0:00:02 > 0:00:04Can you build your dream home...
0:00:04 > 0:00:07This is the exciting bit, seeing the first bit of dirt come out.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10..for under £100,000?
0:00:10 > 0:00:15If you think outside the box, you can build something extraordinary.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19Architect Piers Taylor will push what's possible with their homes...
0:00:19 > 0:00:21How about reconsidering the structure?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24No. I like the structure.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25'..while I, Kieran Long,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28'will challenge them with fresh ideas on design.'
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Focus on how you feel right now. - Yes.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35'And show them ingenious solutions possible in any home.'
0:00:35 > 0:00:38This is the kind of thing we want to do for our grandchildren.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40'And they needn't be expensive.'
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- What do you reckon? - I'm really impressed.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- Great.- That's two good ideas you've come out with today, Piers.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47'We'll all be pushed....'
0:00:47 > 0:00:50I have to put my cards on the table and say I hate the roof.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- I just hate it. - '..as the homes take shape.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:54We are risking all the money.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56And, once it's gone, it's gone.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00But some will turn low-cost self builds
0:01:00 > 0:01:02into extraordinary homes.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04It looks great.
0:01:04 > 0:01:05Wow.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11This time, we help Neil and Amanda...
0:01:11 > 0:01:13This would be my perfect home.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15..attempt an ambitious build...
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Taller, taller, taller!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19..on a tiny budget.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Ours is like the poor man's version of this.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24But will endless delays...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28So, we've not even started. He's not even dug a hole.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29..and the stress of the build...
0:01:29 > 0:01:31The other day I screamed at Neil and said,
0:01:31 > 0:01:32"I wish we'd never started this."
0:01:32 > 0:01:35..derail their plans?
0:01:35 > 0:01:36I think we've just got to start again.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39I think they can't build this. We can't let them.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52It's a bit harder than I thought.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Three years ago,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Neil and Amanda bought this single-storey house in East Anglia.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00It's definitely harder than I thought.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Now, with lively two-year-old Indy and new baby Tishan...
0:02:05 > 0:02:06Move your head back.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08That's a good girl.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10..they've outgrown their tiny house,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12but simply can't afford a bigger one.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16We moved house when I had six weeks to go with Indy.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19This time, we've taken it a little further.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22We're not moving, we're just knocking the whole thing down
0:02:22 > 0:02:23and starting again.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26We didn't really want to get rid of it. We wanted to build up.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28But the house wasn't stable enough,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32and it was easier and probably quicker to build a brand-new house.
0:02:33 > 0:02:34Graphic designer Neil
0:02:34 > 0:02:37is taking time off to do most of the work himself,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39but has zero experience.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42Six months ago, I was just thinking,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44right, I'll just have to get the builders,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47because I've got no idea how on earth you make a house.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Whereas, like, now, if I dismantle this,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52I've got ideas of how it actually goes back together.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55But the budget for their new house is incredibly tight.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59They have just £50,000 to build their dream family home.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Because we're on such a tight budget,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05it's are we going to be able to do it for this budget?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Because, once we run out of money, it stops.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13I'm going to do as much as I possibly and physically can.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14I'm not skilled at it,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17but I'll have a go at it and hopefully we can do it.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24But their tiny budget and lack of experience is not restricting
0:03:24 > 0:03:26the dreams they have for their new home.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Look at the detail above the windows up there.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30They've got the little arches.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32The medieval town of Lavenham in Suffolk
0:03:32 > 0:03:34is one of their favourite places to visit.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38This is where we first got our inspiration for our build.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40We want rustic.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41We want the beams showing.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43I want it to look like it's been here 100 years,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45even when it was made yesterday.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47We just love the character of the buildings,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and this is what we want with our house and our home.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56The family have moved into a tiny caravan, ready to start the build.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, really,
0:03:59 > 0:04:00for the likes of us.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03And this is going to be a forever home.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09But, before they even start, their medieval dream is slipping away.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14Their 50K budget is simply not enough to fund what they want.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17On the budget that we have, because of how the planning works,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21and all these health and safety, and the building regs,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24it kind of stopped us doing what we wanted to do.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27When I look at these plans, I think we could afford to do it like that,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29but it's actually not what we want.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31The house won't end up being as chunky,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34old worldy, as we originally planned it to be.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37With their old house completely demolished,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40they're past the point of no return.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43We need to step in before they blow their budget
0:04:43 > 0:04:45on a house they don't even like.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I've spent 20 years writing about architecture.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56And I'm fascinated by the history of old buildings.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00As an architect, Piers is renowned for designing
0:05:00 > 0:05:02experimental timber buildings.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08I've come to his studio to see if we can find a way to revive Neil and
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Amanda's original dream on one of the tiniest budgets
0:05:11 > 0:05:13we've ever worked with.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20This is the first time we get to see those plans.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27The current design is for a standard house-builder's softwood stud frame,
0:05:27 > 0:05:28rendered on the outside.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Inside, insulation will be fitted between the studs,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and then the walls will be lined with conventional plasterboard,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39meaning no structural timber is on display.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45The ground floor is an open-plan, living kitchen space,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48with a small bathroom entered through a lobby by the front door.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53A switchback staircase leads to the first floor,
0:05:53 > 0:05:54which has three conventional bedrooms.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01The only nod to a medieval look are the timber planks
0:06:01 > 0:06:03added to the exterior.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09This is such an interesting story about taste, really, isn't it?
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Because they want a new house, but they want it to look old.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14I mean, they want this timber-framed,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16medieval atmosphere somehow.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18And this is absolutely not what they're getting.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I know why they're disappointed with this,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23because this is pretending to be a timber building
0:06:23 > 0:06:25with some timber stuck onto the outside.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26If you took off that timber,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28painted it white internally, put carpets down,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31it would be the same house that could be built
0:06:31 > 0:06:33anywhere by any developer.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35And that's not what Neil and Amanda want.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38This is one of the biggest challenges we've seen on the show.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40And I'm really excited to see
0:06:40 > 0:06:43if there is something we can actually do on such a tiny budget.
0:06:43 > 0:06:49Mostly, we find ways of tweaking a building to make it better.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51But, in this case, I think we've got to start again.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52I think they can't build this.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We can't let them. We've got to start again here.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57They need to do this properly.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And that means looking carefully at timber technology.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02What we need to do is manage their expectations,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04because they can't build this quickly.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05I agree with you completely.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08And, clearly, we need to raise their aspirations.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09But my question is
0:07:09 > 0:07:13do you think they can actually have anything for £50,000?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I'd love to say yes, but, actually, I don't know.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Recreating historical architecture
0:07:22 > 0:07:25carries the real risk you could end up with a tacky pastiche.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30We need to understand exactly how medieval Neil and Amanda want
0:07:30 > 0:07:32their new build to be.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- It's beautiful, isn't it? - It is stunning.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38'I've brought them to Avoncroft Museum in Worcestershire.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42'It's home to a range of historic buildings that have been rescued and
0:07:42 > 0:07:44'painstakingly reconstructed here.'
