Greenbuild exhibitors get down to business

Read article : Greenbuild exhibitors get down to business

TORONTO — The exhibits at the annual Greenbuild Show continue to become increasingly practical and pragmatic, much like the university competition that is the Solar Decathlon in Washington that wrapped up earlier in October. There was little to see that was far outside of the mainstream.

The U.S. Green Building Council's annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo featured four days of networking, educational sessions, green building tours, master speakers and plenary events. The 140,208 gross square meters (1.5 million-sq.ft.) of the North and South building expo floors of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre were fully sold out and comprised of 1,700 booths.

Related Articles:
Greenbuild 2010 showcases innovative solutions

The 23,000 attendees must have been in the educational sessions because they weren’t on the show floor, making it easy for CONTRACTOR to speak with any of the exhibitors at any time. Kohler stood out with a 40-ft. x 40-ft. booth that was made of recycled barn wood. Kohler has converted all faucets from its residential lines to meet new low-lead guidelines.

Additionally, the company unveiled two advanced commercial faucets at Greenbuild that now comply with the lead regulations, the Gooseneck and the Streamlined Touchless faucets. In addition to their low lead content, the faucets boast a touchless design that uses Kohler’s proprietary Insight adaptive infrared sensor technology and runs off the industry’s first ever 30-year Hybrid Energy System. The firm also showed off its enameled cast iron products that are made from at least 80% recycled material.

Reduce, reuse and recycle was the theme for Charlotte Pipe & Foundry. The company pointed out that its cast iron pipe is made from 100% recycled material from everything from refrigerators to car engines. Charlotte’s RePVC plastic pipe has recycled material in the center with virgin material in the inner and outer skins. It is the first NSF-listed Schedule 40 pipe made with recycled materials. The company’s ReUze purple CPVC pipe is made for rainwater and graywater systems and is labeled, “Warning: Non-potable water do not drink.” ReUse meets all the same requirements as FlowGuard Gold CTS CPVC domestic water piping.

Sloan Valve showed off its Solis line of PV-power flushometers and hand-washing faucets. The company displayed a brand-new faucet line, Basys, which includes automatic shutoff, visible diagnostics, interchangeable parts, multiple power options, automatic line purge and three flow options. The crown of the Basys faucet is easily removed for access to all the internal parts. Sloan also showed off its Greenbuild-appropriate Aqus graywater system that collects water under the lav, cleans it, stores it and then uses it to flush the adjacent toilet. Aqus works with most toilets, even dual flush, and it is UPC-listed.

American Standard displayed its new Decorum FloWise high-efficiency urinal designed for luxury buildings, clubs and resorts. Decorum uses 0.5-gpf, half the amount of a standard urinal, meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program requirements. Moreover, commercial specifiers can now select thirty-four pairings of commercial urinals, toilets and flush valves to make commercial specifying more efficient. In addition to streamlining the specifying function, this consolidated process helps expedite delivery and paperwork for large volume commercial projects. The company also showed its Studio dual flush toilets. These luxury performance (dubbed LXP) toilets offer users the choice between a standard 1.6-gpf for solids or 1.1-gpf for liquids, meeting WaterSense criteria for using 20% less water than standard models.

The green emphasis at Delta Faucet was that all of its residential lavatory faucets flow at 1.5-GPM at 60-PSI. A majority of Delta products are also WaterSense labeled. The WaterSense label provides consumers with assurance that bathroom faucets, such as Leland, Lahara, Addison, Dryden, and Victorian, are approximately 30% more water-efficient than their 2.2-GPM counterparts. In the commercial sector, all Delta brand lavatories have a 1.5-GPM outlet as standard, with the option of 0.5-GPM for further savings. In addition to contributing LEED credits, Delta Faucet Co. also provides electronic and manual commercial metering products for reassurance that the faucet won’t be left running.

Moen recently introduced new eco-performance retail kitchen faucets that allow users the option to switch between three water-flow settings. For everyday tasks that require constant, yet low water flow, such as washing dishes or preparing foods, homeowners can choose eco-performance standard stream or aerated spray modes. These settings provide a reduced flow rate of 1.75-GPM. For tasks that require a set amount of water, however, such as filling a pot or pitcher, they can switch to the fast-fill mode, which flows at 2.2-GPM. Moen’s Commercial Division has created Eco-Performance shower systems that are certified to meet WaterSense criteria, with flow rates as low as 1.5-GPM. Commercial shower systems combine Moen’s Eco-Performance showerheads with the Posi-Temp valve to reduce water consumption and eliminate shower shock.

