From 2004 all new homes in the state of Victoria are required to be built with 5 star energy efficiency ratings, and ratings can be achieved by supplementing energy efficiency with major water saving devices. Some of the homes featured in these stories exceed these mandatory targets and are setting benchmarks in sustainable housing design.

The new homes featured here offer inspirational examples for builders, architects, urban developers and planners, and home owners. The innovative incorporation of water saving features into the fabric of buildings, lifestyles and neighbourhoods creates important water savings and, importantly, redefines the nature and aesthetics of ecological design.