Cluckingham Palace!

SNOWDON SCHOOL OF FURNITURE

Curated by renowned furniture maker Lord Snowdon, Vice President of The King’s Foundation, the Snowdon School of Furniture at Highgrove Gardens offers courses for designers, makers, landowners, councils and the public, teaching holistic thinking about how we value and use wood.

Two flagship courses for designers and makers, focused on furniture-making skills using British timber, are accompanied by the CREATE residential programme, a modern approach to traditional skills, deepening an understanding of timber and creative use of sustainable materials.

RESTORING DUMFRIES HOUSE: ‘THE HOME OF HARMONY’

In 2007, the then Prince of Wales saved Dumfries House for the nation. Following his success at Highgrove, with this particular ramshackle property his plan was to heal the house, land and scale up to bring Harmony to the surrounding community, too.

“When I discovered it was due to be sold and everything in it, I felt it was critical to demonstrate how you could regenerate an entire area, help raise aspirations and create new hope by bringing people together in a thoroughly integrated, collaborative way,” says the King.

Unable to find stonemasons or carpenters to restore the house, or sustainable hospitality programmes, The King’s Foundation put nature at the centre and started teaching courses, resulting in phenomenal projects coming to life.

For a community to flourish, harmonious order and balance are essential. Now one of the biggest employers in the area, Dumfries House has become a driver for the

economy, training 10,000 people a year and delivering tangible benefits from Harmony.

The King transformed a dilapidated historic estate into a living demonstration of sustainability in action. Its salvation started with the community, employing locals who benefitted from jobs and training, causing a ripple effect and inspiring other projects.

An important example of heritage-led regeneration, “the home of Harmony” is a 2,000-acre estate open free-ofcharge to the public 365 days a year, offering a flagship model of how Harmony can work in practice.

Dumfries House isn’t just a beautifully preserved 18thcentury stately home; it’s a vibrant campus for education, traditional skills, sustainable agriculture and community development. An ambitious conservation and refurbishment, restoring the original interiors and many pieces of 18thcentury furniture and art alongside creating a state-of-the-art Hospitality Training Centre turned an impressive idea into a tangible, thriving reality improving lives.

The estate’s buildings were repurposed in innovative ways:

• The 18th-century coach house and stable became a buzzing café, the sawmill renovated to full working order and turned into the craft workshops, equipped with classroom, wood workshop and stonemason’s shed.

• A new arboretum, complete with woodland shelter, was designed and built by the Foundation’s Summer School students.

• The Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden was among the most ambitious projects, opened to the public by the late Queen.

HARMONY IN PRACTICE - A CATALYST FOR REGENERATION

Continuing to evolve as a model others worldwide can learn from, each element built based on community needs, everyone at Dumfries House belongs to a larger ecosystem; from the farm, restaurant and house to the woodworkers and textile designers, everyone strives to live sustainably from the land.

A major local employer and education campus, spanning food and farming, fashion and textiles, traditional crafts and hospitality, its Engineering Education facility is Europe’s largest-of-its-kind, providing school programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

The site provides inspiration and new connections through nature for learners of all ages, offering opportunities to train in real-life skills, whether it’s woodwork, horticulture, organic farming or engineering.

As a catalyst for regeneration of the local area, it’s a real-life showcase of Harmony, also displaying one of the world’s largest collections of Chippendale furniture.

CREATIVE REGENERATION PROPERTY PROJECTS + TRADITIONAL URBAN DESIGN

The King’s Foundation’s success working with communities on architecture, heritage, urbanism, traditional skills, community regeneration, sustainable textiles, food production and landscape courses and projects inspires similar ventures worldwide.

Putting into practice their design principles responsive to local traditions, cultures and climates, the charity’s work is recognised for its commitment to excellence in traditional craft and role in reviving skills vital to historic buildings’ repair and conservation, along with proving placing green spaces at communities’ hearts results in life-changing outcomes.

The King’s exciting new film illustrates this dedication to creating sustainable communities through architecture and design prioritising the wellbeing of people and the environment.

Reinvigorating existing buildings through creative redevelopment preserves heritage, the Foundation's design process learning from local materials and techniques to deliver quality and sustainability in new designs to tackle challenges we face today.

Believing the most beautiful buildings draw upon their surroundings (both built and natural) to harmonise, architecture projects focus on traditional urban design and architecture principles centred around communities’ people, creating thousands of jobs and contributing to community regeneration.

GOING ECO WITH TV’S PROPERTY EXPERT SARAH BEENY

As for creating our own eco-homes, The King’s Foundation ambassador, property developer/TV presenter Sarah Beeny, who also attended the premiere, shares her top tips.

“Start with the fabric of a building. It’s all about insulation and ventilation, needing less power to run it,” she tells me. ”And buy once, buy right!”

TIME TO TAKE ACTION

With the scale of His Majesty’s power and longterm thinking, his singular motivation has always been to use his position to help positive change.

Now, it’s time to share his Harmony story with the world. “We simply cannot waste any more time,” he warns. “The time to act is now.”

For half a century, the King has demonstrated his respect and reverence for nature and hopes his new documentary will inspire others to take action, too.

An epic tale full of drama, of the state of the world, he says, “It’s been my main motivation for a long, long time, and you can see what’s happening. We need to follow the underlying principles behind what I call ‘Harmony’ if we’re going to somehow ensure that this poor old planet can support so, so many. It’s unlikely there’s anywhere else.”

On the fight to save the planet, “It’s rapidly going backwards,” he reveals. “I’ve said that for the last 40 years. People don’t seem to understand it’s not just climate that’s the problem, it’s also biodiversity loss... So, we’re actually destroying our means of survival, all the time. To put that back together again is possible, but we should have been doing it long ago. We’ve got to do it as fast as we can now.”

THE PATH TO HARMONY - AT ONE WITH NATURE

Spanning 75 years of archive footage, the film is a riveting cinematic experience and story of hope and resilience. Stunning cinematography, unique interviews and fascinating storytelling document how the King’s philosophy and vision has sparked a worldwide movement.

‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision’ offers a vision of the future filled with hope, leaving audiences feeling uplifted and motivated to bring nature back into everything we do so we live side-by-side with it, using Harmony to produce inspirational outcomes.

“What Harmony has shown me is that reconnecting with nature isn’t so hard to do,” Kate Winslet reveals. “And it can begin with a simple step outside. All of us have been gifted this incredible relationship with nature, meaning any one of us can find Harmony.”

“Remember, our children and grandchildren will ask not what our generation said but what it did,” says the King.

‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision’ is out now on Prime Video.

THE PRINCIPLES OF HARMONY

1. Order and Geometry

Nature's beauty reflects an underlying order integral to life’s cycles. Its patterns - shell spirals, flower symmetry, river flows, forest growth – are beautiful, efficient, balanced and purposeful. Harmony encourages us to draw from nature when designing our communities and ecosystems, creating more resilient, sustainable and nature-first communities.

2. Interdependence and Balance

Nature works in harmony by each element operating as a whole within an interdependent ecosystem – each part relies on the others to thrive. Recognising this interdependence helps understanding that everything is connected and impacts on each other.

3. Beauty and Resonance

Nature’s timeless beauty, its patterns, proportions and symmetry, resonates with humans, be that in the form of a flower, music or architecture, reinforcing that beauty isn’t decoration, it’s part of creating things that mirror the beauty, pleasure and reassurance in nature.

© Angela Sara West @angela_sara_west : www.angelasarawest.com

4. Cycles and Circularity

A complex ecosystem working in harmony to contribute to the health of the whole, nature works in cycles to create a more regenerative system, teaching us to create circular systems for a more balanced ecosystem. Nothing in nature goes to waste. Our fast-paced culture needs to use less, waste less and design systems that mimic nature’s circularity. Harmony respects nature’s limits and rhythms, meaning we can build healthier, more balanced living.

5. Function and Adaptation

Each part of nature has evolved to fill a unique role or function, independent but operating as part of the whole. Nature is constantly in flux; dynamic, responding, changing and adapting to shifts in the ecosystem, teaching us adaptability.

6. Diversity and Community

Strength lies in embracing diversity; nature’s systems rely on diversity to continue its cycle, allowing other parts of nature’s community to step in/adapt so the ecosystem continues to function, learn and grow.

STIGA presents a new generation of robots that revolutionise garden card: AI and autonomy for a flawless lawn every day

An AI-driven camera and a fast setup transform lawn care into a simple, autonomous task, making it easier to achieve a perfect, healthy lawn.

STIGA, leading European manufacturer of garden machinery, presents a new range of autonomous robot mowers designed to revolutionise the way we care for our lawns. Eight new models incorporate STIGA Vista technology , an AI-driven camera that allows the robots to “see” and comprehend the garden, and the new Antenna-FREE feature, which eliminates any physical installation and makes the user experience even simpler, more immediate and accessible to everyone.

THE GARDEN “TAKES CARE OF ITSELF”: TECHNOLOGY THAT FREES UP VALUABLE TIME

The new STIGA Vista technology allows the robot to distinguish between grass surfaces of all shapes and colours and non-grass areas, and to accurately identify fixed or moving obstacles. This allows for continuous, smooth cutting without interruptions and with no need for manual intervention. A silent assistant that works while we enjoy the garden, have breakfast outdoors or spend the weekend elsewhere. The Antenna-FREE feature completely eliminates cables and complex installations: all you need is to position the charging base, follow a few steps via the STIGA.GO App, and the robot is ready to go.

A perfect solution for those who want a well-kept garden with zero stress. Navigation is also supported by the STIGA Active Guidance System (AGS), which analyses the quality of the satellite signal in real time and allows the robot to always plan the best route. The new RTKGNSS quad-band engine also guarantees more powerful and stable GPS reception, ensuring smooth and precise motion even in the most difficult areas of the garden.

A HEALTHIER AND MORE BEAUTIFUL LAWN, DAY AFTER DAY

All models in the range combine advanced cutting with gentle daily mulching, which nourishes the lawn naturally and keeps it softer, more resistant and uniform. The robots follow orderly and precise cutting patterns and, thanks to intelligent sensors, avoid working in rainy or sub-optimal conditions. The result is a lawn that is always well-kept, enhancing the home and becoming a space to live in, relax, play, entertain friends or simply unwind.

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE AND MATERIALS DESIGNED TO LAST

The new range is designed to blend harmoniously into any outdoor environment. Minimalist lines, a lightweight yet sturdy shell and protection from impact, bad weather and UV rays: everything contributes to a clean aesthetic and reliable performance over time.

Thanks also to the STIGA ePower battery, the robots work quietly and efficiently, reducing consumption and emissions: a sustainable alternative for those who want to take care of their green space with environmental awareness.

SIMPLE CONTROL, WHEREVER YOU ARE

The award-winning STIGA.GO App (Red Dot Design Award 2025) allows you to set, program and monitor the robot directly from your smartphone. Whether you are travelling, at work or on the sofa, your garden is always under control: real-time notifications, customized cutting and intuitive management, even for non-tech-savvy users. Maintenance is just as simple: easily accessible components, quick cleaning and the support of the STIGA dealer network always guarantee prompt assistance.

A SOLUTION FOR EVERY GREEN SPACE

The new range covers all types of outdoor spaces, from 600 m² up to 14,000 m², and includes the following models: A 6v, A 8v, A 10v, A 15v, A 25v, A 50v, A 100v, and A 140v. A whole family designed for different needs, from residential users to professionals.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• STIGA Vista Technology: AI-driven camera recognises grass and obstacles = uninterrupted, precise, and respectful mowing.

• Antenna-Free Setup: No cables or reference station required = faster and flexible installation.

