Ep 5. London: The Derelict Water Tower

Grand Designs season 12 episode 5, titled "London: The Derelict Water Tower," follows a couple, Leigh and Richard, as they embark on an ambitious project to transform a disused water tower in London into their dream home.

The tower, which was built in the 1870s and had been abandoned for over a decade, was in a state of disrepair and required extensive renovation work. Leigh and Richard enlisted the help of architect Mike Rundell to help them transform the tower into a modern four-story home that would make the most of the tower's unique features.

The episode begins with Leigh and Richard giving a tour of the dilapidated tower, showing viewers the extent of the work that was needed to make it habitable. The first hurdle they faced was obtaining planning permission from the local council, which proved to be a lengthy and challenging process.

Once planning permission was secured, the couple began the task of renovating the tower, which involved knocking out walls, installing new pipes and wiring, and reinforcing the structure to make it safe. They also added a unique feature to the tower, a glass and steel staircase that spirals up through the middle of the building.

As the construction progressed, the episode highlights the challenges Leigh and Richard faced in terms of budget and timeline. The couple had to make difficult decisions about where to cut costs to stay within their budget and had to find creative solutions to unexpected problems that arose during the construction process.

The episode also focuses on the design choices the couple made, including the use of sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials. The tower's walls were insulated with wool, and the heating system was powered by a ground-source heat pump, making the home energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

As the construction nears completion, the episode shows the couple moving in and making the finishing touches to their new home. Leigh and Richard are delighted with the finished product, which combines the tower's original features with modern design elements to create a unique and stunning home.

Overall, Grand Designs season 12 episode 5 is an inspiring and fascinating look into the challenges and rewards of transforming a derelict building into someone's dream home. With its focus on sustainable design and environmentally-friendly materials, the episode also highlights the growing trend towards eco-friendly homes in the UK.