A super high-spec zero-carbon dwelling sat on the edge of the West Pennine hills. While Paul Rimmer may be a serial builder, this is his biggest, most ambitious project to date.

Who Paul and Carol Rimmer
Where Bolton
Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4
Size 490sqm
Plot cost Land already owned
Build budget £425,000
Architect John Pickup

Designed by architect John Pickup to be a forever home for Paul, Carol, dog Baloo, and three often-visiting daughters, it’s a super high-spec, zero-carbon dwelling on the edge of the West Pennine hills.

Due to Paragraph 55, which grants permission for exceptional architectural designs on greenbelt land, they were able to build their vast timber-frame house. It’s going to be tough on Paul, though, who’s constructing almost the entire building with best-friend Graeme and the odd helping hand from other friends and family.

Not only that, but Paul's background is in traditional construction, not contemporary, high-tech design and, if he’s honest, he’s not entirely sold on modern buildings… will the couple both grow to love their eco Code Level 6 home?

To read the full article and for more TV house previews, pick up the November issue, out October 10th 2016

Photography: Matt Chisnall

Article accurate at time of print, November 2016