I remember reading about this a long time ago. The builder's own website on the subject is a much better link, which presents the hows and whys: http://www.simondale.net/house/

The OP is nothing more than a copy-paste job, though given how old it is, there might be some interesting discussion in the comments.

I believe from what I've read in the past that this was more of an exhibition piece than a long term place to live.