Having spent the best part of 10 years talking about buildings, getting excited about new technologies and materials, plus critiquing the emotional journey of more than 50 Grand Designers – finally, it was time to turn the tables on Kevin McCloud's traditional role and watch him build his own house. But, clearly it wasn't that straightforward...
Kevin's brief was simple; to design and build a sustainable house, using traditional materials and techniques alongside cutting-edge 21st Century technology which underpins his green principles. Key to any good 'Grand Design' is the architect, and well known for his sustainable design practice, RIBA award-winning architect Duncan Baker Brown was the ideal choice to design Kevin's house.
Kevin also used recycled materials such as old mobile phones, glass bottles and newspapers within the build. But where most Grand Designers have a year or two to get their dream project from foundation to completion, Kevin had just six days – with the added pressure of the TV cameras scrutinizing his every move! However he won't be alone - every day he invited one of his famous friends – the likes of Phil and Kirstie, Janet Street Porter and Naomi Cleaver, to come to his aid to assist with The House That Kevin Built.
Having persuaded project manager Justin Whiteman that this timeframe might actually be possible, the first hurdle was getting the foundations and structure of the ground floor in place by day two. Thankfully, this was constructed using ModCell™ - a sustainable, prefabricated straw bale and hemp cladding panels. This innovative, offsite-manufactured cladding system can be quickly and efficiently installed, creating a building with thermal performance up to three times higher than the current building regulations require. To do this though Kevin had to go back in time and learn how to split the bales, lime render the walls and even erect a vertical thatch wall!
Kevin’s next challenge was to produce a double height rammed earth wall – easy. With the escalating global problem of carbon dioxide emissions, this very low emission building material is the perfect choice.
Leaving traditional methods behind him, Kevin moves into day three and the 21st Century with design and architecture practice Facit. Using a computer controlled flat-bed laser cutter to create ply cassettes Kevin was able to produce the internal and external structure and generate practically no waste! Using only a rubber mallet and a bit of elbow grease these cassettes were up by the end of play when they will then be in filled with recycled newspaper insulation.
Day four was jam packed with innovative materials - Kevin's personal passion. Not only will all the window frames in the house be made from Accoya, a timber that can stay in shape even if it was left in the bottom of the Thames for 10 years, but for the first time ever in a UK domestic property, Nanogel™, the lightest and best insulating material in the world, will be used in the roof lights.
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