Anyone see tonights episode?
Building a house around a derelict water tower.
Seems like people will turn anything into a home nowadays.

Can't wait for next weeks show, maybe they'll turn
a pilon into an arty designer pad.

I must say the "Water tower home in Kent" is one of the best I've seen.
When I first saw the concrete shell I thought what a pair of twats, so was utterly delighted to see the end result. This was a supreme example of client/Architect working in harmony and in empathy, dream clients, that had the intelligence and trust in the right architect. Was this just a lucky meeting of minds. I think not, that couple knew exactly who to choose, thats my guess. and to do the whole job for £300k was a credit to the Architect, cheap for the finished job.
I can see why Kevin McCloud is so watchable. His concluding summaries are pure poetry. well done Kevin.

Compared to last weeks episode the architect was impressive. They obviously chose the right man for the job.

His idea of wrapping timber with the equivalent of kitchen foil to give it that steel look was straight out of Blue Peter

It was certainly a grand design, and it has been done before, but not with a concrete structure like that.

The House in the Clouds

It is quite a magnificent site as you are driving through the country lanes.

quote:

Originally posted by stateofplay:
It was certainly a grand design, and it has been done before, but not with a concrete structure like that.

The House in the Clouds

It is quite a magnificent site as you are driving through the country lanes.

Oh wow! I think I remember it being on the local news some years ago. Might be worth a drive this bank holiday weekend.

quote:

Originally posted by Designs that speak:
This was a supreme example of client/Architect working in harmony and in empathy, dream clients, that had the intelligence and trust in the right architect.

...apart from not it not being the original design they wanted, late completion and over budget. Your not a Architect yourself by any chance?

Think there's universal agreement here.

Inspired design, architect with huge flair and competence and two genuinely nice people who made a change from the usual slightly arrogant/pompous types. Did cringe when they called it "she" though - expect they have a name for their Renault Laguna too.

Will keep 'em fit too, with all those stairs.

Well, the good thing about watching this series over the years is that you learn so much. If I ever want to self build, I will remember the following;

Architects seem to guess a lot, and consequently get things wrong.

Whatever the cost the Architect says, add at least 50% to be on the safe side.

Whenever the build is scheduled to complete, add 3-6 months.

What works in a drawing doesn't neccesarily work in reality.

Builders do not work at Christmas time.

Suppliers can be unreliable, so your building materials may well be late.

So as long as I remember all of the above, I should be OK!

I thought it was great. And you know, they're a couple heading for retirement and they wanted their dream property, their project. And prepared to live in a caravan for 2 years to do so. They never mentioned children, but they are inspiring in that after they've gone the house will still be there for many years, but if nobody else likes it, it doesn't matter cos they built it, they loved it, they lived in it and once they're gone the value in pound notes doesn't matter.

Very laid back couple and although the house itself was not my cup of tea to live in, I can see why they love it. Also love how they are not buying into the minimalist furniture to fit with the angles and curves. They like old stuff, they'll have it!

Fantastic builders as well, completely dedicated to the job.

Everyone on that team, though it took a long time in the end, must have an amazing sense of satisfaction.

And less than £40K over budget really wasn't bad going either.

I didn't like the look from outside, rather ugly... in my opinion but the inside was FAB.

I hope the 5 dogs enjoy living there, especially after having a whole caravan to themselves!

The house (on the inside!) was quite nice. Did not like the staircase at all it reminded me of something you see in an office block. Loved the kitchen and the blue bar. All in all a pleasant change to the usual designs seen on this programme recently - I mean, how many more times do we need to see houses that are completely open plan with a massive expanse of windows before the prog gets boring?! I liked that fact it was a bit different.

I just loved the fact they had this ultra modern/urban style of building but the furniture was of a completely different style.

Why do people on this show never have curtains/blinds? I just couldn't sit comfortably in a room at night with the windows being bare (yes I know they don't exactly fit into the mantra of "letting the outside in" but come on!!)

Aargh, I missed it. I have classes on Wednesday evenings now.

when is the repeat on please?

thanks,

Ary.

It will be repeated on More4, over the weekend

It is repeated tonight on More4 about 10pm and then again at 11.00pm on More4 plus1

Thank you... thank goodness for Cable!

Ary.

quote:

Compared to last weeks episode the architect was impressive. They obviously chose the right man for the job.

What was wrong with the architect last week?
The house in Scotland was poetry. The views it drew in,the flow of space,the use of natural light the delightful, well balanced, attractive exterior etc etc.

This week,I have to admit I loved the legs of the water tower and thought the shape of it was going to be lost in the build. I thought they ought to consider a new build and using it as a garden room. How wrong I was, the end result was magnificent.
I loved the fact that the programme evolved rather like unwrapping a Xmas present.
The windows cut in to the side were the first indication it was going to be something special and then the rest came together like a jigsaw puzzle but we were only allowed to see it in it's wonderful entirety at the finish.

IMHO, I don't think many GDs have had such a sense of excitement / expectation culminating in a great ending.

This week and last week have been examples of people who haven't got that much money and are prepared to take a risk,albeit a calculated one. They have both chosen architects that show what can be done and that we,now, in the 21C are at long last throwing off the 80s and 90s, a period of mainly poor architecture in he UK and are being creative again.

What is so great about these unusual properties and experiences featured in Grand Designs is that the owners want a home, their home. Not an investment, not a money maker, a home. And never mind if it doesn't appeal to the 'mass market' for resale - cos they don't plan on going anyway.

Refreshing.

Sorry but I have to disagree with with what they were trying to achieve last night.
They missed a Golden Opportunity to replace the roof with the same as the original from 100 years ago and that was a lovely peg and hand-made red clay tile roof we saw in the original photograph of the water tower instead of that they chose tin!! well, alright it was zinc coated tin but what in heavens name were they thinking of....especially the Architect who perhaps should have advised them on that roof design....maybe he did.... who knows?
Not for me. I would rather spend my £300,000 on something else.
Mel.