0:00:02 > 0:00:04'Can you build your dream home for under £100,000?'
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Whatever it takes, we'll do it because this is where we want to be.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12'Architect Piers Taylor will help families facing dilemmas.'
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Why wouldn't you actually just take that wall out?
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Um...
0:00:16 > 0:00:21'While I, Kieran Long, will show them a world of inspiring design.'
0:00:21 > 0:00:24It really makes it feel like one, big, generous space.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25I love it. It's amazing.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29'And there are budget ideas for projects large and small.'
0:00:29 > 0:00:34This might not look much but this material is very, very versatile.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37'It's tough
0:00:37 > 0:00:41'but some will turn low-cost self builds into fantastic homes.'
0:00:43 > 0:00:45This is amazing.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47What a great space!
0:00:49 > 0:00:54'This time, Kevin and Lesley are planning an ambitious seaside home.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:57This is a chance to make a mark, really.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'And Kevin loves clever design.'
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It's like popcorn in my head.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Ideas are bouncing around.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05'But have they forgotten what's important?'
0:01:05 > 0:01:07I'm not sure where we want the kitchen.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09How about reconsidering the structure?
0:01:09 > 0:01:11'And we meet two old friends.'
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Welcome back. I'm so excited to be back with you again.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17'To try to help them complete an extraordinary home
0:01:17 > 0:01:19'nine years in the making.'
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Have you done this before, Piers?
0:01:21 > 0:01:23I've never done this before, ever.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37'Kevin and Lesley have lived on the Isle of Sheppey in north Kent
0:01:37 > 0:01:39'for decades.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44'Now they've found the perfect location to build a dream home
0:01:44 > 0:01:46'for their retirement.'
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Basically, it's the price of the view, isn't it, really?
0:01:50 > 0:01:51It's ever-changing.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52I mean, it's...
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Every morning we wake up and it's different, isn't it?- Mm.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59We're close to our family.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01It's lovely.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04A nice place to settle down and retire, if we eventually do.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07'The couple are downsizing.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11'They've sold their old home, spent 50K of the proceeds on their plot,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13'and moved into a caravan on site.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18'Lesley is regularly kept busy looking after three grandchildren
0:02:18 > 0:02:21'and she's also an artist in fused glass.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28'Kevin's a carpenter and builder with over 40 years' experience
0:02:28 > 0:02:31'and a perfectionist streak.'
0:02:31 > 0:02:32If I spend too much time on things,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34it's because I want it right.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'Being in the building trade has had a big impact on the house
0:02:39 > 0:02:40'Kevin and Lesley have designed.'
0:02:42 > 0:02:45He has always been building things for other people.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48You don't always agree with their ideas
0:02:48 > 0:02:51but you have to do it because you need to earn money.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Now, he's going to do whatever he wants.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57This is the exciting bit.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Seeing the first bit of dirt come out.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04'The couple want to enter retirement mortgage-free,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07'so their budget is just £50,000.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10'Less than half the price per square metre of a regular self-build.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16'Kevin will have to do virtually all the work himself,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18'in between paid jobs.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24'He knows it's his last chance to create the dream.'
0:03:24 > 0:03:26We're not going to move.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27We're not going to do this any more.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30This is our final, final bit, final statement, really.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36We're having a curved roof, inspired by the sea.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39It's just got a lovely flow to it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:45And we're also going to have a curved, half-glazed wall,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49because I'm a sucker for that kind of thing. I love complicated stuff.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57'This sounds like an incredibly ambitious build for one man
0:03:57 > 0:03:58'with just 50 grand.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02'I'm worried this retirement dream will be impossible to achieve.'
0:04:09 > 0:04:12'To try to ensure Lesley and Kevin have something that's beautiful but
0:04:12 > 0:04:15'realistic, I'll be showing them examples of the very best
0:04:15 > 0:04:17'in recent design.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24'While Piers uses his years of experience as an architect
0:04:24 > 0:04:26'to challenge and improve their plans.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33'Our starting point is to scrutinise their home.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39'It's immediately clear it isn't a standard seaside bungalow.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44'The house's key distinguishing feature
0:04:44 > 0:04:46'is the wave-inspired roof,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48'which will be covered in sedum plants.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54'Directly underneath it is the mezzanine level lounge
0:04:54 > 0:04:57'with a wraparound balcony giving sea views.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01'Plus a staircase built into the curved wall,
0:05:01 > 0:05:02'leading down to the ground floor.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08'The dining area is in the centre with conventional rooms around.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11'A master bedroom and en suite...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15'..plus a family bathroom and a second bedroom.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20'The exact layout of the kitchen is undecided.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26'It's certainly a distinctive house
0:05:26 > 0:05:28'but is it what Lesley and Kevin really need?'
0:05:30 > 0:05:34The house that's been designed so far feels a bit fussy,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37like it's a bit overworked and, at the same time,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39not providing much quality for them.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40A bit fussy?
0:05:40 > 0:05:45For me, it feels like it's had an attack of the featurism,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48which is that it has had features added to it
0:05:48 > 0:05:50to make it more interesting.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54And, on paper, Lesley and Kevin have so much they can bring
0:05:54 > 0:05:58to this project. He's a really good builder and she's really creative,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01she's a stained-glass artist and the site is fantastic.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04With that they could build something extraordinary.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07But there's a sort of sense that Lesley and Kevin feel that
0:06:07 > 0:06:10for a house to be a dream house it has to have lots of features.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Here, the biggest feature is the big, wavy roof.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I have to put my cards on the table now and say, I hate the roof.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- I just hate it.- It's a strange building, isn't it?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22While there are these curvy, organic shapes,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25actually the rooms themselves are just chopped up in the plan
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- as little boxes.- They are.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It's the most conventional house underneath
0:06:29 > 0:06:31all these curves and features.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34At the moment, it seems, the biggest problem with the house
0:06:34 > 0:06:37is it's not making the most of what is a really spectacular location.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41It has a fantastic, dramatic view over this estuary out here.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44At the moment, the stairs block that view.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48I think, the stairs don't need to be as clever, somehow.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52They can be more subtle and then I think we need to find a way where
0:06:52 > 0:06:57you use the best bit of this, which is the view over that fantastic sea.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03'Kevin and Lesley have focused too much on things
0:07:03 > 0:07:05'that don't really matter
0:07:05 > 0:07:08'and the danger is they'll cost them dear in time and money.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14'Piers heads for Sheppey to persuade them to think again.'
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Lesley and Kevin's house has this big gesture of this roof
0:07:18 > 0:07:22that feels just gratuitous and wilful,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24as if it's just grafted on somehow
0:07:24 > 0:07:26to make the building more interesting.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Actually, in a location like this, buildings don't need gestures,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31they just need to be good neighbours,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33have a great sense of place,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35a great sense of light,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and actually then be quite simple.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43'Lesley and Kevin's house is also a low-cost house.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46'So, you need to think really carefully about how that money
0:07:46 > 0:07:49'is spent and the roof is expensive.'
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Hi, Kevin.- Hi, Piers.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56How are you doing? Good to see you.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- And you?- Hi, Lesley. - Nice to meet you.- Nice to see you.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- How's it going? - Basically, it's ideas now.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05We're at the stage now where we can change things, hence you being here.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08We get so engrossed in it that sometimes someone will come along
0:08:08 > 0:08:11and say, "Why don't you do this?" And you think, "Why didn't I think of that?"
