Builder Chris Knierem wants to create an environmentally sustainable eco-house in the heart of Sydney's inner west. He manages to buy one of the last, original vacant blocks of land in Forest Lodge and while living in the house next-door, designs, and will now build, his longed for 'green' home. Despite the narrow block and tricky access, the house will feature thermal mass heating below the slab, eradicating heating bills, an underground water tank, vertical gardens, louvres for cooling and a roof-top garden with solar panels. He's hoping this green space above will encourage the return of bird life to the city and that his new home will become a benchmark for contemporary green design.