2025 SHD Home Tour VIC - The avoca hay home

Sustainable House Day is an event presented by Renew that provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them.

You can become a member of Renew or subscribe to our magazines Renew and Sanctuary here.  

About this home

This strawbale home, built on the river flats of Avoca in the Pyrenees wine region, is designed for solar passive efficiency. Constructed with sit-up panels from Huff and Puff, the bales are wrapped in Pro Clima building wrap to enhance temperature stability under plastered walls. A mud brick garage, built and rendered by the same craftsman, complements the structure. With no access to town water, a rainwater tank is positioned under the front deck to maximize garden space. The home is primarily all-electric, with a single gas bottle solely for the cooktop, catering to the owner’s preference for gas cooking.

Learn more about this house and explore other homes taking part.

Important Information

You will need to book a ticket for a specific tour time. This is due to capacity restraints set by the homeowner to ensure the safety of all parties on the day. If you do not arrive at this time you will not be able to tour the home. 

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE HOME.

The exact house address will be emailed to you in the days before the event. Suburb and postcode information is displayed on your ticket. 

Renew is a small not for profit organisation that needs to raise money from ticket sales to cover the costs of hosting this event. In some cases the ticket revenue may also be split with the homeowner.

Terms and Conditions

In respect of the homeowners who generously open their homes and share their knowledge we ask that visitors observe these courtesies. By purchasing a ticket you agree these terms and conditions:

By purchasing a ticket, visitors agree to comply with the event terms and conditions to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all attendees and participating homeowners.

Our sponsors

Sustainable House Day wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors, we are so grateful for their support. You can learn about our sponsors here.