For people living in Britain, 'The Grand Designs' show is introducing some key eco-friendly trends for 2010 and beyond. Heat-saving blinds and at-home office pods are just some of the innovative designs at the show.

 

At London's Grand Designs consumer and lifestyle show, a no-blades fan is keeping things cool. The event hopes to inspire homeowners to transform their living space.

This sphere, measuring 3 meters in diameter, is designed for use as a garden office, but it can also be adapted as a garden retreat, hobby room, or TV room. Chris Sneesby, the man behind the Archipod, explains what inspires him.

Chris Sneesby, Director of Archipod, said, "So I had the idea of building a garden office because I felt that there where more and more people in the future who would be interested in working from home. The cost of commuting to and from work is just going to get higher and higher. Whereas the technology from working from home is getting better and better all the time. The advantage of working in a garden office, which is separate from your house, is that you can basically separate out your home life from your work life a lot easier."

Also on view is the Pilotis house, which towers above the ground on stilts. This helps regulate the temperature. Designers say the Pilotis is raised off the ground by stilts to reduce heat loss in the winter and keep things cool in the summer.

The Grand Designs show runs at London's Excel Centre from May 1st to the 9th.