From carbon-neutral neighborhoods to cutting-edge passive design, these developments are redefining sustainable living in Australia.
Melbourne’s best eco-friendly off-the-plan homes,
An increasing number of Australians are placing a high priority on sustainable properties.
According to the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, 56% of buyers aim to lower their carbon footprint.
This desire to minimize environmental impact reflects a growing trend among homebuyers.
Moreover, the demand for eco-friendly buildings aligns with recent government-led energy efficiency standards for new homes.
As a result, sustainable construction is becoming the expected norm for future developments.
Now is an excellent time to invest in Victoria.
Significant stamp duty reductions have been announced for off-the-plan apartments, units, and townhouses over the next 12 months.
These savings may create opportunities for investing in properties with more luxurious and environmentally friendly features.
In light of this, here are nine exciting developments that exemplify the future of sustainable living in Melbourne and Daylesford.
Plant Street, Malvern
Plant Street, developed by Milieu in collaboration with Penfold and MaxCap, embraces a holistic approach to sustainable living.
Located in Malvern, this project includes 21 two- and three-bedroom apartments designed to maximize passive airflow.
The apartments feature dual aspects to ensure effective cross-flow ventilation throughout the spaces.
Additionally, the building operates entirely on electric energy, eliminating any connection to the natural gas network.
These apartments incorporate robust materials, high insulation levels, and double-glazed windows and doors for improved thermal efficiency.
As a result, comfortable temperatures can be maintained year-round, with all apartments achieving a 7-star NatHERS rating.
Moreover, a 20,000-liter rooftop water tank collects rainwater for toilets and landscape irrigation.
This system significantly reduces fresh water usage and minimizes the building’s stormwater impact.
Furthermore, high WELS-rated tapware and fixtures are included to further limit water waste.
All apartments are also equipped with infrastructure for electric vehicle chargers.
Finally, construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2025.
Emerald Place, South Melbourne
Fossil fuel-free Emerald Place is promoting sustainable living in South Melbourne through a talented team of developers and architects.
This project features developers Lowe Living in partnership with Icon Kajima, collaborating with the renowned firm Woods Bagot.
Additionally, Acre is responsible for the landscaping, enhancing the overall environmental appeal of the development.
Emerald Place offers a range of 36 two- to four-bedroom apartments designed to balance sustainability and livability.
According to Lowe Living’s Co-founder, Emma Lowe, “We’ve designed Emerald Place with a visionary façade-first approach.”
This approach optimizes the balance between solid and glazed surfaces, capturing breathtaking views while reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.
As a result, this innovative design has achieved an impressive average NatHERS rating of 7.7 stars.
Furthermore, many units exceed 8 stars, with some reaching as high as 8.8 stars.
“We are currently negotiating with an embedded network provider to supply renewable energy to residents at lower tariffs than standard utility rates,” Lowe stated.
This initiative ensures both environmental and financial sustainability for the community living at Emerald Place.
In addition to this, other sustainable features include infrastructure for electric vehicle charging throughout the development.
Extensive landscaping is also irrigated entirely through collected rainwater, contributing to efficient water use.
Moreover, onsite solar power and centralized air-source heat pumps are powered completely by renewable energy sources.
Emerald Place is projected to complete construction by December 2025, marking an exciting addition to sustainable living in the area.
Mattone, Richmond
Mattone, developed by Cadre, is designed with the future in mind. It incorporates sustainable materials and modern designs at a city-fringe location in Richmond.
Built with brick, the homes boast a life expectancy of over 100 years. This durability ensures that Mattone’s 10 fossil fuel-free townhomes are designed to last for generations.
Moreover, each home achieves a 7-star NatHERS rating. This results in heating and cooling costs that are about 500% lower than those of a typical Victorian terrace.
In addition, several sustainable features enhance the homes’ eco-friendliness. These include thermally broken windows with double glazing and individual solar panels on each townhome.
Furthermore, residents can enjoy composting and access to a communal water tank for rainwater harvesting.
The townhouses are also pre-wired for electric vehicle charging. This feature can save residents up to $3,000 on future installation costs.
Construction of Mattone is expected to be completed by December 2024. This project reflects a commitment to sustainability and modern living.
Hawthorn House, Hawthorn
Hawthorn House is making its mark in sustainable architecture with a collection of nine townhomes located in Melbourne’s inner east.
Developed by Syon, Hawthorn House is designed to be a “forever home.” This vision was articulated by Gonzalo Ascui, Director of Ascui & Co, who led the design.
He noted, “There are many intangible sustainability elements to consider.” These include high thermal insulation, excellent cross ventilation, and abundant natural light.
Each residence is equipped with photovoltaic infrastructure, allowing for solar panel installations and electric vehicle charging capabilities.
In addition, the homes feature a 7.5-star NatHERS rating, double-glazed windows, and a substantial 25,000-liter rainwater tank.
