This housing development sets new precedents in sustainable, affordable living, writes Fiona Negrin.
Here’s your visual guide shared sustainable housing—especially if you missed the open day!
ReNew’s Open House Day was a resounding hit with locals and out-of-towners, nearly 400 of whom visited the open houses in Castlemaine in Central Victoria. But it was Murrnong, with its singular combination of architect-designed houses, sustainable features and co-operative living, that was arguably the scene-stealer of the day.
Legend has it that the queues to get into Murrnong were so long that punters had brought picnic baskets. Carolyn Neilson, who lives at Lot 2 at Murrnong, laughs at this. “It was great to have so much interest. It really validated what we’re doing. And it was wonderful for the kids to see that much enthusiasm about their home.”
Bought in 2003, Murrnong—which means yam daisy in an indigenous language—is a modest housing development of four individual blocks on 10 acres of partly-cleared bushland within walking distance of Castlemaine town centre. It operates under a registered body corporate plan which provides a framework for the community to evolve, and offers useful lessons to those interested in striking out in a similar direction.
Read the full article in ReNew 113
This entry was posted on Friday, September 17th, 2010 at 4:51 pm