Awe-Inspiring Zero-Carbon Crossway Passivhaus Has a Vaulted Meadow Roof

Is this a home or a grassy green hill? That's exactly the kind of confusion <a href="http://www.hawkesarchitecture.co.uk/a%20grand%20design">Richard Hawkes</a> was going for with the zero-carbon Crossway house near Kent in the UK. Wanting a low-cost home with a small footprint, Hawkes kept finding more ways to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/passivhaus-institute-ends-relationship-with-passive-house-institute-us/">make the now-certified Passivhaus</a> even more sustainable than he originally envisioned. Not only does it have a beautiful living meadow on its roof, which insulates the home, but several renewable energy sources provide heat and electricity to keep the carbon footprint super low. Hawkes also mixed all kinds of recycled goods into the lime mortar, and achieved part of the superior thermal massing with 26,000 clay bricks that were dug and formed just four miles from where the home has taken its eye-catching vaulted shape.

The Crossway home by Hawkes Architecture is one of the original zero carbon homes in the UK

It has a PV solar thermal system and biomass boiler

The green roof provides superior insulation

And superior interior comfort

Triple glazing and heat recovery further increase energy efficiency

As do clay bricks formed only four miles from the house

This is a Passivhaus certified home

That stays warm in winter and cool in summer

Lime mortar mixed with newspaper, tires, and crushed bottles finish off the interior

The home is naturally lit and ventilated

We absolutely love this home