Grand Designs (1999)

Episode Overview

Kevin encounters a skilled artisan with a vision to construct a castle entirely from mud. As a prominent figure in the ancient craft of cob building, Kevin McCabe specializes in shaping homes from mud using just his hands. However, he aspires to create not just any structure, but a remarkable cob castle. In addition to its impressive design, Kevin aims for this enormous abode to adhere to the highest environmental standards ever established, presenting a formidable challenge. The design features two expansive, curved cob roundhouses, with the larger one inspired by the natural spiral of a snail shell. These will connect through glass and be topped with rolling roofs adorned with wildflowers, reflecting the beauty of the Devon landscape. The project requires mixing and applying an astounding 2,000 tonnes of cob, all in warm, sunny conditions. Kevin is eager to raise the main walls within a few months, but the massive scale of the endeavor quickly becomes apparent.