ClimateMaster introduced the Tranquility Modular Water-to-Water (TMW) Series in 360 (30-ton) and 600 (50-ton) sizes. This water-to-water series offers high efficiency with advanced features and application flexibility at competitive prices. As ClimateMaster’s most adaptable EarthPure HFC410A refrigerant units, the TMW series can be used for radiant floor heating, snow/ice melt, chilled water for fan coils, hot/chilled water for make-up air, and many other types of HVAC applications. The TMW 360-600 has advanced digital controls for BAS interface, four LEDS for unit status and compressor isolation switches. Other features include front and back service access panels that allow for side-by-side installation; larger capacity, requiring fewer units per job site; staggered top water connections for ease of manifolding multiple units; and DDC controls with 11 safety protections for the refrigeration circuits.

Aquatherm displayed its Greenpipe recyclable polypropylene-random (PP-R) piping system designed for potable water applications. The pipe is joined by heat fusion. The PP-R material used in Aquatherm pipe is an abundant byproduct of petroleum processing. It also requires far less energy for initial production than other piping materials, and involves none of the environmental effects associated with mining operations.

Additionally, the pipe has a natural R-value of 1-1.5 depending on pipe size and SDR. Aquatherm Lilac, developed for graywater applications such as toilet/drain water, rainwater collection, laundry/cleaning, irrigation, and similar uses, is comparatively low priced and has a list of steadily growing code approvals (it currently meets ASTM F2389 and CSA B137.11).

McQuay International previewed the new Daikin McQuay SmartSource Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) product line during Greenbuild. The line includes the industry’s first variable-speed inverter WSHP. The new line of water source heat pumps comes in a range of sizes and options that include smart dehumidification, waterside economizers and internal electric heat. The SmartSource platform is geothermal ready with factory-mounted loop water pumps. McQuay also introduced the Daikin McQuay Rebel rooftop unit. The new unit claims energy efficiency at almost double the ASHRAE 90.1 minimum standard, while functioning as a Variable Air Volume heat pump unit down to three tons. In addition, the Daikin McQuay Rebel is the first packaged rooftop system to use variable heat pump technology with auxiliary gas heat, as well as, Daikin’s advanced variable inverter scroll compressor.

Taking the spotlight in Niagara’s Greenbuild booth this year was the Stealth Ultra-High-Efficiency Toilet, featuring 0.8-gpf technology. The Stealth was set-up for live demonstrations for Greenbuild attendees. For the shower, Niagara displayed the high-efficiency Sava Spa Showerhead and the Tri-Max Showerhead with three flow rate options. With a new line of faucet aerators, the Niagara booth showcased both kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, including its new Versa Kitchen Aerator, Tri-Max Aerator, Lead-Free Aerator and Bathroom Sink Aerator. Niagara also introduced the Energy Saving Smart Surge Protector and the Eco-IQ Programmable 5-2 Thermostat.

Jaga, a European manufacturer of stylish panel radiators and unique fan-powered hydronic baseboard, announced that it has filled out its U.S. representation and it is available across the U.S. Jaga’s product lines include the Energy Savers low-H20 radiators and the Eye Catchers line of visually appealing heating solutions. Because of its heat exchanger technology, Jaga’s “Energy Savers” radiators require only 10% the water of traditional panel radiators, resulting in a 12% energy savings. This lowers energy bills and reduces annual CO2 emissions per dwelling by almost a ton. Jaga’s Eye Catchers heating solutions use innovative materials and production techniques to elevate the radiator from a design object to art.

Encore, a division of Component Hardware Group Inc., has introduced a hygienic, water-conscious solution for converting a standard faucet into a low-flow metering faucet. The One-Tap Metering Aerator fits most faucets with an existing aerator, enabling a speedy, hassle-free transition to a water-conserving faucet. The One-Tap Metering Aerator offers a cost-effective alternative to electronic faucets. Water flow starts with a single touch and the adjustable metering activator automatically stops the flow in two to 20 seconds. This action reduces the risk of cross-contamination and provides up to 87% water savings over conventional faucets. The One-Tap Metering Aerator comes with a tamper-proof housing, installation/adjustment key and 15/16-27 female by 55/64-27 female thread adapter to fit most standard faucets with aerators.