0:07:46 > 0:07:48So, this is really what I've brought you to see.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51This is a 15th-century house that was transported here
0:07:51 > 0:07:54in the '60s to the museum. But it's a beautiful example
0:07:54 > 0:07:56of a box-frame, medieval house.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I mean, is this the kind of thing that you are interested in?
0:07:59 > 0:08:00Yeah, this is perfect for me.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02This is exactly...
0:08:02 > 0:08:03I would love this.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06I'd love to just start dismantling it now at this very moment,
0:08:06 > 0:08:07and start putting it on a trailer.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11And then start rebuilding it at home to the size that we require.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Flat-pack style.- Oh, yeah! - So this is, basically,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- you take this off the peg. - Yeah, off the peg.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18What is it specifically that appeals to you
0:08:18 > 0:08:20about this image that we have before us now?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23It's the honesty of it. You see the strength of the building.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26You see how the actual wood holds it up. It just looks interesting.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30'This is a far cry from their current plans.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37'Inside, the whole timber frame is on show.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39'The layout is typical of a medieval townhouse,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41'with a large central hall
0:08:41 > 0:08:44'that would have been used by the entire household.'
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I think this space is quite surprising.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51From the outside, you expect it to be perhaps small, intimate rooms.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55But this lofty, hall-like space is so fantastic, isn't it?
0:08:55 > 0:08:56We would love a space like this.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00But because of what we can afford, it's all a compromise.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03But I think that should be absolutely possible.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05I love the idea that at least one place in your house,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08you get the full height of the building.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11And, in a way, this becomes the kind of heart of the home, doesn't it,
0:09:11 > 0:09:12with the amazing hearth in the corner?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Oh, this is fantastic. I love it.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18'Next to the hall are smaller, more private rooms,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20'just used by the family.'
0:09:20 > 0:09:23So, there's a real shift in atmosphere, I think,
0:09:23 > 0:09:24when you come into this room.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- And it's kind of intimate.- Yeah.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28It's very different to that room, isn't it?
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Yeah, it's lighter as well.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31But I think I prefer that room.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I like the darkness of it.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36And I think it makes it more cosy and homely.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38I think the interesting thing here
0:09:38 > 0:09:40is that you can have both of these atmospheres in the same house.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43So, you've got that extraordinary, lofty, you know,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46bang your pewter tankard on the table atmosphere out there.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48But here it feels much more domestic.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Neil, I can see that you're noticing other things that your...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Oh, yeah. I love the texture of stuff.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- Yeah.- I don't want the walls, you know, nice and smooth, clean lines.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I just like the honesty of this where it meets the wood.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01And it's all that it needs.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06'Unlike modern construction,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10'the only materials used here are locally-felled oak
0:10:10 > 0:10:13'and wattle and daub, painted with limewash.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:19For me, being in this space
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and being surrounded by the structural frame
0:10:22 > 0:10:24and all these kind of nice rough-and-ready materials,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26it's a wonderful atmosphere.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30If we could get the building to look exactly like this,
0:10:30 > 0:10:31this would be perfect,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33with the rough plaster, the wood shining through.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36This would be my perfect home.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I think with all the regulations that we've got to jump through,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43I think a lot of the wood would be hidden with all the insulation.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46But if we can just get a little bit of it in.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48So, it's finding a way to do that that's authentic
0:10:48 > 0:10:51and honest to the way that you're building your building,
0:10:51 > 0:10:53and what that means in today's construction.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58'I love Neil and Amanda's enthusiasm
0:10:58 > 0:11:00'for this area of architecture,'
0:11:00 > 0:11:03and I totally share it. But my fear for them is how they're going to
0:11:03 > 0:11:07escape the risk that they try to turn their building into a pastiche,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11and their home becomes a kind of theme-park version of a house that
0:11:11 > 0:11:13actually is from half a millennium ago.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23This is a huge challenge for Piers.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28He has to find a way to give them the authentic medieval feel
0:11:28 > 0:11:31they want while still meeting the requirements
0:11:31 > 0:11:33of 21st-century building.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35All on an impossibly tiny budget.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41So, it's really good to see you here in my patch,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44because I really want to talk to you today about timber.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49He's invited them to see a perfect example of a low-cost, timber-framed
0:11:49 > 0:11:50building - his studio.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56Fundamentally, timber buildings are born out of a necessity.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58And this building, which is my studio,
0:11:58 > 0:12:02I made it with the trees that grew on this site and I used people that
0:12:02 > 0:12:05live in this valley, who had never built a building before,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and the building ended up costing about £15,000.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10That's really good.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14So this is, I have to say,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17the rawest and the cheapest building I've ever done.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19This is a structural timber frame.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23So, there's a post-and-beam frame that runs through.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25I love the tree trunks that come up.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27It's just the rawness of it.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30That's what we said we wanted, isn't it, right from the beginning.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Then things got squashed.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35What you need to gather is the confidence to do it your way,
0:12:35 > 0:12:40and to know the things that you want to do are valid and achievable in
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- your own house.- Yeah.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Piers hopes that this simple,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48exposed structural frame of his studio could
0:12:48 > 0:12:52hold the key to cracking the challenge of their 50k home,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55which will be subject to regular consultation with their structural
0:12:55 > 0:12:58engineer, and building control authority.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03So, looking at your plans, I mean,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07one thing I do have a problem with is these bits of stuck-on timber
0:13:07 > 0:13:09that try and make it into something that it isn't.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12What I think we need to discuss is a better way of using timber.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Piers wants to show them a way to make the structural frame
0:13:17 > 0:13:19the star attraction in their new home.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25What you could do is design the house around this notion of using
0:13:25 > 0:13:27a post-and-beam frame, not a stick-built frame.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29And I think if you did that,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33you could have exposed posts running through downstairs.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39Your beams would be on top of those with the smaller pieces of structure
0:13:39 > 0:13:41spanning between those frames.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45A big advantage of post-and-beam construction
0:13:45 > 0:13:47is that it IS the structure
0:13:47 > 0:13:50of the building, cutting out the need for internal supporting walls.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54What you could do is just lose that wall,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58because you actually don't need it because the floor above is taken by
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- these beams.- I mean, I like the idea of having it all open.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- Sure, yeah.- They've struggled to find a way to meet required
0:14:05 > 0:14:08insulation standards without covering up the timber inside.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Piers is suggesting that they put insulation
0:14:12 > 0:14:14on the outside of the frame.
