DecoHousing Denmark
A showcase strata-titled ecovillage in the heart of Denmark, Western Australia
Innovative Eco-Housing
A Bigger Vision for Small Towns
The Denmark Ecological Collaborative Housing project aimed to provide
a new paradigm for Australia in affordable, ecologically sustainable
homes. This is a visionary project providing a model of high-density
community housing in a rural setting.
Using common social, economic and environmental design principles,
cohousing has become a successful model for neighbourhood
development around the world. But while collaborative housing is not
new, particularly in cities or on large rural properties, and has become
more focused on sustainability in recent years, we sought to develop
ecological housing in the heart of a small town - an ecovillage within a village.
Our innovative features include small, duplex strata-titled homes on a moderately sized property, augmented by common facilities, with proximity to the village centre, and a development company limited by shares owned by future residents.
Strata-titled homes
By developing a built strata under the state’s Strata Titles Act 1985, a rarity in rural Australia, individual homes could be purchased, financed and sold based on their true market value while maximising the amount of land held by the strata company and shared in common. This allowed for a more constrained total area for the development, improving affordability, reducing the ecological footprint and limiting land to that which can be effectively utilised.
Development company structure
Having our own development company means that homes were designed, built and managed with substantial input by the owners. Qualified professionals provided assistance, and a legal structure provides high standards of governance and financial accountability.
Constrained property size
Developing the project on a property smaller than usual for rural Australia enabled us to be close to the centre of town. This means that our shops, schools, restaurants, bars, medical centres and other facilities are within walking or cycling distance, enhancing the sustainability of the community and contributing to the social and environmental fabric of the town.
Small homes
Our homes are unusually small by Australian standards and are designed as duplexes, improving affordability and energy efficiency and allowing for aging in place. Despite their small size, they are self-contained with their own kitchen, bathroom and and living areas. Lofts serve to increase the space. The substantial common house and common gardens complement the autonomy of private dwellings with the social advantages of community living.
Hempcrete construction
Western Australia's first rural inner-town ecovillage is largely built with hemp. The finished product adds weight to the growing push for it to be widely used in the construction industry. Hemp hurd (the inner part of the hemp stem) and lime combine to form a lightweight masonry product that is non-toxic, thermally and acoustically efficient, breathable and resistant to fire, pests and mould. The use of hempcrete at Deco was the first of its kind for WA and is the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Ecovillage best practices
Other features of DecoHousing borrowed from ecovillage best practices include vehicle parking peripheral to the housing cluster, an integrated energy system based on solar and batteries, rainwater capture, greywater irrigation and smart EV charging.
Sharing the dream
Our innovative features are fully transferable to other towns in rural Australia to create more affordable, ecological and socially sustainable housing. Deco community members are committed to sharing this model through social media and community activities.
