Today sees the launch of ruralZED, a revolutionary new housing system that is the UK's first affordable, carbon neutral house. Unveiled at this year's annual EcoBuild exhibition, the ruralZED, housing system is now available to house-builders and developers.

The housing system, developed by ruralZED, a consortium of architects and specialist manufacturers at the cutting edge of the eco house-building industry, is the first of its kind capable of achieving Code 6 on most sites.

Starting from £1,150 / m2 for Code 3, ranging to £1,550 / m2 for Code 6 the ruralZED, housing system is the first truly affordable and commercially viable product of its kind on the market that gives the volume builder or self-builder the opportunity to address the government's targets for carbon neutral new build housing eight years ahead of the 2016 target.

Bringing together the speed and quality of lightweight Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) with the benefits of heavyweight thermally massive construction, the innovative ruraIZEDTM, concept also offers fully integrated renewable micro¬generation technology and an upgrade path from Code 3 to Code 6.

The design approach integrates as many building elements as possible in construction, resulting in fewer components and finishes. The associated cost savings allow a higher specification for low energy and low environmental impact components.

ruralZED, consortium member, Lex Cumber of mi-space, the company responsible for the construction of the ruralZED housing system comments: "The great thing about the ruralZED house is that it has four years of Research and Development by one of the most talented design teams in the UK, sunk into the very fabric of the building. It's affordable, and has an integrated supply chain determined to drive costs out to make it even more competitive until finally there is no excuse for building new houses that don't hit these environmental standards."

The strength of the ruralZED kit relies on the heavy timber framing, not dissimilar to the timber framed houses built for over a thousand years in Britain. A 'box' frame is formed by posts and beams on a strip concrete foundation. An airtight breathing membrane is formed over the box to simplify sealing details and provide an initial watertight envelope as quickly as possible. A gang nail roof allows variation on roof¬scape and the facade design can be tailored to individual locations and specifications.

Heavyweight eco-concrete planks rest onto the solid timber beams moderating the internal temperature without the need for air-conditioning, whilst passive solar conservatories are available on north/south facing houses. The super insulation and energy efficient appliances reduce the energy requirements to such an extent that all the buildings' needs can be met through renewable technologies.

Through selected supply partners covering most of the UK, ruralZED is able to offer detached, semi-detached or terraced houses of up to six units. The timber frame can be adapted to three storeys with the same details and timber sections used for two storeys providing town houses and multiple resident occupancy units.

Bill Dunster, Director of ZEDfactory, the architectural firm behind the project, comments on the benefits of the ruralZED house to developers and end-users: "The ruralZED house has overcome financial constraints due to the strength of the ruralZED consortium, and has created a house that removes any excuses for not achieving a zero carbon lifestyle for developers, house-builders and the home buying public."