AGRICULTURAL workers in West Devon who previously faced tough housing challenges may have found a glimmer of hope, thanks to a firm of architects based in Okehampton.

Nils Westman Chartered Architects has launched a timber-framed kit house system which will be quick and cheap to build, as well as highly energy efficient. The house is being promoted under the practice's new brand name Studio OK.

Nils Westman from Studio OK said: 'As a result of our experience with our own timber-framed building, we have been developing a prototype kit house design which is highly efficient and could meet the German 'Passivhaus' standards.

'Because it is pre-designed and partly pre-built, it could be cheaper and quicker to build than conventional masonry housing, and it would have the advantage of being highly energy-efficient.'

Studio OK are actively seeking funding from various sources in order to provide a package deal for first time buyers and farm-workers, which may allow them to take their first step onto the housing ladder.