10 top talks at Grand Designs Live 2023
Where to find ideas and inspiration at the Birmingham show
Grand Designs Live 2023, the UK’s best self-build and renovation show, returns to NEC Birmingham from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 of October. This year’s event features the latest in ideas, innovation and home project guidance.
And for the first time ever, Grand Designs Live is building its very own Grand Designs house.
The House of Grand Ideas presented by OVO will be the centrepiece of Grand Designs Live Birmingham. New for 2023, visitors can come along to see a house, built by Grand Designs Live, designed to educate, inspire and wow visitors.
The house is a new showcase of stunning, innovative designs and an opportunity to discover ways to decarbonise your home through renewable energy generation, without compromising on cutting edge luxury.
What’s more, advisors from all the brands featured in the house will be available to speak to and all products showcased will be ready to purchase at the show,
There are also three live talk theatres. Here are 10 talks you don’t want to miss.
Please note that talks, times and participants may be subject to last-minute changes, so please check the information boards on arrival at the event.
1. Meet the Grand Designers
6 October
11:00 – 11:45 and 16:00 – 16:45
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre visit the lighthouse. When Edward Short embarked on his magnificent Devonshire build, little did he know it would take him on a decade-long journey. Get up close and personal with the contributor as he speaks to property expert Kunle Barker.
Photo: Media 10
2. Longwave Infrared Heating
4 October
14:00 – 14:45
Sustainable Future Theatre
Longwave infrared heating is seen as an effective, healthier, and cheaper way to heat our homes. Richard Hawkes of Hawkes Architecture speaks to Kevin McCloud and Galvin Broughton of ASTECtherm about the biggest revolution in home heating since the microwave.
3. Low carbon living with the Energy Saving Trust
5 October
14:00 – 14:45
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Electricity is becoming increasingly low carbon, as more renewable sources are connected to the electricity grid, replacing existing gas and coal power stations. This makes a heat pump an extremely low carbon heating option. Talk by Jessica Forster, Ben Whittle, and Brian Horne of the Energy Saving Trust.
Karen Stylianides, Kunle Barker, Kevin McCloud and guests on stage at Grand Designs Live. Photo: Media10
4. Feng Shui 101
6 October 12:30 – 13:15
7 October 12:30 – 13:15
8 October 13:30 – 14:15
ufurnish.com Interiors Stage
Have you ever wondered why some homes are ‘lucky’ while others experience divorce, financial challenges and worse on repeat? With successful people and businesses routinely incorporating Feng Shui principles, learn about the four main house types and give your lifestyle an energetic boost with Deirdre McGettrick from ufurnish.com and Suzanne Roynon from interiorstherapy.com.
5. Mortgage mayhem: my mortgage is increasing
7 October
13:00 – 13:45
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Finance and property expert Tayo Oguntonade explains what the mortgage charter is and what lenders are signing up for. Tayo will be giving practical tips about what can be done to make mortgage payments more affordable in the short term and long term.
6. The natural swimming pond
7 October
16:00 – 16:45
Sustainable Future Theatre
A swimming pond not only gives us the opportunity to swim in fresh, clear water without a trace of chemicals, but also attracts and sustains a wide array of wildlife. Join experts Max McMurdo and Jerry Tate for an in depth look at why urban ponds are great for ecology and biodiversity.
Photo: James French
7. Autumn and winter trends for 2023
6 October
13:30 – 14:15
ufurnish.com Interiors Stage
Homes, property and interior writer Jayne Dowle speaks to ufurnish.com founder Deidre Mc Gettrick about the upcoming interior trends for the looming colder seasons.
Kunle Barker on stage at Grand Designs Live. Photo: Media10
8. Saving energy with smart systems
5 October
15:00 – 15:45
Sustainable Future Theatre
When considering smart home systems, it can be difficult to understand how they can help you save on your energy bills. Brian Horne and Ben Whittle from the Energy Saving Trust will be speaking about the future of home energy systems and how smart control and flexible operation can optimise costs and save carbon.
9. EnerPHit and lighting renovation of historic buildings
8 October
12:00 – 12:45
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Renovating a historic 1960s Michael Blackstock building and bringing it into 21st century building standards proved a challenge for architect Richard Dudzicki and lighting designer Marcus Steffen.
They will discuss the complexity of bringing in natural daylight while achieving EnerPHit status, how to save 83% on heating bills and dealing with the restrictions in place to create a beautifully lit environment at night.
Grand Designers Ruth and Rob on stage with Kevin McCloud. Photo: Media10
10. Energy efficiency on any budget
6 October
16:00 – 16:45
Sustainable Future Theatre
Expert panel Kate Sandhu and Aileen McCreadie will discuss some practical and small changes you can make to your everyday life by implementing cost-effective measures, which can significantly improve energy efficiency in your home and lower your utility bills over time.
