Ep 1. North Wales: The Clifftop House
- September 3, 2014
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7.3 (42)
The episode "North Wales: The Clifftop House" is the season 14 premiere of the popular home design show, Grand Designs. The episode follows the journey of a couple, David and Greta, as they attempt to build their dream home in an idyllic location along the North Wales coast.
The couple have always been drawn to the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline, and when they stumbled upon a cliffside plot with stunning views out to sea, they knew they had found their perfect location. However, building a home on a clifftop location comes with its own unique set of challenges, and David and Greta quickly learn that their dream project will not be easy.
Despite facing resistance from the local planning authority, who are concerned about building a property that could be vulnerable to the elements, the couple push on with their plans. They enlist the help of architect Ben Williams, who designs a striking, modernist home that will blend in seamlessly with the landscape and take full advantage of the incredible views.
The main focus of the build is the innovative use of materials. Ben designs a modernist, concrete structure that uses the natural contours of the site to create a dynamic and unique shape, and maximizes the views through generous amounts of glass. However, this choice of materials poses significant challenges for the construction team, and David and Greta's budget is quickly eaten up by the high cost of the specialist work required.
As the build progresses, the couple face further challenges, including an unexpected collapse of the cliff face and a major fault-line running beneath the site. However, with the help of a skilled construction team and a determination to see their vision through to the end, they persevere and finally complete their stunning clifftop home.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of the Welsh landscape, as well as a fascinating insight into the innovative design and construction techniques used to create this one-of-a-kind home. "North Wales: The Clifftop House" is a must-watch episode for fans of Grand Designs, and for anyone with an interest in modernist architecture and innovative home design.