“Grand Designs” is a very successful British TV programme in which architect Kevin McCloud follows the progress of self-builders. The show has been running continuously since 1999 and has been exported to several other countries, notably Australia.

I have watched many of programs – and even bought one of his books (albeit from a charity shop). Without wishing to rubbish these earnest self-builders and their dream buildings, what I find rather ridiculous is how they think they are building “sustainably” and helping “save the planet”. This is complete self-delusion because houses with 4 external walls and roof must, by definition, be extravagant energy consumers. Even more so when built out in the countryside and therefore dependent on motorised transport. I am not saying that nobody should build their dream house, but please don’t give us the BS that they are eco-sound.

Most of the buildings when finally completed – often years behind schedule and always well over budget – are very impressive but what really “gets” me is how the builders all make a big thing about the environment and claim their buildings are “green” and ecologically good and therefore, one presumes, they think they are helping “save the planet”.

Its utter BS and self-righteous self-delusion — no house is e/v friendly because they are bigger than what is necessary, so need a lot of heating (or cooling) and have 4 walls and a roof which, however well-insulated leak heat

These buildings are large and complex, and use masses of carbon-emitting materials, eg concrete, insulating materials, very thick glass, etc.

They are often quite isolated in the countryside but, even when not, the owners will almost certainly have at least one car and probably two.

Although some of the inner-city designs are quite compact, most are very spacious so that if everyone could afford to build in this manner, density would be extremely low – probably less than 1000 people per km2.