THE degree project of a Farnham metalwork graduate has been featuted on prime-time Channel 4 show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

University for the Creative Arts (UCA) alumni Christina Piddington’s unusual eco-pod is inspired by vintage air stream trailers and took her six months to build.

The film crew for George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces visitedher in UCA Farnham’s studios to capture the creative process.

The episode featuring Christina’s project, The PiddingtonPod which is now her home, was aired on Channel 4 on Thursday, October 29.

“I’d been watching the show on Channel 4 shortly after I’d drawn up plans for the pod, and the idea to contact them just came to me,” said Christina, who is 59.

“They filmed while I’ve been working and getting my degree, so it’s been a complete rollercoaster but a fantastic experience.”

The PiddingtonPod is a 4.5 metre hexagonal structure made of reclaimed copper and features striking stained glass windows.

Growing up in a military family, Christina regularly moved home and attended seven schools before the age of 13.

More recent work as a therapist has taken her to Arizona and remote Western Samoa, so Christina had a longing to create something of her own which could move with her.

The PiddingtonPod was unveiled by craftsman William Hardie at Snailslynch Farm in Farnham, who said his favourite part of the build was the unique copper panels.

Speaking of the PiddingtonPod, William said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. The patchwork of material means that every single part of this is made by hand so it has a really tactile quality.

“Each panel has its own texture; Christina has worked with them as if they’re individual pieces of art.

“The thing I love about that is though there’s all that detail, they work together as a bigger picture.

“It’s wonderful to see somebody that has met all the challenges, been incredibly ambitious and seen it through, ending up with something sophisticated and beautiful.”

As a mature student suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and dyspraxia, Christina has met personal challenges while working on the project.

“I’ve had to structure my life around being in the studios and resting a lot of the time,” she added.

“I’ve pushed myself too far at times and got ill, because you get too carried away. It’s because it’s so wonderful to work on, but then everything hurts and you’re knackered.

“Thankfully I’ve had help all the way. Due to my arthritis, I was entitled to support from a student learning assistant, who is a UCA technician and has helped with the build, and I’ve also had support for my dyspraxia to get my academic writing right and that’s really helped me push my final grades up.”

Christina has chosen to study MA textiles at UCA Farnham this year, continuing her research around channeling energy into creativity.

For more information on the PiddingtonPod, visit christinapiddington.co.uk.