Get ready for one of the most important events in UK home construction! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is coming to SEC Glasgow from May 9 to 10, offering a golden opportunity to expand your knowledge about self-building and explore contemporary products.
Visit AC Architects and AC Structures at Stand F131 for a free consultation with one of our experts. You will also get a chance to try out our state-of-the-art Virtual Reality system.
This piece provides valuable suggestions to help you make the most of the event, including attending seminars and masterclasses and interacting with experts and exhibitors. Whether you're planning to build your dream home or are new to self-building, this event will provide inspiration and motivation.
We're excited to be back in Glasgow and inspire the new generation of self-builders. This guide is designed for beginners, offering support to kickstart your Self-build project and make the most of the show.
This event will host almost 130 exhibitors and over 30 seminars and masterclasses in two theatres, providing face-to-face discussions with industry specialists. We've selected the top talks and exhibitors you should engage with to maximise your benefit from the show!
SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS
The seminars at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2026 in Glasgow will be split between the Seminar and Masterclass Theatres. For a prospective self-builder, the most valuable seminars will be presented in the Seminar theatre. There, the Self-build experts will be delivering talks on all the important parts of the Self-build process. Below are our top picks for the Seminar Theatre:
TOP 5 SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS:
Beginner's Guide to Self Build: Essential Insights and Tips for Aspiring Self-Builders
Mike Cruikshank – Self-Build Expert, Tom McSherry – Finance Expert at BuildStore. Everyday at 10:30-11:05
Explore the advantages of self-build and learn how your can save an average of 30% on the cost of a bespoke, individually designed home. This session will guide your through the essential steps, from finding the perfect plot of land to selecting an architectural designer and choosing a build route that fits your needs.
Wow Factor Design – and How to Get It!
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd. Every day at 11:30-12:00
Be inspired by this guide to how to make your home truly amazing through thoughtful, tried and tested design techniques. Our expert architectural designer reveals the must-have features to make your home special – both to look at and to live in.
From Old Home to Eco Home - How to Slash Your Fuel Bills and Make Your Home Warm and Cosy
David Hilton – Eco Expert at H&R Magazine. Every day at 13:30 - 14:00
Practical and realistic solutions for retrofitting an existing pre 1900s house to reduce running costs without compromising space and architectural character. An acclaimed expert in the field explains how to renovate a period property and incorporate high levels of insulation and the latest renewable heating technologies - even in a listed building.
Ideas for Adding Space Without Extending - from Loft, Garage and Cellar conversions, to Maximising Small Spaces
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd. Every day at 14:30-15:00
This session offers innovative design ideas to optimize space in your home, creating a sense of 'space and light.' Learn to recycle 'dead' areas and convert unused spaces like lofts, garages, and cellars. Our expert will provide practical advice on maximising natural light, clever storage solutions, and efficient layouts.
Upgrading Your Home Heating – Your Options Explained
David Hilton – Eco Expert at H&R Magazine. Every day at 15:30-16:00
If your are extending, renovating or just upgrading an old house to make it more comfortable and reduce running costs, our independent expert explains the pros and cons of the latest heating options from heat pumps to infrared, and how to choose the right system for your home.
The Masterclass theatre will feature exhibitors who will demonstrate their products and share information from their areas of expertise. If you are unsure of which structural system is best for your project or which renewables will be appropriate for you, there will be over 20 masterclasses to help you make up your mind. Below, we present our top 6 talks:
TOP 6 MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS:
Top Tips on Designing Kitchens for Modern Lifestyle
9 May 12:00-12:20 - Kutchenhaus
Building Better with Timber Frame: Key Insights
9 May 13:30-13:50 - Fleming Homes
Fabric, Airtightness and Renewables: An Integrated Approach to Quality Housing
9 May 14:30-14:50 - 21 °
Building Airtight, Ventilate Right!
9 May 15:30-15:50 - ADM Systems
How to fund your self-build or renovation project: A guide to stage payment mortgages
10 May 12:00-12:20 - BuildStore
Why Do I Need a Structural Engineer?
10 May 14:00-14:30 – AC Structures
HOME ENERGY HOUR
Designed to help you improve the efficiency of your home. With all theatre sessions and eco-energy focused experts at our Advice Centre, there’s no better place to figure out your home energy goals.
Home Energy Hour
The Home Energy Hour is a popular feature at the show. It comes to the theatres with talks designed to inform you of the latest trends and advancements in home energy and help you make your home leaner and greener.
Home Energy Academy
The Home Energy Academy is another addition to the show. The academy offers free advice at its Advice Centre to help you understand how to make the most of the energy in your home, save money on your bills, and reduce your carbon footprint.
ASK THE EXPERT
The Homebuilding & Renovating show in Glasgow offers the chance to get first-hand advice from many of the top self-build specialists in the UK. So bring your plans, ideas and any issues you have regarding your project to the Advice Centre. This is an amazing opportunity to get valuable information, no matter what stage of your homebuilding project you are at. Some of the experts available to meet in Glasgow are:
SIMON RIX 
A professional planning consultant, Simon began his career working in local government in the 1990s. He became an elected councillor shortly after. After his time in government, he set up Planix.UK – a planning consultancy that helps people get planning permission. Simon is known for his extensive knowledge of the planning system, as he has experience working from both sides.
