Episode Information Maidstone: The Hi Tech Bungalow

Comments

1. With the density of the pylons one wonders what happens when they have taken out the ground energy/heat i.e effectively lowered the ground temperature? The whole point of ground heating is to take energy from a very small point with regard to the surroundings so as not to take out more energy/heat than can be replaced naturally. Ground heat originates from the sun incidentally...at least at only 10m deap!

   Posted by TBA on 07/10/2009 22:37:44

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2. I was particularly interested in the heating and cooling systems employed in this design. I believe they are the future in home climate control and would like to get more info on how these systems are controlled, as this was only glossed over in the episode. The design of the roof structure was also fascinating and very clever the way that it incorporated heating /cooling tubing as well. The ceramic material used for the walls is not a product I have seen in Australia and found it very interesting. People interested in making energy efficient homes here have been using straw bales to provide a thermally efficient insulation / wall construction material, and I think this product may provide a more convenient, neater alternative to the straw bales. The design of the house was also very impressive. It is a simple layout, and yet very cleverly provided the needs for Bill and Jean while still managing to become an outstanding building in itself. The glass wall along the living area was truly spectacular and how useful to be able to open it up like that in good weather. This episode was a standout of the series as far as I am concerned because it was an example of what can be achieved in Architecture in what is, by most standards, and ordinary and not particularly expensive home. I have enjoyed the whole Grand Designs series (that has made it to Australia so far), and look forward to seeing more. It would be nice to be able to buy more on DVD as I have only been able to buy series 4 so far. Thankyou for an interesting and well produced series.

   Posted by Richard Baud on 31/05/2009 04:39:38

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3. During the Maidstone episode, Bill & Jean are taken by son-in-law Paul to another home which has high tech gadgetry including automatic venetian blinds. My question is in regard to the master bedroom and the flexible gooseneck lights that protrude from either side of the bed for reading in bed. Can you please provide the brand, retailer, manufacturer website, etc, etc re these lights. Thankyou

   Posted by S Melbourne on 21/05/2009 14:06:38

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4. I enjoyed this episode particularly due to the concept of the round rooftop and the heating/cooling system. Really excited to see the finished cottage and how Bill enjoyed his new efficient home. Another thing that inspires me most is that if we ever build anything in the future, the design should endeavor to cater for the disabled and elderly, as we would all age in time, if it serves them well, it should suit everyone, right? By the way, any chance I can buy this episode in DVD?

   Posted by Carrie Kwok on 12/04/2009 18:05:41

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5. I have read somewhere that one of your episodes featured gel fires and I am interested in purchasing one but know very little about them. Could you possibly give me some information on them, ie efficiency etc Thankyou

   Posted by Allison on 17/10/2008 16:27:04

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6. dear sir i am very interested in ground source heating and cooling system, as i live in Brisbane Australia the cooling aspect is the application is the part i am most interested in .Regards David Dodd

   Posted by David Dodd on 09/10/2008 07:22:00

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7. Dear Sir Iam very interested in finding out as much information as possible about the ground source heating system used in this project could you give me the type of system and its specification please. Thanks John Bridges

   Posted by John Bridges on 04/10/2008 18:31:16

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8. Loved watching episodes of Grand Designs when they aired on Australian TV recently. Was particularly interested in the high tech bungalow with it's revolutionary heating and cooling systems. It's unfortunate the program finished without getting to see the final result of this amazing building. Any chance of a follow up visit to this house in a future series? John Drake. Fremantle, Western Australia.

   Posted by John Drake on 01/10/2008 12:27:27

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9. I would be very interested to understand more about the underground and roof based heating and cooling solution. The Rehau site seems to be focussed on the pipes and connectors but I would like to see a network diagram to understand the flows and equipment required.

   Posted by Andrew on 24/09/2008 05:20:53

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10. Grand Designs is one of the most imteresting and brightest programmes ever been on TV and Kevin McCloud does an excellent job in presenting it. We have just seen the last in the latest series here in Austrlia, which was the Hi-tech House ably built at Maidstone Kent I can't wait to see the latest photos with Bill & Jean in residence. The house design is fabulous, the efforts by Bill & Jean's Daughter in building it, was a wonder to behold. They deserve the highest accolade. Congratulations on a magnificent programme concept. Best Regards Brian Harper Brisbane Australia

    Posted by Brian Harper on 22/09/2008 04:12:06

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11. I second Michael's motion...I was really excited to see the finished house especially for this bungalow.

    Posted by Jeremy on 20/09/2008 00:17:57

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12. Just watched the episode here in Australia. It would be good to see some photos of the finsihed house with Bill and Jean happily moved in.

    Posted by Michael Brown on 16/09/2008 13:02:26

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