THIS futuristic eco-friendly house could be the shape of things to come in York.

The award-winning design is set to make its debut in the city by the end of 2006.

The York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) launched a nationwide search in February for the perfect suburban house for the 21st century.

The foundation is looking to build six new homes on a small site in the "garden village" of New Earswick.

The competition sought "visually appealing designs with attention to environmental standards and sustainability".

It was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of an influential Cheap Cottages Exhibition held in Letchworth Garden City, and planned by Raymond Unwin and Barry Parker - the same architects responsible for Joseph Rowntree's model village at New Earswick.

A panel of judges have now picked London-based architects Cole Thompson Anders as the overall winners.

The foundation hopes the six prototype homes in New Earswick will gain planning consent and be ready for their first occupants by autumn 2006.

If the scheme is successful, it could also be used to provide inspiration for house designs at the proposed Derwenthorpe development east of York.

JRF director Lord Richard Best said: "We were delighted that Cole Thompson Anders designed a building complex that seems destined to fulfil all our ambitions for the site.

"The development reflects the distinctive architecture of the neighbouring Folk Hall community centre and complements the houses around it.

"The appearance should add appeal for purchasers, yet the actual building costs should ensure affordability for tenants and part-purchasers. It also contains impressive, state-of-the-art eco-features to take forward the sustainability agenda."

Craig Anders, for the architects, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on this project.

"We firmly believe that sustainable architecture can be affordable whilst delivering many additional benefits to the occupiers, and that contemporary design solutions can sit happily next to historic listed buildings."

Updated: 10:11 Friday, September 09, 2005