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Expert Panel About: Kevin McCloud

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Date Published:
27/06/2008
kevin mccloud

Kevin is best known for Channel 4's Grand Designs and for his annual coverage of the Stirling Prize each October.





He admits to an unhealthy obsession for buildings since childhood: he studied the history of them at Cambridge, has designed everything in and around them, has lit them and written about them. He now champions issues such as context, the historic environment and sustainable construction, often in his feisty column in the Sunday Times in which he takes on planners, architects and developers. He also writes for Grand Designs magazine. His two ambitions are to entertain and to make the built environment better - and consequently 'make people feel better'.

Kevin's other forays into television include Don't Look Down for BBC2 in 2002, in which he climbed six tall buildings and Demolition for Channel 4 in 2005, in which he, George Ferguson and Janet Street-Porter started a campaign to improve public space in our towns and cities. Kevin presented a follow-up in 2006 and 2007 sees a major Channel 4 series about urban regeneration. Mainly for getting rid of the capital 'A' from architecture Kevin was awarded two honorary doctorates in 2005, from Plymouth and Oxford Brookes. He is a recalcitrant patron of several architectural and sustainable charities, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Foresters, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a WWF Ambassador.

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  1. Hi, You recently showed a programme on a past project which was a conversion of a derelict victorian dwelling and a shop (which they were renting from the council). You mentioned a company who deal in victorian marble, could you please tell me the name of the company? Many thanks
    Posted by LAINEY on 23/08/2009 20:01:03
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  2. Hi Kevin, I'm intrested in NASA developed Isulation material. best regards: Eszter
    Posted by eszter on 07/08/2009 21:43:09
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  3. Dear Sir, I would also like to know the supplier or a brand name of the interior isolation for the domed area at the top (which was made by NASA). "Trade Secrets Bournemouth" Best Regards
    Posted by Masha on 26/04/2009 17:58:42
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  4. Hello, We want to immigrate to Cyprus but after several abortive attempts to get thorough info from both Cyprus goverment and Cypriot embassy in London we are no further forward. It would be nice if they supplied and immigration pack filled with all of the forms and timetable of when and where to present them etc. I have a pension from BT and a house to sell in the U.K. Ideally we would like to buy a detached,environmentally green bungalow 3 bed 2 bath,quiet area,flat plot, garden and swimming pool,in a low humidity area e.g. Tsada. We are unsure what the first and subsequent steps/forms etc are.Our house in the U.K. is worth approximately £285,000 and my pension is £700 if we cannot find the ideal property immediately after selling in U.K. we would have to rent and look around.Thanks
    Posted by Paul Wilders on 20/04/2009 14:33:19
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  5. Hi there, I purchased a house in 2007 with a plot of land on the side of the house. I have been granted planning permission to build a detached house on the plot of land and was wondering whether you could help with some innovative ideas. Thank you
    Posted by Zafar Afsar on 13/04/2009 14:55:38
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  6. Mr McCloud has stated in 'Ideal Home' that if your on benefits OR over 70 you can get a grant for a new boiler. Being over 70 and needing a new boiler (and new central heating system the near fifty year old one pipe system is so inefficient we can't afford to run it). But cannot find anything on the web adress he refers to-www.goverment-grants.co.uk- Is it my research at fault or Kevin McCloud. Please tell me I am wrong? I am not yet so cantankerous as to be offended
    Posted by John on 09/04/2009 15:26:16
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  7. Could Kevin advise me on a route to fulfil my dreams in Design and Build? Cant think of anyone more qulaified and respected to ask!! I watch Grand Designs religiously, aswell as all other C4 property shows. I have a real passion for Construction, Design and the materials and methods used. Cant get enough of it! I eventually want to design and build my own house and maybe do the same for my family and friends!? I am from a family of Builders and love being hands on but also have a keen eye for design and form. I'm currently Self-Employed with my own Property Services Company, mainly in renovation and decoration, but I want to re-train to get into the Industry on more of a Technical level. Thought about Architecture but want to be hands on too and more on site. Would Kevin recommend a Surveying course or something similar? Cant go straight to a degree so will have to do an HND/C first to gain the knowledge and entry requirements. What will suit and be best to get me into my dream career and eventually acheive my life goal of building my own Grand Design...you never know..maybe a future show for Kevin. Thank you for the best programme ever and may it never end....!
