Grand Designs · SEASON 12
The Thames Boathouse
Episode 4 · 2012-10-10

- Documentary
- Reality
Episode overview
Kevin McCloud follows Lysette and Nigel Offley, who are knocking down an old Thames boathouse and constructing a cutting-edge home in its place. Taking inspiration from the river itself, they have designed a building of waves and curves with a huge glass porthole for a roof light. But problems begin almost from the start, as they can't find a contractor willing to build over the water, their architect leaves unexpectedly and the costs turn out much higher than expected. To make matters worse, the neighbours aren't happy about such a radical sight in their traditional community. As they begin to compromise, Kevin wonders if the couple's dreams will ever be realised.
45 minutes
Season 12 episodes
1. Cloontykilla Castle, Ireland2012-09-12
2. The Computer Cut House, Herefordshire2012-09-19
3. The Glass Cubes House2012-09-26
4. The Thames Boathouse2012-10-10
5. The Derelict Water Tower2012-10-17
6. The Edwardian Artist's Studio2012-10-24
7. Isle of Skye: The Larch-Clad House2012-10-31
8. London: The Joinery Workshop2012-11-07
9. The Tree House: Revisited2012-11-14
10. The Disco Home: Revisited2012-11-21
11. The Large Timber-Framed Barn: Revisited2012-11-28
12. The Co-Op: 2nd Revisiting2012-12-05