0:08:11 > 0:08:14I'm not sure where we want the kitchen area, the dining area.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16That could go either end.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- We're not sure.- How about reconsidering the structure?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21No. I like the structure.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23We've really thought about the structure.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25But, in a way, the structure...
0:08:25 > 0:08:27The fabric of the building, is the architecture.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30That's the bit you need to get right and that's the bit, maybe,
0:08:30 > 0:08:31you need to rethink.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36'The plot has a fantastic location and that's the real key
0:08:36 > 0:08:39'to them creating an amazing house.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42'The raised deck of the neighbouring property shows the potential
0:08:42 > 0:08:44'for views.'
0:08:44 > 0:08:46It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I can see why you'd want to put your living room on the first floor.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52We needed a lounge to take advantage of the view.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55We were going to do a straight roof and then we thought,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57"Why not just do a nice, gentle curve?"
0:08:57 > 0:09:00It would be much more pleasing to the eye
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- and it would look really nice. - Then we got curve crazy.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Straight lines are easy, aren't they?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06The minute you start curving, it's...
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- Straight lines are easy and generally cheaper.- I know.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12It's difficult to build, but I think that's part of it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13I think, you know.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16If you're doing it for yourself, that's all part of it.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18What happens if you get fed up with a curved roof?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- I don't think we will.- No.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I really don't think we will. It's an elegant shape.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28'Lesley and Kevin have fallen into a classic self builders trap,
0:09:28 > 0:09:33'giving showy design priority over creating a great space to live in.'
0:09:34 > 0:09:38The roof you see, when you arrive, after a while you won't notice it.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- No.- That's right.- The spaces inside, those bits, they feel critical.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43- Mmm.- Mmm.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49The building is built up over time and it's something that has been
0:09:49 > 0:09:52discussed between them over many months, if not years.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55I can't just come in and start changing things.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59I'm really trying to understand the raison d'etre for the building and
0:09:59 > 0:10:01see if it's as good as it can be for them.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07'Roof aside, Piers' biggest concern is the fancy staircase.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09'It'll block potential views,
0:10:09 > 0:10:14'use the best floor space and eat a huge chunk of that tiny 50K budget.'
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Here, there is consciously a decision
0:10:20 > 0:10:24to put the stair in the window,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26whereas a lot of people would put the table in the window
0:10:26 > 0:10:28and bring the stairs to the back.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31I quite like the idea of, you know,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34different levels going up and seeing that view.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I think that's a primary bit of living space.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38I'll humour you with the roof because I get it but,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I think you're doing the stair in a similar vein to the roof,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45like, it's a big gesture but, actually, it stops you living
0:10:45 > 0:10:46in the view.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51'Piers can see a way to transform the ground floor
0:10:51 > 0:10:53'and maximise the views,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55'simply by moving the stairs.'
0:10:55 > 0:11:01Could you creep your staircase in there, at the back of the plan,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- so you arrive and then you look out of the view there?- Mmm.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Consequently, I would just invest in a stair
0:11:08 > 0:11:10that was at the back of the plan,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14so it becomes a really good sort of family house.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- I know your kids are older but in terms of your grandchildren...- Yes.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21..this is all about living in the view now, isn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:27'Repositioning Lesley and Kevin's en suite and family bathrooms
0:11:27 > 0:11:30'would create a space at the rear of the house.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35'The staircase, which is currently blocking views
0:11:35 > 0:11:38'and using prime living space, could then move to the rear.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44'A full height glass wall is now possible.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49'Moving the stairs creates a big family living and dining area
0:11:49 > 0:11:52'that takes full advantage of the views created.'
0:11:54 > 0:11:56I like it. I really do like it.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I think we just got carried away with those lovely stairs
0:11:59 > 0:12:02going gracefully up the side of the building.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05And we didn't really look far enough ahead, you know,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07to actually living in the space.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12I really did have a problem with the roof, initially,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16and I have less of a problem with it now.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Because the rest of the building really makes sense.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22It's planned well now. Money's being spent in the right place.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26'Now Lesley and Kevin are opening up their wall,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30'I want to show them a great example of how any of us can improve a home
0:12:30 > 0:12:33'with design choices which connect it to its surroundings.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:41I love this place. There's a certain sort of desolate beauty to it,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43isn't there? It's not quite like the Kent you're used to.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Definitely not the Kent we're used to. It's fantastic.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52'Pobble House is a home in Dungeness on the south Kent coast,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54'designed by Guy Hollaway Architects.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58'Before we look inside,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02'I think the outside has valuable lessons because the materials are
0:13:02 > 0:13:04'carefully chosen to blend with the landscape.'
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Have you started to think about how you want to clad your building?
0:13:09 > 0:13:10It's the seaside, so salt air.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12So, we're looking at a silica render.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17'Seaside weather is tough on houses.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20'Silica render would be very resistant.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22'But rather than battle the elements,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24'some architects embrace them.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28'You can choose materials for your house or garden that improve as they
0:13:28 > 0:13:31'weather, making them fit even better into their surroundings.'
0:13:32 > 0:13:34I really love this larch.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35It's the colour of it, isn't it?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- It's so beautiful.- It is. - I mean, it looks fantastic.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40It absolutely looks fantastic.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44'Larch is a good choice for cladding on a modest budget.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47'If you don't treat it, it weathers to a silvery grey.'
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I think it's also really cleverly done.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52There are two widths of board here,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54in different patterns.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57It gives it a little bit of irregularity, a bit of interest.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59The finish of that...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It's just the simple details that make all the difference.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07'The most striking part of the house
0:14:07 > 0:14:09'is clad in metal called weathering steel.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13'It's specially formulated to develop a stable layer of rust when
0:14:13 > 0:14:15'exposed to the elements.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17'This protects the steel beneath,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20'removes the need for painting and looks great.'
0:14:20 > 0:14:23It adds interest to the building straightaway, doesn't it?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26It's obviously another material that is all about ageing.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29It sort of feels really at home with the washed-up on the beach things.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It does, yeah.- This is a bit more expensive than some of the other
0:14:32 > 0:14:35materials. It's £175 a square metre.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38But I think it's lovely because it looks so permanent.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40This is not going anywhere. You know, it's rusted already.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43It's never going to change. It's got all that lovely colour and texture
0:14:43 > 0:14:46which, I think, adds so much character to the building.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52'The outside is beautiful and inside it's a wonderful example
0:14:52 > 0:14:54'of how you can make the most of views.'
0:14:57 > 0:14:59So, this is the light, airy, living space.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01What do you make of it?
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- Love it. Really love it. - I really like it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Simple lines. Really done very well.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Pretty straightforward. Pretty simple. Very light.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11All the materials are light and bright and white and the views
0:15:11 > 0:15:12- are fantastic, aren't they? - They are.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16I love how the whole building has been oriented to take in these views,
0:15:16 > 0:15:18particularly the lighthouse,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21squarely on axis with this long corridor.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22That's a clever trick, isn't it?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26You're looking directly, right the way through the whole building.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29You have a key feature at the end of it, which is the lighthouse.
0:15:31 > 0:15:37'At £225,000, Pobble House cost far more than Lesley and Kevin's project
0:15:37 > 0:15:40'but you could use the principles applied here
0:15:40 > 0:15:41'to make any home better.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48'The key is working out how each living space relates to the landscape and
0:15:48 > 0:15:50'how the size and shape of the windows can enhance that.'
