Introducing the Cygnet Earthship Micro-Village: A collaborative end-to-end housing development in Cygnet Tasmania, comprised of five Earthship dwellings, communal spaces, and permaculture gardens. Prioritising sustainability, self-sufficiency, and true-cost housing, this innovative “micro-village” combines Earthship architecture and holistic community living with resident-led development and const
ruction. Serene Location:
Spread across 16,700 square meters (4 acres) of land, the micro-village sits at the edge of Cygnet, offering tranquility and open space while remaining within walking distance of the town centre. The moderate north-facing slope provides panoramic views of the picturesque town and its surrounding valleys, creating a breathtaking backdrop for daily living. Resident-Led Development:
The key innovation of Cygnet Earthship Micro-Village lies in its thoughtfully planned collaborative development. The village comprises 5 freestanding dwellings, each resting on a private rectangular lot of just under 2000 square meters. As an owner, you'll be part of a staged strata scheme, where each dwelling can be constructed independently by residents, and earn a freehold strata title. This ensure that residents pay the actual costs of construction, avoiding developer margins. Embrace owner-building to further lower costs and be hands-on during construction. Earthship Dwellings:
At the heart of the Cygnet Earthship Micro-Village are five unique dwellings, designed by Earthship Eco Homes. These family-sized homes embrace passive solar design, with a north facing windowed facade, earth-sheltered southern side, rammed earth walls, and high levels of thermal mass and insulation. Combined with natural building techniques and materials, this proven design offers an unparalleled level of comfort and energy efficiency, while minimising the environmental costs of construction and operation. Self-Sufficiency and Green Living:
Solar energy and rainwater harvesting ensure your energy and water needs are met sustainably. Circular wastewater and stormwater systems treat water as a valuable resource. The innovative "Earthtube" system delivers natural and passive ventilation and cooling, while the lush greenhouse on the north side serves as a sunroom, hallway, thermal buffer, and even a food production garden. Community-Centric Amenities:
Approximately 7,000 square meters of communal land is dedicated to shared amenities and green spaces. From a multi-purpose community barn and recreational space, to shared wastewater irrigation, permaculture gardens and a rejuvenated winter creek, every facet of this community promotes collaboration, learning, and a deeper connection to the land. Shared custodianship ensures that maximum amenity and value is derived from infrastructure and exterior space. Eco Village Ethos:
The Micro-Village embodies the European Eco Village model, where residents hold ownership of their private dwellings and land parcels while sharing ownership of communal land and facilities. Balancing privacy and communal living, this model encourages shared efforts, fostering a sense of belonging and collective stewardship of the land. By actively participating in communal efforts, residents unlock additional value beyond individual land parcels. Open-Source and Transparent:
Our open-source operating model champions transparency and integrity. Through workshops, open days, community events, and a commitment to alternative housing models, we will give back to the local community and inspire the wider world. The community association, village constitution, and day-to-day operation are governed collaboratively, fostering a flexible and inclusive decision-making process. Pathway to Ownership:
Joining the Cygnet Earthship Micro-Village is an empowering journey, with hands-on involvement in the development of your own house, and the communal land. Our first two dwellings are being developed through an owner-builder joint venture, ensuring shared equity, collaborative construction, and build-at-cost. As we expand, prospective residents have the opportunity to form a joint venture or fund their own build, in order to reduce costs and foster end-to-end ownership of the housing and community outcomes. Your Invitation Awaits:
Discover a new way of living that embraces resident-led end-to-end housing delivery, collaboration, sustainability, community, and self-sufficiency. The Cygnet Earthship Micro-Village is not just a housing development; it offers a novel pathway to housing and community, that unlocks the intrinsic value of shared land tenure and restores economic and community power to residents.
