Ep 7. Devon: Plough-Shaped House

In season 17 episode 7 of Grand Designs, viewers are taken on a journey to Devon, where a couple has taken on the challenge of building a unique plough-shaped house on an old cow pasture. The couple, Richard and Pru, are both former teachers with no prior experience in building, but they have a vision for their dream home that they are determined to make a reality.

The plough-shaped house is not only unique in design, but it is also being built using traditional and eco-friendly building methods. The house will be constructed out of straw bales, with a lime render on the outside and a layer of lime plaster inside. The couple plans to use underfloor heating and a heat recovery system to make their home as energy-efficient as possible.

From the outset, Richard and Pru face a number of challenges. The site is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and they have to navigate strict planning regulations to gain permission to build their dream home. In addition, they have a tight budget, and their lack of building experience means that they have to rely on the help of friends and family in order to complete the project.

As the build progresses, Richard and Pru encounter a number of setbacks. The straw bales that they are using for the walls are difficult to work with, and they discover that some of the bales are infested with rodents, which they have to remove before they can continue. They also encounter issues with the lime plaster, which doesn't adhere properly to the bales and causes cracks to appear.

Despite these setbacks, Richard and Pru remain determined to complete their project. They work tirelessly, often late into the night, to ensure that the house is completed to the highest possible standard. Along the way, they learn new skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the value of handcrafted, eco-friendly building methods.

As the project nears completion, Richard and Pru face one final hurdle. They discover that they have gone over budget, and they have to find a way to secure additional funding in order to finish the project. With the help of their friends and family, they are able to raise the necessary funds, and the plough-shaped house is finally completed.

The final result is a stunning, unique home that perfectly blends traditional building techniques with modern design. Richard and Pru have created a home that is not only beautiful, but also sustainable and energy-efficient. Viewers will be inspired by their determination and grit in the face of difficult challenges, and will come away with a renewed appreciation for eco-friendly building methods and the value of hard work and perseverance.