The 6 Most Stunning Eco Buildings In The World

The majority of people who resort to self build concentrate wholly on sustainability and eco-friendly options, as well as, of course, aesthetics. The need for more eco-friendly homes is immediate; rising energy prices, limited resources and dwindling space means resources, ideas and energy need to be put into providing long term, attainable solutions to sustainable housing. Thankfully, there are a few who are already helping by constructing homes which use minimal energy, or are completely off the grid, and it just so happens that most of them are stunning builds.

Crossway

Staplehurst, Kent

This beautiful home sits perfectly in its rural surroundings as one of the first zero-carbon homes in the UK. It was designed by Richard Hawkes, who's also going to have the pleasure of living in it, with some structural design help from Michael Ramage and Philip Cooper from the University of Cambridge's Department of Architecture.

The almost single-cell home is covered externally with plants and earth to compliment its setting and provide great thermal mass, retaining heat and controlling the reliance on heating appliances. Interestingly, the house is completely insulated using good old recycled newspaper.

Hobbit House

North Pembrokeshire, Wales

Designed by Simon Dale for his family, the build playfully known as the Hobbit House is one of the more modest and earthy eco builds. Created entirely from natural materials and replicating a simplistic and traditional way of life, the home is a stunning, completely sustainable build utilising natural materials and simple methods to create a breathable, low energy home which pays utmost respect to its surroundings.

Simon Dale, designer and architect, cites himself as a novice when it comes to construction, instead relying on rudimentary tools and perseverance to create one of the most recognisable homes in Britain.

Backyard house

Seattle, USA

SHED Architecture and Design have tackled the issue of dwindling space and affordability by transforming disused garden in a family home to incorporate a new, sustainable and economical living space. The sleek, modern design incorporates durable materials and cleverly optimises space to bring a brand new concept onto the housing market; family homes which are sustainable, affordable and most of all, don't demand the destruction of green land for construction projects.

The local company which made this home have a portfolio of residential and commercial properties as well as furniture and art projects which, according to their site, aim to design solutions which; "consider site, climate, material, light and space holistically".

Recycled eco home

Panguipulli, Chile

This distinctive piece of architecture is made purely from recycled materials to create a bespoke, sustainable home situated in Chile, which although contrasts against its rural setting, actually compliments it in material and function. The natural wood-clad frame provides warmth and insulation whilst the glass front adds a modern touch. The eco conscious home combines traditional build, sustainability and modern living effortlessly.

Architect Juan Luis Martínez Nahuel worked to a specific brief detailing a necessity to utilise demolished, natural materials to transform this forest clearing into a stunning green home.

'Ecofabulous' Home

Vancouver, Canada

This certainly does say ecofabulous with the best of a modern, luxury home combined with the best of green and sustainable living, to create a stylish but environmentally friendly home. This build was the focal point of the 2008 Vancouver Home & Garden Show and it's not difficult to see why.

Designers Architecton built the space predominately with reclaimed wood, recycled materials and steel for a contrasting yet aesthetically startling finish. The build is complimented with waste-reducing technology, low-impact features and design and has minimal emissions, even throughout construction phase. The home has been dramatically finished with high-end design pieces and an opulent décor.

The Craves

Little Harrowden, Northamptonshire

The Craves is a rather unique concept in eco-design and is still in the initial stages after receiving planning permission summer 2012. The design is set to perfectly compliment its waterside base by mimicking a lily pad and will not only minimise waste but will maximise resources by selling excess energy back into the national grid. It's designed by Revolution Limited, a company specialising in building sustainable and innovative housing solutions.

It majestically utilises cutting edge technologies to allow it to be entirely self sufficient through renewable energies, photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps and storing excess energy within the home itself.

Editor's Note: Thanks to John from www.baileystreetscene.co.uk for providing us with this post. John is an expert on street furniture and contributes to a number of street furniture blogs.