A small slice of land makes for a Grand Design

Carpenters are often the unsung heroes of engineering and construction.

With a piece of wood and the right skills, any problem can be solved – at least, that’s what Olaf, a master carpenter, is hoping. Now he’s up against the biggest challenge of his career.

He wants to create an oasis for himself and his partner Fritha on a small slice of land in West Sussex, which happens to be squeezed by a mainline railway and a busy A-road. Not only that, but half of the plot can’t even be built on due to an underground mains sewer. All they’re left with is a very small triangle on which to build their future life together.

With just £190,000 in the bank, Olaf and Fritha must use all the ingenuity they can muster to bring their triangular three-bed house to life. Sturdy retaining walls and foundations to combat traffic vibrations cost more than they’d hoped. The bewildering angles that are needed to create the sharp, pointed, hand-built timber frame stretch Olaf to his limits.

As super-thick soundproofing walls are installed, the budget reaches breaking point. And along with all this, Fritha and Olaf are going through IVF at the same time. It’s clear that this is turning into one of the most stressful and pivotal moments of their lives.

Grand Designs, Channel 4, 8pm