Ep 5. Ipswich: The Radian House

In season 10 episode 5 of Grand Designs titled Ipswich: The Radian House, viewers are introduced to Dan Hinton and his partner Marnie. After years of renting, the couple decided to invest in their own property and built an eco-friendly, futuristic home in Ipswich, England.

As a keen eco-enthusiast, Dan aimed to create a house that was almost entirely self-sufficient and sustainable while still being visually appealing. However, the Ipswich City Council had other ideas, and the couple faced a series of challenges throughout the planning and building process.

The home is built on a tight budget, meaning Dan had to get creative with some of his designs to keep costs down. A major feature of the house is the spiral wooden staircase in the center, which was made by hand since the couple could not afford to have professionals build it.

One of the biggest hurdles the couple faced was the home's unusual shape. The house is joined together in the center by a hexagonal hub that connects the circular living room at one end and the triangular kitchen at the other, giving it an almost kaleidoscopic feel. The unique geometric design was largely inspired by a similar design they saw in a magazine, which they decided to replicate and customize to fit their needs.

The materials used to build the home were also carefully selected to be environmentally friendly. The roof, for instance, is lined with solar panels which generate electricity for the entire house. Additionally, there are carefully placed windows that maximise natural light while also providing optimal heat retention measures.

One of the most exciting aspects of this home is that nearly every room, and the external design, was 3D printed. This allowed for an amazing level of customization and tailoring to the specific needs the homeowners have when it comes to the style and functionality of the living space.

Despite the couple's grand vision, the council restrictions and other obstacles were not easy to overcome. They faced a number of challenges throughout the building process, including issues with the foundation and delays caused by inclement weather, but they persevered, as this was their dream home.

Overall, episode 5 of season 10 of Grand Designs titled Ipswich: The Radian House is an inspiring look into what can be accomplished through sheer determination and creativity, even in the face of adversity. Viewers are in for a treat, watching as the house comes together in its unique shape with eco-friendly sustainable materials and 3D printing technology.