Ep 3. Season 5 Episode 3

Grand Designs is the ultimate show for house design and development fanatics. Each episode showcases a new project wherein the owners take on the mammoth task of designing and building their dream home, from concept to completion. This week's episode, Season 5 Episode 3, follows the journey of an ambitious couple, Simon and Jas, as they take on an extraordinary transformation project of a derelict waterworks in the heart of rural Wales.

As the episode begins, the couple is seen visiting the site of their latest project, an old waterworks in the rolling hills of North Wales. The site is overgrown and littered with rubble and debris. The couple is not discouraged, however, and is excited about the challenge of turning the dilapidated space into a comfortable home.

The waterworks had been decommissioned in the late 60s and had since become a vandalized eyesore. Despite its abysmal condition, Simon and Jas couldn't resist the site's potential. The pair quickly rustles up their grand plans to transform the waterworks into an idyllic country retreat. The couple plans to convert the abandoned shell into a contemporary workspace and living space, complete with a library, a music room, and elegant living quarters.

The critical element of their design features a large central atrium, functioning as a breathing space that brings the various features together, from the indoor pool to the gym and spa area.

The starting point for the build was a daunting one as the waterworks had no roof, which exposed their venture to the ravages of the Welsh weather. Despite the site's exposed vulnerability, Simon is optimistic, and the couple decides to invest in a Scandinavian water-cooled heating system. This innovative invention will provide more sustainable heating, and Simon expects, will be cheaper to run.

As the project unfolds, it becomes apparent that sheer determination, attention to detail and a willingness to take risks are requirements for this project's success. The family battles with inclement weather, creeping expenses, and personal sacrifices to bring their ambition to life. The couple's background in art, design, and music plays a vital role in the build, and it's no surprise their ideas are unconventional, making for an entirely unique and awe-inspiring home.

Despite the couple's initial prospect of completing the project in two years, the build takes four years from start to finish. The magnitude of the project proved more extensive than anticipated, with a run-over of budget and numerous setbacks, including the unearthing of a potential unexploded WWII bomb!

The couple needs to think outside the box, and with some creative solutions and help from the tradespeople, they stay the course. Their perseverance is impressive, and the result of their labor is nothing short of remarkable.

The episode showcases the couple's creative vision and their passion for bringing a dead space to life against all odds. The final result was a genuinely unique project that is awe-inspiring. At the end of the episode, it is clear that the couple's hard work and determination to achieve their aspiration paid off, and the project stands tall, a monument to refreshment and relaxation.