A new housing development that puts a focus on clean energy and community has officially opened.
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The first stage of The Paddock, an 'eco village' in Castlemaine, is complete.
Homeowners have started moving into the first seven houses, which will number 26 by the time the development is finished.
The Paddock has been designed to meet the Living Building Challenge standard, a benchmark established by ecological organisation Living Future Institute.
The homes average an energy-efficient rating of 8.1 stars and have a four-kilowatt solar energy system.
Read more: The housing helping to save the planet
There is also a focus on nature, with two-thirds of the estate dedicated to vegetable gardens, orchids and wetlands.
"What we're really trying to do is design housing with nature as opposed to housing against nature," architect Geoff Crosby told the Bendigo Advertiser earlier this year.
The Paddock also includes a community centre, shared food gardens and a charging station for electric vehicles.
Neil and Heather Barrett owned the land on which The Paddock now sat.
They wanted to see an eco village built as a way to address climate change.
"Our aim is to show how people can live a very low emissions lifestyle," Mr Barrett said.
"The Paddock is about setting a new standard for sustainable living that fosters a sense of community and closer connection to nature.
"It's a beautiful place to live for people who enjoy a green lifestyle."
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