World's smallest eco-home unveiled

The Cube may not be traditional, but Dr Page reckons it's cosy

But the three metre by three metre hut which has appeared in St Andrew Square Garden is actually the latest in eco-living.

The Cube, a prototype design, is one of the world's smallest homes, and is fully-fitted with a double bed, shower, kitchen and toilet.

But Dr Mike Page, director of the Cube project and chief designer of the 50,000 unit, said he had been left a little disappointed after being told that no water supply could be hooked up for its unveiling in Edinburgh.

He is still hopeful it will encourage people to think about using low-energy technology in their homes, and believes it could be an answer to the increasing demand for affordable housing.

The Cube is on show for the first time as part of this year's Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The carbon-neutral compact home has been built from sustainable materials, mostly wood, and despite its size has been designed to be comfortable and modern.

It has a lounge - with a table and two custom-made chairs - a small double bed, a full-size shower, a kitchen - with energy-efficient fridge, induction hob, re-circulating cooker hood, sink/drainer, combination microwave oven and storage cupboards - a washing machine and a composting toilet.

The double bed is just 120cm wide It is lit by ultra-efficient LED lights, and heated by an Ecodan air-source heat pump.

As it uses the latest in sustainable technology, anyone living in it could claim 1000 a year from the government under its feed-in tariff.

Dr Page, a lecturer at the School of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "This was just a design on a computer a few months ago, and this is the first time we've shown it anywhere.

"I had hoped to spend the odd night in it while here but there's no water supply.

"It would be very comfortable though, and while it's small, it would be fine for a single person to live in."

Developed to highlight the kind of carbon saving that could be achieved using existing technology, Dr Page claims his design could be the home of the future.

"The project is an attempt to show what is possible in terms of low-carbon living, with readily available technology," he said.

"It could have all sorts if uses in the housing market, from students looking for low-cost accommodation to businessmen who live in the country looking for somewhere that's closer to work."

Dr Simon Gage, director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival said: "We are very excited to launch The Cube at the Science Festival, and delighted that we are able to showcase the very latest in carbon-neutral living."

The prototype Cube, QB1, is on display at St Andrew Square until next Friday.