Ep 7. East Devon Revisited

In Grand Designs season 19 episode 7, titled "East Devon Revisited", host Kevin McCloud returns to a unique and experimental home that he had previously visited five years earlier. The house is situated in a beautiful spot within a 35-acre woodland and the owners, retired couple Stephen and Elizabeth Tetlow, had embarked on an ambitious plan to build an extraordinary four-bedroom home with curved timber roof using state-of-the-art technology. The house was designed to look like a giant creature, with large windows for eyes and a sweeping wooden roof that represents the creature's back and wings.

The couple's design was inspired by their background in engineering and science, and they wanted to create something unique that would incorporate sustainable materials and energy. They had enlisted the help of an architect and builder to bring their vision to life, using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. However, the build was not without its challenges. One of the key obstacles was sourcing the right quality of timber, as the team had to find unusually large and curved pieces that were suitable for the design of the roof.

Throughout the episode, we see Kevin catching up with Stephen and Elizabeth as they share their experience of living in the house and the challenges they have faced since construction was completed. Kevin also explores the unique features of the home, which includes a helical staircase, a floating glass bridge, and a children's playroom built into the head of the creature. The interior of the house is just as impressive as the exterior, with an open-plan living space and a series of curved, organic-shaped rooms that make the most of the views of the surrounding woodland.

Alongside the unique design features, the couple had also ensured that the house was built with sustainability in mind. The house is heated using ground source heat pumps and is fully powered by solar panels installed on the roof. The materials used in the construction of the home are also eco-friendly, with the walls made from a combination of straw bales and lime plaster. The natural materials have helped to create a warm and welcoming living space that blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Grand Designs season 19 episode 7 is a fascinating insight into the creative process of designing and building a unique and sustainable home. The episode highlights the challenges and triumphs that can come with such an ambitious project, as well as showcasing the stunning final result. It's a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, design, and eco-friendly living solutions.