• Active Guidance System (AGS): Optimises satellite navigation = consistent mowing even with unstable signals.

• Quad-band RTK-GNSS engine: Delivers stronger GPS reception = exceptional navigation precision and smoother operation even in the most challenging environments.

• STIGA Cutting Quality: Gentle mulching with smart pattern control = softer, healthier, and perfectly even lawns.

• Robust and Elegant Design: Floating shell, lightweight yet durable = easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.

• App Control: Award-winning STIGA.GO App = intuitive remote management and stress-free operation.

The new mowers are available for purchase via the STIGA website and authorised dealers.

Learn more about the range at www.stiga.com/uk/products/mowing/robot

Mowing perfection.

Accurate and precise.

Intelligent planner, organised gardener.

Experience a perfect lawn, every day, without any effort. The STIGA’s autonomous robot mowers feature an AI-integrated camera to avoid obstacles while delivering superior cutting results, creating perfect lawn stripes and improving the health of your lawn after just a few mowings.

Knows what a lawn is. Avoids what is not a lawn.

Spotlight on Flowers

Spring into Summer: British Garden Centres’ guide to the summer bulbs to plant now

As the first signs of spring emerge and gardens begin to awaken from their winter slumber, there’s never been a better time to dream of the sunny days ahead. Imagine your borders ablaze with bright dahlias, statuesque gladioli and fragrant lilies perfuming warm summer evenings.

This vision can become reality, and the team at British Garden Centres is encouraging gardeners to seize this crucial early window to plant summer flowering bulbs now. With soil temperatures beginning to rise and the risk of hard frosts diminishing, the coming weeks present perfect conditions for getting bulbs into the ground, setting the stage for a spectacular summer display from June through September. Here are our top picks of summer bulbs to get into the ground or containers now.

Dahlias remain one of the most popular choices for summer gardens, offering an incredible diversity of flower forms from pompom to dinner plate size. Available in virtually every colour except blue, these Mexican natives bloom prolifically from July until the first frosts.

This season’s standout varieties include Dahlia ‘Decora’, a stunning decorative type producing generous 18cm peach flowers on 70cm stems, and Dahlia ‘Magenta Festival’, a dramatic cactus variety with impressive 20cm magenta blooms reaching 1 metre tall. For those seeking coordinated colour schemes, the Dark Dahlia Collection brings moody sophistication with varieties Tamburo, Night Butterfly, Rocco, and Edinburgh, while the Peach Dahlia Collection offers warm summer tones featuring Totally Tangerine, Stolze von Berlin, French Can Can, and Sylvia.

Gladioli bring dramatic height to borders with their tall, elegant flower spikes that can reach up to 1.5 metres. These stunning plants produce successive blooms along their stems in colours ranging from pure white and soft pastels to deep purples and vibrant reds, making them ideal for creating drama and structure in planting schemes.

Lilies offer both fragrance and sophistication, with varieties including Asiatic, Oriental, and trumpet types. A must have for 2026 is Lilium ‘Chartwell’, a fragrant burgundy oriental lily that reaches 1 metre tall and produces its spectacular blooms from June through July. Their long vase life ensures they’re equally spectacular when brought indoors as cut flowers.

Alliums create architectural interest with their distinctive globe shaped flower heads perched atop sturdy stems. These ornamental onions bloom in late spring and early summer in shades of purple, pink, and white, with seed heads remaining attractive well into autumn.

Begonias are the perfect solution for shadier spots in the garden, producing masses of rose like blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Both upright and trailing varieties are great for sunny colour, with the latter being particularly valuable for hanging baskets and window boxes where they’ll flower continuously throughout summer.

Crocosmia provides a burst of fiery colour in late summer when many other plants are beginning to fade. These easy to grow bulbs produce arching sprays of vibrant red, orange, or yellow flowers that are beloved by pollinators, making them an excellent choice for wildlife friendly gardens.

Cannas bring exotic, tropical flair to British gardens with their large, paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant flower spikes in hot shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. These statement plants are particularly effective when planted in groups or as focal points in sunny borders.

Nerine extends the flowering season well into autumn when many other bulbs have finished. Nerine bowdenii ‘Like a Virgin’ produces pure white blooms that are ideal for cutting, bringing fresh elegance to late-season arrangements.

MIXED COLLECTIONS FOR 2026

For gardeners looking to support local wildlife, the Bees & Butterflies Collection offers exceptional value with 35 carefully selected bulbs designed to attract pollinators throughout the summer months. This mix features Liatris spicata, Gladiolus ‘Charming Beauty’, Anemone ‘Sylphide’, and Dahlia ‘Graceland’, ensuring a continuous succession of nectar rich blooms that will transform your garden into a haven for beneficial insects.

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “We often get customers asking what they can do in their gardens during these months. The key to success with summer bulbs is getting them in the ground while conditions are still cool but improving. This gives them time to establish strong root systems before the heat of summer arrives. Our team are always on hand to advise on the best varieties for your specific garden conditions and help ensure you get stunning results.”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 75 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

The group has a team of over 3,500 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

SPRING

Spotlight on Lighting

Rainy weather could be damaging your outdoor lighting

The UK has seen rain every day of 2026 so far and homeowners are being encouraged to check their outdoor lights for water damage. The experts at LightingLegends have shared that garden lights with a low IP rating do not offer protection against moisture.

COMMON SIGNS YOUR GARDEN LIGHTS ARE DAMAGED

Homeowners with outdoor lighting are being advised to look out for common signs that their garden lights may be damaged.

Lighting experts at LightingLegends. com are sharing six indicators that outdoor lighting may require attention.

Damaged outdoor lighting can be frustrating, leading to unusual noises, reduced light output, increased energy bills and circuits tripping unexpectedly.

If faults are left unresolved, damaged lighting can pose serious safety risks, with exposed wiring or moisture entering light fittings increasing the risk of electric shock or fire hazards.

