Eco-villages in Western Australia are attracting those who wish to experience communal living.

DecoHousing Denmark, situated 400 kilometres south of Perth, is behind a co-housing project that aims to build 12 small housing units of two-bedroom duplexes and four-bedroom homes within a year.

Sustainability is key to the construction of these homes which will feature a common house where communal meals and other activities could be held. The perimeter of the village will be allotted for vehicle parking.

According to DecoHousing Denmark managing director Donald Clarke, homebuyers range from young families to retirees coming from different professional backgrounds.

“There had been a definite shift towards eco housing,” according to Dr. Martin Anda, academic chair of environmental engineering at Murdoch University. He explained that living in an eco-village gives residents a stronger sense of community, a more affordable cost of living, and a better quality of life with a healthier lifestyle.

Another major eco-village project in the works is the Witchcliffe Eco Village, located 300 kilometres south of Perth and the Margaret River.

This project was conceptualized by Mike Hulme in a 50:50 joint venture with The Perron Group. According to Communications manager Michelle Sheridan, the subdivision construction is expected to start by next year and lots can be purchased by late 2017.

The village will rise on a 120-hectare site that will be divided into residential lots and blocks for organic agricultural food production. There will be 11 home clusters, each with a landscaped open space for urban vegetation, a playground, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and a community shed.

Cottage, family, and affordable home lots within the clusters are expected to bring in buyers from across all ages and income groups.

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