WiserEarth Editors

Construction is well advanced on New Zealand’s first sustainable Eco-Neighbourhood project, incorporating the principles of Cohousing and Permaculture. Located in Waitakere City Auckland New Zealand, this innovative non-profit development combines beautiful Rammed Earth walls, eco-technologies, healthy non-toxic materials and neighbours who care! Construction of our common house commences in spring.

Our vision is to establish a cohousing neighbourhood based on the principles of permaculture, that will serve as a model of a socially and environmentally sustainable community.


Within this vision, our aims are :

• To design and construct a cohesive neighbourhood whose layout, buildings, and services demonstrate the highest practical standards of sustainable human settlement
• To develop and foster a living environment which uses clear communication, decision-making and conflict resolution guide-lines that promote tolerance, safety, respect and co-operation
• To assist in education and public awareness of sustainability by demonstrating and promoting innovative community design and environmentally responsible construction.

Environmental features

• The eco-neighbourhood will be a high quality, visually attractive physical environment incorporating advanced sustainable architecture and technology and comprehensive sustainable landscape design. This includes:
• Overall design concept of buildings and neighbourhood to ensure architectural coherence and integration with the site
• All buildings oriented and designed for energy efficiency and natural climate control using passive solar design
• Building materials and components chosen with regard to energy content, toxicity, environmental impact, durability and recyclability
• Recycling centres near entrance for metals, glass, plastics and paper
• Rainwater collection for household and garden use, and on- site stormwater and wastewater treatment where possible
• Solar water heaters to provide the bulk of hot water needs
• The incorporation of other renewable energy technology where appropriate
• Clustering of buildings to allow sufficient common land for productive and edible landscaping and recreational spaces.
• Comprehensive site design based on permaculture principles to include productive landscaping and organic gardening principles
• In line with our vision we will be in a unique position to trial, monitor and demonstrate many sustainable technologies and methods.