0:14:14 > 0:14:20What that means is that you end up with a timber frame that is exposed.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24You would actually see the beams like this.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Like you would have done, actually, in medieval times.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- My mind's just toying with the idea. - Yeah.- It could work.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31I love it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35This fundamentally changes the way this house is built.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Piers' plan removes the typical softwood stud frame,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44replacing it with a heavyweight post-and-beam frame.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Wrapping the outside in a blanket of insulation means internally
0:14:51 > 0:14:53the posts and beams can be on show.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Now, with no load-bearing walls required,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00the interior space is completely flexible.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Moving the bathroom door from the lobby to the main living space
0:15:05 > 0:15:06allows for a better layout.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Outside, the house will be finished with simple render.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Fundamental changes such as these
0:15:15 > 0:15:18will need fresh assessment by building control.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22To show Neil and Amanda just how beautiful their frame could be,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Piers is taking them to his local framing yard.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29This is an entire wall for a house.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Here they specialise in high-end oak construction using traditional
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- methods.- This connection is a very beautiful thing, isn't it?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I mean, all this would be on show with your frame.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43For centuries, oak has been the first choice for post-and-beam
0:15:43 > 0:15:48construction. But on their £50,000 budget, that's not an option.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Oak is about the most expensive timber that you can use.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55But I think you guys could use spruce or a very low-grade softwood,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58because you're going to protect it and it will still be beautiful,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- I'm absolutely sure. - That's an excellent idea, yeah.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Then, really, it's a question, I think, of getting started,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05getting the frame under way.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Having a look at the material today up close gives us a sense of really
0:16:10 > 0:16:15wanting to go back to this framework and putting the house up,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18putting the frame up, and then building everything onto that frame.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Piers' design has reignited Neil and Amanda's enthusiasm
0:16:27 > 0:16:28for their build.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I never thought I'd be drawing my own house.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34But it has turned a conventional plan into a specialist job.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38So, it's up to them to find the right person to make their frame
0:16:38 > 0:16:40within their tiny budget.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Roll top baths and the sinks.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44This is what I want for the kitchen.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- Yeah.- After a lot of research,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49they've managed to find a local reclamation yard,
0:16:49 > 0:16:50whose owner, Roy Baker,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53also specialises in post-and-beam construction.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56This is something I've drawn earlier.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59So, that's, like, the plan looking down.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Looking at it like this to me just looks like a greenhouse.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05But we don't want to hide any of the woodwork on the interior.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Yeah, I'm sure we can make it rustic.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10And one of our main issues is it's on a tight budget, as well.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Yeah. The fact we can get all the materials straight from the forest.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18When we do a frame, we're getting the materials cheap
0:17:18 > 0:17:19as we can get them, really.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22The cost is the worry from day one.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24It's the main worry, isn't it, the cost.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28I mean, the time span...
0:17:28 > 0:17:29that's not a major worry.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33We did sort of say, "Oh, it would be nice if we got in for Christmas."
0:17:33 > 0:17:35But, at this stage,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38it would be nice if we've just got started for Christmas!
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Starting to go stir crazy,
0:17:47 > 0:17:49stuck in this little space.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53It's February, and the project has stalled.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56We've not even started.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58No, not even out of the ground.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Not even dug a hole.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02It's been ten months
0:18:02 > 0:18:06since Neil knocked the house down and they moved into the caravan.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Everything's on hold while the new plans are carefully
0:18:09 > 0:18:13checked by building control, and approved for fire safety.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16It's not as easy living as it was in the summer.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18In the summer, it was easy living.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Now it's winter, things get damp
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and you've just got to be on top of it all the time.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27If you see a little patch of black mould,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30you've got to be cleaning it up straightaway.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33So, this is in the awning.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35It's just survived the winter.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38But it is a bit rough, isn't it?
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Neil has stockpiled material
0:18:43 > 0:18:46from the old house to use on the new build.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50He is constantly looking for other ways to stretch their tiny budget.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Amanda's always wanted a roll top bath.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57So I was idly looking on the internet and locally one came up.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59We got it for a miraculous price of £50.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- Good morning.- How are you doing, you all right?- Yeah, not too bad.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11They've finally been given the go-ahead
0:19:11 > 0:19:13from the structural engineer
0:19:13 > 0:19:15so they can start to build their new home.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Putting the insulation on the outside of the frame means they can
0:19:25 > 0:19:27use much cheaper materials for its construction.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Next one.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34They've opted for Douglas fir,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37a readily available and sustainable softwood.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42These are a couple of the Douglas firs we felled the other day.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Yeah.- Basically, nice, big trunks, nice and straight.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47They look really chunky, don't they?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Yeah, yeah.- These huge logs will become the bones of their home.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57The timber frame is costing 12,500, which is a lot of money to us,
0:19:57 > 0:19:58but, apparently, it's a good price.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Right, all right. We'll get it square.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It's amazing, within about 20 minutes
0:20:05 > 0:20:07they can turn a log into a usable piece.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Once the posts are cut out, every joint will be hand measured and cut.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26These days, it's possible to buy steel plate connectors
0:20:26 > 0:20:27to fix the beams to the posts.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32But Roy has opted for traditional pegged mortise-and-tenon joints,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34like they would have done 500 years ago.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38We chamfer the end of each joint by hand.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41We'll be doing, basically, there's about 100 joints on this job.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Yeah.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46But that's just the sort of nice, traditional way we do it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49We'll get all the joints done, get it ready for assembly on site.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Can't wait.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57We're going to jack it up a little bit.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01A full 12 months after Neil demolished their old house,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04the timber frame for their new home is finally going up.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16It's been a long time coming.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19But now it's here, it's so exciting.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21This is, like, the most important part.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26They've gone from a faux frame to the real thing.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33The frame is supported by a sole plate bolted into the foundations.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38For added strength, all the joints are pegged with oak dowels
0:21:38 > 0:21:41that Roy's team are hand-making on site.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47These look great. On the plans,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49they look like they're much smaller than this.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51We've upgraded them
0:21:51 > 0:21:55to something that looks in keeping with the frame.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57And, obviously, we've put a bit of a curve on them as well.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59That's the detail that makes the build.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05The frame will take just a few days to go up.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06How high is that?
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Taller, taller, taller!
0:22:10 > 0:22:14It's a specialist job, but Neil is helping where he can.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20When we originally spoke to Piers,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22the best thing he did was literally put his hand down and said,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25"Look, the house that you've got designed is nothing like
0:22:25 > 0:22:28"what you actually wanted." And that's what we needed,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30we needed that chair kicking from underneath us
0:22:30 > 0:22:32to find out what we could actually have done.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34It's spectacular,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37it's, like, ten times more than we dreamt of what it would look like.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40It is basically becoming our dream house.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- Yes!- Hooray.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53Now the frame is up,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Piers is keen to find out how they plan to tackle the next stage of
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- the build.- Hi, Neil.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00- Morning. Are you OK?- Look at this!
0:23:00 > 0:23:04Modern man. Here you are, childcare, building, everything.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- Multitasking.- Yeah. - Hello. And look at that!
0:23:07 > 0:23:08Yeah, spectacular, isn't it?
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- It's brilliant.- Yeah.- I'm so pleased you've done it.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13So are we.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15The guy that's put it up as well, he's proud of it as well.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Is he? Oh, good.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19The frame is beautiful.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21But they're a long way from a finished house.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27They've already spent around £25,000 on the ground works and frame.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28That's half their budget.
0:23:30 > 0:23:3125 grand.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- Yeah.- Each of those bricks represents £1,000.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38So, the critical thing is keeping the rain out.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- Yeah.- How much is your roof?