Home Tour: Remodeled Anderson Township barn becomes gorgeous modern dream home

Read article : Home Tour: Remodeled Anderson Township barn becomes gorgeous modern dream home

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Jerry Whitney wasn’t looking to move, but he was looking for a clear route from his Anderson Township home to the airport on a day when interstate traffic was heavy. So he cut down Five Mile Road toward Kellogg Avenue.

“I didn’t want to miss my flight,” he said. “And then I saw this place and said, ‘Oh, my god, look at that barn.’ And then I saw a ‘for sale’ sign and Five Mile Creek behind it.”

He fell in love. When his wife of 14 years, Karen, saw it, she fell in love, too.

On Dec. 31, 2012, seven days after that first sighting, the Whitneys bought the 30-year-old horse barn and its seven acres at a 30 percent discount from a motivated seller. It cost them $300,000.

Fast forward 18 months and the Whitneys – who had no previous home construction experience – moved out of a 300-square-foot trailer on the property into a home like no other, a dream house they played a big role in designing and decorating.

The shock of the unexpected experience has worn off, but not the excitement and contentment they feel for their fully modern, energy-efficient barn house. Also still strong is their appreciation for their project partners – among them architect Marc McConnell, builder Paul Kapitula, Keidel Supply, A&S Lighting, Tate Builders Supply, Cooknee Cabinets, KBR Countertop Specialists, Home Depot, IKEA, The Container Store and Peoples First Savings Bank.

All these forces came together to produce a four-bedroom, three-bathroom showcase of modern architecture and engineering that surprisingly fits inside a big, old, round-top home originally built for horses.

Not only does the place run on a geothermal energy system that held down last summer’s utility bills to $90 per month, it is designed to be the Whitneys’ "forever home." The couple asked for and got what architects call “living in place” features that will allow the Whitneys, who are in their 60s, to stay in their home permanently.

The house’s hallways and doors are extra-wide. There’s a 4-foot-wide shaft just behind a door off the entry hall where an elevator to the second floor and its master bedroom can be installed if and when it is needed. Next to the shaft is a laundry room with a chute from the second floor. The master bathroom’s shower door is wide and wheelchair-accessible. Even the landscaping is designed to require minimal maintenance and no chemicals.

There are picture windows in every main room through which the Whitneys, for the rest of their lives, can watch the water rush down Five Mile Creek, lots of wildlife – deer, cardinals, doves, woodpeckers, nut hatches, tufted titmice and blue jays – and the moon and stars.

Take the Tour

The Whitneys – she’s from Bridgetown and is a University of Cincinnati graduate, he is from Lima, Ohio, and is a Xavier University graduate – wanted to retain the bones of the barn. And there’s no mistaking what it used to be when you turn off Five Mile Road onto their curved driveway. The house’s Quonset hut shape is enhanced by two second-floor dormers, a glassy grand entrance and the original cupola poking out at the roof’s center.

The barn’s industrial-strength foundation passed inspection with flying colors and was retained, but most of the interior – the stables, tack room and hayloft – was gutted to the arched laminated beams that support the rounded roof. To keep it water-tight during a 100-year flood, the entire house had to be raised 14½ inches.

Architect McConnell was so inspired by the place, Jerry Whitney said, that he sketched the floor plan in eight hours and then started marking off the layout with blue tape.

What strikes visitors upon entering the Whitneys’ home is its whiteness, its angular walls and windows, and its uncluttered, modern décor. Yet hints of the barn are there in the entry in the form of a frosted two-paneled sliding door that leads into the living room and a long, floating ledge made of chocolate walnut Jerry Whitney picked up on a one-day drive to Kansas City, Missouri, and back.

The Whitneys had hoped to repurpose two sliding wood doors in the old stable, but their condition was too poor.

“So we were in IKEA one day, and we saw those panels on some cabinets and said, ‘There’s our barn doors,’” said Jerry Whitney, a sales executive with a logistics software company.

The doors might leak a little heat, but the gas fireplace and heated, polished concrete floors keep the living room warm.