Outdoor lighting issues often occur with lights that have a lower IP rating, as they offer limited protection against moisture and debris.

To reduce the risk of recurring issues, experts recommend choosing high quality, IP65 rated lighting, which are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long lasting durability.

IP44 rated lights are often marked as suitable for outdoor use, however this IP rating only protects against light water splashes and is best suited to areas that are covered.

Adam Wilkins, co-founder and managing director of LightingLegends.com said: “When your outdoor lighting starts showing signs of damage it can be worrying, but before anything else it’s important to check whether the bulbs are just loose and that they’re in good condition. This is a surprisingly common cause of many outdoor lighting issues.

“If the bulbs are all intact, you can then start looking at other potential problems like wiring faults or moisture damage.

“If your lights only have an IP44 rating, it may be worth investing in higher quality outdoor lighting with an IP65 rating. Higher IP ratings tend to last longer and can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.”

Flickering lights

A common cause of flickering bulbs can be loose bulbs or old bulbs, but if you’ve checked this and they are still flickering then it could be that there is either loose wiring, a failing transformer, ballast or LED driver. In this case you should turn your lighting off and call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

Dullness

Dullness can come from dirt build up on outdoor lighting, which is a natural part of being outside, but if the problem persists once they’ve been cleaned then it may mean that you need to replace the bulbs. This is usually down to natural wear and tear, although if lighting has dulled prematurely then replacing with high quality lights that have an IP65 rating could save you in the long run.

Rust and corrosion

Rust and corrosion usually mean the elements have got the better of your outdoor lighting. Although the lights may still be working, this can lead to problems further down the line. Damaged fittings are more susceptible to moisture and dirt entering the fixture, which can cause lights to fail or operate inefficiently. Corrosion can also create safety issues, including an increased risk of electric shock.

Buzzing noises

Buzzing lights are fairly common with LEDs, as their internal components can vibrate when something isn’t quite right. This is often caused by an incompatible dimmer switch or fluctuations within the circuit. You can check whether the dimmer is the issue by bypassing it, and if the buzzing stops, replacing the dimmer with an LED compatible one should solve the problem. If the noise continues, switching to higher quality LED bulbs can prevent buzzing sound.

Circuits tripping

Outdoor lighting tripping the circuit is often caused by damaged wiring, moisture or a fault within one of the fittings. If you have multiple outdoor lights, you can help identify the culprit by resetting the breaker and disconnecting the lights, then testing them individually. It’s also important to make sure you’re not overloading the circuit with too many lights. If the problem continues, calling an electrician is the safest option.

Spike in energy bills

A spike in energy bills can sometimes be linked to faulty lighting or damaged wiring. Loose or damaged connections can cause inefficiency, with energy being lost as heat rather than used effectively. This wasted energy will still be recorded by your meter. Wiring faults can also pose a safety risk, so if you suspect an issue, it’s important to have a qualified electrician investigate.

on Homebuyers

UK survey reveals garden size now the top priority for homebuyers

New survey findings from Hayter ®, the heritage petrol and battery mowers manufacturer, reveal that garden size has become the most influential factor for UK homeowners when moving house.

The survey of 1000 respondents highlights a clear shift in buyer priorities, with outdoor space now outweighing traditional considerations, including internal living space, transport links and even modern bathrooms.

Exploring the nation’s evolving relationship with gardens, the findings show that well-maintained, sizable outdoor spaces are increasingly shaping perceptions of property value – reinforcing the growing role gardens play in influencing buyer behaviour across the UK housing market.

Key Findings:

• 80% say the garden is extremely important when choosing a new home.

• 75% say the size of the garden is the most important factor in moving home.

• 76% would not buy their dream home if the garden was small or non-existent.

• Only 5% wouldn’t pay more for a home with a larger garden.

One of the most striking findings, 75.24% of all participants said that the size of the garden and outdoor spaces was the most important factor when purchasing a new property, with the size of the living space coming in second (46.39%), number of bedrooms third (32.08%) and outdoor privacy fourth (30.36%).

The importance of the school catchment area (3.66%), emphasis on a modern bathroom (3.98%) and transport links (8.93%) took the bottom three places – with energy efficiency just missing the bottom three at 12.7%.

These findings reflect the broader consensus among 1,000 respondents across the UK, including Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland – of whom 79.44% said having a garden was a must when choosing an outdoor space. In fact, this was such a priority to UK homebuyers, that only 5.8% of respondents would consider purchasing a property with a small or non-existent garden, even if all other aspects of the home were perfect.

For those seeking a larger garden, the most common reason was to relax and socialise with others (82.45%), closely followed by growing plants (74.60%), hosting parties (59.31%) and growing veg (41.98%).

This new data reveals the importance that gardens are continuing to have in swaying buyers to spend more on properties, as well as reminding evaluators not to underestimate the value a well-curated garden can add to a home. Indeed, 76% claim a garden increases their perception of a home’s value and 40.8% would pay significantly more for the privilege of a larger garden.

Chris Cooper, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Hayter, had this to say about the findings:

“These new findings prove what we had expected for a long time: for buyers, outdoor space is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s the deciding factor.

“A good-sized, well-maintained garden can significantly influence both perception and price when buying a property. As these findings show, homeowners increasingly see their garden as an extension of their living space.

“As people continue to prioritise wellbeing, relaxation and socialising at home, the role of the garden in the property market is only set to grow.”

Shortlisted for Best Heritage Installation:

Bereco Windows installed in an Edwardian property in a conservation area

When our clients moved into their Edwardian home, built around 1900 and the first property on its street, they inherited a building of genuine architectural significance. Located within a tightly controlled conservation area, the house was subject to strict heritage guidelines intended to protect its original detailing.

As the earliest home on the road, its window design originally set the architectural tone for the street. However, neighbouring properties were later completed with far simpler sash windows, leaving this house with intricate joinery details found nowhere else locally. The project involved replacing 15 windows and two entrance doors. The objective was to enhance thermal performance, security and day-to-day comfort while fully complying with conservation requirements.

PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Beading Style

Traditional Internal Ovolo Mouldings and External Putty Style Design

Window Styles

Sliding Sash, Flush Casements & Tilt & Turn

Door Styles

Stanton (CL3) & Beaumont (CL8)

Classic Entrance Doors

Window & Door Finish

Farrow & Ball No. 273 Wevet Colour Match

Achieving this balance quickly became the heart of the project. Every detail of the original windows, from glazing bar patterns to moulding profiles, needed to be carefully studied and sympathetically recreated within our profiles. Close collaboration with the conservation officer ensured the final specification respected the home’s history while offering the practical benefits of modern performance. During early discussions, the clients explored options from our Traditional Range, including the Flush Casement Window and Spiral Balance Sliding Sash Window, both featuring classic Ovolo internal beading and authentic putty-line external detailing. As the design evolved, the final specification became a thoughtful blend: traditional Sliding Sash Windows with Spiral Balances for true Edwardian proportions, paired with a mix Tilt-and-Turn and Flush Casement Windows in the basement, chosen to suit the functional needs of the space while maintaining a sense of cohesion across the property.

The Kitchen and Lounge Bay windows were of particular importance from a conservation perspective due to their ornate detailing and distinctive arrangement of portrait and landscape panes, rather than being divided into uniform sections. This unique architectural style was not replicated in the other properties constructed along the street, rendering these windows of specific historic significance.

All windows were colour matched to Farrow & Ball No. 273 Wevet, a soft neutral tone well suited to the conservation setting. The clients selected Polished Brass hardware, including angel locks, fitch fasteners, and hook lifts, to bring a touch of period authenticity. In selected areas, frosted glazing, a subtle sandblasted finish, was added to ensure practicality without compromising the overall style.

Maintaining historic proportions was essential. We carefully replicated original transom drops and glazing bar configurations. Every decision was made in close consultation with the conservation officer, resulting in full heritage compliance.

Sustainability was also a key factor for the project. All window and door were manufactured from FSC® 100% certified timber, sourced from responsibly managed forests. High-performance double glazing significantly reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency compared to the original single-glazed units.

From initial surveys through to obtaining conservation approvals, the project spanned around ten months, reflecting the care, technical precision and collaboration required. The finished installation is a seamless blend of heritage and modern comfort; windows and doors that honour the home’s roots, while delivering contemporary performance, warmth, security and longlasting durability.

Shortlisted for Best Feature Door Installation:

Bespoke timber entrance with decorative triple glazing

Jonathan and Claire first moved into their property in October 2010 and had lived with the original wooden front door and sidelights for over 15 years. While the door had character, it was draughty and lacked the level of security they desired.

When their initial supplier unfortunately closed down mid-project, they recommended Bereco to their clients for our reputation for quality and high standards. Keen to keep their project on track, they approached us to deliver a secure, stylish, and energyefficient entrance solution. Security was the top priority, but Jonathan and Claire also wanted a door that complemented their home’s aesthetic while improving thermal efficiency.

PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Products

Feature Entrance door with Sidelights and Fanlight

Beading Style

Traditional Internal Ovolo Mouldings and External Putty Style Design

Door Style

Beaumont CL8 door leaf

Door Finish RAL 9010 Pure White

Glass Finish

Leaded Stippolyte

Obscured Glazing with SF73 Coloured Film

Working closely with Beverley from our estimating team and Jarek, their Project Manager, Jonathan and Claire explored the limitless bespoke possibilities with timber doors.

Guided by our experts, they were able to design their own lead and glass pattern. Multiple CAD drawings, coloured glass samples, and images in

different lighting helped refine every detail until the perfect design was achieved.

The chosen entrance door came from our Traditional Range, featuring classic Ovolo internal beading and a putty-line external profile – perfect for properties where appearance plays an important role in the overall aesthetic. The door leaf was based on our

Beaumont design, incorporating two lower panels and a panel to each sidelight, creating a balanced arrangement beneath a decorative fanlight.

Every Bereco entrance doors is built for strength and performance, with a 68mm-thick engineered timber leaf and insulated panels, set within a 92mm-deep frame. Multipoint locking ensures compliance with PAS24:2022 enhanced security standards, and all doors can be supplied Secured by Design accredited, combining traditional style with tested modern performance.

Jonathan and Claire opted for RAL 9010 Pure White inside and out for a bright, welcoming look. Satin Chrome ironmongery added a fresh, clean feel, perfectly complementing the design. The hardware included a Barrington handle and ring knocker.

For glazing, they selected Stippolyte obscure glazing for privacy, enhanced with decorative leaded lights and bluecoloured glass inserts. To achieve this, the specification was upgraded to triple glazing, ensuring both beauty and performance. We created something completely unique for this project; a triple-layer lead arrangement, with Antique Black lead externally to suit the exterior aesthetic and Platinum Silver internally to complement the interior décor. Further collaboration refined the coloured glass elements, with swatches in soft blues and greens supplied so Jonathan and Claire could choose their favourite shade and decide exactly where the colour should appear within the decorative design.

During the survey, our installation team identified an issue with the proposed factory coupling due to the recessed entrance and a curved brick arch. Thanks to our team’s extensive product knowledge, we adapted the plan so the door leaf, sidelights and fanlight would be site-coupled, ensuring each component could be positioned perfectly within the limited space.

