Couldn’t visit Grand Designs Live 2024? Here’s what you missed at the Birmingham show
The self-build and renovation spectacular returned to the NEC last week - here's the highlights...
Grand Designs Live returned to the Birmingham NEC last week and was, as usual, packed with creative inspiration, sustainable innovations and all-round handy advice – as well as being opened by Grand Designs’ much loved presenter, Kevin McCloud.
Missed out on visiting the self-build spectacular? Don’t fret – we’ve got the highlights on what (and when to mark your calendars for next year and Grand Designs Live 2025…)
1. Kevin McCloud buried a time capsule!
This year, Grand Designs on Channel 4 turned 25 and to mark this milestone, Kevin McCloud buried a time capsule outside the entrance of the Grand Designs Live NEC venue.
The time capsule was buried as a tribute to all of the stories and memories that have made the last 25 years of the Grand Designs TV show so special. It will be dug up in another 25 years’ time – in the hope of comparing how design has changed from 2024 to 2049.
Kevin’s time capsule contains:
- Kevin’s high-vis jacket (that he’s worn every year at Grand Designs Live)
- A pocket-size home model – a pocket-sized model of Monty Ravenscroft’s home, featuring the famous ‘sliding roof’ and ‘corner less garage’ from season nine, episode one.
- A chisel – in series 18, during an emotional episode of Grand Designs, Joe Stuart used his dad’s chisel to fit the cladding on his home after a fallout with a contractor.
- A wood-fire mug – From the ‘Life on the Hill’ episode of Grand Designs, the mug, made by one of the daughters, signifies the moments that they had with Kevin during coffee breaks whilst filming.
- Clay tile – Richard and Sophie Hawkes built an iconic eco-house in the Kentish countryside in Season 11, Episode One. The clay tile is one that helped to build the iconic arch that rested above their home
- Glulam and an infrared net – Kevin has also included these items as he believes they will be mainstays in the future of eco-friendly and sustainable design.
2. The Grand House
This show-stopping home took centre stage at the NEC – and was a favourite with Grand Designs Live visitors.
Arguably the centrepiece of the event, the Grand House seamlessly blended stunning design with cutting edge tech – whilst also emphasising sustainability.
Visitors were able to meet advisors from all the brands featured in the house, and were also able to order the showcased products directly.
The house was truly stunning and included a jaw-dropping installation by Birkdale Kitchen Co, paint from Coat Paints, artwork from CheshirePaint and inventive wardrobe solutions from Smiths Fitted Wardrobes.
Design fans were also delighted by an expertly styled secret door leading to a pop-up bar area – where they could sip on delicious cocktails all made using a BLANCO tap.
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3. Grand Designs at 25 celebrations
Everyone was in high spirits for the GD at 25 celebrations – from exhibitors to Grand Designs fans and avid renovators.
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4. Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes
Every year Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes celebrates the best conceptual and eco-friendly construction ideas and this year was no different.
Kevin personally selects his top heroes for each show, from small-scale start-ups to big businesses setting a green example for the rest of the industry.
Highlights this year included bioMATTERS, Leap by Beyond Leather, Josephine Drew Design, Home Health Expert Limited and more.
When is Grand Designs Live back in 2025?
If you’re a returning visitor and long-running fan of the Grand Designs Live exhibition (or you missed the exhibition this year and want to make sure you don’t in 2025) it’s time to mark you calendars.
Grand Designs Live is back in London, at ExCel 2-5 May 2025 – and will also be returning to the NEC in Birmingham later in the year. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.
Full information and tickets can be found here.
