'Grand Designs doesn't preach'

Kevin McCloud reflects on his legacy on Channel 4's Grand Designs, and the need for affordable housing. Grand Designs comes to Channel 4 on Wednesday, October 1

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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”.

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

Even though championing environmental issues is a priority for McCloud, educating audiences about “pioneering and exemplary” projects like the One Planet in west Wales - which is featured in the upcoming series of Grand Designs - encapsulates why he is still motivated 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, McCloud 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 McCloud makes his final visit, and takes viewers on a house tour, making note of its key characteristics and often groundbreaking construction.