“My parents came here for two weeks in October, and they were so warm. My mother learned how to work the thermostat and kept it at 70 degrees. We practically had to kick them out,” joked Karen Whitney, a longtime physician’s assistant.

To the left of the entry hall and beyond the elevator shaft, laundry room and mechanicals closet are two bedrooms that share what the Whitneys call their “spa room.” The bathroom features sparkly, speckled gray quartz countertops, a dual-sink vanity with matching mirrors, a standalone soaking tub and a glassed-in shower with grass-like textured tile. Chrome is the metal of choice for the hardware and fixtures.

To be added to the “spa” features later this year is a fenced-in outdoor shower.

While family photographs in the bedroom at the front of the house stir memories, the bedroom in the back is filled with a mix of family-made art and heirlooms and images from vacations the couple and their four adult daughters have taken.

A glass door from the back bedroom leads to a covered concrete deck that stretches almost the entire length of the house. The deck faces Five Mile Creek and the woods of Withrow Nature Preserve and is accessible from the living and great rooms as well as the 2½-car garage.

Walking back to the entry hall, visitors pass a colorful Campari liqueur poster and a large portrait of an 11-year-old Jerry painted by the late College of Mount St. Joseph art instructor John Nartker.

Across the hall is a stairwell that reaches to the roof. It features a light oak staircase with stainless steel chords and rail and leads up to two more bedrooms, the kitchen and a beamed great room. The vaulted room includes a sectional couch and two stuffed chairs, a glassed-in wine closet, recessed lighting and one floor lamp, a 9-by-6 picture window, a gas fireplace, a big-screen television and a separate dining area with chandelier that faces the front yard.

The great room is where they wind down on weekends with wine and the Wall Street Journal or watch birds – on sunny or gray days.

“Even if it’s raining, we don’t care. With all these windows, it doesn’t matter,” Karen Whitney said.

Three bird feeders hang off the fully plumbed, second-story deck where the couple grills out with friends and watches the ever-running creek and forest.

The 30-foot-long deck is party central when the weather is nice, but the kitchen fills the bill in the winter. Stainless steel appliances, a long, two-tiered white quartz cooking and eating island and glossy white and textured gray European-style cabinets give the kitchen the modern feel Karen Whitney prefers.

“It’s a fun, fun, fun kitchen to cook in,” she said. “We hosted Thanksgiving last year, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to cook the meal. There’s so much space and convenience.”

To the side of the kitchen and overlooking the stairwell’s cathedral-shaped window is a quartz-topped desk that the couple uses as command central, to pay bills and handle other household business. 

Two bedrooms are situated down a hall behind the kitchen, but before them is an inviting, steel-railed spiral staircase. Karen Whitney uses the slanted-wall and naturally lighted bonus room – which has two large cubbyholes behind doors for storage –for yoga, Pilates and TRX workouts. The third floor’s balcony hovers over the kitchen and great room and provides an up-close view of a special light fixture suspended inside the windowed cupola.

“My parents gave us that,” she said of the brass and crystal chandelier. “It came out of the old Shubert Theatre in Cincinnati.” It lights up the great room like a stationary disco ball, her husband said.

A guest room with full bath and the master with bath and massive walk-in closet are back down the spiral staircase and below the bonus room. The couple outfitted their closet with a system purchased at the Container Store that holds all their clothes and accessories. There is no dresser or wardrobe in their room, just open space and a clear view from the bed of the backyard and the rising moon.

“It’s the most wonderful bed to sleep in, until you have to get up,” Karen Whitney said.

'We Took a Gamble on it'

The Whitneys had just remodeled their contemporary house on Little Dry Run Road, which sat on a half-acre and was what they thought they always wanted. Leaving it was far from their minds – until they spotted the old horse barn on Five Mile.

“We took a gamble on it,” said Jerry Whitney, whose experience rebuilding vintage cars equipped him with mechanical skills and gave him confidence they could build their own home.

“Our financial adviser said, ‘You guys are crazy if you don’t do it,’” he said. So they did, but not without sacrifice. Living in a trailer during the treacherous winter of 2013-14 and storing their belongings in a nearby 20-by-30-foot shipping container for 18 months weren’t the only challenges they faced.

