Architectural & Creative Design/Ekorex Homes Ltd

Now he hopes that his venture which builds pre-manufactured timber structures, can log up a couple of victories in the Think Green and Science And Technology categories of The Press Business Awards 2007.

After 17 years as an architect, he gained intense knowledge of finance with the Midland Bank for the next decade.

Then he became managing director of a manufacturing firm, RB Carpets and Rugs, in Harrogate.

With such all-round experience, it is hardly surprising that later he was asked to become an adviser to fledgling ventures with the York, Malton and Selby Business Advice Centres.

But so many clients were in need of architectural services that he eventually decided to form his own company - and make a contribution to the environmental problems of sustainability, off-site construction and energy conservation.

He has linked up with Rantasalmi, one of Finland's oldest timber-engineered building manufacturers which holds the CE quality mark for production.

Components are shipped to the UK where he rebuilds them.

He said: "Timber is not revolutionary. Everything was once built in timber, but the concept to both the consumer and particularly the planning system - which thinks only in traditional materials like stone, bricks and concrete - is the biggest obstacle to progress and change."

He points out that Finnish pine is natural, harvestable and very flexible, providing warmth in the winter and cooling during the heat of summer. Its use reduces CO2 emissions and tends to be less expensive than conventional buildings.

For instance, a four bedroomed log cabin would cost a basic £120,000. "It is possible to buy the land for between £80,000 and £100,000. Yet its resale could be worth up to £300,000 depending on location," said Iain Its use is not restricted to houses. The timber can also be used in a range of shapes and purposes, from holiday lodges and offices to sports centres and even churches.

Iain, who already has one house on the drawing board for a North Yorkshire farmer, is examining a project to build 12 lodges for a holiday village at Hensall, near Selby.