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0:00:22 > 0:00:26- Tonight, we visit a roundhouse - in the Vale of Glamorgan.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- It's minimal and uninhabited.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- We then discover - how a grandmother's gift...
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- ..was transformed into a cosy home - in Llanrug.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- First, we visit Canton, Cardiff...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- ..to see a contemporary space - within Victorian walls.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Welcome to 04Wal.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- We saw the house - and we fell in love with it.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- We loved the house just as it was.
0:01:15 > 0:01:22- We had ideas about we wanted to - do here but they were a bit vague.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- They were ideas - rather than concrete plans.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- I don't think it's wise...
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- ..to have too many firm ideas - before you live in a house.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- You must discover how you live there - and how you utilise the space.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- This house has been transformed - into a contemporary temple...
0:01:43 > 0:01:49- ..by Dafydd Wyn, Helen, his wife, - and Anna and Maia, their children.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55- Our original plans were to - make the house feel more spacious...
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- ..and to make it lighter.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- I feel that these old houses - can seem rather dark.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- We wanted it to be simple.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- We didn't want to bring clutter - into the house.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Unlike what we've done upstairs...
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- ..we wanted to knock a few - of the ground floor rooms into one.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- We wanted to make it feel - spacious and roomy.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- We've been here for four years...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- ..but it's only just - started to come together.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- We've only just finished the garden.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- At this moment in time, we're very - happy with the feel of the house.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- I feel it all works, as an unit.
0:02:47 > 0:02:48- I like the white.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- It's very simple, it isn't fussy - and it helps create a lighter feel.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- This is part of your lounge.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- It also doubles up as your office.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- It also doubles up as your office.- - Absolutely.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- This is where I work, - when I work from home.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- This is also where the children - hog the computer and surf the Net...
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- ..so Dad doesn't have a chance - to use the computer!
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- You've split the lounge in two.
0:03:39 > 0:03:40- Is it practical?
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Is it practical?- - Yes, because I can - close the shutter-doors.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- It makes a big difference.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- My family can be in the main area - and I can do some work, in here.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- I found the desk in a shop in Bath.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- It's a shop which specialises - in modern antiques.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- We bought it - before this room was finished...
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- ..so it was in the hall, - in four sections, for six months.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- I eventually assembled it - and I had five pieces left over.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- I'm not sure where they should go!
0:04:18 > 0:04:19- It hasn't collapsed!
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- I doubt we'll ever move it - because it's huge.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- I can see - you're interested in comics.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- Yes.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- You designed this wall - to display your comics?
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- Yes, that's right.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- I've been interested in - my surroundings since I was young.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- I promised myself things would - be a certain way when I grew up.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- I'm sure a lot of people - are just like me.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- I said, "When I'm a grown-up, - I'm going to have what I want."
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- What I wanted was this - shelves - to house my collection of comics.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- It's a dream come true!
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- I wanted the shelves - to have echoes of a library...
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- ..which is why - there are shelves above the door.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- I've read every single one of them!
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- This is a simple, plain room.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- The furniture - contrasts with the walls.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- Yes, it's such a simple room, there - isn't even a television in here.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- I first had the urge to get rid - of the television a year ago.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- The walls are white - and I've used projectors at work...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- ..and it struck me that I could - use a projector in the house.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- That's exactly what I did.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- I found a small, white, - sleek projector...
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- ..and we now watch television - on the wall, rather than a screen.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- One of the advantages - of having white walls...
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- ..is they make a great backdrop - for colour pictures.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- I'd describe the style - of this house as simple and subtle.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Some might say it was stingy, even!
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- They've pushed everything possible - out of the way.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- It's true of the shaving mirror, - the shower screen...
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- ..and even the shower head.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- This makes the room - feel more spacious.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- They've utilised this small space - remarkably well.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- Everything is plain and convenient.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- There's another splash of colour - on the landing wall.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- It's a colour photograph, - taken in America.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- This shade diffuses light, - which makes the landing a bit dark.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- You step through this doorway - into the master bedroom...