Construction of Hawthorn House is expected to be completed in late 2025. This project underscores a commitment to sustainable living and modern design.
The Village, Daylesford
Nestled in the picturesque Daylesford region, Hygge Property has enlisted sustainable architects Breathe to create The Village. This development aims to establish a self-sustained community that works in harmony with the natural environment.
Comprising 21 townhomes, The Village offers one, two, and three-bedroom options. The entire development is designed to be carbon-neutral and will achieve a 7.5-star NatHERS rating.
These all-electric homes are powered by a combination of solar panels and wind turbines, promoting renewable energy usage.
Additionally, the homes maximize northern sunlight and feature double-glazing to ensure year-round comfort for residents.
Cross-flow ventilation and high-efficiency ducted air-conditioning systems enhance airflow throughout the homes. Moreover, non-toxic materials have been chosen to create healthier interiors.
Landscaping for the community is provided by the renowned firm Acre, which integrates the structures into the surrounding environment seamlessly.
The Village also includes a communal garden featuring veggie beds, fruit trees, and composting facilities. This fosters community engagement and promotes sustainable living practices among residents.
As a result of these innovative features, The Village has earned a finalist spot in REA Group’s Award for Excellence in Sustainability.
Construction is expected to be completed by April 2026, marking a significant step towards sustainable community living.
ECHO.1, Hawthorn
One development making strides in sustainability is ECHO.1, created by C.Street. This project is set to become Australia’s first multi-residential Passivhaus development.
Passive House homes, known as Passivhaus in Germany, aim to create extremely energy-efficient and comfortable living spaces. They do this with minimal environmental impact.
Designed by Neil Architects, ECHO.1 in Hawthorn features eight three-bedroom townhomes. These homes are optimized to achieve Passivhaus certification through continuous insulation and triple-glazed windows.
Additionally, the development includes Zehnder HRVs, which are renowned eco heat recovery ventilation systems that ensure fresh air circulation throughout the homes.
ECHO.1 boasts an impressive 8-star NatHERS rating. Furthermore, each townhome is equipped with a dedicated solar system and electric vehicle charger.
On a site level, rainwater is reused for toilets and irrigation purposes, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project.
Moreover, deep root planting zones have been provided for all gardens and common areas. This feature improves permeability and supports local ecology.
ECHO.1’s construction is expected to finish in November 2024.
Highett Common, Highett
Located in Melbourne’s Bayside, Highett Common by Sunkin Property Group is recognized as Victoria’s first net-zero community.
Spanning 9.3 hectares, Highett Common features 185 residences spread across three buildings. These include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with spacious four-bedroom townhomes.
Notably, over 42% of the development is dedicated to a protected conservation reserve. This emphasizes the community’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
Furthermore, the innovative design of Highett Common has earned it a finalist position in REA Group’s Award for Excellence in Sustainability.
Other green features enhance the development’s eco-friendliness. These include solar panels, smart car charger capacity, and sustainably sourced timber and steel.
In addition, the homes are all-electric, promoting energy efficiency. Recycled rainwater is also used for landscaping, further supporting sustainable practices.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2026, marking an important step toward creating a sustainable living environment.
333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda
Located in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most iconic locales, 333 St Kilda Road by Matrix Development is striving for excellence. This project aims to achieve a 7-star NatHERS rating and a 5-star Green Star rating.
Comprising 79 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, sustainability is a key focus at 333 St Kilda Road. Each home utilizes 100% renewable energy, promoting environmentally conscious living.
Additionally, energy-efficient appliances are included to further enhance energy savings throughout the residences. The development also features 4- and 5-star WELS tapware and low volatile organic compounds interior paint.
Moreover, there are provisions for electric vehicle charging stations. This encourages cleaner travel options for residents, aligning with sustainable living principles.
Construction is slated to be finalized by September 2025, marking an important milestone in Melbourne’s commitment to sustainable development.
Nightingale Wilam Ganga, Brunswick
Nightingale Wilam Ganga, meaning ‘homes end’ in the Woi Wurrung language, is a unique apartment project located in the heart of Brunswick, Melbourne.
Designed by the award-winning Six Degrees Architects, this six-level development integrates seamlessly with the established Nightingale communities. These communities are known for promoting social connection, housing equity, and environmental sustainability.
The project offers a diverse selection of sustainable homes, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom double-storey apartments. Each apartment is designed with a minimum 7.6-star NatHERS rating.
Furthermore, the apartments rely on a 15kWp photovoltaic array to harness renewable energy effectively. This feature significantly contributes to the overall sustainability of the development.
Entirely fossil fuel-free, the project prioritizes important features such as solar passive design and double glazing. Additionally, low embodied energy materials are utilized throughout the construction.
There is also a shared rooftop space that includes veggie patches and a communal laundry. Moreover, an electric BBQ fosters community interaction and promotes sustainable living practices.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2025, representing a significant advancement in environmentally friendly urban living.
