This is an example design of a simple three bedroom house.  The design uses a simple layout and form, following the orientation of the sun for maximum efficiency.  The walls could be made of straw bales for super insulation and clad in timber, with a timber shingle roof.  The south side of the building is fully glazed, but with a strip of solar panels providing some summer shading as well as power.  Part of the veranda is glazed to give shelter to the indoor/outdoor space, and part of it is fully enclosed with single glazing to create a greenhouse space. 

 

This kind of house could potentially be constructed for between £100k - £150k, yet it provides high quality, efficient, healthy and long lasting living spaces, with a low impact on the environment.