Biophilic Design: Bring Nature Home | SHD26 Workshops

Join Talina Edwards, Architect and Director from Envirotecture for a holistic exploration of why nature-connection is far more than a passing trend and why the homes we create profoundly shape the way we feel and live.

As our understanding of sustainability evolves, the conversation is shifting beyond energy efficiency and “doing less harm” toward homes that actively support human and planetary wellbeing. But what does this actually look and feel like in everyday life?

This session explores the growing intersection between architecture, health, neuroscience and nature-connection. Together we’ll consider how our built environments influence stress, sleep, mood, focus, relationships and overall quality of life - often in ways we don’t consciously notice.

Through practical examples, emerging research and experiential reflection, we’ll explore questions such as:

• How has sustainable design evolved?

• Do buildings affect our wellness?

• What makes a home feel nurturing, calming or alive?

• How can architecture deepen our connection to nature, self and community?

• Can buildings create positive impacts for both people and planet?
  

This workshop also includes an interactive experience, inviting participants to slow down, tune into sensory awareness, and reconnect with the deeper emotional qualities of place, shelter and belonging - to embody the true essence of biophilia.

Whether you’re renovating, building or simply curious about creating healthier spaces in your own life - this workshop offers an invitation to rethink what “home” can truly mean.

Tickets

• You can purchase an individual ticket to this event for $15, or consider a SHD2026 Season Pass to attend the ten workshops for $110.

• If you'd like to purchase tickets to other individual workshops you can access the workshop series here: SHD Workshops

• Free season pass for full renew members and SHD Home Tour Hosts - Discount code sent directly.

• You might like to take out a Full Renew membership before you book to access the 100% discounted season pass as well as Renew member benefits.

• $55 season pass for Council Partners for their staff and Community - Contact your council for the code | Participating councils are: City of Boroondara | City of Yarra | Merri-bek City Council | Mount Alexander Shire Council | Mitchell Shire Council | Mornington Peninsula Shire | Darebin City Council | Byron Shire Council

• You will receive an order confirmation email with a Zoom link to attend the session.

• If you need to download Zoom, you can do so here.

Sustainable House Day (SHD) is a national event by Renew connecting Australians with practical ideas, expert advice and real homes creating more comfortable, efficient and climate-ready living.

Following SHD, join our expert-led online series covering affordable retrofits, all-electric homes, EVs, passive design, wildlife-friendly gardens, biophilic design and future-ready strata living. Hear from leading architects, builders, designers and energy experts sharing practical advice, real-world lessons and live Q&A to help you create a more sustainable home.

Sustainable House Day and the online event series wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors, we are so grateful for their support.

Principal Partner: Bank Australia

Valued Sponsors: Envirotecture | NSW Architects Registration Board | Victorian Energy Upgrades | Victorian State Government | NSW Government | SEC Victoria

Council Sponsors: City of Boroondara | City of Yarra | Merri-bek City Council | Mount Alexander Shire Council | Mitchell Shire Council | Mornington Peninsula Shire |

Darebin City Council | Byron Shire Council

Workshop Partners: Envirotecture | Light House Architecture and Science | Habitat Connection Co. | Cooee Architecture | The Sustainable Builders Alliance | Sustainable Homes Melbourne | Undercover Architect | Tim Forcey | Get Off Gas | Tim Eden | Strata Answers | Nicki Hodgson | Anderson Architecture