Fast forward to installation day; the work was completed almost entirely within one working day, meaning our security-conscious client’s home remained secure throughout. Jonathan and Claire now enjoy a secure, thermally efficient, and beautifully designed entrance that reflects their vision perfectly while remaining sympathetic to their property’s character. The combination of bespoke detailing, high-performance timber engineering, and meticulous planning delivered a door that truly stands out.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“We are delighted with our new front door from Bereco. The team were extremely thorough, professional and flexible throughout the planning, design, installation and post installation phases. We elected to opt for a solid wooden door and surrounding frame after a consultation with a Bereco team member to understand what we wanted from the door. This allowed near total freedom to design a bespoke door and frame, including the lock, glass and leadwork. We felt that the Bereco team really did everything possible to support our decisions (including sending multiple samples and photos of coloured glass) which made the process very straightforward. The threshold area where the door was to be replaced was not easy due to uneven surfaces, but the measuring and planning visit was extremely diligent and asked questions that we had not even considered to ensure the door functioned how we planned to use it. The installation team were efficient and did a great job and completed it on time. We could not be more pleased with the finished product which has really enhanced our home in terms of aesthetics, security and insulation. We have already had many friends and family comment on how much they like it!”

Bereco achieves a 99.5% customer recommendation rate in 2025

We’re proud to share that in 2025, 99.5% of customers registering a Bereco warranty told us they would recommend us. This marks a significant increase on our already high recommendation rates of 97–98% in previous years, and reflects the work we’ve been doing to continuously improve the experience we deliver to every customer, from homeowners and trade professionals, to architects and specifiers.

A CLEAR SIGN OF PROGRESS

At Bereco, quality craftsmanship has always been at the heart of what we do. But we also know that a great product is only part of the story. The overall experience matters just as much, from initial enquiry and quoting, through to delivery, installation support, and long-term peace of mind.

That’s why, over recent years, we’ve invested heavily across every stage of our customer journey, ensuring the service we provide matches the standard of the windows and doors we manufacture.

STRENGTHENING OUR AFTERCARE SUPPORT

One of our biggest areas of focus has been aftercare. Whether a customer needs technical guidance, follow-up support, or reassurance long after installation, we believe they should feel confident that Bereco will be there to help. This has meant strengthening our internal processes, improving communication, and ensuring we can respond quickly and effectively when support is needed.

For our trade partners and installers, this long-term support is also vital, helping protect reputations and ensuring the end customer experience remains positive well beyond project completion.

LOOKING AHEAD

A 99.5% recommendation rate is something we’re extremely proud of, but it’s not something we take for granted. We remain committed to continuous improvement, investing in our team, our processes, and our support systems to ensure every customer receives the same high level of service that Bereco is known for.

Because great products should always be backed by great service.

Spotlight on BBQ’s

The great British BBQ

A time-honoured tradition that continues to bring us together during the warmer months. There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about the sound of sizzling sausages and the aroma of charcoal in the sunshine. Gardens are increasingly the focal point for alfresco dining.

Joanna Humphreys, Fire and Stove Specialist from Direct Stoves, shares her top three go-to BBQ’s for the summer:

HYBRID BBQS

“For those who don’t want to compromise between the convenience of gas and the flavour of charcoal, hybrid barbecues offer a sophisticated solution. These models combine the immediacy of gas ignition with the depth of authentic charcoal cooking, delivering true versatility. Gas burners can be used for efficient midweek grilling or to quickly ignite charcoal for a distinctive smoky finish.

GAS BBQ

“Gas barbecues remain a popular choice due to their precision, efficiency, and ease of use. With superior temperature control, even heat distribution across multiple burners, and minimal cleanup, they are especially well-suited for relaxed weeknight cooking and larger gatherings. Their reduced smoke output and intuitive controls also make them a practical choice for modern outdoor spaces.

“The Grillstream Gourmet 6 Burner BBQ exemplifies innovation in this area. Its Smart Grill app-controlled thermometer allows for accurate remote temperature monitoring, and features like the fold-away warming rack combine technology, functionality, and sleek aesthetics for a seamless grilling experience.”

“The Grillstream Gourmet Barbecue utilises a hybrid cooking system, combining gas with the option for additional grilling accessories, offering robust performance, flexibility, and consistent heat distribution - ideal for hosts who seek both control and flavour without limitations.”

PREMIUM & SPECIALIST BBQ

“For those seeking a statement piece that elevates outdoor cooking beyond the conventional gas or charcoal grill, ceramic kamado-style barbecues offer exceptional performance. The Kamado Joe, in particular, represents a refined blend of traditional charcoal cooking principles and advanced engineering.

“Its thick ceramic construction ensures outstanding heat retention and fuel efficiency, while digital temperature control enables precise cooking, even from a distance. The innovative two-tier, divide-and-conquer flexible cooking system enables users to prepare different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously, making it as versatile as it is visually impressive. For serious outdoor cooks, it delivers both theatre and technical excellence.”

Heritage Window Collection by Deceuninck

More window colours to complement every home

Colour has become one of the most powerful ways for homeowners to express their style, and nowhere is that more evident than in the growing demand for coloured windows and doors. What was once a simple choice between white or woodgrain has evolved into a world of subtle tones, bold statements, and finishes that can completely transform the look of a property.

Recognising this shift, Heritage Window Collection by Deceuninck has expanded its already extensive colour offering with the launch of five new premium foils , each designed to give homeowners even greater freedom to personalise their space. It’s a move that reflects how people now think about their homes — not just as places to live, but as reflections of their taste, personality, and lifestyle.

The new palette introduces a blend of contemporary neutrals and rich, characterful finishes. Shades like Beige Grey and Shine Beige bring a soft, understated elegance that works beautifully with modern render or traditional brick. For those who prefer a bolder architectural look, Shine Dark Graphite offers a deep, ultramatt finish that echoes the sleek appearance of powdercoated aluminium. Meanwhile, Green Grey brings a calming, natureinspired tone that feels right at home in both rural and urban settings. And for homeowners who love the warmth of timber but want the practicality of PVC-U, Turner Malt Oak delivers a rich, authentic woodgrain without the upkeep.

These finishes don’t just look highend; they’re engineered to stay that way, backed by up to 10 years of colourfastness warranty

Of course, choosing a beautiful colour is only half the story. Home improvement projects often run on tight timelines, and long waits for coloured frames can be a real frustration.

