Ep 11. Revisited - Islington: The House of Straw

Revisited - Islington: The House of Straw is the eleventh episode of the first season of Grand Designs. It is a follow-up episode that revisits Kevin McCloud's visit to Islington, London, where he had met with architect Meredith Bowles.

In the original episode, Meredith Bowles had embarked on an ambitious and innovative project of building the first house in Britain made entirely of straw ("The Straw Bale House"). In this revisit episode, Kevin McCloud returns to see the final result of Bowles' creation and how it has stood the test of time.

The episode begins with McCloud describing the initial challenges that Bowles and his team had to face while building the house. They had to follow the strict Building Regulations, find the perfect straw bales, and ensure that the structure was well-insulated to keep out the cold and dampness. McCloud also highlights Bowles' vision of building a house that was sustainable, environmentally friendly, and affordable.

As McCloud enters the house, he is greeted by the warm and cozy atmosphere created by the straw walls. He walks around the house, taking in the various design elements that Bowles had incorporated, such as the circular atrium and the wooden staircase. McCloud notes that the house has a natural feel and is perfectly in balance with its surroundings.

McCloud then meets with Bowles to discuss his vision further. Bowles explains that one of his main objectives was to build a house that would inspire other architects and builders to use straw as a viable building material. He also talks about how his design has evolved over the years and how he has incorporated experimental elements, such as a rainwater harvesting system, into his work.

The episode then takes us on a tour of the surrounding area, where Bowles had also been involved in urban regeneration projects. McCloud meets with residents and business owners who have been positively impacted by Bowles' work and praises him for his dedication to sustainability and community engagement.

Back at the Straw Bale House, McCloud speaks to Bowles' clients, who are equally enthusiastic about the house. They talk about how living in the house has changed their perception of sustainability and how they have adapted to its unique characteristics. They also discuss the financial aspects of the project and how Bowles' vision of creating an affordable house has been realized.

The episode ends with McCloud reflecting on Bowles' legacy and the impact of sustainable design on the environment and society. He explains how Bowles' pioneering work has inspired a new generation of architects and builders to think outside the box and create more sustainable and environmentally friendly homes.

Overall, Revisited - Islington: The House of Straw is an inspiring episode that showcases the power of sustainable design and community engagement. It is a testament to Bowles' vision and his dedication to creating a better future through his work. The episode provides valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of using unconventional building materials and serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable living in today's world.