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- About five grand. - Five grand for the roof.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Just for the roof. And the skylights.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47And the skylights. OK.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49What about the external walls?
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Don't even know how much that's going to cost.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53It's going to be at least the same again?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- Right.- I mean, there's more surface area than the roof.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57So probably that.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59The windows is another five.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- Another five?- Yeah.- There.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05The wiring is probably three grand.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Plumbing.- You know, that's another...
0:24:08 > 0:24:12three grand. By the time you've done half the studwork upstairs,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15you've got no light fittings, no finishes, no kitchen.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18So, clearly, you're going to have to be resourceful.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Oh, yeah. As frugal as we can be.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22As frugal as you can possibly be everywhere.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25And it seems like you're going to
0:24:25 > 0:24:28have to do things, like finishes, for next to nothing.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37I think you could do a huge amount with what you've already got.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Yeah. But already,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42last November, I found a cheap bath on the internet and bought it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44It's sat in the middle of the awning all winter.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Really, I think the baths are one thing.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48But getting a roof over your head,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51getting in the warm and dry, has to be the critical thing.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54And then finishing it to the point that you could live in it.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Yeah.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59What Neil is trying to do here is almost impossible.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Now the frame is up, finishing the building is entirely down to him.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06And he's just a novice builder with almost no money.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Piers needs to find some practical ideas
0:25:08 > 0:25:11that can help Neil finish this build for next to nothing.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18Successful self builds for under 50 grand are hard to find,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20especially something as unconventional as theirs.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24So, Piers is taking Neil further afield to Normandy,
0:25:24 > 0:25:28to see a house where experience and a tiny budget
0:25:28 > 0:25:29hasn't compromised ambition.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Wow, it's huge!
0:25:38 > 0:25:42This house, which is a lot bigger than your house in terms of its
0:25:42 > 0:25:44footprint, cost £50,000.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Wow.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49The house was built by architect Jean-Baptiste Barache
0:25:49 > 0:25:53and his brother in 2005 as a holiday home for his family.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56He wanted to show that housing can be sustainable,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58affordable and beautiful.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04This guy did use somebody to put up the frame.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05The equivalent of Roy.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Yeah.- But then they did most of the other stuff themselves.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11And they had no experience of building before.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12More than anything,
0:26:12 > 0:26:17it shows how budget is a complete driver for design.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's almost the perfect low-budget house.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I think it looks spectacular. It's great, isn't it, from this angle?
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Just like Neil's house, the timber frame IS the architecture.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- Tell me what you think, Neil. - I think it's spectacular.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34And it's just not what you expect.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38The architect has done away with conventional doors,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41ceilings and walls, allowing the structure of the building
0:26:41 > 0:26:42to mark out the living spaces,
0:26:42 > 0:26:44while also saving on materials.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Everyone needs a swing in their living room, don't they?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53I think that, you know, I couldn't get enough of this.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57But the rest of the space, this is a low-budget, tiny budget house.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- 50 grand.- Yeah.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Unbelievable.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- Yeah. It's unbelievable. Really, it's unbelievable.- Yeah.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05You've got to have a go!
0:27:07 > 0:27:08The house is great fun,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12but it's the clever use of low-cost materials that set it apart.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17All of this interior is made out of one material,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20which is the cheapest form of plywood.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22This is about 13 quid a sheet.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Yeah.- It doesn't need decorating.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26It's incredibly durable.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- Yeah.- And here, I love the way they've just screwed it on the wall.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34And the great thing about plywood is that it's one trade
0:27:34 > 0:27:35that you can do yourself.
0:27:35 > 0:27:41You can do this cheaper than you can plaster and paint a building.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44And I like that it's not just plain wood.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48It actually has its own patterns on it and each piece is different.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53By sticking to the same material and bulk buying, you can make savings.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55If you go for ply,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58plan your layout carefully to use as many whole sheets as possible
0:27:58 > 0:28:00to minimise cutting.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Any offcuts can be used for shelving, doors and even handles.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08When using exposed timber linings as a finish,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11you must consult with building control.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15In most cases, painting a specialist fire retardant treatment is needed,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18and should be factored into the overall cost.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24The kitchen, of course, not an elaborate 30-grand kitchen.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29This is probably, you know, 500 quid's worth of kitchen.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Could you do something this simple?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34I could. Yeah, I could have a go at this.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37I've got enough wood from recycling from the old house.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- Because they reclaimed a lot of wood for this house.- Right, yeah.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50The central space is dominated by an unconventional ply and polycarbonate
0:28:50 > 0:28:53box, which houses the bedrooms.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54- Isn't it fantastic?- Wow,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57it feels bigger inside than it looks from the outside.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Bedrooms are just curtained-off pods.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Look at how light comes in here.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04This is borrowed light from the main space.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05- Yeah.- And this is...
0:29:06 > 0:29:10..polycarbonate. A really cost-effective way of doing it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11Here we are, bedrooms.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Ta-da! Yeah.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17One of the architect's inspiration for this house was the barns he used
0:29:17 > 0:29:20to play in as a kid where they made little nooks and dens,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23and then had lots of space to run around in.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25And you can really see that here, can't you?
0:29:26 > 0:29:29You don't need walls to make rooms.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33Curtains and simple screening can help you squeeze more out of spaces.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38While built-in storage around and above beds
0:29:38 > 0:29:41frees you from wardrobes and drawers.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46The mind just boggles at our obsession
0:29:46 > 0:29:49with studwork, and plasterboard, and door linings,
0:29:49 > 0:29:51doors, skirtings, architraves.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Light fittings. All of that stuff.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56And this just proves you don't need any of that.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59In a sense, you're kind of just stripping all that money away
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- from the build.- Completely, yeah.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Completely.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05These are things that I've never seen before now,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07which is great seeing it in the flesh.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10If you think, right, that stuff that if you do this,
0:30:10 > 0:30:11it would work in our house.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15What I've tried to do today
0:30:15 > 0:30:18is to give Neil a mechanism of finishing his house himself.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22And he can't default to conventional ways of doing things.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27He's got to find beautiful ways that he can do things himself.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37We need to measure the bath and sort of see where the bath comes to.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38I'll just go and measure the bath.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Inspired by his trip to Normandy,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Neil is trying to push the build forward.
0:30:46 > 0:30:4866 inches in the old measurements.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50But how wide is the bath?
0:30:51 > 0:30:53I'll just go and measure the bath width.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59He employed builders to do the roof rafters, but now he's on his own.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02So there's enough there on that one for that one.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04He's on site seven days a week,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07while Amanda is working long shifts
0:31:07 > 0:31:09at a supermarket to keep money coming in.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Neil gets stressed over the build.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15A lot of it is the time span, I think.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21It's not going as quick as he'd sort of hoped it would go.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22Right, let me see where me pencil's gone.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25Things disappear.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Their budget is so tight, Neil's using as much of the material
0:31:31 > 0:31:34he salvaged from the old house as possible.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39But there's one valuable resource that is full of character
0:31:39 > 0:31:42he's not exploiting. Reclaimed bricks.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45He couldn't afford to buy them, or the atmosphere they could give.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Piers has a plan that could save money and help create the magical,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52rustic interior that they want.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55This is Robinson College, Cambridge.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Designed by Gillespie, Kidd and Coia.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00So I think you can probably guess that I've brought you here to talk
0:32:00 > 0:32:04about brick. And I think that you could do a lot more with your brick.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07I think you need to use it in the fabric of the building.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Here, the architecture of the buildings
0:32:10 > 0:32:12is defined by the use of the brick.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15It's pretty extraordinary coming inside, isn't it?