0:15:53 > 0:15:57This little slot somehow just takes in the horizon, doesn't it?
0:15:57 > 0:16:01I love the way it leads your eye down the long line of power lines.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03It really frames it almost, doesn't it?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Your eyeline is perfect.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09'When you have views like these, keeping materials,
0:16:09 > 0:16:14'textures and colours simple focuses attention on what really matters.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18'Reflective surfaces like a splashback add another dimension.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21'Paint colours can affect the mood of an area
0:16:21 > 0:16:24'without dividing the space.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27'Unusual light fittings help soften and warm the tone of the room.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37'The combination of these simple elements can produce
0:16:37 > 0:16:38'a stunning interior.'
0:16:40 > 0:16:44This little chamfer here is a lovely detail that leads your eye
0:16:44 > 0:16:47towards the window, maximises the light coming in.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49If you can imagine lying in bed, it just helps the view a little bit,
0:16:49 > 0:16:54doesn't it? This kind of modelled fascia here that conceals the blind.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57All of that just makes a big difference, I think.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00A lot of people would think, let's just slant the wall back.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02There's a lot more involved in it.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06'It'd be easy for a bunk room to feel squashed and cluttered
0:17:06 > 0:17:10'but these bespoke beds make the most of every inch.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12'Just like everywhere else in the house,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15'the positioning of the windows connects you to the landscape,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18'while the white paintwork reflects light.'
0:17:20 > 0:17:23I really love this space. I think it's so well used.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25It's a fairly normal sized room, isn't it? There are six beds.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Six beds.- It's sort of fun, isn't it?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I think it's great. This is the kind of thing we want to do
0:17:30 > 0:17:33for our spare room for our grandchildren.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Oh, yeah.- So they can have somewhere nice to sleep.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39This is quite interesting because they use it as storage as well,
0:17:39 > 0:17:40which is a great idea.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44I think, architecturally, this is such an exciting house.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47And always about views and a clever use of materials.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Look at the floor, the way it runs all the way through seamlessly.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Carrying right the way through, yeah.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54And I just think, isn't there some kind of real lessons there
0:17:54 > 0:17:56that don't need to cost a lot more
0:17:56 > 0:17:59but just bind the whole thing together as a space.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04'The house has given Lesley and Kevin plenty to think about.'
0:18:05 > 0:18:08We weren't taking much notice of it before, were we?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Now we realise it's quite important to think about the view.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14You have to take the whole thing on board.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17You have to look at absolutely every point, don't you?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- All those little bits do make a difference, don't they?- They do.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22They make the building, actually.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It's been a fantastic day with Kevin and Lesley.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I think they got loads out of this building.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31If I had one concern, it would be that Kevin's first instinct
0:18:31 > 0:18:33is always to zero in on the detail.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36He loves to look at the gaps between pieces of wood,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38or the way different pieces of cladding join.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41I'm worried he might be losing sight
0:18:41 > 0:18:43of the bigger, architectural picture.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45How do these spaces work together?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48How do you make a beautiful space for a meal, or for kids,
0:18:48 > 0:18:49or your family to spend time in?
0:18:49 > 0:18:52It's those that will be the test of whether their building is successful
0:18:52 > 0:18:56in the end and not how two pieces of wood come together.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59He has to keep that topmost in his mind.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05'Back on site, ten months since breaking ground,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07'Kevin's busy with the frame.'
0:19:07 > 0:19:11At the moment, I'm basically making the side frames up of the top half
0:19:11 > 0:19:13of the building.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'Many self builders would buy a bespoke frame.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20'For Kevin, making it himself ekes out the budget
0:19:20 > 0:19:23'and the craftsmanship involved is a pleasure.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26'But there is a downside.'
0:19:26 > 0:19:28It's slow. I've got to work as well.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31That's the reason why it's taken that little bit longer.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35I knew I'd be working as well as working on the house.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37If I were to work on it full time,
0:19:37 > 0:19:38I'd have probably had it built by now
0:19:38 > 0:19:41but it's, er... I haven't got that luxury, I'm afraid.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48'The couple are facing an additional complication.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50'They're having to rethink almost their entire plan...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54'..because they've had news there will soon be new housing
0:19:54 > 0:19:56'within feet of their plot.'
0:19:57 > 0:20:01We've got a development that's going to be overlooking our private amenity now.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05We didn't think they'd allow it but it seems they have
0:20:05 > 0:20:07for some unknown reason.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13'Part of Lesley and Kevin's glass wall will be badly overlooked
0:20:13 > 0:20:15'and their view will be blocked.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18'Having inspired them to open up that wall, we need to find speedy,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21'cost-effective ways around the problem they now face.'
0:20:29 > 0:20:32'I think the answers may be in another new building
0:20:32 > 0:20:34'that's also very close to its neighbours.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37'It's the extension to Tate Modern in London
0:20:37 > 0:20:40'by architects Herzog & de Meuron.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43'It uses a range of ideas to create interesting views
0:20:43 > 0:20:45'despite limited options.'
0:20:47 > 0:20:50I wanted to bring you to a building that might not look like a direct
0:20:50 > 0:20:53comparison to a house, a small house build,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55but this is a building which has wonderful qualities of light,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57great views and is a decent neighbour
0:20:57 > 0:20:59to a very built-up context.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00OK.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06'The extension echoes the brickwork of the original Tate Modern building
0:21:06 > 0:21:08'but uses the brick in a lattice format.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15'Inside, it becomes clear there's glass behind the lattice.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20'This allows indirect natural light to come in,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22'making it perfect for an art gallery.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It looks very solid from the outside.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29On the inside, you've got this wonderful quality of light
0:21:29 > 0:21:30that comes through there.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Dappled light, yes. It looks really good, doesn't it?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35There's ways of filtering light,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37that I think can be just as important as view.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Is this weren't brick, it could be a timber screen,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41it could be much cheaper, more natural materials.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44You still get that quality of light,
0:21:44 > 0:21:45rather than just building a blank wall.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49'This landmark cost around £260 million
0:21:49 > 0:21:53'but any building with overlooking issues can benefit from finding
0:21:53 > 0:21:55'ways to screen windows,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57'rather than do without natural light.'
0:21:58 > 0:22:00These are beautiful, these patterns on the floor.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02It's lovely.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08'While the brick lattice is all about light,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11'the top floor of the building is all about the view.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16'At Pobble House, the low slot window framed the shingle landscape.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'Here, a similar idea is pulled off on a grander scale.'
0:22:20 > 0:22:21This is what it's all about.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24I think this is just about the best view in London now.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29It's all about how it's framed, horizontally.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Just that sense of the whole of London laid out like a carpet
0:22:32 > 0:22:35all the way to the horizon and then this filtered light
0:22:35 > 0:22:37coming from the hit and miss brickwork again.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Just like making sure you're focusing on what's really important.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- This is so much more effective than if it was just all glass.- Beautiful.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44Absolutely beautiful, isn't it?
0:22:44 > 0:22:46It's a real trick of the architecture.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49It's not just the view, it's the way that it's framed.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51A very clever trick, isn't it?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'This view is unique but you could frame a tree on the horizon
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'simply by using a tall, thin window.'
0:23:02 > 0:23:04This is the payoff, isn't it?