    Posted by Granty on 10/03/2009 11:23:36
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  8. My parents have a grade 2 listed georgian house in Bexhill, I have been trying to get the property insulated by making use of the energy grant available to the over 70`s but the firm that they use tell me they are NOT allowed to work on a grade 2 listed building; is this true. If this is true who can we approach as all my parents money is tied up in the house. If the information is NOT correct how do I challenge it? Any help would be appreciated
    Posted by Tigger on 02/03/2009 18:54:38
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  9. A question for Kevin McCloud. I have just watched 'Grand Designs' Groundhouse in Brittany and would like to know how the 3D plan graphic is produced. I am involved in building schools in Africa and it would be great to reproduce our plans in this way for potential sponsors. Thanks
    Posted by Carol B on 28/02/2009 20:50:18
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  10. On your great recent program about the Castle a render was pumped onto the new building. It had an oaty finish and looked great. I can't seem to find details of it on the suppliers listed for that program and wondered if you could provide details of the product used. Kind Regards Pauline.
    Posted by Pauline in Horsham on 22/02/2009 17:29:50
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  11. Hi, I have a 1950's 3 bedded semi detached house with garage.We are looking into making it warmer and energy efficient.There seems to be a conflict of opinion re insulating under the floor boards.I have been told the joists need air to breathe. We have an outside vent, so is it advisable to insulate under a floor in a north facing dining room which will have double glazed windows and inside wall insulation on the exposed wall?. many thanks Yvonne
    Posted by Yvonne O'Gorman on 19/02/2009 12:34:10
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  12. Hi, a question for Kevin Mcloud, I am trying to trace a Moroccan style house he did 2-3 years ago. Moroccan style kitchen cabinets were made by carpenter with cast iron door knobs/latches. Kitchen worktop - polished concrete. Please help! Regards Maya
    Posted by Maya Aboutorabi on 17/02/2009 18:24:38
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  13. Dear Sir I have watched "Grand Designs - Trade Secrets Bournemouth". I would like to know the supplier/brand name of the interior isolation for the domed area at the top (which was made by NASA and was very thin). It would be appreciated if you could help me with this regards. Kind regards
    Posted by Adam on 14/02/2009 08:07:04
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  14. I own a piece of land which many years ago had a farm house upon it. Now all is left is the very vague outline of the footings and a few piles of bricks. I would dearly love to rebuild a house on this site but am concerned about weather i would get planning permission. It is outside the village boundry but any amount of past maps show it quite clearly. Any advice please?
    Posted by Charlie Wood on 10/02/2009 21:49:52
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  15. Most of these comments are questions. Are there any answers? I noticed one who has been looking for air-2 air. Presumably what he heard was "Air to air" the name of the company making the heat exchanger.
    Posted by PeterPan1729 on 05/02/2009 10:29:07
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  16. i have a question about the programe the titel song i like that song what is the name of it who are the makers? if will answer thanks you, i want that song very mush. who can help me?
    Posted by thecoolchicken on 26/01/2009 18:30:43
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  17. A couple of series ago you featured a new build project where the owners to improve light into bedrooms used sheet glass walls which at the flick of a switch changed from clear to opaque can you please let me know any details with regards to this product. Many Thanks
    Posted by Michael Leng on 20/01/2009 10:59:38
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  18. Hi, On one of your Grand Design programmes Kevin talked about an air-2-air heat exchanger which was approx 90% efficient. Have you any information on this as I cannot find anything on the web about domestic air-2-air heat exchanger?
    Posted by Paul Sander on 19/01/2009 15:00:10
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  19. Hi Kevin, i love watching your programme. My family is about to venture on a unique project in Malta similar to the ones on your programme. Would you be interested in following it?
