Grand Designs doesn't preach... it shows exemplar projects

KEVIN MCCLOUD REFLECTS ON HIS PROPERTY SHOW'S LEGACY AND THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING. BY YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI

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WHEN Kevin McCloud first started filming Channel 4’s Grand Designs in 1999, building sustainable homes was a “green fringe activity”.

Now, 26 years later, every home is built to low-carbon standards and people are more conscious of their environmental responsibility, says the Bedfordshire-born designer, author and television presenter.

Even though championing environmental issues is a priority for Kevin, educating audiences about “pioneering and exemplary” projects like the One Planet in west Walesfeatured in the upcoming series of Grand Designs - motivates him to do what he does.

In each episode, the 66-year-old visits a project with a client to discuss building plans, which are visualised using a computer-aided design tool afterwards.

Once work begins on the project, Kevin visits the site periodically to monitor the building progress and determine if there will be any potential completion delays.

It’s only when the project is finished or in a near-finished state - which allows for occupants to move in - that he makes his final visit, and takes viewers on a house tour, making note of its key characteristics and often groundbreaking construction.