Ep 4. Bletchley

In the fourth episode of season 18 of Grand Designs, we meet a couple named Simon and Jill who are seeking to build their dream home in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. The couple has ambitious plans for their home, which they want to be completely self-sustainable and eco-friendly.

The couple's 5-acre plot of land is located near Bletchley, which is famous for being the site of British codebreaking efforts during World War II. The couple wants their new home to be in keeping with this history, and they plan to incorporate elements of that history into the design.

The couple hires architect firm Roderick James to design their home. Roderick James is known for designing homes with a focus on sustainability, and the couple is impressed with his previous work. The design process is long and complex, with many challenges along the way.

One of the biggest challenges is designing a home that is completely self-sustainable. The couple wants to generate all their own electricity, collect their own water supply, and grow their own food. This requires a lot of planning, and the couple works closely with the architect to make sure that the design is practical and feasible.

Another challenge is the cost of the build. The couple has set a budget of £600,000 for the project, but as the design process progresses, they realize that this might not be enough. The couple must make some tough decisions about what elements of the design are essential and what can be cut to stay within budget.

Despite these challenges, the couple is committed to seeing the project through. They are passionate about creating a sustainable home that will be a legacy for generations to come. They work tirelessly with the architect and contractors to make sure that everything is perfect.

The build is not without its setbacks. There are delays in obtaining planning permission, which sets the project back several months. There are also issues with the ground, which turns out to be more solid than expected. This requires special machinery to dig the basement, which adds to the cost.

Despite these setbacks, the project eventually reaches completion. The finished home is stunning, with a contemporary design that incorporates elements of the surrounding countryside. The home is completely self-sustainable, with solar panels providing all the electricity the home needs, a rainwater harvesting system that collects all the water the family needs, and a vegetable garden that provides fresh produce all year round.

The couple is thrilled with their new home, which they see as a testament to their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. They are proud to have created a home that is completely self-sustainable, and they hope that it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Overall, this episode of Grand Designs is a fascinating look at what it takes to create a sustainable home from scratch. The challenges faced by the couple are significant, but their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness shines through in every aspect of the build. Anyone with an interest in sustainable living or contemporary architecture will find this episode both informative and inspiring.