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

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

- YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI

RAISING THE ROOF: Kevin at the site of a kit house in 2001

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.