Naturhus: An Entire House Wrapped in Its Own Private Greenhouse

With winter weather in full effect (at least for our part of the globe), <a href="http://inhabitat.com/greenholidaygiftguide/gifts-for-the-green-thumb/basil-2/">green thumbs</a> have to take a short break from growing most of their fruits and veggies until the spring. But this very special home in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/plus-house-claesson-koivisto-rune/">Sweden</a> is an exception due to one very unique characteristic - it's wrapped in its very own private greenhouse. Designed and built by Swedish architect <a href="http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengt_Warne">Bengt Warne</a> all the way back in 1976, the Naturhus not only allows its owners to cultivate their own fresh food for two extra months out of the year, it also cuts the home's electricity needs <strong>in half!</strong>

For all intents and purposes, the <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/naturhus-is-a-house-wrapped-in-a-greenhouse.php">Naturhus</a> is a typical home - except for the extra glass layer surrounding it.

Inside the greenhouse, the owners can grow Mediterranean-style <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-bubble-gardens-pop-up-in-paris-streets/">gardens</a> with plants like figs, kiwis, peaches, and wine grapes that would to typically be able to survive in the Swedish climate.

Warne was ahead of his time in his thinking - remember, this house was built in 1976 - in more ways than one.

Aside from being able to grow more plants for a longer period of time throughout the year, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-greenhouse-project-is-a-roof-garden-atop-a-nyc-school/">greenhouse</a> insulates the home within, cutting heating electricity by a whopping 50%.

It also makes the most use of outdoor space like decks since homeowners can use them as extra rooms even in the wintertime thanks to the protective glass covering.

There's lots of extra room to play - no need for a coat.

Some of the Naturhus' bounty.

The Naturhus being constructed.

A view from the roof.

As you can see, the extra glass layer actually adds to the aesthetic appeal of the home instead of taking away from it.