Ep 5. Kennington, 2012

In season 9, episode 5 of Grand Designs, we meet architect Zac Monro and his wife Juliette who have big plans for their Victorian red-brick terrace house in Kennington.

The couple wants to transform their cramped and uninspiring two-bedroom house into a modern, open-plan family home for themselves and their two young boys. Their design is inspired by the work of renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando and they envision a minimalistic and serene living space.

However, their ambitious plans are not without challenges. The property is located in a conservation area and local planning laws dictate that they must keep the facade of the house intact. In addition, their budget is tight and they will need to stick to it in order to have the funds for the interior design and furnishings.

Undaunted, Zac and Juliette begin by excavating the basement to create a spacious kitchen, dining and living area with large glass doors leading to the garden. They also add a generous skylight to bring light into the lower level. On the ground floor, the couple builds a stunning spiral staircase made of steel and wood which forms a central feature of the house.

Throughout the project, the couple encounters a number of unexpected difficulties and complications. For example, the foundations are not as strong as they had hoped and they must reinforce them at considerable expense. They also have to find creative solutions for ensuring that the new extension does not block their neighbors' natural light.

As the project progresses, Zac and Juliette's vision for their dream home starts to become a reality. They choose minimalistic fittings and fixtures to create a clean, modern look that complements the natural materials of the building. They also add innovative features such as a hidden wardrobe in the master bedroom and a fold-away bed in the children's room to maximize the use of space.

The final result is a stunning, light-filled family home that combines practicality with style. Zac and Juliette are thrilled with the transformation and the all-encompassing design that reflects their minimalist tastes. Throughout the episode, host Kevin McCloud marvels at their ingenuity and dedication, and applauds their ability to overcome the challenges they faced.

Overall, Grand Designs season 9 episode 5 provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of innovative architecture and design. It shows how determination and creativity can overcome even the most complex of construction challenges, resulting in a beautifully crafted home that is both functional and aesthetic.