These Grand Designs televised builds are sure to inspire your DIY and self build projects over the spring break
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If you find yourself running low on TV to catch up over the bank holiday, the good news is that there's 20 series of Grand Designs ready and waiting for you to re-watch over on Channel 4.
You may want to work your way through them, but if you're looking for some specific inspiration, the Grand Designs magazine team has picked out some of their favourite episodes to inspire your viewing.
Have a favourite ever episode? Make sure to let yours be known on Twitter @granddesigns.
Timber cottage renovation, North Cornwall
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Grand Designs magazine editor Karen Stylianides picked the renovation of this timber cottage as one of her favourite Grand Designs projects for the innovation and amazing use of cross-laminated timber. "The architect used his skills to turn the mundane into something amazing," she says.
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Water tower conversion, London
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The renovation of an disused water tower is one of content editor Hugh's favourite Grand Designs. The ambitious project required a vast budget to transform the local landmark into a home while preserving its history, not least in competing with the challenging proportions of the building. "From the very beginning, it seemed like a completely impractical idea - but you can't argue with the final results. The living space with 360 degree views is outstanding."
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
The Rockhouse, Worcestershire
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The rockhouse was designed and created by Angelo Mastropietro when he bought the mass of stone in an auction on his birthday. Content producer Becca Green chose this episode as one of her all-time favourites because: "It epitomises what a grand designer is – an individual with a vision that is dedicated in seeing the project through from beginning to completion. The fact that the build was carved entirely out of stone makes the interior cave-like and hopelessly romantic."
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Barcelona Pavilion-inspired home, West Sussex
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Remaining one of Grand Designs' largest ever projects, this West Susex build, inspired by the sublime Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, is another of Karen's top picks. "The owner was striving for visual perfection and obssessed with the smallest details, but this came at a price. A bricks and mortar realisation of one man's personality."
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Steam bent house, Cornwall
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Tom and Danielle Raffield transformed their tiny 4-room cottage in Cornwall by designing a beautiful timber extension, which featured the exquisite craftsmanship used in their successful furniture business. Becca’s reasoning for choosing this self-build was the emphasis on intricate design and the specific process of steam bending that was used to create many interesting features in this grand build.
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
The Tree House, Gloucestershire
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Building a tree house may seem like a childhood dream come to life, but in this instance it was a more practical choice. All the trees on the Jon Martin and Noreen Jaafar's plot were listed as it's a conservation area, so the couple had to build up in order to create a space that is light and bright. "You can't ignore the idyllic fairytale of living among the trees," says editor Karen. "This house is fantastical living for grownups."
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Lighthouse, North Devon
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This project from the latest series of Grand Designs made for must-watch TV, although it was not necessarily the most uplifting of stories. "Edward's Grand Designs journey piqued the interest of a lot of viewers judging but their responses online, and I know that a revisit will be much anticipated by everyone to see if he can find a way to finish the project," says content editor Hugh.
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Dinton Castle, Aylesbury
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One man's vision drives forward this project to restore and give new life to a quirky folly at Dinton Castle in Aylesbury. Jaime and Mimi Fernandez not only created a family home, but restored a local landmark during the rocky process of this restoration. "A family living on the edge of disaster to make a dream come true, but was it worth the risk?," asks editor Karen.
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Cob house, East Devon
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The Cob House was a true labour of love by owner Kevin McCabe, taking 7 years to make with over 2000 tonnes of cob. Content producer Becca says: "This had to be in my top three builds because of the sheer passion and hard work that was put in to this magnificent build. Not only this but it was built to meet the highest standards of sustainability and boasts an impressive roof garden that helps the build blend into the landscape that is sits upon.'
Find the episode on Channel 4 here.
Do you have a favourite ever episode? Let us know by tweeting us @granddesigns or posting a comment on our Facebook page.
