Designs for homes that save energy and cost just Bt700,000 to build will be available for free

It seems too good to be true, but really, you'll soon be able to get an energy-efficient house built for as little as Bt700,000.

The Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Architecture will prepare qualified builders to take on the job at this budget.

"We will launch the project later this year. People can come in to get free designs," Dr Soontorn Boonyatikarn says. He teaches at the faculty and is well known as a "green" architect.

Four years ago he built the first full-scale solar house in Southeast Asia.

Construction of an energy-efficient house ranges from Bt700,000 to Bt1.2 million. If you've got the money and some land you can come on in and choose your design.

Technically correct

"Because the construction of energy-efficient houses needs well-trained builders, this project makes sure would-be owners meet the right ones," Soontorn says.

"Other key factors are the right materials," he cautions.

The houses need proper insulation, adequate air/vapour retarders, microfibre roofs, uPVC window frames etc.

Ten trained builders can put one up in 20 days flat. You do, however, need at least 50 square wah.

Soontorn says the houses are good on the pocket and health.

"I used to catch cold twice a week. That's a thing of the past," he says.

He and his family live in a new one in Rangsit. Their full-scale solar house is now very much a show home, because so many people want to take a look.

"We are moving out because we can't get any privacy," he explains.

There are many reasons why it attracts so many people. First of all, its Bt1.4 million solar cells allow Soontorn's family to live without paying a single baht for electricity.

"In some months, we can even sell what we generate," Soontorn says.

He adds that the house also has water-recycling, which means the family does not have to pay for tap water.

"We also fitted air filters and can enjoy pure air," he says.