Grand Designs Season 7 Episode 3 Series 7 Episode 3

In Season 7 Episode 3 of the award-winning TV show Grand Designs, host Kevin McCloud continues to showcase ambitious and innovative building projects around the UK. Each episode chronicles the journey of a couple or an individual set on creating their dream home or a unique living space that suits their lifestyle and personal aesthetics. The show follows the entire process from conception to completion, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with building a house from scratch.

In this episode, viewers get to meet a couple named Paul and Amy Wilkinson, who have decided to build a unique home on a stretch of land in Nottinghamshire that used to be a World War II airfield. The land is filled with concrete runways and dilapidated old buildings, but Paul, a former Royal Engineer, and Amy, a graphic designer, see potential in the site to create a modern, sustainable home that blends in with the history and context of the area.

The couple's vision for their home is ambitious and daring - they want to build a curvilinear structure made of glass and steel that mimics the graceful lines of a Spitfire plane. The house will comprise four "fuselages," each representing a different section of the house, and will be arranged in a star shape around a central core. The design is inspired by the couple's love for planes and aviation, and they want the house to be a nod to the airfield's past while also being a contemporary and striking piece of architecture.

The build is not without its challenges, as the site is remote and there are no local builders in the area with experience in building such a unique structure. Paul and Amy, however, are undeterred and decide to take on the project themselves, using their skills and knowledge to oversee every aspect of the build. They also employ a team of specialist subcontractors to help with the more technical aspects of the construction, such as the curved beams and the glazing.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to watch as Paul and Amy tackle the various challenges that arise during the build, from dealing with the harsh winter weather to resolving issues with the contractors. The show also highlights the couple's attention to detail and their commitment to creating a sustainable and energy-efficient home. They install a ground-source heat pump for heating and cooling, a rainwater harvesting system, and even plan to use the concrete from the original runways as a foundation for the house.

As the build progresses, viewers get to see how the house takes shape and how it fits into the landscape around it. The curved walls and windows create a feeling of fluidity and motion, while the use of wood, metal, and concrete gives the house an industrial yet warm feel. The finished product is a testament to Paul and Amy's vision and determination, and showcases the power of architecture to tell a story and create a connection between the past and the present.

Overall, Season 7 Episode 3 of Grand Designs is a fascinating and inspiring look at what can be achieved when creativity, passion, and hard work come together. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in architecture, design, and building, and shows how even the wildest dreams can become reality with enough tenacity and perseverance.