0:32:15 > 0:32:17It is. These windows are huge.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21This was designed by an artist called John Piper,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23and made for this chapel.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28And it's curious how this has the quality of an ancient building.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I mean, this is a building that's 30 years old, or so.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33And yet it feels like we're in a building
0:32:33 > 0:32:36that's been here for hundreds of years.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41And I think that's what brick and controlled light gives you.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44These blue ones are very nice with the red, aren't they?
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- Yeah.- These are typically fired at a higher temperature,
0:32:47 > 0:32:48so they're slightly burned.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Bricks are available in a huge range of colours.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57But you also have the option of stained and tinted bricks.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Different sizes, shapes and colours mean you could lay out a floor
0:33:01 > 0:33:02in a variety of patterns.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08And I think it's also really nice the way these bricks are divided up
0:33:08 > 0:33:12into squares. And, here, they're framed by brick,
0:33:12 > 0:33:14but, as you get up towards the altar,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17they're framed by this other material, which is stone.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20I mean, that's something you can imagine being timber, really?
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Yeah, I can see that easy.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It certainly gives me ideas to do some of the flooring downstairs.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Not do the full flooring, but in, like, little pockets.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33But Piers wants to persuade Neil to do the entire floor.
0:33:33 > 0:33:39Why wouldn't you do lines of brick, lines of timber, lines of brick,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- lines of timber...- Yeah.- ..all the way across the whole house?
0:33:43 > 0:33:47So, you know, that would bind the whole house together.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- Yeah.- You could play with the width of the timber strips,
0:33:51 > 0:33:53or play with the width of brick strips.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56But, actually, you're not doing a bit here and a bit there.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58You're doing something everywhere.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59I think it's not a big house,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03and it will make it smaller if you start to do bits of this.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Oh, yeah, itty-bitty. - It'll be a bit itty-bitty, yeah.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10I think, until we'd come here,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Neil hadn't thought about using brick on such a big scale.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18I think he'd thought about the odd planter or using it in a fairly random way.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23But, actually, he needs to REALLY think about how he uses the material.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Because it's that that'll make the difference to this house.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31It's three months since the frame went up.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33And most of the studwork is done.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37The price of screws and things, they're absolutely extortionate.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39So how much do you think at the moment?
0:34:39 > 0:34:4135 we've got through.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I think we've spent about 30,000.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49That leaves them with only £20,000.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53Most of that is already allocated to big ticket items, such as windows,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55plumbing and electrics.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57So they need to watch every penny.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00We've managed to save about £1,000 on the insulation
0:35:00 > 0:35:01by buying it in bulk.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06But, luckily, there was enough room inside the house to just stockpile
0:35:06 > 0:35:07them inside.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12One big project they still have to tackle is the floor.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15To do each brick, it's probably about...
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Let's call it five minutes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21After Neil's initial enthusiasm for Piers' brick and timber plan,
0:35:21 > 0:35:25the reality of the work involved in cleaning them is putting him off.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Round the corner there, I've got a whole heap of bricks to sit and chisel-clean.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33So, it's all about making life easier for me.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35I know.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38But, really, I have warmed to the brick look.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- Yeah.- And I can picture me and Indy sat there putting the bricks in.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- And that's our contribution. You know, Indy's getting stuck in. - Yeah, but I can picture me,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49days and days sat there with no fingernails left,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53because I've just rubbed my hands raw from chiselling and chipping away.
0:35:53 > 0:35:54I can have a go at it.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58We're starting to row now because he thinks I'm not into the house as much as he is,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02but I think he's obsessed with the house and he has to put more
0:36:02 > 0:36:05into the family life, the family side of it.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11The other day, I screamed at Neil said, "I wish we'd never started this!"
0:36:11 > 0:36:13But it's only because we was rowing.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15And, um...
0:36:15 > 0:36:17But the house is going to be brilliant at the end of it,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20and it's going to be worth the sacrifices.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24The stress is getting to both of them.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27To have any chance of finishing their build,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30they must scrimp and scavenge wherever they can.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33This is the kitchen sink.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38That was a tenner. This'll all go into the design of the kitchen.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42All these little bits. This could be a little runner where a drawer slides along.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46With the furniture from their old house and all the bits that they've found
0:36:46 > 0:36:51at car boots and on the internet, they now have three sheds full of stuff.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55These are the sort of things that you can clean up and hang in the kitchen on hooks and that.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59With their tiny budget, they've got no choice but to be resourceful.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03But there's a danger they'll end up with a mishmash of stuff that will
0:37:03 > 0:37:05detract from the medieval feel they want.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12So, I've brought them to a house that's been designed around
0:37:12 > 0:37:14the owner's passion for salvaging and recycling.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23So, as timber frame connoisseurs, what do you think of this place?
0:37:23 > 0:37:24- Love it.- Amazing.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- Spectacular. - It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- It is stunning.- Ours is like the poor man's version of this!
0:37:32 > 0:37:35This is the Ancient Party Barn, near Folkestone in Kent.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Once a collection of derelict farm buildings,
0:37:39 > 0:37:44architects Liddicoat and Goldhill worked closely with their clients to
0:37:44 > 0:37:47create a home that retained the atmosphere of the old buildings
0:37:47 > 0:37:49while incorporating their unique collection.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54'There are tricks on show here that Neil and Amanda could use in
0:37:54 > 0:37:57'their home on a much smaller scale.'
0:37:57 > 0:37:58I think it really works well here.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02You've got a mixture of new timbers, of engineered timbers like plywood.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Then you've got the old timbers of the original barn.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08But also we've got steel here, just like red painted steel,
0:38:08 > 0:38:12looks quite industrial. I think they've made some choices here about
0:38:12 > 0:38:16keeping everything with that industrial loft kind of atmosphere.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- Yes.- Maybe that's a bit of a lesson for you guys as you're bringing all of the various things
0:38:20 > 0:38:24you've brought together. What is the overall atmosphere you're looking for?
0:38:24 > 0:38:27It's such a big space, but it's still cosy.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29And it's homely.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31It's still rustic-looking.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Which is the feel we want for our house.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35This is exactly what we want.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41To make sense of such a large space,
0:38:41 > 0:38:45different types of flooring have been used to create zones.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51It's a clever trick that can be interpreted for any open-plan space.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53You can use timber like this, but rugs, carpet,
0:38:53 > 0:38:56or even laminate would achieve the same contrasting effect.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01This actually has had more people walking over it than you might think,
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- because this is timber from an old bridge.- Right.- Wow!
