Ep 9. Revisited - Monmouthshire: Japanese House

Revisited - Monmouthshire: Japanese House is the ninth episode of the fourteenth season of the popular home renovation show, Grand Designs. The show follows the journey of a couple, Paul and Amy Wilkinson, who decide to build their dream house in the idyllic Welsh countryside. The catch? The house they envision is a traditional Japanese-style home, a departure from the usual vernacular architecture found in the area.

The episode starts by revisiting the Wilkinson family, who had first appeared in the show five years earlier, when they commenced building their home. The couple explains how building a Japanese-style home was a challenge in itself, as they had to find the right team of architects, builders, and craftsmen who understood the nuances involved. For instance, a Japanese-style home is based on the principles of harmony with nature, simplicity, and elegance. Therefore, every detail of the house, from the materials used, the layout, and the fixtures had to align with these principles.

The episode then transports us back in time, to the beginning of the project. We see the couple embarking on this laborious and expensive project with great enthusiasm and determination. The couple, who had never attempted a project of this scale before, faced hurdles and challenges throughout the build, such as delays, weather issues, and acquiring planning permission. Also, building a house that is not typical of the area meant that the couple had to overcome some cultural barriers. The architects, in particular, had to learn about the Japanese way of building and adhere to the time-honored traditions that form the basis of Japanese architecture.

However, the couple and their team persevered, and the building began to take shape. The 4,000 square feet house took three years to complete and boasts unique features such as a Zen garden, a traditional Hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass) covered roof, and a striking "kabuki window," which is a type of a large, vertical window commonly found in traditional Japanese architecture.

Throughout the episode, we see the couple taking great care to incorporate both traditional Japanese culture and the Welsh landscape into their home. For example, they spent a great deal of time and effort selecting Japanese materials for their home, such as Hinoki wood, which has an unmistakable cedar scent. The couple also incorporated local Welsh materials, like Welsh slate, to help it blend in with the surrounding landscape. This added to the overall unique aesthetic of the home.

The final result is an impressive fusion of Japanese and Welsh styles and is a testament to the couple's vision, work ethic, and dedication. The home that the Wilkinson's have created is not only beautiful, but it is functional too. The house is designed to make the most of natural light and ventilation, and the interior spaces flow seamlessly into each other, creating a sense of tranquility and calm.

Revisited - Monmouthshire: Japanese House is an awe-inspiring episode that showcases the beauty of blending different cultures within architecture. The Wilkinson's home stands as a stunning example of how eclectic architecture can enhance both the aesthetic and the functionality of a home. It is a story of grit, determination, and most importantly, the power of a grand idea.