Deceuninck fabricators have access to these new foils on a promotional 14day turnaround, complete with matching accessories. It means homeowners can enjoy premium design without the delays that often come with bespoke finishes.

These new additions join an already marketleading colour collection from Deceuninck and for homeowners, that translates into genuine creative freedom — whether they’re upgrading the whole house, or designing an extension that blends seamlessly with the original building.

Beyond aesthetics, updating your windows with modern profiles and high-performance glazing can also make a meaningful difference to your home’s energy efficiency. Today’s PVC-U systems are engineered to reduce heat loss, minimise drafts, and improve overall thermal performance — helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. That means lower energy consumption,

reduced heating bills, and a more comfortable living environment all year round. So while colour lets homeowners express their style, the latest window technology ensures that those style upgrades also deliver long-term practical benefits

The rise in coloured windows isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of how people want their homes to feel. Colour can soften a façade, add drama, highlight architectural features, or simply make a property feel more “you.” With this latest expansion, the Heritage Window Collection by Deceuninck is giving homeowners more ways than ever to achieve that perfect look.

And because the finish is durable and low maintenance, it keeps its depth and richness year after year. THAT COMPLEMENT EVERY HOME

Choose A Colour That Feels Like Home

Soft heritage creams, warm greys, woodgrain or deep contemporary tones; with an extended collection of carefully selected finishes, you can choose a shade that feels considered, natural and completely yours.

Our colours are designed to work with real homes and real surroundings. They complement stone, brick and render effortlessly, bringing balance to period cottages and clarity to newer properties.

For more information please contact us on 01249 816 969 | deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

The Residence Collection brings visual appeal and energy efficiency to stunning Claybanks Estates development

Located in Heswall on the Wirral, Claybanks Estates is a luxury four home development which blends contemporary design with cutting-edge performance. The project is a collaboration between fabricator HWL windows and flush window specialist The Residence Collection, creating visual appeal and energy efficiency.

The project’s design was driven by a vision for uncompromising quality. To achieve a clean, contemporary look without sacrificing durability, the development team selected a suite of premium products, including 56 R7 windows, 16 Gable frames, in colourway Noir, alongside aluminium doors.

A standout feature of the Claybank Estates project is the use of Timberweld® jointing technology for the shaped frames. Setting a benchmark for precision, this technique was used on every 90-degree joint on the shaped frames. This ensures that even the most intricate Residence 7 Gable windows maintained the authentic, flush timberlook aesthetics while benefiting from modern uPVC technology.

Beyond the visual appeal, the synergy between The Residence Collection and Sheerline aluminium windows delivered a high-performance envelope for the homes. Both systems offer cutting-edge thermal efficiency and meet rigorous security standards, ensuring the properties are as sustainable and secure as they are beautiful.

Graham Howatson, Director at HWL Windows, commented: “This project really does highlight the benefits of modern, high-performance systems when paired with contemporary design. At HWL, we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that don't force a compromise between aesthetics and technical excellence.

“By utilising Timberweld® technology on the complex shaped frames and R7 gables, we’ve been able to provide Claybanks Estates with the seamless, authentic look of timber, but with the superior durability and thermal performance today's luxury homeowners expect. It’s a testament tо what can be achieved through precise fabrication and high-quality partnerships.”

Residence 7 was specifically chosen for its versatile styling and superior build. With a 75mm frame depth, a flush interior and exterior, and seven heat-trapping chambers, the R7 windows provide exceptional thermal efficiency and structural strength, easily outperforming traditional window systems.

“By utilising Timberweld® technology on the complex shaped frames and R7 gables, we’ve been able to provide Claybanks Estates with the seamless, authentic look of timber, but with the superior durability and thermal performance today’s luxury homeowners expect. It’s a testament tо what can be achieved through precise fabrication and high-quality partnerships.”

Hörmann Truedor website strengthens market presence

Hörmann Truedor is celebrating the success of its updated website which was introduced in February 2025. Showcasing its complete range of composite doors, the site has delivered extraordinary growth in both visitor numbers and highquality lead generation since going live, helping to reinforce the brand’s strong and growing presence within the residential door market.

Building on this momentum, the company is continuing to enhance the platform with additional consumer-focused resources. The latest addition is the new Door Knowledge Centre, designed to offer homeowners clear, authoritative guidance when choosing the right door for their property.

The Knowledge Centre breaks down the key differences in materials, security features, energy ratings and cost considerations, enabling customers to make confident, well-informed decisions. This is complemented by an expanded News section, which delivers the most upto-date information on company activity and product developments.

The website delivers a clean, modern aesthetic with vibrant imagery, which guides visitors through Hörmann Truedor’s extensive range. It offers an intuitive user journey that not only features the wide variety of styles and designs available but also introduces the Hörmann brand and its commitment to sustainability.

The Hörmann Truedor collection features six ranges, each named after a Welsh river to reflect the natural beauty and heritage surrounding our manufacturing base. Together, they offer 43 distinctive door styles.

Specialist options such as the Clima-63 thermally efficient door, the Platinum 44 steel door and the Draig30 30-minute fire door are also highlighted, bringing the entire product portfolio together in one comprehensive online hub.

To further support homeowners during their selection process, the site features an easy-to-use door configurator that guides users step-by-step through the available choices, enabling them to design and visualise their ideal door with ease and confidence.

With additional developments already underway and more planned for later this year, 2026 is set to be an exciting and transformative period for the Hörmann Truedor brand as it continues to build on its strong growth trajectory in the composite door sector.

Hörmann delivers a complete door solution

– inside and out

A contemporary renovation project in Leicestershire has been completed with the installation of a comprehensive suite of highquality residential doors from Hörmann UK, showcasing the brand’s ability to deliver cohesive solutions both externally and internally.

The family home features a Hörmann sectional garage door and aluminium entrance door, complemented inside by a range of side-hinged, pocket, and fire doors. Carefully selected highspecification materials and contemporary finishes have been used throughout, ensuring a seamless match with the property’s modern architectural aesthetic and premium interior design.