0:39:03 > 0:39:07So this is timber that's been reconditioned, but still has all that character, weathering in it.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Even these dark patches I think are really beautiful.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16The kitchen is a great mix of old and new materials.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Reclaimed wood sits alongside new stainless steel.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24The cupboard doors are white ply treated with linseed oil.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26By just adding brass handles,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29you can give new materials like these a sense of history.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I think this is great. Because we're using plywood for different things,
0:39:34 > 0:39:35and it just looks so good.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38And it doesn't look out of place with the old wood.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39This does prove, doesn't it,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43that you can bring together quite disparate elements and make them part of
0:39:43 > 0:39:46a coherent whole. But I would say they've chosen those elements very
0:39:46 > 0:39:51carefully. Because there is a danger with having a taste for nice
0:39:51 > 0:39:54knick-knacks and things that you find bit by bit that it suddenly becomes
0:39:54 > 0:39:57like a theme pub, and you've got to stop before you get to that stage.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- Yeah.- It's just a case of playing with things,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02seeing what fits and what doesn't fit.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Absolutely.- And then knowing when to get rid of them.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11'To complement their salvaged materials,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15'the owners of the barn also commissioned bespoke pieces.'
0:40:15 > 0:40:19This is great. Who on earth would have thought of this idea?
0:40:21 > 0:40:25The centre of the barn is dominated by a huge brick chimney surrounded
0:40:25 > 0:40:30by a spiral steel staircase, which follows the line of the radiating trusses.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35Repeated patterns and shapes is a clever way to pull a design together.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40'The stairs lead to a rather unusual mezzanine.'
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Oh, this isn't what I expected.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43It's not? What did you expect?
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Just like a little seating area.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46No, it's nice, this bedroom.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Not an en-suite bedroom.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50It feels like it's a bit more playful up here, design wise.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55You've got this kind of amazing pattern of the floor, following the
0:40:55 > 0:40:56trusses we saw downstairs.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59And then this industrial material.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02And there's a toilet behind here, which is not what you would normally expect.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07When you walk through our main door, you're going to get the kitchen,
0:41:07 > 0:41:09and it's going to be like a U-shaped kitchen.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12So instead of seeing the backs of the cupboards or the backs of the fridge,
0:41:12 > 0:41:14it would look quite nice with something like that.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Yeah, you can imagine this in any thin, dark material.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21'In keeping with the industrial loft style,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23'the owners have also used exposed copper pipes.'
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Neil would love the tap design.
0:41:28 > 0:41:29Which I assume you wouldn't love.
0:41:29 > 0:41:35No, I prefer the posher, nicer, more girlie, I suppose,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37taps with a little shower head.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- No, but it's a choice, isn't it? - Yeah.- Something that they're trying
0:41:39 > 0:41:42to keep, I think, in general in this house, is natural materials.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44So seeing copper is a nice thing.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51In this house, every piece of furniture, whether reclaimed or bespoke,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53complements the original beams.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- This is a fantastic find. This is the kind of thing you could find.- I know.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- This looks like it's out of a Victorian firemen's... - Yeah.- I don't know what it's from.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04That's kind of what it's about, isn't it? I mean, carefully chosen,
0:42:04 > 0:42:06these things can just add tremendous character.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07I mean, this is quite eclectic.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09There are things old and new.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It works really, really well.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Neil and Amanda are at a really crucial stage of their process.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18And it's been great today to bring them to a place where they can look
0:42:18 > 0:42:23at the details about how they can realise the final stages of their build.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26They've got a kind of mania for collecting and assembling,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30and gathering together odd, strange bits of furniture.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Now I think it's time for Amanda to put the brakes on a little bit and
0:42:33 > 0:42:37start to take Neil's nervous energy and translate into something that
0:42:37 > 0:42:41can create a calm, beautiful background to their family life.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46Because that's, in the end, what their interior needs to be.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51It's five months since the timber frame went up,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55and, in spite of their tiny budget, they've made great progress...
0:42:55 > 0:42:56Hi, Neil. Hi, Amanda.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58How are you doing? This is fantastic!
0:42:58 > 0:43:01..and are well on the way to a watertight shell.
0:43:04 > 0:43:05Look at all this exposed studwork.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Are you actually going to see that?
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- Yes.- This is your old studwork that you've reclaimed.
0:43:09 > 0:43:15And because your insulation sits outside this, you can expose all of this.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18And, to see this, I think that's incredible.
0:43:18 > 0:43:19When we came to your studio,
0:43:19 > 0:43:23you was using like these little alcoves as little shelves and things.
0:43:23 > 0:43:24And I just love that idea.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26And upstairs, again,
0:43:26 > 0:43:30it looks like you're going to see that fantastic ceiling.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33This is how they would have done it in medieval times -
0:43:33 > 0:43:35just use what they had and see the lot,
0:43:35 > 0:43:40and not get too precious and self-conscious around the concept of finishes.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43The interior layout is starting to come together.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45But this is a tiny house,
0:43:45 > 0:43:48and Piers is worried that they're about to make a massive mistake
0:43:48 > 0:43:51with the position of the stairs.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53Where the ladders are, we kind of come up here.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57Because there's quite a lot of space that you are potentially losing,
0:43:57 > 0:43:59- aren't you?- Yeah.- You could do the stairs in a single run.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04- Yeah.- You actually only need to lose that much space, if you want.
0:44:04 > 0:44:09Downstairs, we're thinking about making the bathroom in that kind of position.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13And what that means is that you could potentially bring your
0:44:13 > 0:44:17stairs up, you know, like that here.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21But what this gives you is space for a room either side, rather than
0:44:21 > 0:44:25just lots of open space for a staircase.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29This would be another significant change.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31On their current plan,
0:44:31 > 0:44:35the bespoke switchback staircase compromises the living area,
0:44:35 > 0:44:37creating an L-shaped layout.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Replacing this with a standard single run staircase opens up
0:44:41 > 0:44:46the living space and effectively takes up no room as furniture can be positioned
0:44:46 > 0:44:47beneath the stairs.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Upstairs, the floor space is significantly increased,
0:44:52 > 0:44:55allowing them plenty of scope to play with the layout.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01Liking the idea of having a straight staircase because it cuts a lot of
0:45:01 > 0:45:04money out. Because I've seen that you can just go and buy them off the
0:45:04 > 0:45:06shelf at that size.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09One job they still haven't made a start on is the floor.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14Piers is keen to see if Neil has taken his advice about using his
0:45:14 > 0:45:15reclaimed bricks.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17The last time I was here, we talked in length about the floor,
0:45:17 > 0:45:20didn't we? What are you planning to do now?
0:45:20 > 0:45:24Because I'm lazy, the easiest way for me is to put a floating floor on.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26As long as it's tongue and groove.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30Have you got the tongue and groove boards here as part of your scavenged kit?
