BUILT around a tree trunk with a grass roof to collect water for household use, this woodland pad could be the home of the future, it is claimed.

The “eco-treehouse” from civil engineering lecturer Dr Anthony Leung regulates its own temperature and uses climbing plants on exterior walls to cut carbon emissions.

The National:

Leung, from Dundee University, says mature trees can support the weight of a family home and end the need to clear ground.

He said: “It is a moment of paradigm shift for civil engineers to develop more innovative and low-carbon emissions construction principles and methods that do not only protect our natural environment, but also work with it to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

“We can borrow the power of nature to create natural shelter for human beings in a modern, yet ecologically friendly way.”