It’s a bit earlier than usual this week for Daft Old Duffer, but as the content was time relevant, we thought we’d run it today. Ed
Congratulations to Lincoln Miles and Lisa Traxler.
When I settled in front of the telly (9pm Channel 4 last night for Grand Designs) to watch how these two gifted people went about building their dream home I must admit I was more than ready to be cynical.
It has been my experience that Architects as a bunch are much more interested in showing off their artistic skills than in producing something people can actually live with.
Sticky-out bits, strange curves, balconies no-one is ever going to use and roofs that are supposed to resemble the wings of a bird, or a falling leaf or some other leaking – like – a – sieve fantasy are generally the order of the day.
So when Lincoln declared his basic plan consisted of perching extra bits on either end of a rectangular bungalow, I nodded my head in grim conformation of my fears.
How wrong I was.
Lincoln, it turns out seems to combine real flair for his profession with an uncommon amount of sense. Though I wager wifey had a hand here, just as all wives do when hubby gets carried away. I wonder how intense the discussions were over those £1500 sheets of glass were for example.
In any event, the result is a dwelling that not only looks good in its setting, but one that is practical and comfortable for anyone to use, as well as versatile.
And all for a remarkable price.
In fact, I have been sneakily imagining how I would use it if it was mine – sleeping in the tower top for most of the year.
Retiring to the snug, fire warmed bungalow bit when the wind blew and the trees spoke, then returning aloft with the coming of the spring bedsheet changing.
Not forgetting the bit on the other end. Just right if someone leaves you a granny or you end up with rather more teenagers than you originally planned for.
If you missed the programme and want to find out what all the fuss is about (#granddesigns was trending on Twitter last night) then you can watch the programme through Channel 4’s 4OD service
