Inspired by leading sustainability and community design projects from around the world,  this project involved working with Towong Council to design a new Zero Energy Neighbourhood (ZEN) that could be used to demonstrate sustainable lifestyle options to the region whilst also attracting new people and investment to help revitalize the local community.  The initial master plan focused on setting up a neighbourhood structure where residents would have the opportunity to live a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle - through correct passive solar design, improved access to public transport, shopping, walking and cycling, increased housing choices, provision of a community garden for green waste and food production and incorporation of water quality management systems.  Further sustainability initiatives are now being investigated including the building of a 7+ star demonstration home and a range of energy, water and waste management systems with the aim of becoming the region’s first Zero Energy Rating neighbourhood.