MARIEANNE MESSENGER
Award winning designer MarieAnne is founder of Studio MA. Offering a distinctive approach to spatial transformation, this unique design service specialises in both interior and landscape design, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
With a holistic vision and a passion for thoughtful, functional aesthetics, the team brings together creativity and expertise to craft beautifully integrated environments.
TOM-MCSHERRY
Tom has worked in the financial services industry for 27 years – 14 of these, specialising in self-build mortgages and finance at BuildStore, providing expert advice to hundreds of customers embarking on major homebuilding projects whether to live in, let or sell. Tom has completed two major homebuilding projects himself, and is widely regarded as a self-build finance expert.
ALLAN CORFIELD
Allan is a Chartered Architect and founder of ACA, the self-build architectural practice, working on one-off homes throughout the UK. His goal is to provide prospective self-builders with the inspiration, support, and education they require to build their own cost-effective, energy-efficient, dream home. You can read more about Allan here.
PAUL CHAMBERS
Paul is a Structural Engineer and Business Development Manager at AC Structures, with a specialty in Timber Frame, SIPS and ICF constructions. Paul has a keen interest in self-build and often talks at seminars across the UK.
DAVID HILTON
David is an authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, with extensive knowledge in building fabrics, heating systems, heat recovery ventilation, emerging technologies and renewables, including heat pump technologies, Solar systems, biomass and also conventional heating systems. Often works with architects and house builders and designs and project manages appropriate performance tech and heating systems to achieve the healthiest outcome for every home.
EXHIBITORS
There will be over 120 exhibitors in the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Glasgow. Therefore, you will have the chance to explore the various products and services they have to offer, which can be useful in supporting your Self-build dream. There will be companies that specialise in design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and much more. It wasn’t easy, but we have chosen the top 5 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
TOP 5 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Architect/Designer – Stand F131
Since 2009, ACA have worked on over 550 projects across the UK, including small extensions, one-off homes and large housing developments. ACA’s designs are all low energy, built around the Fabric first approach. We use modern methods of construction such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF). We are also Certified Passive House Designers. We will be on hand at stand F131 to answer any questions.
Construction – Stand E127
SIPs Industries was established in 2000. As the longest established SIPs company in the UK we provide a complete SIPS design, manufacture & installation solution under one roof. Whether you are planning a new home or development or a commercial or institutional build, you need your new building to be both comfortable and energy efficient. The high level of insulation in SIPs leads to low heating costs and a high degree of comfort.
Structural Systems – Stand C126
Discover a range of flexible products and services from an award-winning team who are on hand to help get your timber frame self-build project successfully to wind and watertight.
Ventilation – Stand F130
ADM are one of the longest-established independent MVHR specialists in the UK. Operating nationwide and with a hands-on approach, we provide a range of services from 2D and 3D design, surveys, supply, installation, commissioning and balancing and servicing as well as our well renowned "Buddy Service" which provides the self-builder hands-on support on site.
Structural Systems – Stand F131
Led by MD Allan Corfield and Principal Engineer Katie Bacon, ACS offers a market-leading service for both ACA & external clients, including several top Architects & MMC kit suppliers.
ACS provide value from the early design stages by working closely with their clients and designers rather than as a traditional reactive engineering service. Their vast experience in Timber Frame, SIPS, and ICF means that ACS are the right choice for your project.
ACA & ACS AT THE HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW
Allan is a permanent member of the HBR Show team and regularly delivers his talks at the shows. At the Glasgow show, Allan will deliver two talks titled “Wow factor design – and how to get it!” (every day at 11:30 - 12:00 in the Seminar Theatre) and “Ideas for Adding Space Without Extending - from Loft, Garage and Cellar conversions, to Maximising Small Spaces” ( every day at 14:30 - 15:00). Allan will also be available as a Design Expert in the Advice Centre.
ACA and ACS each have their stand (F131), where we will advise visitors on their projects. Additionally, ACS will deliver a talk on the benefits of engaging a structural engineer in a self-build project (10 May, 14:00 – 14:30). Paul Chambers will also be offering structural advice in the Advice Centre.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar will take place on Friday 22nd May at our office in Dunfermline and will be hosted by industry expert Allan Corfield.
This one-day course gives you practical advice and guidance from a panel of established experts in their fields of expertise, ready to impart their knowledge and experience to you. The course registration is completely free and includes lunch, refreshments, a full day of expert advice and opportunities for individual consultations.
SOME TOPICS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINAR:
- Project Feasibility
- Your project team and the design process
- Project delivery options
- Future home standards and construction systems
- Renewable systems integration
- Virtual reality demonstration
To find out more about the event and the experts and to book your place, click the button below.
Are you going to the HBR Show in Glasgow? What seminars, experts and exhibitors are on your shortlist? Have you already been to one? What are your opinions? Was it helpful? Do you have any advice for others? Share your opinions in the comment section below!
For more live tips on the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.