Live Small Live Eco

Geelong Microvillage Project

Design and pilot a community-led microvillage housing project in the Geelong region

Our goal was to demonstrate that a Live Small ~ Live Eco housing model could be financially viable, environmentally leading edge and socially successful for its residents and the wider community.

We always knew that it would be a challenging project. As we investigated possible sites, prototype designs, co-housing models and legal structures we realised that the more we learned, the more complex it became.

Unfortunately without a viable business case or any external funding, the project costs and risks were too great. In 2022 Geelong Sustainability decided it could not be the lead agency going forward. We hope that a suitable organisation may be interested in leading the project. The housing affordability crisis is only becoming more urgent and we’re hopeful that change is coming.

SDG Goal

Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Project Objectives

To develop, pilot and evaluate an affordable housing model in Geelong that caters for people with limited financial means and/or people with a genuine desire to live with a smaller than average carbon footprint.
To increase the diversity of housing types permitted within the planning regulations to better satisfy the community’s needs.
To demonstrate that a Live Small ~ Live Eco housing model can be financially viable, environmentally leading edge and socially successful for its residents and the wider community.

What was achieved

This project was launched by Christine Couzens MP in March 2019 during Geelong’s inaugural Design Week. A planning taskforce meet regularly to progress this ambitious project.

Over the years, the project made substantial progress including the following achievements:

Assembling a project planning group
Preparing a project concept proposal
Reaching out to find social impact investors and potential residents
Drafting a client design brief with group of potential residents
Developing 1BR and 2BR prototype designs
Agreeing a site assessment checklist
Searching for and assessing several identified potential sites
Investigating building materials and modular construction options
Connecting with similar groups and many other organisations
Liaising with the City of Greater Geelong
Supporting the research projects of Deakin HOME
Finding a land developer, Ample, who could provide us with a suitable site on favourable terms
Commissioning a report on Affordable Purchase and Rental Strategies by a co-housing expert
Applying for a community grant to appoint a part-time officer and fund a feasibility study

Project partners & supporters

Resources, references and definitions

City of Greater Geelong Social Housing Plan 2020-2041 - In Feb 2020, Council endorsed a long-term plan to increase the amount of social housing across Greater Geelong - webpage + Plan
Affordability - According to the Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act 1987, “Affordable housing is housing, including social housing that is appropriate for the housing needs of very low, low, and moderate-income households.” - link

Universally accessible – Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors. A livable home is designed and built to meet the changing needs of occupants across their lifetime. Refer to the Livable House Design Guidelines - link