Ep 10. Revisited - Clapham: The Curved House

Revisited - Clapham: The Curved House is the tenth episode of the fourth season of Grand Designs, a British television series that explores innovative and unique architectural projects from inception to completion. In this particular episode, presenter Kevin McCloud revisits a couple who embarked on an ambitious project to construct a distinctive and strikingly curved house in the heart of London.

The original episode, which aired in 2004, documented the journey of a young couple, Greg and Lucy, as they set out to build their dream home on a challenging site, hemmed in by other buildings. The design of the house was an ambitious departure from the traditional straight lines and rectangular shapes common in modern architecture. Instead, the house was a series of sweeping curves that snaked around the site, creating a distinctive and elegant form.

Through the course of the episode, viewers were taken on a journey through the various challenges that the couple faced in realizing their vision. Key to the success of the project was finding the right team of architects and builders who could bring the ambitious design to life. Success came in the form of the architect, David Adjaye, who had a reputation for bold and radical designs. David, along with his team, worked closely with the couple to create a design that suited their lifestyle, while also being visually striking and unique.

As the couple worked with David and his team, the design of the house began to take shape. The curved walls, unusual angles, and flowing spaces created a sense of harmony and fluidity throughout the house. Light played a crucial role in the design, with large windows and skylights casting dappled sunlight across the walls and floors, accentuating the unique shape of the house.

However, the project was not without its challenges. The site, for one, was a difficult space to work with, with little room for maneuvering and surrounded on all sides by other buildings. The construction of the house also proved to be a difficult undertaking, with several setbacks and delays threatening to derail the entire project.

Despite these setbacks, the couple persevered, and the house was eventually completed in all its glory. The final result was a stunning and unique architectural masterpiece that perfectly blended the needs of the couple with the bold and experimental vision of the architect.

In Revisited - Clapham: The Curved House, viewers get a chance to see how the project has fared over the years since its completion. Kevin McCloud meets with the couple once more, to find out how they have settled into the house and how it has stood up to the test of time.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a chance to see the house in all its glory, as it truly is a sight to behold. From the sweeping curves of the exterior to the unique and flowing spaces of the interior, the house remains as visually stunning today as it did when it was first completed. We get to see how the spaces have been adapted over the years to suit the couple's evolving needs, and how the unique design of the house has influenced their lifestyle.

Overall, Revisited - Clapham: The Curved House is a fascinating insight into an ambitious and innovative architectural project. It is a reminder of what is possible when we dare to be different, and of the incredible beauty that can be created when we push the boundaries of what we believe to be possible.