Seeing this episode now, what 25 yrs on(?), these people were at the cutting edge of "eco-housing"... yet the Swedish (and others?) had been building this way back then, many years. Have we all learned nothing? Or simply intransigent in sharing technology and ideas? I hope this family enjoyed their lovely home for many yrs.❤
So interesting watching this 21 years from when it was made. The Tiny House movement was yet to begin so the values of living in the caravans were not considered so highly. ...but the ecologically, environmentally friendly movement was already on its way.... I must say, I've always loved this program.
Lovely home and the design,green cred and interior style have aged so beautifully.Would love to know how this family have enjoyed their home in the 25 yrs since the build was completed.
I am absolutely full of admiration for these girls not only because they were doing it in such a low budget but because already ran almost quarter of a century ago they were Trendsetters and really had a vision and how to build something that is sustainable and I’m sure it has paid off millions of times Since then. Yes the house is not finished and we are watching it and there are still so many little things they need to finish up and probably now they are empty nesters and it would be so amazing to revisit the place and see how they lived. I love The honesty on how hard it was and their relationship And I love it even more how do you saw an opportunity to actually create a whole new business. And I absolutely agree with his outlook at looking at building his own house as going to school for the business he’s creating
If anyone lives in this area and knows this house I would love an update all these years later. I'm the same age as the 4yr old daughter (did the math). Blows my mind that grand designs about 30yrs under its belt now
This episode has just come on late night on the lifestyle channel for me and I am wondering about this family now 25 years later, along with the house. Do they still life there? What did the children grow up and become. So interesting ☺️
I am really surprised that environmentally they haven't gone down the route of catching rain water. In 5 years since we started that we do not use tap water for watering the garden or providing water for our dogs.
@@SailorAllan I think so too. Their youngest daughter is the same age as my daughter, and she went bye-bye almost 3 years ago for studies. Huhmmm....Good thing i have my 11 yr old son still at home ;)
@@SailorAllan Probably, yes. But I'm almost certain they still live there, as it was such a passion project. I doubt they have moved into a traditional non-enviromental home.
I can report that it still looks excellent and has mellowed into the surroundings. It was sold a few years ago, the owners now live in France, the girls have indeed flown the coup. Little Freya Roy is a talented musician who’s work can be found on UA-cam
The passive heating system worked perfectly, the black water sewage needed modification by adding an aerator pump but from then on worked fine. One thing that proved very useful was being able to get under the house to repair pipes etc.
I would love a follow up...it's over 2 decades ago and the "eco" construction industry has grown and changed enormously in that time, This family were pioneers and for that I applaud them👏👏👏👏
Not so much, environmental concern was wide-spread and largely shared by the majority of population, specifically after the Earth Summit conference in Rio de Janeiro (1992). It just all went rapidly backwards in the early 2000s due to a lot of dis-information efforts by the oil industry and other conservative political groups.
I would have gotten frustrated like Adam did, when Rob seems to rudely interrupt just about everyone else who attempts to talk. I don't think he is intentionally rude, but I'd have had words with him or would have left him to talk to himself.
Lovely mother/intelligent couple and quite a bit ahead of their time. Now, EVERYONE's doing it. But back then, it was still pioneering. My usual complaint; SMALL WINDOWS in the bedrooms. Fantastic views you have to crane your head and squint to see. I will never understand this mindlessness (poor planning). Living in SUCH A BEAUTIFUL place and not making the most of it by installing huge windows. That will ALWAYS be top of my list.
Just one bathroom for five people and four are female, unless they didn't show it. I always wonder about what these people look like and are doing now that it's twenty years later, those girls might have kids of their own now.
This was not one of my favorite episodes. IMO the husband was being a bit cavalier about his family's living conditions. I hope it was all worth it in the end. 🙄
I'll never understand why anyone would start a project like this without having secured all of the funding they need. It makes no sense. I have no sympathy for people who put themselves in a situation of such uncertainty, but it is frequently the case.
There is no need to be millimeter perfect but care should be made to be a good as you can if you want excellent results. It is hard to know what is good enough and what is sloppy work. Knowing the difference is what makes the difference between an adequate job and an excellent job. I don't like the low flush toilet even in 02019 they still do not get all the shit flushed away.
