The Waldeck team were appointed by architectural firm Studio 11 to support them with the foundation and super-structure engineering design for the giant cathedral-like new home. The building was modelled on the Dutch-barn style houses of the area – but with a sleek contemporary twist and a rather striking 5,000 tile ‘armadillo’ roof.

Adjacent to the property, which sits in about an acre of land, was an additional annexe which would accommodate Nathan’s mum and stepdad to provide multi-generational living.

Images: Courtesy of Studio 11

Waldeck’s Project Lead, Sanjay Dhanani shared:

“Waldeck were responsible for the piled foundation and ground beam design for the project as well as the design of the super-structure steel frame to suit the Dutch-style barn shape. Our team modelled the civil and structural elements in 3D using Revit.

“On this unique project, we were able to apply the same standards and processes that we would usually use when we are designing much larger structures, often for commercial and industrial developments. Such a large steel frame, which was necessary to achieve the Dutch-barn style roof, is not common for a house, so it was great to be able to use our expertise to help with this bespoke design solution.

“We had a couple of visits to the site, collaborating closely with the wider team in the early stages for the project, but the last time we went on site was to see the steel frame go up, so it was great to see the project progress into the final stages on Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

“As always, it was a pleasure to work with Kris and the team at Studio 11 who we have been working with for several years now, supporting them on a selection of residential developments across the East Midlands.

“Studio 11 did a fantastic job of bringing this project to life and we are grateful to have been able to assist!”

Kris Baxter, Founder & Creative Director at Studio 11 added:

“As usual it was a pleasure to work with Sanjay and the Waldeck team on this project. Achieving the open plan nature of the building meant that a steel frame was the only option, but the roof form created several intersection issues with the building components that needed careful consideration. Sanjay was happy to develop those details with us and this attention to detail is reflected in the excellence of the completed home.”

Home owner, Nathan shared:

“We found the plot back in early 2019 and Studio 11’s Kris and his team had completed the drawings and gained approval by August 2019, so work began the following month.

“As for the property itself, we wanted something architecturally different. The house is about 4,500sq ft, arranged over two storeys and has five bedrooms and five reception rooms.

“It took just over a year, from late September 2019 to November 2020, and the final filming for Grand Designs took place on 17th November 2020. That morning we were still rushing to get the last delivery of gravel down!

“To come home each evening to Amye and to the house that we’ve built, and to know there’s a space for our parents and my older children Noah and Ava has really made the whole journey worthwhile.”

Find out more about the project by visiting the Grand Designs website.