A solar-powered home sounds like something from the not-to-distant future, but it’s hardly a new idea. Michael and Judy Bos are celebrating the 40th birthday of their very own solar dream home constructed in Melbourne’s south-east. Built in the 1980s, this off-grid work of art was designed as Australia’s first fully autonomous solar-powered home.

The Bos solar house was cleverly designed to be naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing reliance on air-conditioning and electric heating. “It doesn’t cost any more to put the windows in the right places and to use the right materials, and in the long run you win.” Mr Bos said.

You can read the original ABC News story here.