I don't know what it is, actually, I think I do. Rob is a dick. He's so full of himself and unwilling to let others contribute their thoughts and I can see that frustrates the fuck out of his partner. Moving on however, I do like Kevin's honesty with regard this build. The vocal support he gives Alida (sp?) is what Rob should be providing, and though some will say, "you don't know their relationship", it is amazing how much one can glean in these snippets. She sounds like Princess Diana doing the best she can but close to breaking point.
0:56 - I find it interesting that back in the 90s Kevin considered homes like this beautiful and now, I'm not clear how he considers them, any longer. Whether back in the 80s, 90s or now, these places remain, beautiful while being decorated in older styles, as well. Not a fan of current, decorating, tends. Not a fan, at all! My Retro/Vintage Best. Out.
Some of the sewage systems, once they reach the end of their lifespan.. Maybe 50 years at tops.. will be so toxic and disgusting, that tearing down the home will require a hazmat team.. other than that? cool house.
Tough job but miraclically it was completed and skillfully done. Thanks the good Lord God YHVH of Israel, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth. He has Bestowed upon Mankind such brilliant attributes for Sustainability and Survival. NB : Shalom and Godspeed brethrens, especially the little precious ones.
So excited to build their new eco-house. Not realizing the sacrifice that goes into building a new eco-house yourself she says; "if it wasn't for the kids I would have left," then turns to him and says; "but everything is ok now." Gee? Thanks??? I wonder if she did leave him and take half the house with her?
Hard to believe that the couple could easily be grandparents by now! On the issue of the house, I still have my doubts about the real sustainability of this built. It´s also a formidable eyesore, not at all beautiful! It would feel much more at home on a Wisconsin farm than in rural England. I hope someone has taken it down by now!
Rob was a complete know-it-all. He starts out building his sustainable home by using concrete which even in 1998 was known to be the WORST possible material for the environment. Then he has to order timber and windows from Sweden and God only knows how much fuel he used for that. Plus, he’s just so smug.
I tend to think Rob is kinda lazy wants all those things yet didn't have the money 🙃 😕 I couldn't believe it wen his wife said they had no money for food, yet here they are building a bloody new house and they don't even have the funds for it, unreal.
In America a few people envision ed such house in 1998 but few people built them due to building permit problems and cost. The house should last with maintenance (more than I would like to put into a house) and should save them money. Not quite my type of house. Land is way too expensive where they built at least when compared to America. I guess I would have tried to open for a smaller lawn.
I think the interior design/ decoration made it look and feel just like an ordinary house..with all the time and effort put in the build I feel they could have done better...just saying
I admire their philosophy, but really, could you be bothered being that pedantic with conservation. It amazes me that a family would proceed with a build without having their finances in place beforehand.
My comment is generic to the Grand Design series. One of my favorite Grand Design quotes is "They are hoping for the mortgage to be approved" .. most things in life are a leap of faith .. the degree that you're trying to span with that leap should be measurable... It's hard to hear when the self-builders "unknown" is the cost and worst yet the method of financing.. Nothing but respect for the attitude to press on .. I'm genuinely surprised that some of the self-builders haven't gone to a casino and bet $100 on Red/Black until they have enough to proceed past whatever impasse they are currently at. Maybe they do and don't want to share that with the wider audience :).
Haha what a Devilish Production crew! Tired, haggard, completely knackered more like! She is talking about being at peace in a lovely environment to live in….. the camera pans to 3 young children all under the ages of 10! Haha the poor pet… you’ve got about at least a decade to get thru before any of that comes!
This host does make a lot of penalizing critical complaints against the properties people build or renovate allowing him to highlight on his show. Tiny amounts of navy blue trim to all that wood that fits into the landscape beautifully, and he thinks it's "Startling blue paint sticks out rather uncomfortably" ???? I think his punitive comments stick out rather uncomfortably that I've repeatedly noticed, as if he always has to knock everyone down if he can. It looks as if the Amish could have built this it is made of so much natural materials. Very beautiful.
Got part way through this and as a qualified builder watching arrogant fools tottering arround making stupid mistakes claiming you dont professionals then meditating as yup dorks nope couldn't carry on.
Seeing this episode now, what 25 yrs on(?), these people were at the cutting edge of "eco-housing"... yet the Swedish (and others?) had been building this way back then, many years. Have we all learned nothing? Or simply intransigent in sharing technology and ideas?
