Kevin McCloud hands over GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA to Anthony Burke. Watch the all-new season starting 10 October on ABC and ABC iview.
Grand Designs Australia is set to return on Thursday, 10 October, at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview, with architect and presenter Anthony Burke (Restoration Australia, Grand Designs Transformations) stepping in as the new host. Burke will continue the series’ tradition of exploring ambitious homebuilding projects across the country, following in the footsteps of long-time UK host Kevin McCloud.
To mark the occasion, Burke and McCloud embark on an architectural road trip across Australia, highlighting contemporary designs that push the boundaries of home construction. The duo travel together in a Kombi van, exploring everything from modest homes to luxurious estates, showcasing the diversity and ingenuity of Australian design. During their journey, McCloud shares insights from his years of experience presenting Grand Designs in the UK, passing on his knowledge to the new host.
Their trip begins on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, where they visit a modernised version of a traditional farmhouse. Despite its considerable scale, the structure blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. McCloud also explores the Nightingale apartments in Brunswick, a housing development known for its focus on sustainability and affordability.
Meanwhile, Burke ventures into a tiny yet bright Victorian terrace in Fitzroy, Melbourne, before heading to Tasmania, where he discovers a state-of-the-art glass pavilion. His journey then takes him to a lavish, multi-million-dollar beachfront property on the Gold Coast, dubbed a “beach shack.” The architectural road trip concludes in Surry Hills, Sydney, where the two presenters visit a remarkably designed tiny home, demonstrating how innovative use of space can offer significant lifestyle benefits.
This collaboration marks the beginning of a fresh 10-episode season, where Burke will guide viewers through the stories of some of Australia’s most daring homeowners. Each episode documents the trials and triumphs these individuals face as they work to realise their architectural visions.
For those eager to dive into more real-life stories and unique journeys, ABC iview offers a broad selection of factual series, all available for free.
Production details:
Grand Designs Australia is commissioned by ABC and produced by Fremantle Australia. Josie Mason Campbell serves as Head of Unscripted, with Brooke Bayvel as Supervising Executive Producer and Michael Collett as Executive Producer. Jo Chichester is the ABC Commissioning Editor for Factual, while Susie Jones is the Head of Factual. International distribution is handled by Fremantle Distribution.
Anthony Burke???? What a completely unexceptional commentator. He portrays nothing about finese. Nothing about architecture. Just a short poorly dressed annoying schmuck.