Elmwood will host its first public tours of the subdivision, which includes about 100 lots of single and two-storey townhouses with high energy ratings.

Project manager Brendon Collins said home builders had become increasingly aware of energy efficiency when planning their houses.

“That’s what people who come here ask about, how much will it cost to run, how can they reduce their costs?” he said.

Elmwood began construction 10 years ago, with two or three more years of building still to go. In 2013 the estate won Best Integrated Housing Development at the Master Builders Excellence in Housing Victorian Awards for its mix of housing and businesses.

The two and three bedroom terraces achieve 8.5 star ratings through features such as double glazing, insulation, natural lighting, passive solar orientation and high ceilings.

Soundproofing, water saving taps and toilet cisterns, solar electricity, solar boosted gas hot water and waffle pod concrete slabs also contribute.

Mr Collins said residents saw the benefits in their energy bills, citing one example of a two-bedroom home with two occupants.

“Their power, water and gas, it costs $3.67 a day to run the house, so it’s less than a cup of coffee,” he said.

“We’ve started with the end in mind with this project, that’s how we’ve got to the end to get bills like this.”

The lightweight construction allows waste to be minimised and recycled.

“We’re continually refining how we’re building,” Mr Collins said. “We have one team which we train … so there’s not different contractors coming in.” 

The project manager said a strong community had built up among Elmwood residents, who liked the security, low-maintenance living and look of the development.

“You don’t have to have an efficient house that looks ugly,” he said.

The free tours, part of the Sustainable Living Festival, will take place between 1pm and 3pm on November 26 and 27 at Elmwood, corner of Elmwood Circuit and Beech Street, Wodonga.