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- ..and you literally see the light!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Wow! Everything in here it white.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- The walls, the ceiling - and the floor are white.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- This lamp is very dramatic.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- It's simple and it's very calming.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- It must be a lovely place - in which to sleep.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- The kitchen is very simple.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- The kitchen is very simple.- - Yes, that's right.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- We wanted a kitchen - which was different from the norm.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- That's why we avoided - going for fitted units.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- It's modular, - so you can move things.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- This is the set-up - which works best for us.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- It's strikingly neat and tidy.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- It's strikingly neat and tidy.- - Yes. That's because of the - very nature of the storage units.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- The crockery and the pots and pans - are clearly visible...
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- ..so you must be tidy, - or things will get out of hand.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- You can practically see the food - in this cupboard, too.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- I like this style of living.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- This window makes it possible - for you to see the garden from here.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- We demolished that wall - and inserted that panel...
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- ..so that we could have a big window - to give us a view of the garden.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- Tell me about this garden, Dafydd.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- Tell me about this garden, Dafydd.- - The idea was to create an area where - we could socialise in the garden.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20- We wanted to create something which - would echo the straight lines...
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- ..and, at the same time, - create a circle within the box.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- It's brand new.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- It's only just been finished.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- We haven't had time to use it, yet.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- I can't wait to come out here - on sunny summer days.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- We'll spend our evenings - out here, too, as a family.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- I want to live in this house - for a while.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- I'm not ready to think about moving.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- The interest in renovating houses - comes naturally to me.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- I believe having an interest - in your habitat is in the blood.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Maybe it's a way to be creative - but in a very concrete manner.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- I'm reasonably creative - in my work...
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- ..and I think that manifests itself - in the way I want to live.
0:10:43 > 0:10:43- 888
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- 888- - 888
0:10:48 > 0:10:49- Fate is a fickle thing.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- Following an unsuccessful planning - application to build a new house...
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- ..Nain came to the rescue!
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- Carol and Gareth Williams and - Llifon and Emma, their children...
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- ..have converted a farm building and - they and Nain are now neighbours.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- Our planning application to build - a house in the field was rejected.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- It's in a Green Belt area.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- Our daughter came up with the idea - of converting the cowsheds.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- The thought - didn't even cross our minds...
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- ..because they were full of hay, - tractors and farm implements.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- The idea took root and - we asked Nain for her permission.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- We then asked the council - for permission!
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- We started work on the design - in 1997...
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- ..but we didn't get - planning permission until 1999.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Where did you live - during the building process?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- We lived in our old house - for the first six months.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- We'd travel here from - the other side of the village.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- We sold the house and moved into...
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- We sold the house and moved into...- - ..a caravan.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- What was your reaction...
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- ..when Carol asked you - if she could live in the cowshed?
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- I was glad because I've been - here on my own for 14 years.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- I was pleased when they said they - wanted to make this their home.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- I was happy to give it to them.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- It's no use to a woman of my age.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34- I'm 86... no, I'm 87!
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- I missed a year, somewhere!
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Do you like the way - they converted the building?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- They worked hard. It's nice.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45- Do you like it?
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- Do you like it?- - Yes, but it isn't my house.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- Yes, but do you like it? - You've seen the house.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- They've worked hard.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- We spend a lot of time in this room.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- It's very open - and, yet, really warm and cosy.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04- I wanted a big kitchen.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- This was the largest - of the four units...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- ..and it had to be the kitchen.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Everything else - fitted in around this room.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- This unit has been recycled.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- It was the old counter - at Llanrug Post Office.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Those cupboards - have also been recycled.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- The floor - came from Yr Hwylfan, Caernarfon.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30- The old Christ Church.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Tell me more - about the post office counter.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- The post office - was being refurbished.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- I went in to buy a stamp - and I came out with a counter!
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- They were going to throw it in the - skip, so I asked if I could buy it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- They couldn't believe I wanted it.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- It was black.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- The lady said - I could have it for nothing.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- We collected the trailer - and went to pick it up.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- We were the centre of attention - when we loaded it on the trailer.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Were people pointing at you - and laughing?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Yes, because the trailer - was too small.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- Yes, it was hanging over the edge.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- I'd parked in the wrong place, so - I had to drive around the village.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Everyone was looking at us.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- Lots of people like it because - it was part of Llanrug for so long.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- We leave the kitchen - and reach the top end of the house.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- This room is the nearest - to the main road.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- We're just a wall's width away - from the road.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04- It's remarkably quiet.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- I can hear cars passing - in the distance.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- The shades of purple in this room - are very calming.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- Light floods in - through these windows.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- This was a cowshed but - Gareth and Carol now sleep in here.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- Llifon, their son, sleeps upstairs.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- This bedroom - offers everything imaginable...
