Grand Designs: New Zealand (Episode 6)

Chris Moller presents the second series of the New Zealand version of the architecture programme that features fascinating stories of ambitious and innovative homeowners who are creating the house of their dreams. Andy Macbeth and Jo Denton are Christchurch earthquake refugees who are building a new life and a modern-day fortress against the elements in alpine Queenstown. Their site includes huge rock foundations left in place by a former owner who abandoned plans for a castle-like home. Andy and Jo's dream is to include these in a modernist, energy-efficient 'passive house' that will protect their family from earthquakes and extremes of climate without leaving a big ecological footprint. But passive houses are barely supposed to need heating, and Andy wants two log fireplaces. Will temperatures rise during the build?