Grand Designs

Many Grand Designs building projects could be described as folly. But Spanish architect Jaime and his wife Mimi are tackling an actual folly, a mini castle from the 18th Century. And, as presenter Kevin McCloud discovers, the couple want the building finished before their second child is born. But the unearthing of a Saxon burial ground throws up some macabre surprises and derails their plans.

Ambitious buildings can often have unusual inspirations. Harry and Briony have decided to construct an American modernist house inspired by 80s teen comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off in rural Cornwall. The couple have an incredibly tight budget for such a complex project and their funds are soon dwindling. Then a personal tragedy threatens to overshadow the entire enterprise.

There are many reasons to self-build your own home. But saving lives must surely be one of the most vital. In southwest London, Elinor and Born want to construct Britain's first 'healthy' house, to alleviate the life-threatening allergies of their sons. Low toxin materials and an advanced filter system are required. But it's a race against time as the health of the children causes concern.

For some self-builders, new horizons are sought. Others are desperate to cling onto the past. Steph has sacrificed almost everything to build a contemporary farmhouse on her grandfather's old farmland and give her kids the blissful childhood she enjoyed. But the project leaks funds and soon she's forced to move into a trailer and completely reevaluate the entire scheme.

Identical twins Nik and Jon run a company together, drive the same car and even own identical dogs. Now they hope to build two near identical houses next door to each other. But as the project spirals out of control and their tight budget is stretched, the bonds that hold these two together are pushed to the limit. The ambitious scheme threatens to finally separate these siblings.

Deep-sea diver Adrian loves concrete. And now he wants to build his family home from the stuff. No cladding or carpet, just pure, exposed mortar. But the pioneering technique that he favors soon runs into trouble. As his funds evaporate, Adrian is forced to seek work and temporarily abandon the project. His concrete dreams are in danger of crumbling away.

Kevin was determined to build a huge house out of mud, but things soon got messy.