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Just the most unbelievable view.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08We've seen it framed and presented to us through windows
0:23:08 > 0:23:11but now we get to experience it. It's really fantastic, isn't it?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16'The techniques used here show a window can be much more than a piece
0:23:16 > 0:23:17'of glass fixed in a wall.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'Careful choice of placement, size, shape,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'and even a partial covering can all make a building better,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'regardless of the project's scale and budget.'
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I guess your redesign has to take into account all the things
0:23:33 > 0:23:35we've seen in this building.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Framing views, revealing them,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40and then eventually allowing you to walk outside the building and take
0:23:40 > 0:23:41- them in.- Yes.- Exactly right, yeah.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48'It's now 11 months since Kevin broke ground
0:23:48 > 0:23:51'but his paid work is still taking priority.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54'He and Lesley are no closer to their retirement dream home.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01'Piers heads to Sheppey to identify ways to deal with the overlooking
0:24:01 > 0:24:03'problem and speed up the build.'
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Usually you do all of your work in advance,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13so you know exactly what you're going to build before you start.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Changing a scheme now, when it's already started,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17that's pretty dangerous.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25The big change is that originally, from here,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- you had a sea view, didn't you?- Yes.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Now, you're going to have housing through this bit, aren't you?
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- That's correct. Yes.- That corner is still open to the sea, isn't it? - That's it. Yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41'Leslie and Kevin were going to have a full height glass wall,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'but it's in the area that will now be overlooked by the new housing.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47'Piers has a radical suggestion.'
0:24:48 > 0:24:53What if you actually consolidated all of that into
0:24:53 > 0:24:57a beautiful, big bay corner window,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00and the wall curved below it?
0:25:00 > 0:25:01- Oh, I see what you mean. - Do you see what I mean?
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Yeah, you're putting the windows on here.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Pushing it all out, so what you end up with
0:25:06 > 0:25:08is a house that has then big...
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- You know...- A very interesting bay window.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16What it would mean being inside that is that you would have
0:25:16 > 0:25:23this beautiful, big, defined view at the corner of the room.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29'Piers' suggestion does away completely
0:25:29 > 0:25:31with the full height glass wall.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37'Instead the mezzanine lounge extends out over the area
0:25:37 > 0:25:41'that was the balcony,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45'and the outside of the building gains a distinctive angular shape
0:25:45 > 0:25:46'that compliments the curved wall.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52'The ground floor can be made of blockwork and render,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54'combined with conventional windows.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57'These will save money and can be positioned exactly
0:25:57 > 0:26:00'where they're needed for whatever new room layout is decided.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08'Sliding doors allow the whole bay window to be opened up,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11'and the large expanse of glass floods the floor below with light.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17'Best of all, the bay window focuses the eye on the most impressive view
0:26:17 > 0:26:20'in the house as soon as you come up the stairs.'
0:26:21 > 0:26:23It's really interesting, yeah.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Yeah, that's really something to think about.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Yeah, it is, I really like it. - I think what you're not doing
0:26:28 > 0:26:32is investing in expensive glazing on the ground,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35which actually isn't really where you need it.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38So you put in conventional windows that are cheap there...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- Yeah.- And the expensive stuff just where the view is.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- Mmm.- And the expensive stuff isn't as expensive any more
0:26:44 > 0:26:47because it's standard, made up, you know, sliders.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52'If the couple agree to it, and planning approve the changes,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55'Piers' plan deals with the plot being overlooked
0:26:55 > 0:26:58'and will be faster and cheaper to build than the glass wall.'
0:26:58 > 0:27:03I was wondering whether it looked like a box put onto the building,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05but I think it will look nice.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- I think it will look... - I think it will look really good.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I don't think there will be a problem with that.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11If anything, it'll enhance the building.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- Yeah.- I think it's going to look really good.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It's going to save us money, which we need,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17and it's also going to make a lot of difference in the sense
0:27:17 > 0:27:21of build... You know speedier, it's going to be speedier, isn't it?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Yeah, hopefully.- Yeah.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28'I think that change should help Lesley and Kevin,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31'but it's still tough to combine self building with earning an income
0:27:31 > 0:27:34'and keep going to the end.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37'Piers and I have seen plenty of people struggle,
0:27:37 > 0:27:39'including Sue and Tim.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43'They were trying to run their Somerset farm and build just about
0:27:43 > 0:27:47'the most ambitious house you could possibly aim for on 100K.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55'In the last series we saw them create a fantastic exterior,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'but it was an empty shell, nowhere near fit to live in.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02'They'd moved into a caravan while sorting out finances
0:28:02 > 0:28:04'before beginning their build,
0:28:05 > 0:28:09'and today, nearly nine years on, they're still there.'
0:28:11 > 0:28:12The problem you've got,
0:28:12 > 0:28:16we know we've got a house up there to build and we'll say,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20we'll go and do three or four hours up in the house this afternoon.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Then you're a bit late finishing with the chickens, you come in here,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26you sit down and then it's that motivation to get up and go out
0:28:26 > 0:28:30and do something else and work through till six or seven o'clock.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34After two years of doing it, it does become, you know,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38you've got to really train yourself to make sure you go and do it.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44'Just like Kevin, Sue and Tim's progress has also been slow
0:28:44 > 0:28:48'because they've pondered every detail in search of perfection.'
0:28:49 > 0:28:53We're always thinking of things and coming up with new things and
0:28:53 > 0:28:55different ideas of the way we can do something.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58It's always been a bit of make it up as you go along, hasn't it?
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Yeah, but...- But actually, that's more fun.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04'Now, nine years in cramped conditions
0:29:04 > 0:29:07'have left them determined to get the house finished.'
0:29:07 > 0:29:10We're so close to moving in now, up there now,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14that it does get frustrating when we come down here.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19It has been good fun, but now it's becoming a little bit frustrating,
0:29:19 > 0:29:20the longer we stay in.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27'So far, Sue and Tim have been building solidly for over two years.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32'Throughout, Piers and I have tried to guide them through key design choices.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38'Making second-hand glass and budget timber look like high-end bespoke...
0:29:39 > 0:29:42'..and creating a beautiful staircase on a budget.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48'But the couple postponed decisions on the layout of their first-floor
0:29:48 > 0:29:50'living and sleeping area.'
0:29:50 > 0:29:55What we will do is we will build without any internal walls,
0:29:55 > 0:29:57but what we'll do is we'll walk around and we'll say,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00what do we want, actually?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03'The desire to keep the sense of space,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06'light and the views was understandable.'
0:30:07 > 0:30:11What I also get is maintaining the sense of the whole building,
0:30:11 > 0:30:15as one beautiful cylinder and not a building that's subdivided
0:30:15 > 0:30:16with little conventional doors.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22'Now Sue and Tim are keen to crack on and move in,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25'it would be easy to spend tens of thousands on the interior
0:30:25 > 0:30:27'of such an ambitious house.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32'But their budget was blown long ago by structural problems,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'and they can afford only a fraction of what's typical.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40'Piers and I are returning to help them on this final stretch.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44'The first challenge is finding a low-cost way to partition
0:30:44 > 0:30:48'the bathroom and bedroom without resorting to a cubicle,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50'in a room that's already full of right angles.'
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Because it's such a fantastic open space,
0:30:55 > 0:31:00we want to not have an en-suite cupboard in the corner.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02It's got to feel open.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06Open so that you can sort of feel the light and you've got the light
0:31:06 > 0:31:11coming out from both these sides, but you want to hide the loo a bit,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14you know? It's a question of how to achieve it, really.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19'Sue and Tim have always been really observant about design,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22'and bold about adapting it to their needs and budget.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28'I want to show them something which might help them work out an
0:31:28 > 0:31:31'interesting way of partitioning their bathroom,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33'so I've asked them to meet me in London.'
