Sustainable House Day is an event from 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.

Following a day of open-home tours around the country on 21st April 2024, a month of Extension Sessions offer a deep dive into a range of sustainability topics. Australia's best architects, designers, tradespeople and experts will offer guidance, and homeowners will offer first hand experience. If you're considering a sustainable build or renovation, this series is for you, with lots of time for Q&A.

You can book for this session independently, or grab an Extension Session Pass to attend the whole series at a discounted price. Members of Renew receive a further discount on Extension Session passes. Feel free to take out a membership or subscription to Renew or Sanctuary magazine before you book to access the discount!

Session 2: Acing the basics: Orientation, Insulation and air flow

This session covers all the basics that are essential to understand in order to achieve a sustainable build or renovation that is warm in winter, cool in summer, and cheap to run. We will discuss what a difference things like ideal orientation can make, as well as correct air flow and insulation.

An expert panel of leading sustainable architects and designers will offer guidance and advice, with plenty of time for questions.

Featuring:

Jenny Edwards, Director and Lead Scientist, Light House Architecture and Science

Jenny Edwards is the director and lead scientist at Light House Architecture and Science, an interdisciplinary company focused on smaller, smarter sustainable homes. She regularly writes for Renew and Sanctuary, and is one of our go-to experts on sustainable design and renovation.

Rebecca Boyle, Energy and Sustainability Assessor - NatHERs Assessor

Rebecca is an experienced National House Energy Rating (NatHERs) and home and small business energy assessor with a demonstrated history of working in the energy efficiency and energy regulatory industry. She has 15 years experience in assisting clients to lower energy use while improving comfort and health in their environment.

Iain Wiebenga, Founder and Director, Keystone Construction & Design

Iain, a registered builder and Greensmart Professional with over 15 years of experience in construction, is dedicated to environmentally responsible design. He crafts beautiful, durable houses using carefully considered materials and values collaboration between designers and clients for the best outcomes. Based on Victoria's Surf Coast, Iain heads a small team. The rammed earth house in Moriac, reflecting his ethos perfectly, ticks all the boxes for sustainable design. It showcases his commitment to creating bespoke, eco-friendly homes that blend seamlessly with nature.

Hosted by:

Anna Cumming, Managing Editor, Sanctuary Magazine

Anna Cumming is a writer and editor who has held a variety of communications roles at Renew since 2010. In 2019 she took over as Managing Editor of 'Sanctuary: modern green homes' - Australia's premier magazine dedicated to sustainable house design. She loves being part of the mission to inspire and educate people about the design strategies, materials and systems available to achieve truly sustainable, delightful homes.

Tickets

You can purchase a ticket to this event individually, or consider an Extension Session Pass, giving you access to all of our Extension Sessions at a discounted price.
Sustainable House Day is an event by Renew. Members of Renew can access a discounted Extension Session Pass.
You will receive the link to attend the session the day before the event.
This session will take place on Zoom. If you need to download Zoom, you can do so here.
We have a limited number of free tickets available for those experiencing financial difficulty. As these tickets are limited, please select them if you would otherwise be unable to attend.

Our sponsors

Sustainable House Day wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors, we are so grateful for their support. Gold Sponsors: NSW Architects Registration Board. Silver Sponsors: Bank Australia, Witchcliffe Ecovillage. Bronze Sponsors: Cargocylces, Envirotecture, and Light House Architecture and Science.

Pictured here is The Barn by SUHO, a SHD2023 featured house.