Barnhaus designs, which should cost around £41,000 to build, have gained planning permission approval from a Welsh council.


The new houses are geared towards self-builders, whilst the initial four prototype houses will be built by Valleys to Coast Housing Association.


The 100 sq m Barnhaus was designed by Ed Green, an associate with Cardiff-based architect Pentan Partnership, who won the “Self-build on a Shoestring” national competition last year, organised by the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA).


Green’s winning design used a standard modern steel barn frame to form the basic covering for the home, which costs around £2,500, and is lined with straw bale insulation. The design has been honed by Pentan in consultation with the Design Commission for Wales and the Energy Savings Trust


Andrew Hole, director with the practice, told Wales Online: “The Valleys to Coast prototypes will be built using local suppliers and labour, with the potential for tenant participation in the build.


“These prototypes are being created for the Valleys to Coast Housing Association but in the future buyers who otherwise would struggle to get onto the property ladder will be able to create their homes at an achievable cost.”