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- Hi, Sue. Hi, Tim. Great to see you. - How are you?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- Are you well?- Good.- Lovely to see.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Welcome back. I'm so excited to be back with you again,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43and you're still plugging away?
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- Absolutely, chipping away. - Yeah, chipping away.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48I wanted to bring it to a building, in a way,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50that sets the bar as high as possible.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53This is Caruso St John's Newport Street Gallery.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54It won the Stirling Prize this year,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57so it's officially the best building in Britain this year.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00I thought it would be interesting to take you to something that's not
0:32:00 > 0:32:03a house but that has lots of characteristics
0:32:03 > 0:32:05I think are subtly in common with your building.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12'This gallery displays Damien Hirst's art collection.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17'The buildings are a combination of listed former workshops and new
0:32:17 > 0:32:20'additions, rather like Sue and Tim's house,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24'The basic structure is essentially a large rectangle,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26'but inside it's a different story.'
0:32:29 > 0:32:32So, this is the space I really wanted to bring you to see,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35which I think is kind of fascinating for all sorts of reasons.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37It's quite subtle,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40but when you start to look it's kind of a tour de force of materials and
0:32:40 > 0:32:43textures and colours, but most of all
0:32:43 > 0:32:46it has this beautiful organic curve,
0:32:46 > 0:32:48leading you upstairs in what looks from the outside like a pretty
0:32:48 > 0:32:52robust, square warehouse building.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54I'm just wondering what lessons that might have for you.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58You've created that wonderful shoebox of space,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00up surrounded by the trees and the landscape.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04What kind of curves and organic forms might add to that atmosphere?
0:33:04 > 0:33:06It's wonderful.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I think that the curves are amazing.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Here there's the space and the light,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12which is exactly what we've got at home,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15and we do need something to break that up.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17It's soft, isn't it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Actually because of the different textures and the
0:33:19 > 0:33:23different curves, it softens the whole building.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28'The positioning of the roof light emphasises the curves.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30'It's also another kind of organic shape.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32I think that's also interesting to think about.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36A very small touch, one curve like that just makes a huge difference,
0:33:36 > 0:33:38- it's quite a powerful thing to experience.- Yes.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43'These forms suggest a curved partition
0:33:43 > 0:33:46'between Sue and Tim's bathroom and bedroom could look amazing.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50'The elements used to build them show how much choice
0:33:50 > 0:33:53'of materials affects the finished piece.'
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Let's take a look at the materials a bit more closely,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59and the details of how they go together,
0:33:59 > 0:34:01because it's only when you get close, I think,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04that you notice these beautiful white bricks,
0:34:04 > 0:34:08the white mortar and then this white concrete handrail.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10That is so inviting, isn't it?
0:34:10 > 0:34:13What I really like here, this combination of materials,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17is that in a way it's kind of making the cheap elevated to something
0:34:17 > 0:34:21extremely beautiful and cared for, through just detailing.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23You've got this lovely contrast between this here
0:34:23 > 0:34:25and this lovely sharp edge here.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29'Each of the elements is a subtly different shade of white.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33'The warmth and interest is created by texture and material,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35'rather than contrasting colour.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40'The concrete handrail is complemented by another in curving,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43'painted wood.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46'Sue and Tim now have plenty to think about.'
0:34:46 > 0:34:51It's always been an exercise in work it out as we go along,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54and we've always known that at some point we were going to soften it
0:34:54 > 0:34:59down, curve it up and bring that into it,
0:34:59 > 0:35:01and now is the time, really.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05'A curved bathroom partition seems to appeal,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08'but the question now is how to create it in a simple,
0:35:08 > 0:35:09'cost-effective way.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13'It's a challenge for Piers.'
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I like the idea of using precast concrete,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20like the architect did for the Newport Street Gallery,
0:35:20 > 0:35:22but it is really expensive because it's precise and typically
0:35:22 > 0:35:29it's made in a workshop with really precise moulds and jigs and so on.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32And a small mould can cost thousands.
0:35:32 > 0:35:33They haven't got thousands,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36they've probably only got hundreds to make this whole wall.
0:35:36 > 0:35:41So I'm going to probably just have a play with some plywood
0:35:41 > 0:35:45and maybe see if I can make a curved bit of form work,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48cast some concrete and just see how it looks.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55'Ideally, Sue and Tim would like the partition to incorporate a seat,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58'and the design needs to be made from elements small and light enough
0:35:58 > 0:36:00'to be carried into the house.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04'Piers needs to design something practical and beautiful.'
0:36:08 > 0:36:13This is bendy ply that I'm going to use to make form work.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Form work is the cast, the mould for the concrete.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20What's great about this is you can bend it and get some really
0:36:20 > 0:36:22beautiful curves.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28'Tim's on the farm caring for a calving cow,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31'but Sue's joining Piers to explore designs and how to create them
0:36:31 > 0:36:34'in practice.'
0:36:34 > 0:36:39So what I'm thinking, if I draw it my way round, very crudely,
0:36:39 > 0:36:43and at the moment there's a kind of bath that's now been placed there.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48What I'm thinking is that this beautiful freefall concrete piece
0:36:48 > 0:36:51that sits there, with a thickening that allows you to sit there.
0:36:51 > 0:36:57If you look at it in elevation, it's this beautifully, tapering, curved
0:36:57 > 0:37:02you know, piece, has a sort of thickening at the end.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04The shape actually is going to be critical.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05The shape's going to be great.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12'The concrete curve could be built up from layers that are portable and
0:37:12 > 0:37:15'mortared together once they're inside the house.'
0:37:15 > 0:37:18We make it out of lightweight, white concrete.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20White concrete?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- Yeah.- I like the idea of white concrete.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- So that's where you sit, on the end, you see?- Yes, yes.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Let's go and have a go.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33'For this mock up Piers is using ordinary quick-drying concrete
0:37:33 > 0:37:35'to make a scale model.'
0:37:35 > 0:37:38It will take a bit of time to do it properly.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42It could look spectacular, equally it could look...
0:37:42 > 0:37:44pretty grim, if it's not done right.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52'The first step is to create the former.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56'These two strips of five millimetre ply were cut from a large sheet and
0:37:56 > 0:37:58'work out at around £4 each.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00'Once the desired shape is found,
0:38:00 > 0:38:04'it's held in place with scraps of old timber.'
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Have you done this before, Piers?
0:38:05 > 0:38:07I've never done this before, ever.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Sorry, no, I've done it all my life, Sue, I know exactly what am doing!
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Oh, God!
0:38:18 > 0:38:21'Silicon sealant should stop leaks
0:38:21 > 0:38:25'and oiling the ply helps remove the former once the concrete has set.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29'Ply can be bent into all sorts of shapes and could also be used
0:38:29 > 0:38:32'to make curvy, concrete garden features,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34such as edging or planters.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43So, this is very much just the first stab at seeing what's possible.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Already I have to say it's sealing harder than...
0:38:49 > 0:38:53I thought it would, but it gives you a sense of the process
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- and actually how beautiful the shape is.- Mmm.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01You're always going to have hiccups when you're doing something...
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Experimenting. - Experimenting, aren't you?