Purchased by the current owners in 2023, the

property came with planning permission already in place for a substantial extension.

Building on this, the owners refined the scheme with a number of personal adjustments and selected Hörmann as their door partner of choice. Initially drawn to Hörmann’s sectional garage doors, they subsequently explored the wider range of entrance and internal doors, recognising a portfolio that aligned seamlessly with their

ambition to deliver highquality, modern solutions throughout the home. Externally, the property features a Hörmann LPU42 double-sized sectional garage door, designed with a 42mm thick door leaf that delivers excellent thermal efficiency—making it an ideal choice for the integrated garage. For added convenience and security, the door is fully automated with a Hörmann Supramatic P motor, operated by two hand transmitters.

The door is finished in elegant Silkgrain, perfectly complementing the home’s modern architectural style, while the Agate grey (RAL 7038) colour harmonises seamlessly with the external cladding and overall material palette of the property.

A Hörmann ThermoSafe high-performance aluminium entrance door with a glazed side panel was selected to complement and match the style and premium finish of the sectional

garage door. The door features a 73mm thick leaf, delivering excellent thermal efficiency with Thermosafe doors being able to achieve U-values as low as 0.8 W/(m²·K). Equipped with the latest multi-point locking systems, it provides enhanced security and peace of mind against forced entry and achieves acoustic insulation of 30dB. To harmonise with the garage door and the home’s exterior aesthetic, the entrance door is finished in a silk matt Agate grey on both sides and features modern polished stainless-steel handles and concealed hinges for a flawless, contemporary finish.

Internally, the project was completed with a total of 12 Hörmann ProLine Duradecor doors, including nine side-hinged, two pocket, and a 30-minute fire door connecting the integral garage to the living area of the house. Constructed from highquality timber materials with a vibrant, textured laminated surface, the doors deliver a clean, sophisticated finish that complements the home’s modern interior design.

The flush-fitted doors are finished in Salt Oak, providing a natural woodgrain texture that is both visually appealing and low-maintenance. The owners selected this colour to harmonise with the

interior’s subtle tones and natural finishes, creating a cohesive and contemporary living environment. Supplied as complete door sets, the Hörmann interior doors are

quick and easy to install, with all locks, handles, and hinges pre-routed. They fit seamlessly within the door aperture without drilling or screws, require no painting or decorating, and can even be installed as a ‘last-fit’ after carpets and flooring are laid, making them an ideal choice for modern builds and renovations.

Intelligent blinds manufacturer Sona launches

Featuring a unique patented system and high-quality British-made components, the SonaApex range of motorised blinds has been specifically engineered for bespoke shaped windows such as gable end and apex windows. Suitable for both residential and commercial properties, SonaApex provides the perfect solution for modern architectural glazing and significantly enhances any space – with the new larger ‘Pro’ system catering for windows with up to five metre drops.

“We are proud to be the UK’s leading supplier of bespoke smart blinds, trusted by architects, designers and developers across the globe.

Designed to sit flush with any ceiling and remain completely hidden when not in use, these blinds offer a seamless blend of style and functionality. An optional concealed pocket system creates a seamless appearance, whilst Sona’s exclusive patent offers a minimal joint gap where two blinds would usually sit apart.

All SonaApex blinds can be operated via a handheld remote or mobile app, and can be integrated into home automation systems such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Control4 and Lutron, with the addition of a compatible hub.

Henry Barker, Marketing Manager at Sona, commented: “We are proud to be the UK’s leading supplier of bespoke smart blinds, trusted by architects, designers and developers across the globe.

“Our growing SonaApex range has been created specifically for unique window shapes like gable ends and apex designs and combines patented engineering with high-quality components. As with the rest of the range, our newly launched larger system can be tailored to integrate seamlessly into any residential or commercial project – enhancing aesthetics, functionality and user experience.

“Unlike the traditional gloss finishes commonly used by other brands, Sona offers a premium fine texture coating on all our hardware, available in white, grey, anthracite and black, with the added option for a bespoke powder coat to match any chosen RAL colour.

“In addition to SonaApex, our SonaSky and SonaCell ranges are made in Britain using premium-quality materials, combining exceptional craftsmanship with cuttingedge automation technology. We’re super excited about the growth and success of SonaApex and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for the rest of the business.”

Since it was established in 2020, Sona has experienced impressive growth, with plans in place to continue expanding its team and product offering in 2026, including the launch of a cord-free blind system for skylight glazing this spring.

INTERIORS Spotlight on

There’s something special about the way a home feels during the colder months, with more time spent gathered around the table together. Pottery Barn’s dining furniture is crafted with focus and designed to bring warmth, comfort, and timeless style into every room. From hand-finished wood dining tables to plush, sink-in chairs layered with rich textures, each piece is crafted to make everyday moments feel extraordinary.

DINING CHAIRS

A range of stylish seating options you can use to furnish your dining room with comfort and lasting design, in a variety of materials, styles, and finishes to suit different interiors. With a real focus on heirloom quality pieces that stand the test of time, from classic wooden chairs to artisan-inspired décor that adds warmth and visual depth.

DINING TABLES

Designed to be the heart of the home — bringing together timeless style, quality craftsmanship, and everyday functionality. From classic rectangular designs to elegant round pedestal options, many feature extendable leaves that make hosting effortless while still feeling perfectly proportioned for daily meals. Crafted from solid wood and thoughtfully finished in warm, versatile tones, these tables complement both modern and traditional interiors. Whether you’re gathering for weeknight dinners or special celebrations, a Pottery Barn dining table offers a durable, stylish foundation for years of shared moments.

Farmhouse Trestle Extendable Dining Table -£1999, Cayman Extending Dining Table- £1599, Sausalito Round Extending Dining Table - £1729, Modern Farmhouse Round Pedestal Extending Dining Table - £2299

SHOWCASE

Mowing perfection.

Experience