Kevin McCloud buries time capsule filled with memories at the opening of Grand Designs Live

The five-day event was officially opened by TV presenter and design expert, Kevin McCloud, who buried a time capsule filled with mementos from the 25 years of Grand Designs, in line with this year's 25th anniversary.

The time capsule was buried outside the show entrance at the NEC, as a tribute to the stories, memories and moments that have made the 25 years of Grand Designs so special. It contains:

• Kevin’s high-vis jacket – A jacket that Kevin has worn every year at Grand Designs Live

• A pocket size home model – Monty Ravenscroft’s home has been turned into a beautiful pocket-sized model, featuring the famous ‘sliding roof’ and ‘corner less garage’ from season nine, episode one. Monty and his wife couldn’t afford to buy a house in London, so decided to built in the cheap land of Peckham

• A chisel – Joe Stuart used his dad’s chisel to fit the cladding on his home during a deep and meaningful episode of Grand Designs. Joe started his build in 2015, and the episode focused on the emotional fallout with a contractor, and how he built himself back up afterwards in series 18

• A wood-fire mug – From the ‘Life on the Hill’ episode of Grand Designs, the mug, made by one of the daughters, signifies the interactions and moments that they had with Kevin during coffee breaks whilst filming their episode
• Clay tile – Richard and Sophie Hawkes built an iconic eco-house in the Kentish countryside in Season 11, Episode One. The clay tile is one that helped to build the iconic arch that rested above their home

The time capsule will be dug up in 25 years' time, with the aim of comparing how home design and influence has changed from 2024 to 2049. This is why Kevin has also included products that he believes will be mainstays in the future of design:

• Glulam – Due to its strong framework and sustainable nature, Glulam is one for the future. It offers high structural performance, with a lower carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for future construction
• Infra-Red Net – Infrared nets are the future of sustainable heating. They provide direct, comfortable heat, whilst reducing energy costs and are easy to integrate into your homes discreetly. By fixing them into walls or ceilings, they will prove to be the ideal choice for modern sustainable homes

Grand Designs Live

Taking place from the 2nd- 6th October, Grand Designs Live offers an immersive experience with valuable insights across four key sectors: building, kitchen and bathroom, gardening and interior. This year’s event showcases a wide range of exhibitors, from architects and building suppliers, to kitchen and bathroom designers.

Visitors will find endless inspiration for their dream homes, and discover a huge range of unique, bespoke furnishings and cutting-edge design, along with artwork to add style to any space.

Back with a greater focus on sustainability, The Grand House returns to Birmingham this year. A fully designed experience that presents a spectacular show home which includes state-of-the-art low carbon and renewable energy technology, demonstrating how small, yet impactful steps can transform homes into self-sufficient, carbon neutral spaces.

The panels on this year’s Grand House have been pimped up by Peter Morris, an architect, designer and colour expert who has uses stone-coat on this year’s show home. The material quite literally pimps up people’s homes, being used to create any shape or colour and is 100% recyclable.

After the panels leave Grand Designs Live, they will be used on the terrace of the ‘cloud house’ a house that Peter is current building to change his clients lives for the better.

As the world's focus shifts to creating more sustainable homes and a cleaner place to live, Grand Designs Live will be showcasing fascinating ways to make green living accessible for all.  

The Grand House is the centrepiece of Grand Designs Live and is not to be missed.

As the Grand Designs TV show marks its 25th year, iconic houses from its history will also be featured in a special exhibit at the NEC. The exclusive showcase will take visitors through the journeys and developments of builds from the show over the past 25 years.

Additional features returning to the show this year include:

• Live Talks – Hear from an array of industry experts across three theatres where an exciting and engaging lineup of speakers will take centre stage each day 

• Ask an Expert – Discuss your build and renovation plans on a one-to-one basis with specialists in architecture, construction, finance, and interior design 

• Grand Designs Magazine Theatre Sponsored by Mainmark – Grand Designers from the past 25 years will be sharing their journeys and experience working with Kevin McCloud on their dream builds 
• Kevin's Green Heroes – The Green Heroes are back, featuring 10 brand new innovators and 3 returning heroes: bioMATTERS, Mill and REVR Pty 

This year, Kevin McCloud is also introducing three new Green Heroes, designs that have caught his eye due to their innovative and sustainable nature. His standout selections include:

• SCARAB – A hydro-powered water filter designed for off-grid living and van life

• LEAP – Premium leather goods crafted from upcycled apple waste
• GOMI – Durable power banks made from recycled batteries and plastic

The products will be on display in a special exhibition at Grand Designs Live.

As a key sponsor of the show, KIA UK will be displaying two of its award winning, design-focused electric vehicles, the EV9 and the EV6. The models reflect Kia’s commitment to sustainability, making them an ideal match for the audience at Grand Designs Live.

Richard Morey, Director of Grand Designs Live said: “As we kick-off the 2024 edition of Grand Designs Live at the NEC, we are excited to welcome all our visitors to a celebration of modern design, and to start the journey towards finding their dream home.

“Watching Kevin bury the time capsule is like sealing up 25 years of incredible memories from Grand Designs, a tribute to the countless dreams we have seen come to life. The time capsule has perfectly captured the spirit of the show. The passion, dreams and unforgettable stories behind every unique build. We don't just want to remember the builds themselves, but everything that has gone into them.

“We are also thrilled to present a special exhibit that brings the last 25 years of Grand Designs to life. We are displaying iconic houses from the show’s past, which will take our visitors on a journey through the years, highlighting the builds, challenges and creativity that has gone into making Grand Designs so special.”