0:39:04 > 0:39:07What I've discovered today is the joy of curving this ply.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09I thought it was all about the concrete,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11but actually you could make the wall out of plywood,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14which would be easier, maybe.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Yes. This is more fun, though.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17- Mud pies and all that.- Mud pie!
0:39:20 > 0:39:23'Normally, the former would be lifted off once the concrete
0:39:23 > 0:39:27'is fully set, but Piers is impatient to see the results.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33If you're over here, you squint,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37you take a big leap of imagination and you think,
0:39:37 > 0:39:40"Well, actually that could be white concrete and it could potentially
0:39:40 > 0:39:42"be beautiful."
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- Tim's not here.- No.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47If he was here, what do you think he would be saying?
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Er...
0:39:48 > 0:39:50He's always up for a challenge...
0:39:54 > 0:39:57'To be able to move into their home,
0:39:57 > 0:39:59'Sue and Tim need a working kitchen
0:39:59 > 0:40:03'but they're having to think laterally about it.'
0:40:03 > 0:40:07If we're having the kitchen as part of an open plan,
0:40:07 > 0:40:11you don't want it to look too kitcheny.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16'They've decided to avoid wall units and hide base units and appliances
0:40:16 > 0:40:20'within an island, but even the island shouldn't look typically kitcheny.'
0:40:22 > 0:40:25The design evolved from the feeling of wanting something a bit more
0:40:25 > 0:40:28elegant, a piece of lovely furniture basically.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The house is uncluttered,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34it's seamless and therefore
0:40:34 > 0:40:37that's how we wanted the kitchen to be.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41A nice shape, but uncluttered and seamless.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45'The couple like the idea of curvy shapes in the kitchen
0:40:45 > 0:40:47'as well as the bedroom,
0:40:47 > 0:40:51'so builder Lee and carpenter Matt are creating an island with
0:40:51 > 0:40:54'curves inspired by boats - utterly different from a conventional,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56'rectangular kitchen island.'
0:40:58 > 0:41:01What will the final height of the work surface be?
0:41:01 > 0:41:04I would say it's going to be 900, that suits you, doesn't it?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- Yes, for short people.- Yeah.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10'Sue and Tim have £3,500 for their kitchen,
0:41:10 > 0:41:14'funded by selling a dumper used earlier in the build.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18'Sue's managed to find a sink and all the kitchen units online
0:41:18 > 0:41:20'for just £500.'
0:41:20 > 0:41:23'The savings made have allowed them to take a risk
0:41:23 > 0:41:26'on an unusual worktop surface.'
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Cabin sole's arrived.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31'They hope it will help the island look like furniture,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33'rather than a kitchen unit.'
0:41:33 > 0:41:36That is nice.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Put your hand on it, I'll let you touch it.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Have a sniff.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48'Cabin sole is a traditional boat decking made from holly and teak.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51'Tim will treat it with extra hardener,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53'but even without it should be very durable.'
0:41:53 > 0:41:58It's incredibly robust, because it's designed as a floor.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- As a boat deck.- As a boat deck, and it might look weird
0:42:01 > 0:42:04but we'll give it a go,
0:42:04 > 0:42:05see what happens!
0:42:07 > 0:42:11'There's a lot else to do besides the kitchen.'
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Matt's got to finish this door.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17We've got to finish the basin and then the bed,
0:42:17 > 0:42:18put the bed up.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22'Sue and Tim will need to fit a handrail on the staircase
0:42:22 > 0:42:26'and ensure the balustrade complies with building regulations,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29'whilst Sue has another big job on her hands,
0:42:29 > 0:42:31'thanks to a money-saving idea.'
0:42:31 > 0:42:35The scaffolding boards we bought second-hand.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39We used them as our own scaffolding boards.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45'Now they'll be used as flooring and Sue's had them shot blasted to
0:42:45 > 0:42:48'highlight the grain and remove roughness and splinters.'
0:42:49 > 0:42:53They feel lovely to walk on because they feel like thick wood,
0:42:53 > 0:42:58which they are. I mean, OK, it's not lovely oak,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01but then we don't have the budget for oak,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05but we do have the budget for fourth-hand scaffold boards, so...
0:43:06 > 0:43:07..that's what we've got.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11'Scaffold boards retired from the building trade
0:43:11 > 0:43:15'are also a great source of timber for furniture and garden projects.
0:43:15 > 0:43:20'A 13 foot by 9 inch board starts at around £7 or £8
0:43:20 > 0:43:23'and you may get a better deal by buying in bulk.'
0:43:24 > 0:43:27This is a white primer which gives the boards
0:43:27 > 0:43:30a slightly driftwoody look.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34'Sue and Tim's build has been a long, slow affair,
0:43:34 > 0:43:37'but they're clearly on the home straight.'
0:43:42 > 0:43:44'Now I'm keen to catch up with Lesley and Kevin,
0:43:44 > 0:43:46'who've also found it slow going.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51'I'm back in Sheppey, a little over a year since they started.'
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- Hi guys.- Hi, Kieran.
0:43:53 > 0:43:54How are you doing?
0:43:56 > 0:43:58- How are you, Lesley? - Good, thank you.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00Good. It's nice to be standing on deck,
0:44:00 > 0:44:03on your beautifully crafted block floor.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05This will one day be your house.
0:44:05 > 0:44:06- Yes, yeah.- Hopefully.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09It's nearly killed me, I mean we've been doing this weekends.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12So it's... Well, I'm so busy, it's just been a nightmare.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14But you're only getting to work on this on weekends?
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- Yes.- So really inching along.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20It's inching rather than flying and that's the frustrating bit.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22But having said that, I've got to...
0:44:22 > 0:44:25Work's work. The work we're doing at the moment is quite a decent
0:44:25 > 0:44:28- contract, so...- But if you were to just do this at weekends,
0:44:28 > 0:44:30how long would it take you to finish the house?
0:44:30 > 0:44:33A month of weekends is only a week, isn't it?
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- Yeah, yeah, exactly. - I'd be on it forever.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39'Within the next few months,
0:44:39 > 0:44:41'Kevin's planning to take eight weeks off work
0:44:41 > 0:44:43'to start building walls.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46'Despite the slow progress, he's still relishing the process.'
0:44:48 > 0:44:49It's enjoyable, very tangible,
0:44:49 > 0:44:52and the great thing is because we're doing it ourselves,
0:44:52 > 0:44:56ideas like these bay windows and stuff like that, it's just...
0:44:56 > 0:44:59It's like popcorn in my head, ideas are bouncing around,
0:44:59 > 0:45:01I think it's a fantastic process.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03I'm really enjoying that part of it.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07What about for you, Lesley? Are you impatiently watching this,
0:45:07 > 0:45:10this kind of concrete and block thing waiting for it to happen?
0:45:10 > 0:45:12I'm quite happy, yeah.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14I'm quite happy waiting, I don't mind.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17- In your nice comfortable caravan? - Comfortable caravan, yeah.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19I think it might be a bit too comfortable Lesley,
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- you don't want to get out of there! - It probably is, but, you know...
0:45:22 > 0:45:25- I think you've got a point.- I've learned, you've just got to wait.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29I'm sorry we won't get to see the fine craftsmanship of it
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- but maybe in another... - Another life!
0:45:33 > 0:45:36That's what I'm worried about!
