Ep 4. Hull

In season 20 episode 4 of Grand Designs, viewers are taken on a journey to Hull, where a couple has grand plans to build a contemporary, three-story home that overlooks the bustling city. The couple, a former journalist and a retired businessman, want a home that offers them indoor and outdoor space and an array of eco-friendly features.

The episode begins with the couple giving viewers a tour of the old, run-down house that they currently live in. The cramped, dated property is a stark contrast to the stunning, modern vision the couple has for their new home. They want a house that feels spacious and light, with a focus on sustainability and clean living. From triple-glazed windows and solar panels to rainwater harvesting and an air source heat pump, the couple has thought of everything when it comes to eco-living.

However, building a home of this caliber comes with its challenges. The steep slope of the site poses a significant problem in terms of access, and the design of the house must be carefully considered to blend in with the surrounding greenery. Additionally, the budget of £250,000 is likely to be challenging to stick to, given the complexities of the build and the high-end features required.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey as the architects and builders piece together the house's intricate design. The first challenge is creating a robust foundation that can deal with the property's sloping location. Then the structural steel frame is put in place, and the building's skeleton starts to take shape. With the steel and concrete elements in place, the focus switches to the timber frame, which is created off-site before being lifted into place.

As the build progresses, the homeowners must make decisions on everything from the exact shade of external cladding they want to the type of flooring they want to use. The builders face unexpected challenges, such as tricky detailing work needed around the large glazed windows. Still, the team works tirelessly to ensure that everything is perfect, right down to the final coat of paint.

Along the way, the couple's vision for their home becomes a reality. The vast, open plan living space on the top floor offers views that stretch for miles across the city, while the bedrooms are designed to offer privacy and a peaceful place to relax. The couple's love of entertaining is also catered for, with a large outdoor space that boasts a wood oven and built-in barbecue.

But as the build comes to a close, the eagerly anticipated final reveal creates a few tense moments as the couple worries about whether the reality lives up to their dreams. Fortunately, the homeowners are delighted when they see their new home for the first time. The finished result is a stunning, contemporary space that exceeds all expectations. The special features, such as the living roof and the bespoke circular stairwell, add to the sense that this is a unique and remarkable home.

Overall, season 20 episode 4 of Grand Designs is a fascinating episode that showcases the ingenuity and creativity needed to bring a beautiful, eco-friendly home to life. The homeowners' relentless pursuit of perfection pays off, creating a house that is truly a grand design.