    Posted by Marian on 16/01/2009 16:43:23
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  20. Is there a contact tel nr or email address to enquire about taxes and fees of various countries? I dropped the idea of getting a crash pad on Teneriffe due to Spanish taxation on rentable property even when not occupied. From N Africa, only Tunisia or Morrocco would be attractive but how is it with Cyprus as it is easier to get to for a month or two to keep down gas/elec bills at home in winter? Egypt, whilst good for returns, was ruled out due to accessibility and/or location and food problems. A tip email for the right direction would be appreciated. Many thanks Airnuts
    Posted by Airnuts, IOM on 23/12/2008 14:51:15
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  21. My father is an architect and town planner and is 70 next year. He lives his life through buildings and I would love to show him something truely special for his birthday. Any recommendations?
    Posted by Gen on 05/11/2008 09:46:29
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  22. hi, to who ever reads this, ever since i was a old enough to understand the concept of property i've wanted to build my own modest but perfect house in the country, now a plot of land has come up for sale in my desired location of the suffolk heritage coast line but am unsure as the price is so cheap the land is being classed as Amenity Land but i have no idea what that mean and if i would ever achieve planning premission on it to build. if anyone has had a smilar problem i would love to hear your experiences or if kevin has any good advice i'm all ears. this if given the chance is a dream come true, who wouldn't want to build thier own house is the country!!!!! thanks in advance sam x
    Posted by sam on 04/11/2008 20:14:20
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  23. Hello, I was very interested to note that Kevin Mc Cloud showed us a dirt resistant paint that an architect used for his own house, commonly used for commercial buildings. Kevin dipped a painted square in and out of a muddy bath,to be revealed clean as it emmerged. I would love to know where to get some! Can you help? Thanks Tiffany
    Posted by Tiffany WAtson on 23/10/2008 11:35:26
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  24. Dear Mr McCloud I am a fan of Grand Design. I watch it everyday. My dad was an architect, as my sister is. In fact the hold family as thier share of design. I beginning a disable have my own share of obsession about design. I had a illness that left me with Polio down one side of my body. My dad a cheif Architect Afolabi Kuku builds churchs in our home town in Nigeria. He also build our houses, which are beatuifully designs and have large spaces . One in Lagos, Nigeria and the other in our home town in Ijebu Ode Nigeria. In both houses there are basements. One in the house in Lagos and two in house at home. There was a Grand Design show shown some wks back now. Where house was build completely bar the front, underground. I could remember thinking, how are you going to light that or at the start thinking, how are you going to acheive that "boil ball". An impossible feet thought I but bar usual along came a company or two to correct and bring us out of the dark ages and glue us in the future. I will like to know the names and addresses these two companies. In another show, another company, "The Hoof" think the name of the company. They package fit together kit house. I would like their adderss please. Thank you for giving us such a fantastic show.
    Posted by Mr O. Kuku on 17/10/2008 21:15:49
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  25. Can you advice which programme featured a house built with piles which incorporated heat exchange system. We want to use similar on a project in Glastonbury. Have you had any feed back since the completion of the house as to the effectiveness of this unique (I think?) system and the cost savings compared with initial outlay for work. What was difference in cost of doing just piles and doing piles with heat exchange included? We have five plots in centre of Glastonbury, being marketed at the moment and are hoping to interest self builders. One option we are considering is to put in piles (with heat exchange system) and build to foundation level before selling on to self builders, as we wish to create homes which will be as free from the vagaries of utility company price increases as possible.
    Posted by Anan on 13/10/2008 19:20:14
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  26. Hi Z Durrant AND Kate Walsh You're both asking similar questions so I'll answer you together if that's ok. The best thing to do (to keep costs down) is to find a good local professional. I recently did a similar job at home and sorted it by getting three recommended joiners to come round and discuss the job and do rough drawings. Then I looked at the work they'd done elsewhere and got them to quote, choosing the one that suited the job I needed done most... Sorry, obvious answer, but best way.
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:41:28
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  27. Hi Elaine, Go to the Channel 4 Shop to buy the DVDs. Try this link: http://www.play.com/Channel4/Search.aspx?searchtype=r2alldvd&searchstring=Grand Designs&page=search&pa=search
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:37:48
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  28. Hi Frances You can find a qualified architect at RIBA (http://www.architecture.com/). We also have features on the site (and more coming up soon) about choosing and employing architects, so keep coming back. Use the search box (above left) to find what you need in the meantime. Good luck
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:36:01
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  29. Hi Jane Rankin Reid Any idea which episode this was (ie, which house it featured with)? There have been many many series and it will help me find it quicker.
