Ep 10. Revisited - Weald of Kent: Arched Eco House

Revisited: Weald of Kent - Arched Eco House is the tenth episode of the ninth season of the popular British television series Grand Designs. In this episode, viewers get a chance to revisit a house that was previously featured in the show. The house in question is an arched eco house located in the Weald of Kent, which was designed and built by a couple, Richard Hawkes and Sophie Marris.

The house was built using an innovative construction method, which involves creating a series of arches made from laminated spruce wood. The arches were then covered with a breathable membrane and insulated using recycled newspaper. The result is a stunning and unique building that looks like a series of arches, which blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

When we first visited Richard and Sophie, they had just started the construction of their home, which they hoped would be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. But building their arched eco house was not without its challenges. Among other things, they had to deal with the high cost of the building materials, the difficulty of finding skilled workers who could build in this method and the challenge of getting planning permission for a building of this size and shape.

But despite the challenges, Richard and Sophie persevered and managed to complete their dream home. The finished product is a spacious and bright living space, flooded with natural light and featuring an open plan design. The interior of the house is decorated in a minimalist, contemporary style, which perfectly complements the unique shape of the building.

On the outside, the house is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which has been designed to complement the architecture of the building. The garden features an elegant pond, which provides a peaceful and relaxing place to sit and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Now, several years after completing the construction of their home, Richard and Sophie have been able to refine their eco-friendly lifestyle even further. They have added solar panels to generate their own electricity, installed a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for use in the house and garden, and even keep their own bees to help pollinate the plants in their garden.

Overall, Revisited: Weald of Kent - Arched Eco House is a stunning example of what can be achieved when innovative design meets a passion for sustainable living. It is a testament to Richard and Sophie's dedication and hard work that they managed to create such a unique and beautiful home, and their story serves as an inspiration to anyone who is looking to build their own eco-friendly house.