0:45:30 > 0:45:34No, we've had to go and find a guy - locally up in Whittlesey there's a guy that does them.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38He's going to cut them and trim them to size. It's a bit much. It's going to cost nearly three grand.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42I think the thing that worries me most is three grand on the floor
0:45:42 > 0:45:46when actually you're saying it's just because you're lazy and actually you've
0:45:46 > 0:45:48got beautiful materials here.
0:45:48 > 0:45:53But I still feel that the whole brick thing is a missed opportunity.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56It's something you've got, it's something you could use.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Why wouldn't you?
0:45:58 > 0:46:01But I've only worked with bricks for about four days now.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04You hadn't worked with any timber and you've done all this.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07So you're going to be a master bricklayer by the time you've done all this.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Isn't that what this house is about, though?
0:46:09 > 0:46:13Working out what materials you've got and scavenged and working out how to use them effectively?
0:46:13 > 0:46:15That's about as good as it gets, I think.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21The thing about Neil is he's got everything around him and he's building
0:46:21 > 0:46:25a great house, but he gets so easily distracted and this whole brick thing,
0:46:25 > 0:46:27it's come full circle now.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36What's he doing? Making noise?
0:46:36 > 0:46:39Daddy's always making noise, isn't he?
0:46:40 > 0:46:45It's October. With the windows now in, the house is watertight.
0:46:46 > 0:46:51Winter's coming so I think we are all wanting to be in there now opposed to the caravan.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56I think we're just ready to start living in it now.
0:46:56 > 0:46:57But there's still a long way to go.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03In my mind, it just feels like there's another year to do and now it's just
0:47:03 > 0:47:07a matter of scrimping and scraping and then doing the last parts.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11To finish the inside will push Neil's resourcefulness to the limit.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14This will be like your worktop kitchen, your working area.
0:47:15 > 0:47:20Neil and Amanda have taken on board a complete redesign of their house.
0:47:21 > 0:47:2253...
0:47:22 > 0:47:26But will all Neil's projects come together
0:47:26 > 0:47:29and help them achieve their medieval dream home?
0:47:38 > 0:47:43Neil and Amanda wanted to build a medieval-style timber-frame house
0:47:43 > 0:47:49not just for £100,000 but for just £50,000, an almost impossible task.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52The original plans they had weren't giving them what they wanted so we
0:47:52 > 0:47:56had to rip it up and start again and the big danger was that the result
0:47:56 > 0:47:58would be a kind of theme pub of a house,
0:47:58 > 0:48:01just a pastiche of what they really loved.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05It's over 18 months since Neil demolished their old house.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08'Piers and I can't wait to see what they've achieved.'
0:48:08 > 0:48:09Hi, guys.
0:48:09 > 0:48:10- Hi.- Good to see you.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- Hi.- And it's great to see you with a house.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15- Nearly finished. Not quite finished, though.- Not quite.
0:48:20 > 0:48:25The original tiny bungalow has been replaced with a three-bedroom home
0:48:25 > 0:48:28that will accommodate their growing family for years to come.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31The exterior isn't quite finished.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35They'll have to wait for the weather to improve before they can render
0:48:35 > 0:48:39over the grey cement boards, which they plan to do in a white finish.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43Actually, I love the colour of this and I suspect many architects would
0:48:43 > 0:48:45really get off on this honesty to construction
0:48:45 > 0:48:47and suggest you left this.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50When I put it up, I just felt it looked like a prison.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53We quite like it but I can understand why you want to finish your house.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57I must say, it sits really nicely on the street and I love the modesty of
0:48:57 > 0:48:58- the exterior.- In a way,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01you chose your battles because you wanted this beautiful,
0:49:01 > 0:49:06crafted timber house but, on the outside, you focused on doing a very simple
0:49:06 > 0:49:09building that just connected with the street and then focused on the
0:49:09 > 0:49:11- inside.- I can't wait to see...
0:49:11 > 0:49:12- Likewise.- ..what's inside.
0:49:12 > 0:49:13Can't wait.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20Wow! This really is like that feast of timber.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23You've absolutely nailed it, I've got to say.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31'The main attraction is the fabulous timber frame.
0:49:33 > 0:49:37'The chunky posts are complemented by the recycled studwork.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41'The ceilings still need insulating and finishing but, elsewhere, they've
0:49:41 > 0:49:45'already captured some of that ancient character.'
0:49:45 > 0:49:49For me, I think the striking thing is that it doesn't feel like a medieval pastiche.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52It's not a chocolate box interior and I think that's a real
0:49:52 > 0:49:54- compliment to you. - The medieval feel,
0:49:54 > 0:49:58that's just where we started and then it evolved.
0:49:58 > 0:50:02It's a beautiful thing because you can see exactly how it's made and by
0:50:02 > 0:50:05pushing the installation outside, nothing is covered up.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07It's a much better way of building, actually,
0:50:07 > 0:50:09because you have continuous insulation everywhere.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11If we were to bury the timber under boards,
0:50:11 > 0:50:13it would not have the same character.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15It would just feel completely different.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18All of this studwork looks as if it's been reclaimed and salvaged.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21About 80% of it has been.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25You've just built it with materials to hand and those materials now really sing.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32Neil has taken recycling to the extreme
0:50:32 > 0:50:36and made kitchen units out of old planks and a £20 sink.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43We spend half of our time on these projects saying don't spend £5,000
0:50:43 > 0:50:46on your kitchen. We clearly didn't need to do that with you.
0:50:46 > 0:50:47No.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51'Neil may have stuck to his guns and laid a tongue and groove floor...
0:50:53 > 0:50:59'..but he did find another way to use Piers' idea for incorporating brick and timber.'
0:50:59 > 0:51:03I mean, it's brilliant. I mean, this is a real case study on how to use
0:51:03 > 0:51:04brick effectively.
0:51:04 > 0:51:09Defines a room and absorbs all this lovely sunlight and will re-radiate
0:51:09 > 0:51:12it at night. You've cleaned each one of those, haven't you?
0:51:12 > 0:51:14Sat in the garden chipping away.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17- You love it, really.- When you think about...
0:51:17 > 0:51:19What's took me for the different parts of the building.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23I've done them in hours and a few days, whereas this is a colossal time period in
0:51:23 > 0:51:25the way that I worked.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31In the main living area, the timber frame shines through.
0:51:34 > 0:51:35This is a really great space.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38Look at this. It's a generous seating area.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40I love how it's a bit tucked under the stairs.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43I just think it's a really successful living area.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47'Piers' last-minute suggestion to move the staircase has worked.
0:51:47 > 0:51:53'It's yet to be completed but the improvements on the space around it are clear to see.'
0:51:53 > 0:51:56It's just one big flexible space that you can use as you see fit.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00And you can move it around if you have a party or your needs change or whatever. It's great.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08In the bathroom, Neil's scavenging skills are clear to see.
0:52:08 > 0:52:13The bargain basement roll top bath that spent so long in the awning
0:52:13 > 0:52:15now has pride of place.
0:52:15 > 0:52:19The splashback is off-cuts of timber and the loo was free from a friend.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23There's another great example here, Neil,
0:52:23 > 0:52:27of your resourcefulness in the reusing of bits of your old house because
0:52:27 > 0:52:29this is the old external wall of your house.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33Oh, yes, yes. Amanda's not quite ready for this green.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35I am. I'm ready.
