The latest radical eco-houses - and why they'll need no heating at all

They generate their own power, will be exempt from stamp duty - and look amazing, too. Adharanand Finn sees Britain's first zero-carbon houses take shape

Published: 02 May 2007

"This is the future, today," says Peter Bonfield, the chief executive of Building Research Establishment (BRE), a group of big-thinkers who aim to show the construction industry where the future lies.

He stands marvelling at what looks like, well, a building site. If you walked past it, you wouldn't look twice at the six small plots containing six buildings in various stages of completion just off the M1 near Watford, Hertfordshire. However, by 11 June, the rubble and hard hats will be gone, and the Offsite2007 Innovation Park - BRE's showcase of sustainable building - will be finished. continue...