I hope this family enjoyed their lovely home for many yrs.❤
So interesting watching this 21 years from when it was made. The Tiny House movement was yet to begin so the values of living in the caravans were not considered so highly. ...but the ecologically, environmentally friendly movement was already on its way.... I must say, I've always loved this program.
Noticed that too
Lovely home and the design,green cred and interior style have aged so beautifully.Would love to know how this family have enjoyed their home in the 25 yrs since the build was completed.
Ground breaking stuff in 1998, though still tricky to get past planning even now, great show thanks for posting
Rob's haircut deserves an architectural award!
Don't forget, it was the nineties.
The "John Denver" cut.
Definitely from a period in time!
High pants, tucked in shirts,.mullets. Nineties fashion was awesome.
I listen to Rob’s analytical mind and I think of that joke-
What does an Accountant use for a prophylactic? ……..his personality! Haha
Can we revisit 2022..and see how the property is and all family?
You can 'age' the programs, by the hair on Kevin's head, the age is directly proportional to the amount of hair!😊
You mean inversely proportional....the older the age the fewer the hair😁
And the amount of gray/silver 😁
😂😂😂😂
@@wheelermckinnon3682
Nope, the older the program, the younger is Kevin, so more hair!
Not very surpising.
Yellow Pages = a blast from the past !!!
Rob is so calm the programme comes across as a satirical comedy. Lol
I am absolutely full of admiration for these girls not only because they were doing it in such a low budget but because already ran almost quarter of a century ago they were Trendsetters and really had a vision and how to build something that is sustainable and I’m sure it has paid off millions of times Since then. Yes the house is not finished and we are watching it and there are still so many little things they need to finish up and probably now they are empty nesters and it would be so amazing to revisit the place and see how they lived. I love The honesty on how hard it was and their relationship And I love it even more how do you saw an opportunity to actually create a whole new business. And I absolutely agree with his outlook at looking at building his own house as going to school for the business he’s creating
Subtle. I like it.
If anyone lives in this area and knows this house I would love an update all these years later. I'm the same age as the 4yr old daughter (did the math). Blows my mind that grand designs about 30yrs under its belt now
This episode has just come on late night on the lifestyle channel for me and I am wondering about this family now 25 years later, along with the house. Do they still life there? What did the children grow up and become. So interesting ☺️
Wonderful, v brave to build yr own house.. 21 yrs later would love to know how they r....
1:50 little Freya living her best life
Rob reminds me of The Taxman in The Larkins.
I am really surprised that environmentally they haven't gone down the route of catching rain water. In 5 years since we started that we do not use tap water for watering the garden or providing water for our dogs.
I was surprised at that as well, though this was 20 odd years ago, I now live entirely with rain water only, and solar, wonderful- no bills!
I would like to see a follow up to see how this home held up over the last 20 years.
these two are probably empty nesters now...........
@@SailorAllan I think so too. Their youngest daughter is the same age as my daughter, and she went bye-bye almost 3 years ago for studies. Huhmmm....Good thing i have my 11 yr old son still at home ;)
@@SailorAllan Probably, yes. But I'm almost certain they still live there, as it was such a passion project. I doubt they have moved into a traditional non-enviromental home.
I can report that it still looks excellent and has mellowed into the surroundings. It was sold a few years ago, the owners now live in France, the girls have indeed flown the coup. Little Freya Roy is a talented musician who’s work can be found on UA-cam
The passive heating system worked perfectly, the black water sewage needed modification by adding an aerator pump but from then on worked fine. One thing that proved very useful was being able to get under the house to repair pipes etc.
2024 now VHS, BOOKS, ETC 😂😂
I would love a follow up...it's over 2 decades ago and the "eco" construction industry has grown and changed enormously in that time, This family were pioneers and for that I applaud them👏👏👏👏
Wow! Gorgeous house!
YES! Majestic
Agreed, and I disagree with Kevin's comment about it. It looks stunning but maybe back then it looked too modern.
The meditation's cracked me up. 😂
get a life
Very tough, glad they survived.
Series 2 episode 10 is a revisit
thanks!
Gorgeous...
Nice house and they endured a lot to get it.
I've gone back in time.
Wow, they've planned all in 1998 already. What a trendsetter they were in a right direction.
Not so much, environmental concern was wide-spread and largely shared by the majority of population, specifically after the Earth Summit conference in Rio de Janeiro (1992). It just all went rapidly backwards in the early 2000s due to a lot of dis-information efforts by the oil industry and other conservative political groups.
