Iconic artist Damien Hirst is to turn his hand to eco-home building, telegraph.co.uk reports.

Hirst, well known for his controversial work – which has included pickling a shark and encrusting a skull with diamonds – has now turned his attention to building green properties; outlining plans to build 500 eco-homes on the Devon coast.

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Eco-homes development in Ilfracombe, Devon (UK)

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The artist has long had a connection with Ilfracombe, where the properties are set to be built. It already houses his restaurant, art studio and numerous properties.

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Setting a blueprint for green developments in the future

Hirst is hoping that the buildings will set a blueprint for green developments in the future, as well as helping to regenerate the Devon parish. Features expected to be included in the development include hidden wind turbines in the roof, solar panelling, state-of-the-art insulation and wall cladding.

If planning permission is granted, work could begin on the development early next year.

Ambitious sustainable project

Speaking to thisisdevon.co.uk about Hirst’s plans, architect Mike Rundell explained:

“I’m a representative of Damien Hirst. He owns 40 per cent of the land we are talking about. As you know, he is a very successful artist and has very high ambitions for this project. He has a horror of building anonymous, lifeless buildings. He wants these houses to be the kind of homes he would want to live in.”