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:33:23
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  30. Hi Andy Thanks for your message about your extension, which sounds potentially great. Kevin doesn't get involved with designs of this type - mostly because he's just so busy with his own work. However, I can say from experience that you need to employ an architect to complete your project successfully. We have various features on the site about this already(use the search box above left to locate them) and more coming up over the next few weeks. We've also got a great new show coming up called The Home Show, featuring George Clarke, architect, which you shouldn't miss. You might also want to apply to take part in a future episode of this - go to www.channel4.com/takepart.
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:29:44
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  31. Hi Sue Wow, sounds like a major project. The filming is done quite far in advance, but it's worth you getting in touch with the team via www.channel4.com/takepart. In the meantime, take lots of pics and when you're finished, send them into us - we might well put them up on the site!
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:25:56
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  32. Hi Emma This is, as you think, fraught with problems. You'll need to get permission from the freeholder and person below, I should imagine, and you'll need to find out if the structure below is strong enough to take your planned build. You'll also need to get permission from the council, which may or may not be granted. I suggest you start by having an informal chat with the person below. If they're deadset against it from the start, you'll have problems. If they're not, you could then approach your council and start to look for a builder. Good luck.
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:23:19
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  33. Hi Ms Walford Kevin's very busy at the mo', so I'm answering for him. He's generally at Grand Designs Live every day, but he's usually buzzing about like a mad thing all day long. Your best bet, in the nicest possible way, is to try and grab him on his travels - you're bound to see him.
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 03/10/2008 16:12:59
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  34. Kevin My parnter Mark is a very big fan on grand designs and i have brought a ticket for the show at the NEC in Birmingham as a surprize present for him as it is his birthday - will you be there and is there any chance for him to meet you as it would make his day.
    Posted by Ms Walford on 01/10/2008 21:04:57
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  35. Hi Kevin I wonder if you can help? I bought my first home (a first floor 1910 leashold maisonette)18 months ago and am self-confessed clueless about all things house related yet find myself already day dreaming about extending. The problem is, my dream entails extending out over the existing structure of the flat below. What would the first step be with regards to permission and plans when you are talking about removing and building over a roof area that does not belong to you? What complications should I look out for and is this even likely to be possible or should I put paid to these dreams now? With kind regards Emma
    Posted by Emma on 29/09/2008 17:28:44
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  36. Hi Kevin, Grand Designs is one of my favourite programmes, got the DVDs etc. Like you, love archecture and am a member of the NT. When William Morris's house first opened, my son and I went to visit, it would be good to see it in say, another 10 years time, as they have so much work to do. Also, have books on William Morris, but will not be slave to him. We live in an ex Church Hall in North Wales, it has a commerative stone saying opened by the Bishop of Bangor's wife in 1910, also some newspaper cuttings of the time and the Queens coronation, and Silver Jubilee celebrations taken in where we now live, (the previous owners ripped out the original radiators, looking at the photos, they could have been restored), I will not compromise the intergraty of the building, overlooking the sea, and the beach, you can see whether the tide is in or out, with the mountains of Snodonia National Park within sight and views of the Great Orme, designed by a pupil of Herbert Lucky North, who was a friend of William Morris. We have lived here for 6 years in a grotty shell, but when we first brought it I could see the potential. We have just got planning permission to put another floor in, which has taken over a year, as we are in a conseveration area and our house is of 'great historical interest'.(The village next to our's has an amazing example of an Arts and Crafts movement 'estate' and Herberts original house is lived in by his Grand-Daughter, who opens it only about 4 times a year- yes we've been to visit. She also occasionally gives lectures on his designs, again I've attended one. Standing in the existing building the ceilings must be about 40 foot high! Totally inpractical! This place really does have the WOW factor, and I don't do ordinary! It's a love it or hate it house. The size of the building is 70 foot x 30 foot, our storage area is approximatly 30 foot x 50 foot, loads of storage,loads of hoarding, set over, when the project is completed, 6 levels, (not floors), and there's scope to put in, possibilby another floor, maybe an indoor swimming pool, but how far do you take a project, and would we use it. It is quite unique as it is built into the side of a mountain. My elderly parents live on the ground floor in a two bedroomed flat, which we now have retrospective planning permission for. Our architects are amazing, we have used