Ep 6. Lewes, 2018

In Grand Designs season 18 episode 6, titled Lewes, 2018, viewers are taken on a journey of a unique family home build in England. The episode follows a retired couple, Nigel and Deborah, as they embark on the construction of their dream home. The couple has a particular interest in sustainable living and the environment and they wish to build a home that is both environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to their architect, Piers Taylor, who has designed a beautiful house in the shape of a horseshoe, covering an area of approximately 3000 square feet. The house is unique in its construction since it consists of 4 different buildings allowing for the family's needs to be met, including a cinema room, library, and a studio.

The focus of the build was sustainability, and the couple aimed to incorporate the latest technology, renewable energy sources, and recycled materials into the construction process. The exterior walls of the home were built using an innovative material called 'Hempcrete,' a mixture of hemp and lime that is known to have excellent insulation and thermal properties, and is environmentally friendly. This choice of material, along with other eco-friendly features such as solar panels, underfloor heating and rainwater harvesting helped Nigel and Deborah create a home that's energy-efficient and self-sufficient.

During the construction process, the couple encountered some issues with the budget and overspending. They did not have sufficient funds to cover the costs of the foundations, roof, and solar panels, which led to some heated discussions between the couple and their architect. However, with the support of their architect and the use of technology, they were able to find ways to cut costs while still preserving their vision, such as using a smaller solar panel system and sourcing materials locally.

Throughout the build process, Piers guided the couple on design decisions, managing costs, and ensuring that the house was built to the highest standard. As the couple approached the final stages of the build, they were faced with another challenge; Nigel had suffered a serious health issue and was forced to take time off from work, leaving the burden of overseeing the project entirely to Deborah. She was determined to see the project through to completion, working tirelessly to ensure the house was ready for their children and grandchildren to visit.

In the final stages of the build, the couple faced additional challenges such as the unexpected arrival of the winter season that threatened to delay the project. However, they managed to complete the house in time, and viewers are treated to an awe-inspiring reveal of their stunning, eco-friendly home. The house is a testament to the couple's vision and commitment to environmentally sustainable living.

Overall, Grand Designs season 18 episode 6, Lewes, 2018, is a compelling and inspiring story of a couple's journey to design and build their dream home. The episode showcases how perseverance, hard work, and careful planning can overcome challenges and turn dreams into reality. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainable building and eco-friendly living.