Ep 1. Aylesbury Vale

In the first episode of season 19 of Grand Designs, host Kevin McCloud travels to Aylesbury Vale, where a couple is building their dream house on a plot of agricultural land. The couple, Simon and Jasmine Dale, have decided to pursue a self-sufficient lifestyle, and have chosen to build a unique timber-framed house using locally sourced materials and traditional building techniques.

The Dales have a limited budget of £27,000 to work with, which means they will need to be inventive and resourceful in order to build the house of their dreams. They have already spent £5,000 on the land, which is located in a rural area surrounded by fields and farmland. The pair are keen to incorporate sustainable technology into the construction of the house, including a passive solar design that will help reduce their energy bills.

Simon and Jasmine have opted for a straw bale design for their new home, which involves using straw bales as the primary building material. Straw bales are an environmentally friendly option as they are renewable and biodegradable. They also provide excellent insulation, which means the home will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The couple has recruited a team of volunteers to help them build the house, which has been designed using traditional timber-framed construction techniques. They have also included numerous sustainable features, such as a composting toilet and a food garden, which will allow them to live off the land and reduce their environmental impact.

As the project progresses, the Dales encounter numerous challenges, including inclement weather and difficulties in sourcing the materials they need. Despite these setbacks, they remain determined to see the project through to completion. Kevin McCloud follows their progress every step of the way, offering insight and advice as they navigate the challenges of building their dream home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a glimpse of the intense physical labor involved in constructing a home using traditional building methods. We see Simon and Jasmine working tirelessly alongside their team of volunteers, who help with everything from laying foundations to installing roof tiles. McCloud provides commentary and insight into the process, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the couple's approach.

Despite the setbacks and challenges, the Aylesbury Vale project ultimately proves to be a success, with Simon and Jasmine building a beautiful and unique home that reflects their commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. The end result is a stunning timber-framed house that features a range of environmentally friendly features, from solar panels to a composting toilet.

Overall, Grand Designs season 19 episode 1 provides a fascinating look at the process of creating a sustainable, self-sufficient home. Viewers are treated to a glimpse of the dedication and resourcefulness required to turn a dream into a reality, as we watch Simon and Jasmine navigate the many challenges and setbacks of the building process. McCloud provides insightful commentary and highlights the innovative approach taken by the couple, making this episode a must-see for fans of sustainable architecture and design.