PIONEERING new eco-friendly homes that rose from the wreckage of a devastating gas blast have been officially unveiled.

The trailblazing "solar dwellings" have been built on the site of an explosion that destroyed four council flats in 2002.

Three years on, the two futuristic affordable homes built in Horsman Avenue, York, have been opened to the public.

Experts believe they are the first low-energy homes of their type to be built in the country - and claim they will bring "21st century home technology" to York.

The homes have huge glass panels at the front. This allows the sun's rays to heat the properties, cutting energy use, carbon emissions and heating bills.

The homes - one four-bed and one two-bed - were built in partnership by City of York Council and Yorkshire Housing Group.

If successful, the design could be copied across the UK.

Paul Atkins, project development manager with Yorkshire Housing, who snapped up the land for £40,000, said the two properties cost about £350,000 to build. He said that was about 20 per cent above normal construction costs, but added: "Can you put a cost on the long-term benefits to the environment and to the tenants?"

Mr Atkins said the glass panels needed daylight and did rely on constant sunlight to heat the properties.

The development manager said: "We are not just providing affordable accommodation, but also affordable warmth, making the homes comfortable for people to live in."

Another novel feature of the eco-homes is the drains.

Instead of pouring water into the city's ageing drainage system, water from the homes soaks into plastic grids filled with small wood chippings.

Tenants in the new home will be chosen by City of York Council, and Mr Atkins said the authority will be searching for occupants who understand the eco-friendly nature of the property.

Coun Sue Sunderland, Liberal Democrat housing executive member, said: "It is really exciting that York should be at the forefront of environmental housing design.

"I think these homes are fantastic, and I am especially pleased that the homes will be available to York tenants at affordable rents."

Green councillor Andy D'Agorne warned last year that the energy-saving properties looked like an office block.

He backed the idea, but said it might take residents a while to get used to them, as they stand out among traditional homes.

Updated: 10:44 Monday, June 27, 2005