I thought John Denver died but here he is building a house and he changed his name.
more like young Bill Gates
@@alexib2070 - Not even close.
Does he not remind you of John Denver ????
amazing, Im building now what he envisioned 20 years ago.
Got to love TBoD The Bank of Dad!
I would have gotten frustrated like Adam did, when Rob seems to rudely interrupt just about everyone else who attempts to talk. I don't think he is intentionally rude, but I'd have had words with him or would have left him to talk to himself.
Classic narcissistic personality.
Thoroughly unlikeable
Why so many random adverts
He may have lost hair over the seasons but he still managed to stay slim.
That isn't hard to do though....
*+Kay Max*
Quite simply, our dear Mr McCloud is a god like male amongst humanity. He represents all that others should strive to be like.
1999 feels ancient asf look at those furniture
That
Not those
Lovely mother/intelligent couple and quite a bit ahead of their time. Now, EVERYONE's doing it. But back then, it was still pioneering. My usual complaint; SMALL WINDOWS in the bedrooms. Fantastic views you have to crane your head and squint to see. I will never understand this mindlessness (poor planning). Living in SUCH A BEAUTIFUL place and not making the most of it by installing huge windows. That will ALWAYS be top of my list.
Unfortunately, larger windows are quite cost prohibitive. If they're paneless then the thickness comes into play. 😊
With children it is a safety measure to have smaller windows. I think it's smart planning personally as a Mother.
It's not YOUR house though .
Nobody cares what you think
@@peterherrington3300 It's not my house, no one cares what I think? How old are you, 12?
Porque no tienen estos episodios en Netflix?
Me gustaría ver estas temporadas, son muy inspiradoras.
Grand home
Just one bathroom for five people and four are female, unless they didn't show it. I always wonder about what these people look like and are doing now that it's twenty years later, those girls might have kids of their own now.
Where can I get all the seasons of grand design so far?
The could have used the Japanese stone and wood method instead of the concrete footers.
That bloke looks like a 15 year-old IT geek
Where are the other seasons!? I'm more than willing to pay. Just make them available!
This was not one of my favorite episodes. IMO the husband was being a bit cavalier about his family's living conditions. I hope it was all worth it in the end. 🙄
I'll never understand why anyone would start a project like this without having secured all of the funding they need. It makes no sense. I have no sympathy for people who put themselves in a situation of such uncertainty, but it is frequently the case.
There is no need to be millimeter perfect but care should be made to be a good as you can if you want excellent results. It is hard to know what is good enough and what is sloppy work. Knowing the difference is what makes the difference between an adequate job and an excellent job. I don't like the low flush toilet even in 02019 they still do not get all the shit flushed away.
I cannot stand people that are so anal about stupid stuff. Had it been a space shuttle I could understand it
Agreed , crap idea
Pun intended
I don't know what it is, actually, I think I do. Rob is a dick. He's so full of himself and unwilling to let others contribute their thoughts and I can see that frustrates the fuck out of his partner.
Moving on however, I do like Kevin's honesty with regard this build. The vocal support he gives Alida (sp?) is what Rob should be providing, and though some will say, "you don't know their relationship", it is amazing how much one can glean in these snippets. She sounds like Princess Diana doing the best she can but close to breaking point.
Agreed .
She was lovely , Rob is a classic narcissistic control freak.
She deserves better.
@@peterherrington3300 they split up anyway so you can sleep in peace
"Sometimes I look out the window and don't feel anything at all...except resentment..."
Both laugh
Me: 😧
Needs a current vusit.....
0:56 - I find it interesting that back in the 90s Kevin considered homes like this beautiful and now, I'm not clear how he considers them, any longer. Whether back in the 80s, 90s or now, these places remain, beautiful while being decorated in older styles, as well.
Not a fan of current, decorating, tends. Not a fan, at all!
My Retro/Vintage Best. Out.
Another one. Great show. But meditation? LOL
Watching this in 2021 and realise i have met Wil a number of times at the Nelson in Southwold quite a few times.
What a place 😂
20 years ahead of their time!
This was going on in the 70s in Davis, California and other Sunshine State cities. Look up Village Homes in Davis.
Some of the sewage systems, once they reach the end of their lifespan.. Maybe 50 years at tops.. will be so toxic and disgusting, that tearing down the home will require a hazmat team.. other than that? cool house.
