What did you miss?
The latest episode of Channel 4’s long-running series Grand Designs saw couple Adam and Tassy taking a frightening risk by modifying their Northamptonshire water tower.
Having met its buyers, who got hold of the brutalist structure in 2019 for £100,000, programme presenter Kevin McCloud caught up with site architect Tom Bell who revealed that its neighbouring electrical substation posed a potential nightmare.
The home, which still hadn’t been completed after five years of reconstruction, would be at the mercy of an acoustics test. If it didn’t pass, Adam, Tassy and their three kids wouldn’t be allowed to live there.
What, how and why?
Tom told Kevin, who thought the whole project was bonkers: “I think the sheer volume of the space sets up challenges with the project – those 550 square metres of floorspace.”
“Size is one big issue but sound is another problem, a problem so serious it could jeopardise this hub ever becoming a home,” the presenter teased via narration, as Tom explained the situation.
“There’s a lot to be done in terms of acoustics, given the substation and the proximity. The conditions in planning are set up as such that an acoustic test has to be done on the building once it’s completed before it can be declared inhabitable.”
“Wow, so you’ve gotta finish the thing before you find out whether you can live in it!” replied an aghast Kevin. “If Adam cannot control the constant substation hum that embraces his site, the years of work he plans to invest in this building will be in vain.”
By the end of the episode, the family had sold their old house and were essentially living on the ground floor of the water tower, with approximately a further two years of work ahead of them.
Read more:
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Grand Designs fans posted on X (formerly Twitter) in their droves on Wednesday, 23 October, but this episode only produced a lingering taste of disappointment for them it seemed.
“The kids will have flown the tower by the time that’s finished,” quipped one individual, before another added: “This is the most bonkers & most depressing #granddesigns I have seen.”
I fear for the couple on #granddesigns tonight. 5 years, less than 50% complete. No money to accelerate. Sold their home. And not currently in possession of a saleable asset. The wife displayed a sense of ennui, the husband seemed slowly coming to the realisation it was undoable.
— Carl Howard (@carlfhoward) October 23, 2024
What a waste of money, years, blood, sweat, and tears for them and for their kids. 🤦🏻♂️ #granddesigns
— Niall Huggan 📷🚶🏻🎨🎵 (@hugan) October 23, 2024
#granddesigns honestly the worst bit, it’s not finished and when it finally is done, they still may not pass the noise certification requirement! Who knows how regulations will change in another five years
— Ben Erwine (@BenErwine) October 23, 2024
The most ridiculous episode I’ve seen. Yes you can have dreams but this is just total delusion on every level. #granddesigns
— JK (@CavemanJK) October 23, 2024
Grand Designs airs on Channel 4, with its entire catalogue available to stream on 4OD.
