Permission granted for Britain's first amphibious house on banks of Thames

The lowest terrace will be planted with reeds, the next with shrubs and plants, another will be lawn and the highest step will be a patio with access into the dining room.

The stepped garden will help to manage run-off from the house as the water begins to subside and also reduce siltation of the dock.

With an estimated value of £1.5 million, it will cost around 25 per cent more to build than a conventional similar-sized home, but there should be major savings on insurance costs.

Baca Architects, who have worked on projects in New Orleans and Holland, have drawn up designs for the eco-friendly property which will sit just 30ft from the river's edge on the site of a dilapidated bungalow.

It will be located on an island in the stretch of the Thames that passes through Marlow, Bucks, and has been designed to blend in with other properties in the area, featuring pitched roofs and a chimney.

Planning permission has been granted by the Environment Agency as a replacement dwelling, as a new home would not be allowed so close to the river.

“People have always enjoyed living near water, because of the soothing sounds and wildlife and for fishing and sailing – but the downside is it is vulnerable to flooding,” said Richard Coutts, director of Baca Architects.

“We created an amphibious home which works like a marina.

“The residents can live safely without the risk of losing their possessions and adapt to the challenges of climate change. When the water subsides all they will have to do is tidy up the garden.”'

He added: “The planning process obviously took a bit more time than some applications, involving our team in extensive consultations and co-operation with the local authority.

“From the outset of the design process we sought expert advice from the Environment Agency to determine the most appropriate construction model to mitigate flood risk on the site and provide a safe dwelling, sympathetic to its setting, and fit for the challenges of the 21st century.”

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Permission granted for Britain's first amphibious house on banks of Thames