New TV series: Future Proof home

A super high-spec zero-carbon dwelling sat on the edge of the West Pennine hills.

By Paul Oneal | 4 January 2017

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.

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.

new tv series future proof home

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

Image: Matt Chisnall

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