Ep 7. Isle of Skye: The Larch-Clad House

On the seventh episode of Grand Designs season 12, viewers are taken on a journey to the Isle of Skye to witness the creation of an incredible larch-clad house. The episode follows a couple, Mary and her husband, who have a great love for the Scottish Highlands and want to built a unique home in this picturesque location.

The couple had a clear vision for their dream home and worked closely with an architect to bring their ideas to life. They decided to use larch wood to clad the house as it blends beautifully with the landscape and creates an instant link between the house and its surroundings.

The construction of the house was no easy task. The site was located in a remote and difficult terrain, which meant that the materials had to be transported to the site using a helicopter. The weather conditions also posed a challenge as the wind and rain hindered the progress of the construction.

Despite the challenges, the house presents a stunning combination of modern design with traditional Scottish elements. The open plan living area include floor-to-ceiling windows that offer visitors the most magnificent views of the surrounding loch and hills. The unique design of the house makes it look like a work of art, with its angular roof and an external staircase that leads to the upper level of the house which protrudes out from the main building.

Inside, the minimalist style of the house is continued with natural materials being used throughout the building. A standout feature of the house is the cast-iron bath in the bedroom, offering a relaxing space with stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.

The couple put in a lot of work into the energy efficiency of the house, implementing modern and eco-friendly technologies such as solar panels, water recycling and heating systems. The result is a house built to a high standard of sustainability and energy efficiency which sits in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment.

What makes this episode special is the way it takes viewers on a journey through the unique landscape of the Scottish Highlands and captures the essence of the region’s aesthetic beauty. The episode highlights the importance of the connection between a building and its location, showcasing the beauty of a house which fits so perfectly into its surroundings.

In summary, this episode of Grand Designs is a beautiful example of how a couple’s dream can be brought to life through the careful consideration of sustainable building techniques and design. The Larch-Clad House in the Isle of Skye serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into constructing such unique and stunning homes.