Grand Designs Live, an award-winning exhibition and interactive version of Channel 4’s hit television programme, returns to the NEC Birmingham from the 9th – 13th October. An exciting not-to-be-missed feature of this year’s Grand Designs Live is the Innovation Trail; introducing some of the nation’s best eco innovations and cutting-edge designs, including a 36sqm house made from bamboo and plastic milk bottles.  

Kevin McCloud, star of the Grand Designs TV series, will be introducing the world’s first ‘milk-BottleHouse’, highlighting the importance of sustainable design with a significant social impact. Milk-BottleHouse is the brainchild of Ricky Sandhu, Founder of innovative architectural and design start-up small. which stands for Six Miles Across London Limited. “Every minute, a million plastic bottles are bought around the world and the number is set to top half a trillion by 2021,” says Sandhu. “There are over 70 million displaced people worldwide, having to live in horrendous conditions for months on end. Having been an architect for over 16 years, I was determined to find a way to tackle both homelessness and the plastic pollution crisis - using one to support the other”. 

The small. Foundation was set up so that BottleHouses could be deployed in worldwide emergency situations as a transitional shelter using the material we all have at our disposal: plastic waste. Sandhu’s keen sense of innovation and sense of responsibility for the built environment was formed during his 15-year tenure at one of the world’s most prestigious design firms Foster + Partners, where he became one of the youngest shareholding partners. “Having watched Grand Designs and marvelled at the extraordinary architecture on display, it’s an honour to present milk-BottleHouse as a circular economy initiative that prevents more plastic going to landfill”. BottleHouse was originally unveiled at Clerkenwell Design Week earlier this year, followed by a replica model of BottleHouse taking up residence in the Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition.  

Ricky Sandhu has ambitious plans for his social enterprise, intending for BottleHouse to provide jobs, an income, security, education, new skills, shelter, hope and the chance of a better life. The vision doesn’t stop here; small. has already begun developing plans for an autonomous vehicle, urban airport and an electric forecourt. 

To get involved with small. and follow its extraordinary journey, head to www.sixmilesacrosslondon.com