'Grand Designs' hemp home taking shape

A house that will feature in the New Zealand version of the British programme Grand Designs is taking shape on a hillside near Luggate. The two-storey house, above State Highway 6, south of Queensberry, is visible from the Luggate to Tarras road, and is distinguished by an unusually curved roof.

It appears not all its windows are yet in place.

Senior publicist for the show Jean Mowatt last week suggested the Otago Daily Times publish a ''tease article'' about the house before the launch of the show early next month.

She declined an ODT request for a photo of the house in its current state.

The house is being built by Mike Hodges and Cathy Mann and overlooks the Clutha River from a rocky outcrop.

Ms Mowatt said it was being being built ''completely out of straw and hemp'' with floors made from clay, lime and earth, and other features from schist and kanuka.

''It is a grand design in every sense of the word.''

The house was ''almost completed'' and was expected to feature about halfway through the series, Ms Mowatt said.

When asked for comment, Mr Hodges referred the ODT to the programme producers, saying he would be happy to talk after the programme went to air.

The programme is being hosted by Wellington architect Chris Moller.

Grand Designs New Zealand will start on TV3 on October 4.

- Otago Daily Times