Ep 10. Living in The City

In Grand Designs season 11 episode 10, titled "Living in The City," viewers are taken on a journey through the creation of two stunning city homes designed and built by two couples. The episode starts off with a visit to an existing home in Hackney, which belongs to a couple looking to create a new home in their garden that will match their current property's industrial style.

The couple plans to use materials that will blend with their existing home's style while creating a space that is visually appealing and functional. They plan to use renewable materials such as wood and brick and incorporate energy-efficient heating and lighting systems. Their vision is to have a breezy open plan living area, which will lead to a tranquil garden that would be a great relaxation spot.

The second home showcased in the episode is a project undertaken by another couple looking to build their dream home close to the city. They have chosen to demolish an old bungalow and replace it with a new five-bedroom home. Their design has an open plan living area, a gym, and a home cinema.

The couple has a clear idea of what they want their home to look like. Their design includes a central courtyard, which they hope will provide natural light and fresh air. They also plan to include several green features, such as a green living wall to help insulate the home and improve air quality. The home's heating and cooling systems will be energy efficient, using the air source heat pumps to help reduce their carbon footprint.

Throughout the episode, we see the various challenges faced by both couples as they work alongside their architects and builders to bring their plans to life. The process of sourcing materials, dealing with contractors and managing the budgets are all documented as viewers get a glimpse into the world of construction and design.

One of the most impressive elements showcased in this episode is how each couple used materials to achieve their design goals. We see how bricks are repurposed to create an impressive feature wall and how wood is used to make creative and stylish wooden floors. The natural textures connect the homes with nature, and at the same time, give a refined modern aesthetic.

The episode shows how important it is for homeowners to have a clear vision of the home they want to build and how they can work alongside their architects and contractors to make the project a reality. Each couple had specific examples of what they were looking for and worked tirelessly to ensure that the end result was a reflection of their vision.

As the houses near completion, we get to see the beautiful and uniquely designed homes come to life. The finished result showcases two stunning homes that provide the perfect balance between modern city living and natural surroundings, achieving each of the homeowners' vision for their dream home.

In summary, Grand Designs season 11 episode 10 is a must-watch for anyone interested in architecture, design and the property market in general. The show provides a fascinating insight into the creative process of building a home in the city and highlights the importance of an individualized, bespoke approach to home design. It always leaves the viewers with inspiration for future projects.