Grand Designs Season 3 Episode 1 Peterborough: The Wooden Box

Peterborough: The Wooden Box is the first episode of the third season of the popular British television show, Grand Designs. The episode centers around a couple named Lincoln Miles and wife Lisa Traxler, who are pursuing their lifelong dream of building a home that is both beautiful and environmentally sustainable.

The couple has chosen to build on a plot of land in Peterborough, a town in eastern England. The plot is surrounded by mature trees and is located adjacent to a beautiful lake. The couple's aim is to create a home that blends in seamlessly with the natural surroundings, utilizing sustainable materials and practices.

Their chosen design is a radical departure from traditional British homes, a rectangular box constructed entirely of wood. The exterior of the home is clad with cedar wood shingles and the walls, floor, and roof are constructed of cross-laminated timber. The wooden construction gives the home a warm, natural feeling while also providing excellent insulation and reduced energy consumption.

The home is designed with multiple levels, with the main living areas and kitchen on the ground floor and the bedrooms and bathroom on the upper level. The open-plan design of the living areas means the main living spaces flow effortlessly between one another, creating a light, airy, and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the unique features of the design is its incredible wall of windows. Nearly the entire exterior is made up of floor-to-ceiling glass, providing amazing views of the lake and surrounding forest. The windows were custom-made to meet the needs of the home, offering high levels of energy efficiency while still maintaining the contemporary look of the home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey as the couple works tirelessly to bring their dream home to fruition. We see them overcome numerous challenges, including budget overruns, design challenges, and unexpected construction delays.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is seeing how the couple navigates the complex world of sustainable construction. They work closely with architects and construction professionals to incorporate materials and features that promote energy efficiency and minimize the home's environmental impact.

Overall, Peterborough: The Wooden Box is a fascinating episode of Grand Designs that showcases the creativity and determination of homeowners who are dedicated to building homes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable. Through every step of the process, the couple remains focused on their vision, overcoming some significant challenges along the way, to create a remarkable home that perfectly blends in with its natural surroundings.