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- ..to keep a 10-year-old happy.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- Harry Potter books, a PlayStation, - a television and a dart board.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- It's perfect for a child.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- This is the gallery.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- There are books here and you can - sit here to read the newspaper.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Llifon can also - come out of his room...
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- ..and ask his mother - what time lunch will be ready.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55- "Mam! I'm starving!"
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- We leave the kitchen - and enter the lounge.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Do you spend a lot of time in here?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Do you spend a lot of time in here?- - Yes, we spend our evenings in here.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07- It's a nice room.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- It's relaxing in the summer - and cosy in the winter.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- Had you a design in mind for - this room when you moved in here?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- No, not really.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- I just wanted a calming room.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- I saw the curtains - and I thought they were wonderful.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- They're quite luxurious.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- I used them as a starting point.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- You had to create all the windows - at the rear of the house.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- That's right. - There were no windows at the back.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- This was the most challenging aspect - of the work for the stone masons.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- We had our biggest disaster here.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- They opened up a gap for a window - and the section collapsed...
0:17:14 > 0:17:15- ..from top to bottom.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- I panicked when I saw the huge hole - but nothing else collapsed.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- The rest of it went smoothly.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- You also have quite a garden.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- Yes. I'm in the process of - converting a field into a garden!
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- What's your favourite thing - about the house?
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- The light and the size of the rooms.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- We have a lot of space here.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- We're not living - on top of each other any more.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- We all have our own space - in this house.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- There's plenty of room for us all.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Most of the houses we see on 04Wal - are square, have lots of rooms...
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- ..and are built of stone.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- The building beyond this jungle - is round, only has one room...
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- ..and its roof and its walls - are made of straw.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- This amazing building - is located in the Vale of Glamorgan.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- Dafydd William is one of the young - men who had the vision to build it.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- How long did it take - to build this roundhouse?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Four years, from start to finish.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- It was a joint project for three - of us but I'm the only one left.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- I've nearly finished it.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- You don't have permission - to live here, so what's its purpose?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- It has an educational purpose, - mainly.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- My priority is to get people here - to see the building.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- It's made of natural materials.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35- It's very visual.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37- Visitors remember it...
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- ..and they go home with new ideas - about things like sustainability.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- It's about - protecting the environment...
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- ..and using nature's resources - as building materials.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Let's take a look - at this side of the house.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- Can you explain how you went about - putting this building together?
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- The lime concrete pillars - form the foundations.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- They stop the posts from touching - the ground and becoming damp.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- The timber frame supports this wall.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- It bears the weight - of the building and the roof.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- It's a modern house in the sense - that it has foundations.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- What about these walls?
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- The walls are made of straw bales...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..made watertight - with a lime and soil render.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- I realise it's a thatched roof, - but what material is that?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- It's actually thatched - with water reeds.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Since they grow in wet areas, - they don't mind the rain.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Water reeds last much longer - than ordinary straw.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- What props up - the centre of the building?
0:21:15 > 0:21:16- A large stone column.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- It bears the weight - of the middle of the floor.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- One end of the floor joists - rests against the wall posts...
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- ..and the middle is like a wheel.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- The stone column - acts as a hub to support the joists.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- Let's go inside and take a look at - this work of genius from within.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- Wow!
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- You worked really hard - to create this!
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- How did you design - the nest-shaped roof?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- It's a bit like a tepee or a wigwam.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- The long joists which form the roof - rest on the timber frame.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- The theory is, it holds itself up.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- You used traditional materials - to create this modern building.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Yes, it's a contemporary house.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- It isn't an Iron Age house.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- It's a roundhouse - but it has a raised wooden floor.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25- It also has windows.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- No other roundhouse has windows.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- How would you describe - the atmosphere of this house?
0:22:57 > 0:22:58- Peaceful.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- Tranquil.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- It makes you take a step back - from everyday things.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- It's a round building and it's - more feminine than square buildings.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- I think square buildings - are quite masculine.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22- It's lovely to be in a building - which is more feminine than most.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- S4C subtitles by- Eirlys A Jones
0:23:51 > 0:23:53