Zero Carbon home unveiled in Kent

This house, in Crossway, Kent, is one of the first zero-carbon homes in the UK. It was designed by architect Richard Hawkes, who will be its first occupant, with structural design by Michael Ramage and Philip Cooper – both based at the University of Cambridge's Department of Architecture Photograph: PR

More than a quarter (27%) of UK carbon emissions come from households, adding considerably to global warming. Only a handful of homes are zero-carbon, however, and many designs are too expensive to merit mass production Photograph: PR

While more expensive than some conventional homes at the moment, the designers of Crossway believe its design and technology could ultimately be a prototype for cheaper energy-efficient homes Photograph: PR

'The design is cost-effective in that the home is relatively simple to build and, once you know what you're doing, it's quick,' said structural designer Michael Ramage Photograph: PR

The arched building is essentially one large vault spanning 20 metres, covered on the outside with earth and plants to help it blend in with its rural surroundings Photograph: PR

The vaulting gives the house plenty of structural strength but does away with the need for energy-intensive materials such as reinforced concrete. It also provides it with great thermal mass, enabling the building to retain heat, absorb fluctuations in temperature and reducing the need for central heating or cooling systems Photograph: PR

The house is insulated throughout using recycled newspaper Photograph: PR

Any necessary heating comes from solar energy through the UK's first example of a combination photovoltaic and thermal heating system, which is more efficient than other solar technology Photograph: PR

The UK government has a target for all new homes to be zero-carbon by 2016 Photograph: PR