0:45:36 > 0:45:39'I'd love to see this building completed,
0:45:39 > 0:45:42'but it will be nearly a year from now,
0:45:42 > 0:45:44'and that's only if all goes exactly to plan.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47'But, like Sue and Tim,
0:45:47 > 0:45:50'Lesley and Kevin have a passion for their project and I hope they get
0:45:50 > 0:45:53'their dream retirement home sooner rather than later.'
0:46:00 > 0:46:03'Sue and Tim's project was always so ambitious,
0:46:03 > 0:46:07'Piers and I sometimes wondered whether they'd ever have a habitable home.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10'Then structural problems, the quest for perfect design
0:46:10 > 0:46:13'and their farm commitments slowed them down,
0:46:13 > 0:46:17'but they just battled on and now we're back to see the results.'
0:46:18 > 0:46:22It's been nearly two-and-a-half years since Sue and Tim began work
0:46:22 > 0:46:26on their ambitious home, and it's been many months since Piers and I
0:46:26 > 0:46:28were last here.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30What they achieved on the outside was really extraordinary,
0:46:30 > 0:46:34but we've tried this time to help them achieve that level of ambition
0:46:34 > 0:46:35on the inside.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40So, have they finally got the open,
0:46:40 > 0:46:44stylish and critically low cost interior they've been working so hard for?
0:46:47 > 0:46:49- Hi, guys.- How are you doing?
0:46:49 > 0:46:51Good to see you, great to be back,
0:46:51 > 0:46:54and great to see more progress on the exterior.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56This was just one of the most ambitious builds
0:46:56 > 0:46:58we've ever covered on the show,
0:46:58 > 0:47:00and the glass is still looking beautiful.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03You've done something about the colour, it doesn't look like it's trying to be natural
0:47:03 > 0:47:06or the same colour as the grass, or the same colour as the leaf.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08It sort of works with the Scots Pine, actually.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11There's a little bit of bluey-green to the Scots Pine.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14Previously without this colour you couldn't really tell
0:47:14 > 0:47:16what sort of shape the building was,
0:47:16 > 0:47:19but now you can see how it sits so beautifully in this context.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22So, I'm really excited to see the finished interior
0:47:22 > 0:47:24which we never got to see last time. Can we take a look?
0:47:24 > 0:47:26- Yeah.- Let's go.- Great.
0:47:32 > 0:47:34This is really amazing.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36What a lovely space and what a beautiful effect
0:47:36 > 0:47:38with these steel wires,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41bringing the light down from these skylights. It's fantastic.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44And this space, it's finished, it's beautiful.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58We saw it before as a kind of bare-bones thing.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02- A shell.- But it looks so refined now.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04You must be really happy?
0:48:04 > 0:48:06We're thrilled, we're absolutely thrilled.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09In a way you look surprised by what you've achieved.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11It is a bit of a shock, actually.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14It's everything we dreamed of, really, and more.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18Spatially this is beautiful, and everything looks really considered.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22This is a really sophisticated set of decisions you've made here.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25You've managed to keep the purity of that kind of rectangular space with
0:48:25 > 0:48:27its wonderful openings and its wonderful views
0:48:27 > 0:48:29and not put too much stuff in it.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32- It just has such a calm atmosphere. - Yeah.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39'One of Sue and Tim's biggest concerns was creating a kitchen
0:48:39 > 0:48:41'that didn't look like a kitchen.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45'Their boat inspired island works beautifully.'
0:48:46 > 0:48:49I love that it's such an individual thing but it's also
0:48:49 > 0:48:52such a crafted thing, like a veneer like this against the rawer
0:48:52 > 0:48:56materials of the floor and the very plain white of the walls
0:48:56 > 0:48:57really sings.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00This is the whole thing about this house, it's all about
0:49:00 > 0:49:03rough and smooth, light and shade.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05I think keeping this open,
0:49:05 > 0:49:08the tapering shape leading you into the main living space,
0:49:08 > 0:49:09I think works really well.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11Standing here, particularly,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13the sense of the whole space with these lines,
0:49:13 > 0:49:16leading your eye towards the seating area is great.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22'The cabin sole used for the worktop cost a very modest £600 and
0:49:22 > 0:49:27'immediately sets this apart from a conventional granite topped unit.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31'The island itself hides away everything that suggests a kitchen at all.'
0:49:31 > 0:49:33There's a few units over here,
0:49:33 > 0:49:36but actually the majority of the kitchen is just in this one piece.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38Nothing on the walls, nothing at high level
0:49:38 > 0:49:40and I really commend that.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43'You can even make a kitchen feel less kitchen-like
0:49:43 > 0:49:47'with small touches, such as having accessories in plain colours
0:49:47 > 0:49:49'that blend with their background.'
0:49:49 > 0:49:51Tell me, Tim, how much did this cost,
0:49:51 > 0:49:53how much did the kitchen cost?
0:49:53 > 0:49:55We sold the dumper for £3,500,
0:49:55 > 0:49:57and that is what the kitchen has cost.
0:49:57 > 0:49:58With all the appliances?
0:49:58 > 0:50:02Yes, 3,500 is everything, but everything here that you see,
0:50:02 > 0:50:05apart from the work surfaces are second-hand.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09Well, it's amazing. I mean it's really slick looking and really
0:50:09 > 0:50:12custom-made looking and for three grand and some change,
0:50:12 > 0:50:14it's really extraordinary.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17'It's all the more amazing given a very ordinary fitted kitchen
0:50:17 > 0:50:22'would set you back around £5,000 to £8,000.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24'Sue and Tim have also made clever savings
0:50:24 > 0:50:27'by keeping their lighting simple.'
0:50:27 > 0:50:30I think what's also great in here is that there's not much lighting.
0:50:30 > 0:50:34You see this plane of white above you, with no spotlights in it,
0:50:34 > 0:50:37which is really lovely to see.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41And then you've just got some big lamps which you can move around and
0:50:41 > 0:50:42change, if you need.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48'The floor, made of scaffold boards used during the build,
0:50:48 > 0:50:50'adds a distinctive element throughout.'
0:50:50 > 0:50:53The sandblasting has eaten out the soft bit
0:50:53 > 0:50:54and you're left with the hard bit.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57It's a beautiful texture, actually.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00I mean, it is rougher than a floor that you would buy off-the-shelf,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03but it's got real character and real beauty to it.
0:51:03 > 0:51:04- It does.- How much did it cost?
0:51:04 > 0:51:07I think we paid £300 for the whole lot.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09- For the whole house?- Yes, yes.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12To put a kind of beautiful wide boarded timber floor down
0:51:12 > 0:51:15in what must be like 100 square metres of house
0:51:15 > 0:51:19for hundreds of pounds is astonishing, really.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22Sure, it could cost 20 grand,
0:51:22 > 0:51:24to put a really good hardwood floor down.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28But these scaffold boards give a lovely texture to a house that is
0:51:28 > 0:51:32otherwise quite smooth on the inside and your story, as you tell us,
0:51:32 > 0:51:36is this rough, rough timber with very smooth,
0:51:36 > 0:51:39very polished things and that's exactly what you've got
0:51:39 > 0:51:41- on the outside and on the inside.- Yes.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46'The rough textures they've used makes the interior feel cosy
0:51:46 > 0:51:49'and almost rustic rather than clinical.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51'You can use flooring, wall coverings, furniture,
0:51:51 > 0:51:53'as well as textiles, to get the mix right.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59'Sue and Tim have created kitchen,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01'dining and lounging areas within the open plan
0:52:01 > 0:52:04'without breaking up the sense of space,
0:52:04 > 0:52:07'so I hope they've been equally successful in the bedroom.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10'To see it, we must pass through the only door.'
