Ep 10. Buckinghamshire 2015

In Buckinghamshire 2015, the season eight finale of Grand Designs, we meet a couple with a passion for sustainable living who attempt to build a low energy, modernist house on a tight budget. Greg and Georgie were inspired by their love of skiing and the mountain lodges they visited in Europe, and with the help of architect and friend James Greaves, they hope to create a stunning home that not only looks good but also serves as an example of green living.

The episode starts with Kevin McCloud visiting the site of the build, which is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Chiltern Hills. The couple had purchased the land for £375,000 with the plan to build a house for under £200,000. However, the site presented numerous challenges, including a steep slope, potential flooding, and difficult access.

Greg and Georgie were keen to incorporate sustainable materials wherever possible, and they opted for a timber frame construction with highly insulated panels. To keep costs down, they decide to eschew fancy finishes and instead focus on the functionality of the house. This means that the exterior of the building features a simple corrugated metal finish, rather than the sleek, high-end materials used in many modernist designs.

As work begins on the house, the couple faces a series of setbacks. They discover that the land is more problematic than initially thought, with a high water table and a need for extensive foundation work. Meanwhile, a delay in the delivery of the structural insulated panels means that construction falls behind schedule and over budget.

Despite the challenges, Greg and Georgie remain committed to their vision of a sustainable, low-energy home. They install solar panels, a heat recovery ventilation system, and an air-source heat pump to power the underfloor heating. They also incorporate a large basement space, partly dug into the slope, which they plan to use as an entertainment area and home cinema.

As the build progresses, Greg and Georgie's relationship is tested. The stress of managing a tricky build alongside work obligations takes its toll, and disagreements arise over the direction of the project. However, with the help of James Greaves and an experienced builder, the couple eventually manages to complete the house.

The finished product is a stunning, modernist home set against the backdrop of the Chiltern Hills. It features an open-plan living area with a double-height ceiling and a mezzanine level, which provides access to the bedrooms. The design incorporates many green features, such as a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and a composting toilet. The couple is thrilled with the finished product and believes that it has been a worthwhile project, despite the difficulties encountered along the way.

In summary, Buckinghamshire 2015 is a gripping finale to season eight of Grand Designs. It showcases a couple's quest to build a sustainable, low-energy home on a tight budget, despite numerous challenges. The finished product is a stunning, modernist house that incorporates many green features and provides a functional and contemporary living space.