Ep 1. South Yorkshire: The 1920's Cinema

In Grand Designs season 13 episode 1, viewers get to take a glimpse into the world of architecture and design as Kevin McCloud takes on another exciting project. This episode is titled "South Yorkshire: The 1920's Cinema," and as the name suggests, it is all about a cinema that is being renovated to make it livable.

The episode follows a couple, Mimi and Adrian, who purchased the building in South Yorkshire with the vision of turning it into a unique and stunning home. The building dates back to the 1920s and has been a cinema, a bingo hall, and a hair salon at different times. The couple has an ambitious plan that involves conserving the Art Deco façade that earned the property the nickname "The Job Centre."

The building is very large, and it's clear from the start that this is going to be a complex project. The couple has some general ideas of how they want the new house to look like, but they face plenty of obstacles along the way, and the renovation turns out to be a lot more complicated than they had anticipated.

One of the biggest challenges that Mimi and Adrian face, right from the get-go, is to make the building completely waterproof. It's an old cinema, which means that there are various angles and corners that need to be taken care of, especially if they don't want to ruin the Art Deco exterior. The structure is also prone to flooding, which means they must come up with an innovative plan to prevent flooding.

As is common in any Grand Designs episode, the team faces numerous setbacks and unforeseen problems. They are soon hit by several issues that require significant changes to their original plans. For instance, they have to locate the roof and collapse the second floor to make it appropriate for the new design. This setback causes a considerable delay in the renovation's timeline, and the couple focuses on regrouping to ensure they stay on course.

The couple also has a very limited budget, which means they have to scrimp and save, but they are determined to get the job done. The work takes longer than anticipated, delays are faced, and the budget gets stretched. The two-story structure is vast and requires structural work and specialist materials to get all the details right.

Despite the delays and budget constraints, the couple perseveres, and their hard work eventually pays off when the house is finally completed. Viewers get to see the amazing transformation of the old cinema into a cozy family home. The finished property features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a craft room, and a unique sunroom that extends into the garden.

The renovation of what was a derelict cinema and bingo hall into a family home presents all sorts of problems. The owners have to work closely with the local council to change the building's designation, and this takes a bit of time. The Art Deco frontage is so iconic that they have to take great care not to upset the locals.

Overall, Grand Designs season 13 episode 1 "South Yorkshire: The 1920's Cinema" is a must-watch for anyone who loves design and architecture. The episode provides an insightful and engaging look into the world of renovation and all the unique challenges faced by homeowners looking to create their perfect home. The couple's journey is inspiring, and anyone who embarks on a similar project can take a lesson or two from their story.