0:52:13 > 0:52:15Great door, Sue.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Tell me about this door, it's a very, very slick piece...
0:52:18 > 0:52:19My free door.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23- Free?- Well, when I loaded up the glass at the place,
0:52:23 > 0:52:28they were putting these in the skip and we got seven doors and as much
0:52:28 > 0:52:31insulation as I could stuff in the gaps in between.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34- Gosh.- I love that story because it's about your resourcefulness,
0:52:34 > 0:52:36but also when you see how well you've made this,
0:52:36 > 0:52:39it doesn't come across at all...
0:52:39 > 0:52:41This is like a very slick, beautifully weighted,
0:52:41 > 0:52:43it has a really good feeling about it.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45But here, I can see the beginning of what looks like
0:52:45 > 0:52:47a beautiful curved wall.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56- You can't help but run your hand along it.- I know, I know.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58It's really beautiful, isn't it?
0:52:58 > 0:53:01I love the way it guides you into this fantastic room, can I just say.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03It's a beautiful room.
0:53:03 > 0:53:06Actually, what it does to this space, it works perfectly.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09It leads you into this room, it gives you enough privacy for the bathroom,
0:53:09 > 0:53:12it doesn't block the view of all the light and everything else
0:53:12 > 0:53:14and it's a very theatrical piece,
0:53:14 > 0:53:16but at the same time quite understated.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19This is an organic, irregular shape,
0:53:19 > 0:53:23in what is your very square, orthogonal box.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27'Sue and Tim loved the wooden handrail at Newport Street Gallery
0:53:27 > 0:53:30'and asked their carpenter to create the wall using timber stud work
0:53:30 > 0:53:34'and a skin of painted MDF,
0:53:34 > 0:53:36'because Tim was concerned about Piers' concrete design.'
0:53:38 > 0:53:41A, I didn't think I was good enough at that type of thing to be able to
0:53:41 > 0:53:44carry it out in a good enough way,
0:53:44 > 0:53:48and B, I was slightly worried about
0:53:48 > 0:53:50how to attach it to walls
0:53:50 > 0:53:53and how to attach it to the floor, to make it sound.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58So this is a beautiful curve, it really is.
0:53:58 > 0:53:59It's so well made.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00That is our laundry.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03Which you can also sit on, which was the whole idea of this.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06It's a seat to talk to someone in the bath,
0:54:06 > 0:54:08talk to somebody when they're in bed, look out the window,
0:54:08 > 0:54:10put your shoes and socks on.
0:54:10 > 0:54:11- Exactly.- Very nice.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13It's so useful.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16We could have just built a square wall, but we didn't.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18We wanted to keep the light,
0:54:18 > 0:54:19the space and the flowing movements
0:54:19 > 0:54:21and I think we've achieved that here.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23That's the theme of the whole of the upstairs.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25There's no walls, no compartments.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27No division, exactly.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33'The bath, basin and even the mirror echo the curves of the wall,
0:54:33 > 0:54:36'softening the whole space.'
0:54:36 > 0:54:38As we look at this curving wall, Tim,
0:54:38 > 0:54:41just tell me how much it cost to make this piece.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43With materials and labour,
0:54:43 > 0:54:47- it's worked out at about £1,500, £1,600.- Really?
0:54:47 > 0:54:49You make savings where you can.
0:54:49 > 0:54:55You look at a job and see how, A, how cheaply you can get it done,
0:54:55 > 0:54:59but also you weigh it up against the quality of the object.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02- So it's a balancing act, really.- It is.
0:55:03 > 0:55:07'Sue and Tim may have a knack for making their money go further,
0:55:07 > 0:55:11'but fitting out the first floor to this quality can't have been easy.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14'So how are their finances looking?'
0:55:14 > 0:55:17How much has it cost to get what we see today?
0:55:17 > 0:55:21On getting the upstairs done we've probably spent another six,
0:55:21 > 0:55:24- I should think, so far. - Six, only six?
0:55:24 > 0:55:27I mean, that's really amazingly cheap.
0:55:27 > 0:55:28What does that consist of?
0:55:28 > 0:55:32The thing is that we had most of the materials anyway,
0:55:32 > 0:55:38so it's really the kitchen and the wall in the bathroom.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44'Even with some items pre-purchased,
0:55:44 > 0:55:47'£6,000 for something that looks this good
0:55:47 > 0:55:49'is a remarkable achievement.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53This house is extraordinary in every single detail,
0:55:53 > 0:55:56and Sue and Tim have made extraordinary because of design.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58They've allowed their clever thinking,
0:55:58 > 0:56:02creative thinking to make ordinary things extraordinary.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04I think that's the key lesson for self builders -
0:56:04 > 0:56:06design is the thing you need, not stuff.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13'After two-and-a-half years of hard slog,
0:56:13 > 0:56:16'I suspect Sue and Tim have learned other valuable lessons.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20'If you had to advise other self builders who are perhaps making slow
0:56:20 > 0:56:23progress, not seeing it come to fruition as quickly as they might
0:56:23 > 0:56:27have thought, what would be your advice to them?
0:56:27 > 0:56:32Some jobs will have a dramatic effect and will leap you forward,
0:56:32 > 0:56:36and that's what gives you the impetus to carry on
0:56:36 > 0:56:39after grinding around in the mud for so long,
0:56:39 > 0:56:43and then suddenly you get something and then off you go again.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46What I really want to know, too, is if it's all been worth it,
0:56:46 > 0:56:50the effort, because it's been a long time, this build?
0:56:50 > 0:56:53I sat up here last night for ten minutes by myself
0:56:53 > 0:56:57and I looked around and I thought how wonderful it was.
0:56:57 > 0:57:01And then you think, it's been long hours,
0:57:01 > 0:57:04two o'clock in the morning, 11 o'clock at night,
0:57:04 > 0:57:06it's been hard work, but, yes,
0:57:06 > 0:57:10it's been worth it and I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Lesley and Kevin can learn a lot from Sue and Tim.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22I think over the years and months of this build,
0:57:22 > 0:57:25Sue and Tim have realised that it's about enjoying the process,
0:57:25 > 0:57:28it's about getting to grips with all those day-to-day decisions,
0:57:28 > 0:57:30and sometimes some tedious tasks, and enjoying it.
0:57:32 > 0:57:36I think in their heart of hearts they know that they've created something pretty special,
0:57:36 > 0:57:37and I agree with them.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40I think this is about the upper limit of what it's possible to do
0:57:40 > 0:57:43with an extremely low-budget.
0:57:43 > 0:57:45I think that's a great testament to the ingenuity of a really good
0:57:45 > 0:57:48self builder and to Sue and Tim, in particular.
0:57:55 > 0:57:59Next time... Jody and Lori think they're building their perfect home.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02I just want something that's a bit clean, fresh.
0:58:02 > 0:58:05Then they discover a whole new world of design.
0:58:06 > 0:58:08This house is just amazing.
0:58:08 > 0:58:10It makes you realise it's quite a big job.
0:58:10 > 0:58:12We take them back to basics.
0:58:12 > 0:58:15Tell me what you think about colour?
0:58:15 > 0:58:16I feel like my head's spinning.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19Can they possibly create the home they truly want?
0:58:20 > 0:58:23It's obviously going to get close to the 100 quite quickly.