0:52:35 > 0:52:36That's beautiful, that green.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39I love this sense of seeing the old house.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42It tells a story of how the house was built, as well.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44All of these materials have cost you nothing.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46What has the staircase cost you so far?
0:52:46 > 0:52:47The staircase was quite a bargain.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50I think it was about £100 off the shelf.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53We really need to get this worked on so we can get into the house quicker
0:52:53 > 0:52:55and make it safe for the children, as well.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01Neil has a lot of work still to do in treating all the exposed timber
0:53:01 > 0:53:06to meet fire regulations but Amanda is already making careful choices on
0:53:06 > 0:53:09what items make it into her home and what doesn't.
0:53:09 > 0:53:13Neil was bringing in bits and then it was like, stop, stop!
0:53:13 > 0:53:15There is a moment when you know you've gone too far.
0:53:15 > 0:53:16Just stop, that's enough.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20It must be a nice way of you starting to own the building in a way
0:53:20 > 0:53:22- and starting to feel like it's yours.- Yes, make it ours,
0:53:22 > 0:53:24putting our personal objects in it.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26It's the transformation from a
0:53:26 > 0:53:29house to a home, I think.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36I can only imagine how hard it must have been building this house while
0:53:36 > 0:53:38living in their tiny caravan.
0:53:41 > 0:53:46Well, my first time in the place you lived in for how long?
0:53:46 > 0:53:47About 18 months.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Tell me about the way you guys have worked as a team on this build.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53It's not always been easy, but...
0:53:55 > 0:53:59And we've had our moments when we've had rows and the tension has got high
0:53:59 > 0:54:03but we've sort of pulled it back and discussed it and sort of gone,
0:54:03 > 0:54:05"Right, we need to move forwards.
0:54:05 > 0:54:06"This is how we're going to do it."
0:54:06 > 0:54:11I know it's been really tough at times for your relationship,
0:54:11 > 0:54:14it's just a lot of strain, but there must be positives out of that, too.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17You get to where you think, "Oh, my gosh,
0:54:17 > 0:54:18"I thought we was a stronger couple
0:54:18 > 0:54:21"and I thought we could have coped with this better,"
0:54:21 > 0:54:23but then, once you've got past that,
0:54:23 > 0:54:26you realise you are that stronger couple because you've worked through it
0:54:26 > 0:54:31and, you know, you've got past that goal and you're ready to sort of hit
0:54:31 > 0:54:33the next one.
0:54:33 > 0:54:37And each one becomes easier and less fraught, you know?
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Because you know that you can work through it.
0:54:42 > 0:54:47Neil and Amanda faced so many obstacles and are now very close to finally
0:54:47 > 0:54:48moving into their home.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52So, how far has their 50K budget got them?
0:54:54 > 0:54:57I must say that I think you two are two of the most resourceful builders
0:54:57 > 0:55:02we've ever followed and the result is amazing, so impressed with it.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05But I really want to know how much it'll cost.
0:55:05 > 0:55:06We had 50 grand.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10That was our budget and what you see today has cost 50,000.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13I mean, that's so astonishing.
0:55:13 > 0:55:17We have lots of projects that aim for the 100 and end up going over,
0:55:17 > 0:55:19but £50,000 is a microscopic budget.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22I mean, tell me how you've done it.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24What do you think the key is, Neil?
0:55:24 > 0:55:26I think the secret is being resourceful.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29Because I was so lucky that I demolished the old house which gave me
0:55:29 > 0:55:32the opportunity to store the wood, de-nail it.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35That's not cost me anything except my time and my effort.
0:55:35 > 0:55:37But it's not quite finished, is it? What is there left to do?
0:55:37 > 0:55:39The upstairs is still to be finished,
0:55:39 > 0:55:41we've got the staircase to finish off.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43We've still got maybe six months or so of work to do.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46We could quickly go and get some builders to do it and finish it off
0:55:46 > 0:55:48for us but that would break the bank.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52How much more do you need to spend to get this to the level you want it?
0:55:52 > 0:55:57We reckoned another six grand in all.
0:55:57 > 0:56:03So the final budget for a completely finished house, fitted out, £56,000.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05I just think that's astonishing.
0:56:09 > 0:56:10For Neil in particular,
0:56:10 > 0:56:14this is a remarkable achievement because he's built a house and built
0:56:14 > 0:56:18it beautifully and every bit of this house has been thought through.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22It may not be everyone's taste but it's an incredibly complete bit of
0:56:22 > 0:56:25design that uses materials resourcefully
0:56:25 > 0:56:29and it's a real lesson for many of us.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31This house really moves me.
0:56:31 > 0:56:32It moves me in terms of the quality of space,
0:56:32 > 0:56:35in terms of how clever the whole package is,
0:56:35 > 0:56:39how clever it's been pieced together by Neil and Amanda and I'm really amazed
0:56:39 > 0:56:41by how lovely this house is.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48Are you going to miss this process, because this has been your life?
0:56:48 > 0:56:51It would be so nice to just get up in the morning,
0:56:51 > 0:56:54be able to use the bathroom, just to live normally,
0:56:54 > 0:56:58just to relax and not have to think, "Right, breakfast is over,
0:56:58 > 0:57:00"we've got a wall to build."
0:57:00 > 0:57:01Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04Now it's finished, what are you going to do with your time?
0:57:06 > 0:57:07Back to work.
0:57:08 > 0:57:09Yeah.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17Piers and I felt quite a big responsibility on this project.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20We encouraged Neil and Amanda to rip up their plans and start again
0:57:20 > 0:57:23from first principles and they did that,
0:57:23 > 0:57:26but I think it's their resourcefulness that, in the end, has delivered
0:57:26 > 0:57:28a building of extraordinary qualities.
0:57:28 > 0:57:30It's homely, beautiful,
0:57:30 > 0:57:34structurally ambitious and all of those things just shouldn't be possible
0:57:34 > 0:57:36on this budget. When I walked through this door today,
0:57:36 > 0:57:38I couldn't really believe my eyes.
0:57:38 > 0:57:42It's been an extraordinary journey of discovery for me to find out that
0:57:42 > 0:57:46you can build a house for this little money that ends up being a place of
0:57:46 > 0:57:47real character and beauty.
0:57:54 > 0:57:59Next time, Kevin and Lesley are planning a seaside home packed with design features.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02It's like popcorn in my head.
0:58:02 > 0:58:04Ideas are bouncing around.
0:58:04 > 0:58:06'But have they got carried away?'
0:58:06 > 0:58:07Not sure where we want the kitchen.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10How about reconsidering the structure?
0:58:10 > 0:58:12'And we meet two old friends...'
0:58:12 > 0:58:17Welcome back. '..to help them complete an extraordinary home nine years in the making.'
0:58:17 > 0:58:19Have you done this before, Piers?
0:58:19 > 0:58:22I've never done this before, ever.