Futuristic home uses medieval techniques
A house designed using a medieval building technique could also be the eco-house of the future.
The £800k arch house, unveiled in Kent, uses 'timbrel vaulting' - first developed more than 600 years ago - meaning it requires no central heating or cooling systems.
Experts think the technique, where the 'roof' is covered with earth and plants, could be the key to zero-carbon housing because fossil fuels are not needed to heat it.
Architect Richard Hawkes, who built the house for his family, says he can't wait to settle in ... and that there's no place like dome.
Hawkes said: "This is one of the first zero carbon houses in the UK.
"The building explores the uniqueness of 'place' as well as harnessing solar energy to generate all its own electricity and thermal energy."
The house also has solar panels which create enough excess energy the owners could pocket £2k per year selling it back to the national grid.
Timbrel vaulting was first used in Valencia, Spain, back in 1382.
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