Tarmaster Jones, based in Deganwy, who do the majority of heritage work in this part of Wales, but what I liked about them is that they are young and funky, and as I have said before I don't do ordinary. It started with me showing Simon, a photo of some stairs which caught my eye, in a house magazine and he knew which architect to assign to us and we are working closely with Mark. Obviously he has the plans of this amazing building, but I think it is worthy of featuring on Grand Designs. This house, when finished, will have WOW factors which ever way you turn, can a house have too many WOW factors? To give you an idea of the extent and quality of this project, I will probably be using Edwin Loxely to install my kitchen/diner/snug and cloakroom/wetrooms/ensuites/family bathrooms. I don't know how far in advance your filming schedule is planned, but I am willing to to put up with film crews etc, and let this house pay for itself because for the last six years it has cost a fortune! Our bills are sky high, and I am also into recycling and eco-friendly, which is not easy in this type of building. Just to let you know, I breed and show dogs professionally, so Kevin and a film crew must like dogs! There are only four here, and when I met Simon I was completly honest with him and our planning permission for a 'garage' will be dog runs, with underfloor heating, (my son's father-in-law, who owns a lighting/underfloor heating company installed it in London Zoo), and a grooming room for me, as I show Standard Poodles, so it will have electric, plumming, etc. Regards Sue
    Posted by Sue Rowland Kwint on 26/09/2008 20:10:16
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  37. Dear Kevin, I am writing to you in the confidence you can help me with a design plan for extending my house. My house is a 1920's built semi-detached with no room to extend at the side but an extremely large rear garden. Initially i wanted to do a loft convertion but an architect has advised me that there is not enough head room in the existing loft space. So i would now like to add a double storey extention to the back of the house i wish to go out 4 meters in depth to obtain the room layout that i require but i would like roof space above the extention to be made using dormer windows creating a master bedroom, also incorporating some of the existing roof space for large built in wardrobes and possibly a shower area. Also i will change the first floor layout at the back of the house to make room for a staircase into the loft also the garden at the back of my house is approx 1 meter lower than the house itself if this is of any help with the extention. I watch your program all the time and am intrigued by the amazing things that people have achieved and would hope that you may be able to present me with some ideas and any info to achieve my highly desired extention layout i look forward to hearing back from you. many thanks andy
    Posted by andygriffiths on 24/09/2008 22:33:41
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  38. Kevin, Love the program which we got hooked on when living in London. Now living in Aus, we are thinking of building (once the market here quietens down). I am looking for network diagrams for the heating and cooling system from the Maidstone Bungalow. The idea looks excellent. BTW we are lamenting the lack of German builders here. We would gladly have a Huf Haus, or even the more recent German job that showed here recently. cheers Andrew
    Posted by Andrew on 24/09/2008 05:28:25
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  39. Dear Kevin, Grand Designs and or another of your programs recently aired on ABC Australian TV presented the work of a rather brilliant architect in Paris who is building ecologically sustainable green buildings. Can you send me the name of this architect? I would be grateful Jane Rankin-Reid
    Posted by Jane Rankin-Reid on 24/09/2008 04:03:06
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  40. Hi Kevin. Love all your programmes, do you ever work on projects in Northern Ireland? I am currently researching an Eco friendly house to build in my garden. I need to downsize and I am interested in building a house in keeping with current house styles in the complex. I am thinking timberframe with solar power and any appropriate energy saving sysyems.kit houses considered. (2 bed, study, 2 bath, living, kitchen/dining and sun room.) I require an architect who can advise and submit plans in full but I am at a loss where to find one. Any advice from yourself would be appreciated. Many thanks. Frances Morgan
    Posted by Frances Morgan on 22/09/2008 10:58:42
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  41. Hi Kevin I love your grand designs series especially in Italy. Can you tell if I can buy the dvds of these series and where or how. You have an excellant empathy to what these people are doing I was womdering do you follow up with the ones that were not complete when the program ended. Thanks Elaine
    Posted by elaine stanton on 21/09/2008 07:43:38
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  42. Dear sir/madam I would be realy greatfull,if you could help me to find out where i can buy modern desighn furniture(second hand).I like your programmes and i saw big warehouses with this sort of staff,where you bought it. Regards Daiga
    Posted by daiga on 19/09/2008 19:58:59
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  43. Where can I find plans/designs/specialist joiner to create a hidden door in a wall of my half timbered cottage? The door is needed for access so that furniture can be moved from one part of the Cottage to another, but is inbetween a dining room and bedroom, so wants to be unobtrusive and match adjoining timbered and lime rendered panels. There is currently a pine, hinged door, which isn't very special!
