Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood is an innovative urban housing development modelled on the principles of Permaculture and cohousing. The project is located in Waitakere City, New Zealand.
Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood’s 32 homes are built amidst 4 acres of organic orchard and an area of native bush. No need for long commutes to lifestyle blocks to find a touch of the country. It's the best of both worlds.
An affordable opportunity to purchase an architecturally designed rammed earth house—and without having to build it yourself.
Enjoy the supremely durable and easy care benefits of compact homes and rammed earth construction with macrocarpa timber joinery.
Solar space and water heating will significantly reduce electricity bills. Earthsong roofs will catch $4,500 worth of rainwater annually. Being gentle on the planet saves you money!
The neighbourhood layout puts people first, where children can blossom and play safely away from vehicles. This revival of the old fashioned sense of ‘commons’ means neighbours of all ages can get to know each other, and 'eyes on the street' provides naturally excellent security.
All homes are fully self contained, with compact rear yards or decks. The well designed terrace houses in small clusters are more visually private than dense freestanding housing. Furthermore, you can experience the acoustic insulation of 350mm of rammed earth walls!
For example...imagine coming home after a long day at work and having the option of a meal in the 'common house', cooked by someone else! And a children's playroom! With today's time crunch such opportunities to co-operate are a real blessing.
Rest easy knowing that your home is built from natural non-toxic materials which breathe, and are superbly warm in winter and cool in summer.
Local shops and a new library are right next door, and it’s a five minute stroll to the train station. A future development lot has been set aside for home office workplaces—the 2 minute 'commute'.
Be a part of showing the world a way forward with innovative water and energy management, and conserving resources by cooperation and recycling. Permaculture 'edible landscaping' saves packaging, transportation, greenhouse gases and money! It's easier to be green when you have a little help.
Their enthusiasm and creativity are testimony to the project's importance for the long term health and sustainability of both our society and the planet.
Many people are finding that the existing housing options no longer suit their needs. Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood was inspired in part by the successful new Scandinavian 'cohousing' concept, which arose to meet the needs of busy urban families. Someone, from such a neighbourhood, once said that his journey home from the carpark could sometimes involve 3/4 hour and three beers! Cohousing is distinct from any kind of communal living arrangement, and has experienced rapid adoption in USA, and Australia.
This building contains dining & sitting rooms, and includes a library, children’s and teenage rooms, a crafts/laundry room, a separate workshop, and a guest room for your visitors. An office containing computer, fax, and photocopier may be available to residents.
Permaculture seeks to meet daily human needs in more sustainable ways, by creating productive 'edible' landscapes and managing water and energy locally. This is especially important for urban areas.
Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood homes are NOT comparable in price with other new townhouses in the region, their numerous cost-saving extras make them really very good value. A preliminary cost benefit analysis on just a few of the features shows a household running cost saving of $22,000 over just the first 20 years.
You will have your own title which includes a share of the common land and amenities. Based on overseas experience homes of this type are highly sought after, and appreciate faster than average. So phone to find out more about how you can secure a place in Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood.
"In the morning the kids fly out the door to play with their friends... the TV is completely forgotten."
—Overseas Eco-Neighbourhood resident
"Earthsong is a stitching together of proven eco-technologies...in a way that I couldn't do on my own."
—Earthsong home-buyer
"I'm a great supporter of this concept - its very timely and right. I wish you all well."
—Mayor Bob Harvey, Waitakere City
If you are looking for a site for a green business, (2500m2) with road frontage we are keen to talk to you. Also firms interested in sponsoring green products. more...
Email enquiries can be sent directly to info@earthsong.org.nz and telephone enquiries to : 64 9 832 5558