A strange structure is taking shape in Stanmer Park, Brighton, providing the first earthship in Europe.

When completed, it will help to solve two pressing problems - the mountain of spare tyres and the shortage of affordable housing.

Not much heating will be needed in this well-insulated building and almost everything will be recycled.

It is going back to basics as the principle of living in earthships is not so far removed from the caves used by primitive people.

Not everyone will want to set up home or live in one and such a structure would not receive planning permission in many parts of Sussex.

But those who visit the Stanmer earthship on Sunday for an open day may gain some valuable tips they can apply to their own homes.

Older houses are often not well insulated and recycling rates both in Brighton and Hove and Britain are well below the European average.

Waste such as vegetable matter can easily be composted and plenty of water going down drains can easily be used again for flushing loos.

It is environmentally friendly, easy to achieve and can save a great deal of cash on running costs.

For those interested in earthships, their building costs are only about half those of conventional homes. We may soon see many more of them.