Tough job but miraclically it was completed and skillfully done. Thanks the good Lord God YHVH of Israel, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth. He has Bestowed upon Mankind such brilliant attributes for Sustainability and Survival.
NB : Shalom and Godspeed brethrens, especially the little precious ones.
Why thank the lord matey Israel bloke ?
Did he help nail it together ?
So excited to build their new eco-house. Not realizing the sacrifice that goes into building a new eco-house yourself she says; "if it wasn't for the kids I would have left," then turns to him and says; "but everything is ok now." Gee? Thanks??? I wonder if she did leave him and take half the house with her?
I wonder what young Bill Gates is doing here
Meditation in order to summon the mortgage gods..lol.
Hard to believe that the couple could easily be grandparents by now! On the issue of the house, I still have my doubts about the real sustainability of this built. It´s also a formidable eyesore, not at all beautiful! It would feel much more at home on a Wisconsin farm than in rural England. I hope someone has taken it down by now!
Rob was a complete know-it-all. He starts out building his sustainable home by using concrete which even in 1998 was known to be the WORST possible material for the environment. Then he has to order timber and windows from Sweden and God only knows how much fuel he used for that. Plus, he’s just so smug.
I tend to think Rob is kinda lazy wants all those things yet didn't have the money 🙃 😕 I couldn't believe it wen his wife said they had no money for food, yet here they are building a bloody new house and they don't even have the funds for it, unreal.
In America a few people envision ed such house in 1998 but few people built them due to building permit problems and cost. The house should last with maintenance (more than I would like to put into a house) and should save them money. Not quite my type of house. Land is way too expensive where they built at least when compared to America. I guess I would have tried to open for a smaller lawn.
The guy with the dark beard needed a little more meditation time. I wonder if they kept that practice going through the whole build.
I think the interior design/ decoration made it look and feel just like an ordinary house..with all the time and effort put in the build I feel they could have done better...just saying
I admire their philosophy, but really, could you be bothered being that pedantic with conservation. It amazes me that a family would proceed with a build without having their finances in place beforehand.
My comment is generic to the Grand Design series. One of my favorite Grand Design quotes is "They are hoping for the mortgage to be approved" .. most things in life are a leap of faith .. the degree that you're trying to span with that leap should be measurable... It's hard to hear when the self-builders "unknown" is the cost and worst yet the method of financing.. Nothing but respect for the attitude to press on .. I'm genuinely surprised that some of the self-builders haven't gone to a casino and bet $100 on Red/Black until they have enough to proceed past whatever impasse they are currently at. Maybe they do and don't want to share that with the wider audience :).
Bunch a cranks ya not kidding 😅
Way to waste water by flushing the toilet for no reason😏
Rob doesn't know why he was laid off? Isn't it obvious?
“Startling blue paint”? What is tat clod talking about?
Haha what a Devilish Production crew! Tired, haggard, completely knackered more like! She is talking about being at peace in a lovely environment to live in….. the camera pans to 3 young children all under the ages of 10! Haha the poor pet… you’ve got about at least a decade to get thru before any of that comes!
This host does make a lot of penalizing critical complaints against the properties people build or renovate allowing him to highlight on his show. Tiny amounts of navy blue trim to all that wood that fits into the landscape beautifully, and he thinks it's "Startling blue paint sticks out rather uncomfortably" ???? I think his punitive comments stick out rather uncomfortably that I've repeatedly noticed, as if he always has to knock everyone down if he can. It looks as if the Amish could have built this it is made of so much natural materials. Very beautiful.
He's like this on every episode, negative, condescending, and in many episodes should have been thrown off the property by the owner.
Ironic that they have to destroy and untouched field to lead an ecological life... most people don’t think that far.
Bill Gates? 😅
before meditating they all past the bowl around first , toke toke
not so grand after all.
Nineties hippies.
the most sustainable thing that guy could have done was not have children. He's completely self involved.
Thought the femail had the children
Got part way through this and as a qualified builder watching arrogant fools tottering arround making stupid mistakes claiming you dont professionals then meditating as yup dorks nope couldn't carry on.
Poor architecture
Boring house other than the fact that it’s eco friendly. Ugly decor!
Maybe because it was 25 years ago 🤣🤦♂️
@@samcalver8166 being that I wrote this comment 2 years ago… I have no idea what I was talking about!
Ugly house