We are about to embark upon a house re-design - existing and proposed plans attached. I am keen to use a Rockpanel Chameleon Cladding on the front of the house (which is on the beach) - this material changes colour depending on the effect of the light and the angle from which it is viewed (in this case blue to green to purple). Originally we thought to put the material in the middle of the house, however, this doesn't look right - so not sure. We will probably increase the 3 window/door panels on the left to four - all ideas gratefully received.

Not heard of Millboard previously so I looked it up and it seems to be intended for decking. Cedar is good for external cladding, or you could also consider Larch, but both will need some protection and maintenance of course, although I knew a builder who liked using Nordic Larch for cladding extensions and he said it needed very little to protect it from the elements, Andy

Ah thanks! I’ve never heard of it.. will check it out!

Here are ours: Do not store your wood cladding materials outside Do not buy all the materials in advance Do not leave anything where it can be stolen Do make friends with your neighbours and make sure they understand what you are doing Do make sure your neighbours are aware of any planning applications. Your building will either be constructed under ‘Permitted Development Regulations’ for outbuildings, or with planning permission. Make sure whichever of these routes is used is well understood by your neighbours, and ask them to contact you first if they have any concerns rather than firing off objection letters to planning departments Do not let vulnerable materials such as plasterboard to get wet. Most of the materials you use to get the building to the point where the roof can be fitted can be allowed to get wet, however, so your favourite short-term milestone should be to get the roof on. Then you can store everything in the dry, and you can also work under cover from that point onwards Do not build it bigger than the design Do not cut corners! Inside Out Oxford offers a self build service as well as its regular bespoke garden room builds. Get in touch to find out more at www.insideoutoxford.uk.