Grand Designs: Tiny island home built by hand trumps big-budget projects to win House of the Year

Before the 1960s terrace was built, it was a Victorian house with surprisingly deep foundations, meaning excavation was easier than first thought. As a result, the open plan living–dining–kitchen on the ground floor is now far lower than it was, overlooked by a mezzanine balcony and with double height ceilings creating volume and a sense of space. The judges described it as “elegant”, “refined” and “calm.”