Ep 6. London: The Underground House

In season 12 episode 6 of Grand Designs, titled "London: The Underground House," Kevin McCloud follows a unique building project that sees a property developer attempting to transform a redundant World War II air-raid shelter in the heart of London into a modern living space.

The house, located in the exclusive neighborhood of Southwark, was bought by Lulu and Charlie Browne as a shell. The pair intended to construct a one-of-a-kind single story home for themselves, featuring a courtyard to house Lulu's garden yet to be seen. The shelter had been disused for more than sixty years, and the challenge was to make it habitable.

The structure, which was designed to hold twenty people, features unique reinforced concrete walls that measure a meter thick. The couple was keen on retaining as much of the original structure as possible. However, the underground property had no heating, no water supply, and no natural light, which presented unique challenges for their architects for months.

Despite all the challenges, the couple ensured that they preserved the historical elements of the property during the renovation process. They utilized the original staircases and kept the long corridors, which created an authentic and unique aesthetic. It was important for Charlie and Lulu to have a living space that suited their lifestyles and taste.

The episode shows viewers how the couple used advanced technology to refurbish the space. The original structure was reinforced, and new floors added to create a multi-level underground house. The design aimed to provide plenty of natural light and a comfortable living area that felt like an above-ground home.

One of the unique features of the underground house is the use of a green roof to create a garden courtyard. This feature gives the couple the opportunity to enjoy outdoor living space, even though there is no yard. They also installed a state-of-the-art air conditioning system and a harvested rainwater system, which makes the property eco-friendly and self-sustaining.

Throughout the episode, Kevin McCloud gives an insight into the couple's journey, from the initial purchase of the air-raid shelter to the final touches of the underground house. We see the challenges that came with refurbishing such a structure, making it liveable, and creating something new and bespoke that suited the couple's needs.

In the end, the underground house became an excellent project that showcased the potential of transforming unique spaces in the heart of the city into a comfortable modern living space. The finished property is a truly unique and bespoke design that enthusiasts of architecture and home design alike will undoubtedly find inspiration.

In conclusion, Grand Designs Season 12 Episode 6 titled "London: The Underground House" highlights the journey of Lulu and Charlie Browne in converting a wartime shelter into a modern and comfortable living space. This episode showcases the challenges of transforming a historical building and the rewards of preserving history while creating something unique. The episode offers insights into creative solutions that can transform previously forgotten spaces into functional and bespoke living areas.