Episode 3

The builders face the most challenging and dangerous phase of the build: constructing the giant timber-frame. First they have to find suitable trees in the local woods from which to construct it. Cutting the trees down with just axes and saws proves to be a major undertaking. But when the timber finally arrives on site, shaping the tree trunks into sections of the wood frame proves even tougher. After a week of hacking and chiselling, foreman Jim is unimpressed with the quality and speed of work and confronts carpenter Fred with his concerns. Meanwhile, plumber Kevin starts to plan the magnificent mosaic that will be the villa's centrepiece. Coming up with a suitable design proves challenging, but a more pressing problem is how to mass produce more than 200,000 tiny tiles with which to make it. With the timber frame finally finished, Jim and his men have to find a way to erect the giant, seven-metre-high sections with nothing but muscle power. It turns out to be Jim's finest hour, and, under his leadership, the huge sections are slowly hauled into place. Finally it's possible to appreciate the sheer size of the villa and, for its designer Dai Morgan Evans, it's an emotional turning point in the project.