UK Grand Designs Inspiration

June 2024

Grand Designs UK, hosted by Kevin McCloud, was the first show that completely and utterly inspired me in my passion and interest in home design and floor planning. It was captivating. It was the one show I looked forward to and that wasn’t mindless entertainment but was truly exceptional in teaching me the fundamentals of good house design, and seeing the major pitfalls and problems that could go wrong along the way.

What I loved most of the show was seeing the standard with which these homes were built, showcasing impressive focus on thermal efficiency and solar orientation for passive energy gain or prevention. These homes were built to such thermally high standards, that it was not uncommon to hear the comment that these homes were warm in winter. Since my experience of housing was ‘cold in winter, hot in summer‘, these building standards and techniques fascinated me.

Additionally, the wide and varied use of materials such as larch, stone, lime render, rammed earth and so on, introduced me to different building materials less commonly used here in New Zealand.

 

Here are some Grand Designs UK builds that have inspired me:

 

  1. South Cornwall – Steam Bent House

The reason why this house stands out to me, is for the simple reason of outstanding and functional craftsmanship, both inside and outside. It’s not showy for the sake of being showy, but it exhibits a gentle harmony with the surrounding woodland whilst still being totally unique. It’s a special project which you can read more about here.

 

 
 
 

2. County Down – Shed House

This project set in Northern Ireland is a great exemplar in being able to see a current situation with the eyes of what will be, rather than simply what is. It is inspiring in every way, but most of all, it is the owner’s themselves who despite pressure and obstacles, never lose sight of what is ahead and hold onto it with such steadfast patience and endurance.
 
 
 
 

3. North Cornwall – Cross Laminated Timber House

This project showcases some seriously impressive German engineering and manufacturing, designed and crafted to perfection in this stunningly simple home. Perhaps what makes this house exceptional, are it’s designers and makers, who, with quiet tenacity accomplish their incredibly artistic vision.
 
 
 
 

4. Chichester – Natural Living Pool House

This home would certainly be impressive on it’s own, but with the addition of a natural living pool that wraps close beside the home, it becomes breathtakingly wonderful. It’s not just the presence of the pool that inspires content, but the abundance of wildlife that it draws in, creating a home sanctuary that is not only tranquil but incredibly therapeutic.
 

 

 

5. Falmouth – An Excellent House

This is a special project. Designed and project managed by the owner of the property, this house inspired me for the very simple reason that it stayed not just on budget, but slightly under. It doesn’t try to be complicated or unnecessarily excessive, but it focuses on staying relevant and practical for those who will live there. It is a testament to attention to detail, careful planning and personal creative vision.