“We’d never built a house before or made all the decisions we had to make, sometimes instantaneous ones like when your builder asks, ‘What do I do now?’ and you’ve got to have a decision right then,” he said.

“We turned it into an adventure that we could write a book about,” Jerry Whitney said. “Karen’s quote is, ‘We never thought we would live in a dream house, and now we own one.’ To go from a normal house to this is just amazing. I swear we were meant to be here.”

Chance to See the Whitneys’ House

The 2016 green living tours by the Cincinnati chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council includes the Whitney house on Sept. 17 ($15 for non-members). To join the Green Living Member Circle, click here. The group will tour a modern house in Northside on Jan. 16.

Work has ground to halt on Beckhams' £6m country mansion

Read article : Work has ground to halt on Beckhams' £6m country mansion 

With seven different mechanical diggers standing abandoned and builders downing tools on an estate churned into a mud bath, this is the David and Victoria Beckham's new £6 million country pile, months behind schedule after ongoing rows with council planning bosses.

Work has moved at a snail's pace on Cotswolds triple-barn conversion all year after elaborate plans were blocked by planning officers and new ones were drawn up only to be bound up in bureaucratic red tape.

The couple and their four children had hoped to move into the nine-bedroom home this summer but have instead spent recent weeks at their home in Los Angeles and now may not move in for the remainder of the year.

beaurocratic red tape" class="blkBorder img-share" />

Work has moved at a snail's pace on Cotswolds triple-barn conversion all year after elaborate plans were blocked by planning officers and new ones were drawn up only to be bound up in beaurocratic red tape

The couple and their four children had hoped to move into the nine-bedroom home, this summer but have instead spent recent weeks at their home in Los Angeles and now may not move in for the remainder of the year

David and Victoria Beckham bought the home in the Cotswolds from landowner Nicholas Johnston, who is an old Etonian friend of David Cameron

These are first aerial shots of the house, which was bought in the new year from landowner Nicholas Johnston, an Old Etonian friend of David Cameron.

The triple-barn is joined at its north end by two glass-walled walkways - called 'Link Pavilions' in plans - to make the shape of a capital letter 'E'.

The shape of the triple barn allows for two eighty-feet-wide square courtyards within - one to the east and the ther to the west.

Architects seem to have gone to extraordinary lengths to persuade council planners that their plans do not adversely affect the environment.

The triple-barn is joined at its north end by two glass-walled walkways - called 'Link Pavilions' in plans - to make the shape of a capital letter 'E'

English country garden surrounding the house - at vast expense - with a mixture of bought-in mature trees, plants and shrubs fitting in character with the local environment" class="blkBorder img-share" />

The Beckhams have employed top-end gardeners to design an English country garden surrounding the house - at vast expense - with a mixture of bought-in mature trees, plants and shrubs fitting in character with the local environment

The Beckhams had been desperate for a huge swimming pool but have had to settle for proposing a 'natural swimming pond' within one of the courtyards so that it is not visible from the public road running nearby.

Similarly they wanted an elaborate outside seating and partying area in the other courtyard but have had to instead propose a 'temporary' 10-feet-wide wooden pergola which can be removed when necessary.

The Beckhams have also employed top-end gardeners to design an English country garden surrounding the house - at vast expense - with a mixture of bought-in mature trees, plants and shrubs fitting in character with the local environment.

The list of shipped in mature trees has is costing thousands of pounds and includes 23 evergreen oaks, seven white oaks, eight cherry trees, a plum tree, nine apple trees, three holly trees, nine witch hazels and a maple.

Within the eastern courtyard, a trendy 'natural swimming pond' is awaiting council approval to be sunk into the ground.

English country garden with a mixture of bought-in mature trees, plants and shrubs fitting in character with the local environment" class="blkBorder img-share" />

The couple have paid a fortune to design an English country garden with a mixture of bought-in mature trees, plants and shrubs fitting in character with the local environment

Until the council gives final approval for the lavish plans on the site, the numerous diggers remain at a virtual standstill

It is also not a very long drive from Soho Farmhouse, the exclusive members' country club where Prince Harry took Meghan Markle for a romantic break

At the moment and for the past few months, this area has just been a vast expanse of mud, as pictures show.

The proposed pool measures 41 feet by 24 feet and is just 4'7' inches deep meaning David himself, who measures 5'11' will only be able to be covered in water up to his chest when standing on the bottom. It certainly will not be deep enough to dive into.

