Ben Law's House?

[Tigerhair]

Did anyone catch Grand Designs on C4 when this amazingly lucky and talented man built his house... thoughts on a postcard (well, here'll do!)...

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/gra ... odman.html

I got the book too!

[Andy Hamilton]

Wow, I would love to live in a house like that. "Even this insulation is made form recycled newspaper. "

Buc could I live in a tent or caravan for 10 years. I guess I could but I am sure my girlfriend would not be too happy with it.

[Tigerhair]

I would also be perfectly happy in a van!! I would LOVE Josh to grow up being IN nature like that! I also love the fact that the "housework" takes about half an hour a week! more time to be outside....

[Muddypause]

Ho, yus! Ben Law has made a lot of people realsie that building their own home, on a small unpretentious scale, is possible. That programme seemed to be different from all the others in the series, where people typically built huge imposing places from steel and concrete, with special glass roofs that cost £90,000, designed by an architect whose fees were more than Ben Law's house cost altogether. His final building cost was £28k (though he did own the land first).

It often gets a mention in Permaculture magazine, and they run an email list, with the occasional update about it. Apparently he is looking for volunteers in some capacity for a few months work on his land.

He also has open days, where you can see around the house and land, but I was a little bemused to see that he charges £50 each for these.

[Chickenlady]

I saw this, and thought it was wonderful. Ben Law was so calm and focused - a very impressive person.

And the amazing thing is, when he leaves the house he has to take it down. That was part of the planning permission. So no selling it on at a huge profit or leaving it to his children. So different from all the other property shows where people just want to make money.

(Having said that, £50 for a look round seems a bit steep, and a surprising move for somebody who appears so non materialistic!!)

I would love to build my own environmentally friendly house. I quite fancy straw bales!

[Tigerhair]

I kinda do understand the charge - it would put off some people because it's a bit too much (i.e. keeping the crowds down) - and why shouldn't he charge for his time and the wear and tear/cleaning...? Anyway, I think it's pretty sensible.