Grand Designs at 25: Game-changing designs from the iconic series

(Hardback)

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A collection of the most iconic, stand-out builds from this perennially popular, long-running TV series, as chosen by Kevin McCloud. Grand Designs is famous for showcasing spectacular self-build projects and in the process has itself had a major impact on domestic architecture and design. As the programme celebrates its 25th anniversary, Kevin chooses for this book his selection of the most impressive and memorable houses. From houses crafted from shipping containers to eco-builds and luxe constructions, it demonstrates the extraordinary power of design and of the imagination to create stunning living spaces. With the benefit in many cases of some years since the projects were completed, the book offers a unique opportunity for viewers and readers to see how the properties have fared over that time and how their longer-term vision has been realised. Accompanied by stunning images, Kevin's personal text highlights their key features, why the designs work, and what readers can take home for their projects, whatever scale they are working on. Along the way, he provides a fascinating view of how the design of our homes has changed to reflect contemporary lifestyles, and the important legacy of this award-winning programme.

Author Bio

Kevin McCloud is best known for the internationally acclaimed, Bafta award-winning series Grand Designs which has been running on Channel 4 for 25 years. It is now shown around the world along with spin-off series including Grand Designs: The Street and Grand Designs: House of the Year. Grand Designs has grown to encompass Grand Designs Magazine and live consumer event Grand Designs Live. Kevin recently joined forces with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Mary Portas to challenge the government's commitment to climate change policies for Channel 4's The Great Climate Fight. Kevin's other TV work includes two series of Man-Made Home, Kevin's Supersized Salvage and Kevin McCloud's Escape To The Wild, as well as his four part Grand Tour of Europe. Kevin has written several books on design and champions sustainable development, context, the historic environment, and ecological construction. He studied History of Art and Architecture at Cambridge, is an Honorary Fellow of both the RIBA and the Society of Light and Lighting, a fellow of WWF and a recalcitrant patron of a handful of organisations. His two ambitions remain to entertain and to make the built environment better - and consequently make people feel better'. He was awarded an MBE in 2014 for his services to architecture.