Ep 8. Series 6 Episode 8
Series 6 Episode 8 of Grand Designs follows a couple, Paul and Amy Wilkinson, as they attempt to build a new family home on a stunning plot of land in Buckinghamshire, England. The couple dream of creating a unique, contemporary home that will live in harmony with the surrounding landscape while meeting their functional needs as a growing family.
The couple's vision for their new home is a bold one, as they want to create a highly sustainable house that is entirely self-sufficient. The house will be constructed of natural materials, with the goal of having a minimal impact on the environment. However, this comes with challenges, as their chosen building materials, such as straw and mud, require a great deal of labor and expertise to get right.
The episode follows the couple as they begin the construction process with the help of an experienced eco-architect, Jonathan Tuckey. The construction of the house is anything but straightforward, as it involves a lot of experimentation and testing of new building techniques. For example, the home's walls are constructed from a composite of long straw and clay, which requires a specialized machine to apply and a great deal of patience to perfect.
One of the challenges that the couple faces during the construction process is balancing their desire for a sustainable home with modern living standards. They want the home's infrastructure to run on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, but this requires a delicate balance between functionality and energy usage. For instance, in order to reduce energy waste, they have opted for a vacuum toilet system that requires no water. The system produces compost instead of sewage, which will be used to fertilize the house's garden.
Another challenge the couple faces is in the design of the home. The plot of land on which they are building is unique in that it is surrounded by water on three sides, which creates some difficulties in terms of the home's orientation and shape. The couple wants the home to be open and light-filled, with large windows to take in the stunning views, but this presents design challenges, as they need to ensure that the home is energy-efficient and structurally sound. As a result, they must work closely with their architect to balance their desire for a beautiful, open home with the practical needs of modern living.
Throughout the episode, the couple faces numerous setbacks and hurdles, from problems with the home's foundation to delays in the delivery of materials. However, despite these challenges, they remain committed to their vision of a sustainable, self-sufficient family home. They also face challenges in terms of budget, as creating a truly unique home with eco-friendly materials is often more expensive than building a conventional home. However, they are determined to create something special and long-lasting, and they refuse to compromise on their vision.
The final home is a stunning testament to the couple's vision and determination. The home's interior is light-filled and spacious, with beautiful natural materials like wood and stone throughout. The home's large windows take full advantage of the surrounding landscape, providing stunning views and a sense of connection to the nature that surrounds them. The home's infrastructure is entirely self-sufficient, with renewable energy sources and no reliance on municipal water and sewage. The end result is a unique, beautiful, and highly functional family home that perfectly balances the couple's modern lifestyle with their commitment to sustainability, making for a truly inspiring episode of Grand Designs.