    Posted by Z Durrant on 19/09/2008 11:24:32
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  44. Where can I find plans/designs to create a door that slides back into a wall? I have seen it on Grand Designs and would like to be able to do this for the door leading to our en suite bathroom as it is quite small and i can d owith saving as much space as possible
    Posted by Kate Walsh on 15/09/2008 14:15:52
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  45. Hi Arun Don't know this one - anyone else?
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 02/09/2008 21:37:49
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  46. Hi Nona I know Kevin would like to - but not sure it's in the pipeline yet. However, you could try applying at www.channel4.com/takepart. Also, we'd love to see it once its finished (with lots of pics as you go along!)
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 02/09/2008 21:37:08
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  47. Hi Katie The best I can do is point you to the Grand Designs gallery of houses - every one that's been on tv. There are tones of ideas to look at there: http://www.channel4.com/4homes/browse.jsp?siteName=4homes&keyDefs=true&query=Grand Designs houses
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 02/09/2008 21:35:33
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  48. Hi, I think it was on grand designs that I saw a very high tech house with an indoor swimming pool. This was built by an architect who has expired leaving behind his wife and 2 kids, who live in the house. The doors in the house had refrigerator seals for sound-proofing and the daughter commented that her friends said that it was like living in an ipod. Perhaps you can let me know the name of the architect and the location of this house. Rgds
    Posted by Arun on 30/08/2008 22:48:08
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  49. I will be building ,on a small difficult access site,in Sydney Australia a new concept of the upper floor being engineered off site by boat builders in a carbon fibre composite.The model as in the Venice Bienale next week and an preview in uk Telegraph Magazine 31 May 2008.We hope to start early 2009,as I am of a very mature age,and my architect is young and enthusiastic!!Would Kevin be interested in a program made in the antipodes? Nona Conroy
    Posted by nona conroy on 30/08/2008 07:25:58
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  50. Hi, I am probably posting this in the wrong place but here goes! We are about to buy an old irish cottage called a "sean teach" in the west of Ireland. It is about 38m2 and is on a tiny .173 acres. We need to be very innovative with our design to extend the house...40m or so...ideally keeping the cottage in tact and perhaps building the extension to resemble old style sheds with a modern twist, perhaps linked to the old house decretly by glass. We will be plagued with planning limts but are doing a preplanning meeting before we buy. My question to you is if you have ever come across similar ideas and can you give me a reference or a link so I may be able to study others ideas. Thank you so much for your time, Is mise le meas (respectfully) Katie
    Posted by Katie on 26/08/2008 13:01:58
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  51. Hi Stephen Kevin's off filming at the moment, so I'll answer for you if that's ok. From what he told me when I spoke to him about Castleford, the local park keepers and the people of the community have been inspired enough by these new parks and take great pride in them - the result is that everyone pitches in to keep them looking good. Anyone from Castleford able to give Stephen more of an insight into why your parks are being looked after so well? We'd love to hear from you.
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 19/08/2008 11:54:06
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  52. Hi Kevin, I have just watched your show about the regeneration of the three parks in Castleford and whilst I found it very interesting, I also felt frustrated. The fact that next to nothing was mentioned about the upkeep of these areas left me wondering if a lot of designers actually understand what happens with their 'designs' when they've finished and moved on to their next job. I work as a site gardener for a local authority on a park which suffers from anti-social behavior and creates a lot of maintenance problems, but I find, from a maintenance point of view, that the overall design of the park can create more problems than solve just from not including the simplest things such, as bins, benches, rubbish bays, compost areas and facilities for tools and on-site staff. Have you come across any other areas that have similar problems, or ground staff who have commented to you on your travels?
