DECOHOUSING DENMARK: A COMMUNITY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

In the heart of Denmark, Western Australia, a unique eco-village is quietly redefining what it means to live sustainably. DecoHousing Denmark is more than a housing developmentit is a showcase strata-titled community built on shared values, thoughtful design, and environmental innovation. The project began as a vision shared by a group of Western Australian families who wanted to create something different: a beautiful urban precinct that would foster connection between neighbours while maintaining privacy and independence. They sought not only to build high-quality homes, but to design a place where community could naturally thrive. After five years of planning and collaboration, that vision became reality. Residents moved into the completed development in September 2018, marking the beginning of a new way of living together. Located just 250 metres from the centre of town, the village offers the convenience of urban living while being surrounded by pockets of natural bushland. The layout encourages interaction, with homes positioned to create visual connections and shared spaces that invite conversation, while still providing private courtyards and personal retreats. At the heart of the project is a strong commitment to sustainability. The village features 12 dwellings, each designed to achieve almost 9 star energy rating and a design life of more than 100 years. Passive solar principles maximise natural heating and cooling, while high-performance double-glazed windows enhance insulation and comfort. One of the most distinctive aspects of DecoHousing Denmark is its use of hempcretea natural building material made from hemp, lime, and water. Chosen for its exceptional performance, hempcrete provides excellent thermal insulation, acoustic comfort, and fire resistance. It also actively sequesters carbon dioxide over the life of the building, making it a powerful contributor to reducing environmental impact. This innovative material has been used for centuries in parts of the world and is now being rediscovered as a key solution for sustainable construction. At DecoHousing Denmark, it has been applied on a scale rarely seen, demonstrating its potential for broader use in Australia and beyond. Sustainability extends well beyond the building materials. The entire village operates with integrated systems designed to reduce resource consumption and environmental footprint. A central solar photovoltaic system with advanced battery storage provides renewable energy to the community. Rainwater is harvested, stored, and reticulated back to the homes, while greywater systems further support water efficiency. Scheme water also supports all the homes. Shared facilities play an important role in daily life. Residents have access to a 118m² common house featuring a large kitchen and dining area, a theatre space, and guest accommodation. A large garage and workshop support practical needs, while gardens and an orchard contribute to local food production and a connection to the land. Equally important is the sense of community that has emerged. The village is home to a diverse mix of residents, from young families to older adults, creating a genuinely multi-generational environment. The design encourages natural interactionneighbours stopping to chat, children playing safely, and shared experiences becoming part of everyday life. At the same time, the homes are carefully designed to respect privacy, ensuring residents can choose when to engage and when to retreat. DecoHousing Denmark also serves as a model for what is possible in sustainable development. By bringing together innovative materials, advanced technology, and community-focused design, it demonstrates that environmentally responsible living does not require compromisein fact, it can enhance quality of life. Today, the project continues to evolve. What was once a construction site is gradually being transformed into a lush, productive landscape, with gardens growing and shared spaces maturing over time. More than just a place to live, DecoHousing Denmark is a living example of how thoughtful design, collaboration, and a shared vision can create a resilient, connected, and sustainable community for the future.