A few days ago, I found myself watching Grand Designs presented by Kevin McCloud. It showed a golf addicted businessman in the search of a new house, wanting to build his new home on a historical site. Well, I say historical, but there wasn’t much left, besides the outline of some Roman era foundations. After some back and forth, he managed to get a permit to start building.
He did have to meet a couple of conditions though, such as using the outline of the Roman foundations and not building anything beyond the ground floor. That might seem okay, but the foundations followed a zigzag pattern, making this project all the more difficult.
This time the businessman was in luck. For many years he’d worked with the same architect, an older gentleman who really knew his job. The design turned out great, with the architect delivering some of his best work yet. At first the design took some getting used to however. Let’s face it, the zigzag shape gave it an unconventional look, to say the least. The businessman expressed his doubts, but the architect convinced him to go through with the project, that it would turn out great. So he hired a team of workers to start building.
Now, what you’d usually expect in these type of shows, is the new owner checking up on the building site and getting his hands dirty. Obviously, given this is a big shot businessman, that was never going to happen. Still, his absence signalled a lack of interest. Then one day, he shows up, fires the project manager – taking over his duties, and changes a couple of details.
The final result was simply beautiful to look at. Combining Japanese and Western elements, the architect had proved himself to be a master at his trade. After having shown the building, Kevin McCloud asked the new owners their opinion. The wife seemed to be pleased, and even though the businessman said he was satisfied, he looked rather indifferent to me. It was a strange way of ending the episode. Usually, new home owners can barely contain their excitement.
Why the lukewarm reaction?
Well, there was a lack of investment – not financially, but emotionally. Someone else designed it entirely, most of the hard labour was done by others and money was never a big issue in this case, as is often the case with others. And we’ve all seen what happens, when you have one child on the block who has to work and save up for his toys, compared to the other child who receives everything he wants at the snap of a finger. One child will appreciate and get much joy out of his toys, the other will quickly becomed bored. By the way, tt should be no surprise that the building is on the market already – only having been occupied for a few years, for the price of six million pounds.
So, while we all wish for less obstacles, let’s also appreciate that the struggle provides meaning to whatever it is we want. If it comes easy, we usually take it for granted. Food for thought.
Kind regards
Vincent J. Dancet