The natural pool is chemical free, using a natural bio-filtration system consisting of mains water phosphorous pre-treatment. All equipment is contained in an equipment room under the tallet steps on the gable end of the east wing.

Architects have apparently been bending over backwards to win approval from council planners as the construction of the pergola in the west courtyard seems to show.

In the East Courtyard, it is proposed that the timber pergola will be constructed within the west courtyard formed between the newly reconstructed north wing and link pavilion, and the grade II listed central wing.

This simple timber structure measuring approximately 43 feet by 10 feet will provide support for climbing plants and provide shade for an outdoor seating area.

Architects seem at pains to clarify that: 'The structure is lightweight and can easily be removed in the future and as such could be considered to be reversible. The proposed pergola is freestanding is not connected to the listed buildings or rely on support from them in any way.'

Until the council gives final approval, the diggers remain at a virtual standstill.

The architect's proposal seems almost desperate in its efforts to persuade council planners to agree.

The architect's summary to planners reads: 'The proposed development does not alter the historic fabric of the listed building in any way. The proposed landscape scheme is less formal than the current approved and part implemented scheme, and more sympathetic to the heritage of (the original house), and as such provides a modest enhancement of the setting of the listed building.

West Oxfordshire District Council for permission to make more changes to their original scheme, including changing the tiles on the roof and details of windows" class="blkBorder img-share" />

In June of this year, the Beckhams applied to West Oxfordshire District Council for permission to make more changes to their original scheme, including changing the tiles on the roof and details of windows

David and Victoria Beckham are currently living in Los Angeles while they wait for their lavish new Cotswolds home to be completed

In conclusion, the architect states: 'The proposed development is of high quality design, materials and layout appropriate to the location and setting adjacent to the grade II listed Park Farm Barn. Both the proposed new outbuilding and driveway are well screened by the proposed site-wide landscaping scheme, mitigating any harmful visual impact on the wider landscape and setting. 

'As the landscaping matures the visual impact will be significantly reduced. It is hoped that West Oxfordshire District Council Officers will be able to support the proposed development. I look forward to receiving the application acknowledgement shortly and trust the allocated case officer will not hesitate to contact me should there be any queries regarding the proposal.'

In addition, in June of this year, the Beckhams applied to West Oxfordshire District Council for permission to make more changes to their original scheme, including changing the tiles on the roof and details of windows.

The application stated: 'It is proposed that the blue slates to the roofs of the newly rebuilt linking ranges are replaced with … stone slates to match those now in place on the listed barn and the east and west ranges.

'It is proposed that two metal flues be added to the west range to serve a new fireplace and kitchen extract and it is proposed that the approved metal windows and glazed doors be replaced by metal 'Critall' style windows and solid timber plank doors. These changes are considered to be sympathetic to the character of former utilitarian agricultural buildings.'

The couple, pictured with children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, are unlikely to be able to move into the home for the rest of the year due to the planning delays

David Beckham, pictured with son Romeo at Queen's Club last year, purchased the swanky conversion from Nicholas Johnston, and work on the home began in February

The application says that the windows and doors are the same as those used in a very nearby restoration of a Grade II listed building, as is the Beckhams' new house, which was approved by the council's planners.

Land Registry documents also disclose Posh and Becks paid £6.15 million for the swanky barn conversion.

Renovations started on the estate in February. They enlisted the help of top architect and 'development designer' Michael Ergatoudis, who works for Soho House. Publicly available plans show that Soho House get the veto over all fixtures and fittings. However soon afterwards work began, it appeared to come to a halt.

In April, David and Victoria applied to the local council for permission to reslate one of the roofs to create the 'unified' look they desire as the tile colours didn't match.

In July, a new application to the council asked for permission to change the roofs on outbuildings to thatched rather than tiled covering.

The nine-bedroom pile — joining up three separate buildings with two new glass extensions — sits in acres of rolling countryside near Chipping Norton.

art security system being fitted around the property" class="blkBorder img-share" />

The bill for the construction is estimated at £1.8 million but is set to be double that with a state-of-the art security system being fitted

It is also not a very long drive from Soho Farmhouse, the exclusive members' country club where Prince Harry took Meghan Markle for a romantic break.

