Grand Design

[brian]

Anybody watch this program?

I only get to watch it occassionally, but they usually make the effort to cover the building of homes that are so different, that it makes Grand Design one of the most interesting home development programs to watch.

Tonight it was a couple of artists who wanted to sell their "normal" home and live in and around the concrete water-tower at the end of their garden!

The design itself looked pretty ugly - sort of a cross between a 60's school and a military prison - in fact, from the distance shots you can really imagine barbed wire around it!

Yet...they really made it into a really nice looking home, and there were lots of nice features - such as the stairs being surrounded by glass at the side of the house, so as you climbed them, you got to view the countryside on all sides.

Still, maybe not so practical if you find yourself rushing downstairs in your dressing-gown.

Anyway, it's a fun program to watch - just wondered if anyone else has or does at all?

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/...gns/index.html

[Jayne]

The last one I watched was a house built into the side of a hill, the roof was grass and everything was natural so not to harm the environment. It was very clever how they did it. It wouldn't be for me though, I wouldn't fancy the thought of worms and things above me while I slept..lol

Jayne

[brian]

Wow, shame I missed that - as a kid I really did fancy a home built into the side of a hill.

Would make sure it was well decorated inside, and hopefully avoid the fauna coming in. Don't fancy reliving student days when slugs owned the kitchen.

[Jayne]

lol.. I once watched a program about a bloke who lived in the woods, he made a totally timber house from everything he found in the wood, it was really interesting, he didn't have electric or anything. He didn't need planning as it wasn't classed as a permanent dwelling, but that ment that they could make him pull his house down anytime they wanted.

I sometimes thing planning departments enjoy playing with peoples heads..lol

Jayne

[brian]

I remember that one as well - somehow it was one of the most rememberable onces I saw.

I think they went back and did showed what had happened since - now married with a baby. And still a nice house.

[John]

Fantastic program, particularly when it followed those looking to do something a little different. The water tower was a particularly intriguing project, and whilst I wasn't totally convinced at the end, I was impressed at the transformation from concrete eyesore to livable, modern accomodation.

The house overlooking the water was another stunning property, and much more to my tastes. Modern design in a picturesque setting, though getting planning permission for that one was a little problematic as I recall due to the surroundings.

[welshbird21]

Nah property developer is the best prgramme and I think the most helpful-althought they never listen!! lol Wish she would come round to mine and give me some tips tomake a fortune! Oh if she came with a trolley load of cash too that would be good!! Keep an eye out for it, its on C4 at 8pm Tuesdays!

[sweet_mayhem]

haha..that's amazing...too bad i have never seen this program..

[brian]

Thanks for the heads up - will watch out for that.

[vicki2]

It's a great show, and I love how Kevin McCloud can't contain his disapproval at some of the people or the designs they're trying to accomplish. I think he's a brilliant presenter, and one of the reasons I love the show.