    Posted by Stephen Kellegher on 18/08/2008 22:20:27
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  53. Hi PK Was it this one? http://www.channel4.com/4homes/on-tv/grand-designs/episode-guides/maidstone-the-hi-tech-bungalow-08-06-03_p_1.html
    Posted by Lucy 4Homes Ed on 13/08/2008 21:31:45
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  54. Dear Kevin, I watch your programme - Grand Designs almost every day. Recently you showed a house where the owner had introduced possibly for the first time in the UK free airconditioning from underground air which is always much cooler. Could you give me more details on this please? Thank you. Regards. P.K.Jeypal
    Posted by Poovadan Jeypal on 13/08/2008 09:14:36
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  55. Hi James You will have to specify the glass (and other works and major materials) to your building control department at your local council - I'm assuming you've sent them details of what you're planning. There are guidelines about what type of glass (and how much) you can use within extensions - please make sure you get this right otherwise building control will make you do it again. As to using a glazier, you might find a local shop will not have the suitable glass for you - but a specialist will. Try these features for some guidelines, http://www.channel4.com/4homes/diy-self-build/diy-build-advice/major-projects/how-to-profit-from-extending-your-house-08-05-28_p_1.html, http://www.channel4.com/4homes/diy-self-build/diy-build-advice/major-projects/advice-on-building-glass-extensions-08-05-28_p_1.html and http://www.channel4.com/4homes/diy-self-build/diy-build-advice/major-projects/guide-to-building-with-glass-08-05-28_p_1.html
    Posted by 4Homes Ed on 12/08/2008 15:32:40
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  56. Hi Mark Kevin is unable to answer questions very quickly due to his filming schedule, but I can say that I've heard very good things about it. Why not contact the company and ask them if they can pass your details to former satisfied clients for a more in-depth rundown?
    Posted by 4homes Ed on 12/08/2008 15:22:15
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  57. Hi Ronnie I can't recommend particular architects to you - presumably you've tried RIBA? If you go here: http://www.ribafind.org/tailor.asp they will do a tailored search for you - might help you find someone suitable. Good luck.
    Posted by 4homes Ed on 12/08/2008 15:19:56
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  58. Kevin What happened to the big plans of the man in the Chilterns (I think it featured in your first series) - his website at Cloud8 has not been updated for 3 years - did you ever contact him to see if he completed the project? - your series is very inspiring and you're a great presenter - congratulations. Regards - David Griffiths
    Posted by David Griffiths on 12/08/2008 08:59:41
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  59. I recently bought a 6 bedroomed Grade II listed property in County Durham (Shotley Bridge) The land which extends to nearly 4 acres falls within a conservation area and has quarter of a mile of river bank (Derwent)I would like to look at the potential of Building 2 houses on the river bank with a particular emphasis on the surrounding environment, sustainability and renewable sources. The land I propose to build on was a former Paper Mill and has all but dissappeared, although there are substantial, visible, remnants of retaining walls along the river bank. There is also separate (highway) access on to this land. Can any one point me in the direction of specialist architects who could help overcome what is likely to be a protracted and frustrating process with the Planning Authority. I am optimistic but don't expect this to be easy, let alone successful. If I were to be successful on my proposals it would be my intention to refurbish the masonry to the exterior, replace the windows of my own house, in addition offer to upgrade the river bank by planting trees repairing the public footpaths etc.
    Posted by Ronnie Armstrong on 11/08/2008 12:18:05
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  60. Hello, We are building a side return extension (kitchen will go along the old boundary wall) and will be doing all the work ourself. I wanted the roof to be glass but would like the glass to attach to wooden exposed beams. Is it possible to source the glass from a company (glazier) which would be suitable to put straight up, similar to the company referred to in your show this evening. Thanks James
    Posted by James on 07/08/2008 20:25:19
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  61. Hi Kevin, Love the Grand Designs shows, and both your personal and professional views. Our house is being rendered on 11 August using sand and cement. Is the Stolocusan paint used in one of your shows really as good as they say it is, Sto obviously think so. Your views on this matter will put my mind at rest. Thanks for any info Best regards Mark
    Posted by Mark Elsmere on 06/08/2008 13:50:23
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