Landowner Nicholas Johnston, who sold the barn to the Beckhams, owns the Great Tew estate in Oxfordshire, where he hosts the Chipping Norton set's annual Cornbury 'Poshstock' music festival.

Johnston already had permission to renovate the Cotswolds property and it seems the Beckhams are happy to go along with his plans.

These include the construction of two mezzanine galleries, which could be used to house their collection of Banksy and Damien Hirst creations. They have also applied to build a swimming pool, a pergola, a 20-metre croquet lawn, a fruit orchard comprising apple, pear and plum trees and two vegetable patches.

Soho House, owned by Nick Jones, is said to be overseeing the renovations for the couple.

The bill for the construction is estimated at £1.8 million but is set to be double that with a state-of-the art security system being fitted.

Beckham, 42, and Victoria, 43, who already own a £31 million West London home, have been very strict with the builders, banning mobile phones on site.

There have been rumours for some time of David and Victoria's plans to move to the country with their family. Shortly after their wedding in 1991, the couple bought a sprawling house in Hertfordshire – dubbed Beckingham Palace by some – but sold it in 2014.

David, in particular, always looks at home in the country. He is a keen angler and there are plenty of fishing lakes in the Cotswolds area. There are also ample opportunities for David to sample a pint or two. 'I love going to pubs in the countryside, or to my local pub, where everyone knows me and I don't get bothered,' he has said.

The Beckhams will likely keep their four-storey Holland Park mansion in London, as the children's school and Victoria's fashion empire are based in the city.

Soho Farmhouse is a popular with the Beckhams. It is a popular spot celebrities and branded 'Hotel Smug' and 'Butlin's for Toffs' by critics.

On the 100-acre site of a former farm it comprises 40 purpose-built cabins, refurbished cottages and honeystone barns stuffed with every modern convenience, including bars, spas and even a cheese room.

The back-to-nature retreat is where guests can have their mojitos and custom-cured charcuterie delivered to their door in retro milk floats, and join early morning yoga sessions on surfboards.

Guests at this rural idyll are issued on arrival with wellington boots and Foffa bicycles, the two-wheeled steed of choice of fashionable Londoners, while their 4x4s are whisked carefully out of sight.

David and Samantha Cameron were said to be the last ones on the dancefloor during the opening bash last year.

This former working farm, complete with 40 log cabins with rustic metal bathtubs, Le Creuset cookware and larders stocked with artisan food, is an offshoot of Soho House, the exclusive London private members' club for media types.

It may have only opened last year, but it has already amassed an impressive guest list.

Supermodels have been hitting the dance floor with Oscar-winning actors. And sealing its reputation as the place to be seen, DJ Mark Ronson hired the entire estate for his 40th birthday celebrations on Thursday, with parties continuing through the weekend.

Guests are ferried to their luxury cabin on a reconditioned milk float while sipping on a refreshing beverage.

Or they can choose to ride one of the estate's 11 ponies, or hop on a retro Foffa bike, painted in Soho Farmhouse's signature teal blue, complete with wicker basket.

Others who have partied there include Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, Eddie Redmayne, Poppy Delevingne, actress Liv Tyler, Pixie Geldof, Jemima Khan, Mary Charteris and rapper Professor Green.

However Cotswolds locals have become increasingly annoyed in recent months with the constant stream of 4X4s hurtling long the single-track country roads leading to the trendy members club.

Residents took to the internet to complain to planning officials after the upmarket getaway applied for permission to build 10 new 'pods' in the style of pig sties to house an extra 40 bedrooms.

A decision is still pending but one irate horse rider wrote: 'They come out of Soho Farmhouse, in their shiny, fast cars and drive like maniacs.

'I have had cars behind rev their engines, beep, pass so close to my horse that I could have touched the car if I had reached out, but it's mainly the speed they fly around these little lanes.

'It's going to kill someone, be it a horse rider, walker, or cyclist.'

Another neighbour complained to the local council: 'The guests overtake, rev up and speed like boy racers. This is totally unacceptable behaviour.'

The rider added that the area was now 'not safe' for people on horses as they were being 'forced to mount verges', while traffic-calming measures were not working.

She added: 'The new people using Soho are enjoying their playground and totally ruining our peaceful countryside, not to mention the rudeness we are subjected to.