Ep 3. Sussex

Grand Designs is a British television series that showcases unique and ambitious residential builds. In the third episode of season 10, we follow the story of a couple who take on the challenge of creating their dream home in Sussex.

After a long and extensive search, Ben and Juliette finally found the perfect plot of land to build their new home. They purchased a one-acre plot of land in an idyllic location with stunning views of the South Downs. The couple had a clear vision of what they wanted for their home - a contemporary, eco-friendly property using natural materials.

The couple enlisted the help of an architect, Andy Ramus, to help bring their vision to life. Andy designed a unique, curved building that perfectly blends in with the surrounding countryside. The design features curved walls made from rammed earth and a green roof to help blend the house into the landscape.

The build itself was a huge challenge. The rammed earth walls were time-consuming to construct, requiring a team of skilled craftspeople to manually compress the earth within a temporary shuttering system. It took around two months to construct each wall, but the final result was striking and unique.

Building the curved roof was another challenging aspect of the build. The structure consists of a complex network of beams and curved glulam members, which made construction difficult. However, the team persevered, and the final result is a breathtaking, flowing roof shape that perfectly complements the curved walls.

The couple faced several challenges throughout the build, from sourcing the right materials to managing the budget. They were determined to create an eco-friendly home and incorporated several sustainable features into the design. The house features an air source heat pump, a greywater recycling system, and rainwater harvesting. The couple also made a conscious effort to use natural materials wherever possible, including timber cladding, lime render, and rammed earth walls.

As the build came to a close, Ben and Juliette reflected on their journey. The couple had faced numerous setbacks and challenges throughout the build, but they were thrilled with the final result. They had created a unique, eco-friendly home that perfectly suited their needs and blended seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Grand Designs season 10 episode 3 provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and rewards of building an eco-friendly, contemporary home. The episode showcases the importance of working with skilled professionals and taking a meticulous approach to design and construction. Ben and Juliette's story is an inspiration to anyone who is considering embarking on a similar project, and the final result is a stunning testament to their hard work and determination.