Ep 7. South Downs: The Rusty Metal House

In Grand Designs season 16 episode 7, we see a couple, Amanda and Nigel, from West Sussex with a unique vision for their dream home. They have commissioned a contemporary, eco-friendly house made entirely of rusty, weathered steel with expansive views of the breathtaking South Downs national park. This property is the largest steel-clad house ever featured on Grand Designs, and the couple has set themselves the ambitious goal of completing the project within a year.

The episode begins with Kevin McCloud, the presenter of the show, walking through the construction site of the home, examining the steel frame structure taking shape. The couple's love for rusty metal is evident - the exterior cladding is made of oxidized Cor-ten steel, which gives the house a rugged, industrial appearance. The interiors of the home will feature polished concrete floors, rust-colored walls, and steel beams, adding to the house's raw aesthetic.

Kevin meets the couple on-site to hear their story and their inspiration behind the project. Amanda is an artist and Nigel is a surveyor, and they spent years searching for the perfect site to build their home. The couple shares how they want their home to be energy-efficient, using sustainable materials and technologies, such as solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, to achieve this goal. They also plan to keep the views of the rolling hills uninterrupted, with a wrap-around glazing system that will make the most of the stunning scenery.

As the build progresses, the couple faces several challenges, including time constraints, weather conditions, and sourcing the right skilled labor for the job. They had to apply for planning permission three times and even faced objections from neighbors who didn't like the unconventional appearance of the house. However, the couple persevered, and they made sure to stick to their vision.

A major highlight of this episode is the day the steel cladding arrives. Kevin watches in awe as cranes carefully lift up each panel and place them into position on the frame. The cladding is expertly aligned, and the rusty surface adds an architectural feature that blends well with the surrounding natural landscape. The episode also features Amanda's unique artwork, which is incorporated into the house design in intricate and innovative ways.

The final reveal of the house is stunning. The couple has achieved their dream and delivered a remarkable energy-efficient home that stands out as a testament to their vision for a sustainable and eco-friendly abode. The home takes full advantage of the views of the South Downs, with floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around the living areas, providing an ever-changing and always-inspiring outlook.

In summary, Grand Designs season 16 episode 7 features a unique and ambitious project by a couple who envisioned a home unlike any other. The house is a testament to their vision and ingenuity, providing a spectacular glimpse into a future of sustainable and eco-friendly homes. Kevin McCloud guides us through the journey, highlighting how the couple overcame obstacles to create a remarkable work of art that captures the natural beauty of the South Downs.