CPD + Workshop - Exploring Alternative Construction Methodologies

Date: Thursday 21 August 2025

Time: 9am - 12pm AEST

Location: Zoom

CPD Points: 3 Formal Points

Cost: ArchiTeam / ACA Members $61, Non-Members $83, Students $17 (No CPD Points)


Part 1

Looking to expand your construction options beyond standard brick, block or timber? Discover how alternative construction systems can reshape the way we design and build. This engaging CPD and Workshop explores a range of materials and methods from:

• Recycled materials

• Green roofs

• Sustainable Insulation options

• Hempcrete homes 

• The uptake of alternative construction techniques 

We’ll discuss how these materials compare with mainstream approaches in terms of performance, cost, availability and sustainability—no greenwashing here.

Part 2

Whether you’re looking to meet client demand for low-carbon solutions, diversify your material palette, or simply expand your knowledge, this CPD and Workshop offers practical insight on specifying, sourcing and applying these systems. Join us to examine real-world examples, learn what’s involved, and discover how you can confidently bring these alternative methods into your projects.

Featuring industry perspectives and case studies from speakers:

• Frank Burridge - Architect at Main Studio, Educator and collaborator with Joost Bakker

• Michael Leung - Architect and co-founder of Balanced Earth, will discuss his team's specialised work in designing and building with hempcrete, rammed earth and natural building materials

• Lars Ljung - Sustainability Manager, Planet Protector Group will discuss his mission to remove EPS from global supply chains and the construction site

• Hamish White of Sanctum Homes will discuss how he built the first Hempcrete Home in the Southern Hemisphere

• Dr. Rachel Goldlust, a Natural Building Consultant and sustainability expert with Natural Building Australia, will offer insights into how people all over the country are embracing alternative methods of construction

Together these speakers will offer inspiration, lessons, and highlight the challenges and opportunities involved in working with these diverse materials.

Learning Outcomes

• Explore a range of alternative building materials and methods beyond the usual brick, block and timber, like rammed earth, straw bale and hemp.

• Understand how these options compare with traditional construction in terms of cost, performance, availability and sustainability.

• Feel more confident talking through these alternatives with clients, including the practical and environmental factors involved.

• Learn useful tips on how to specify, source and detail these materials on real projects.

• Hear about the real challenges and opportunities from case studies and experts working with these systems.
  

AACA 2021 NSCA Performance Criteria:

Project Initiation and Conceptual Design

This unit of competency encompasses the intelligent, creative, iterative and culturally responsive processes of initiating a project and the early stages of design. This involves research, analysis and the exploration of approaches, design ideas and alternative solutions. It leads to a design concept that meets the client’s brief, respects Country and is capable of compliance with planning controls and construction codes.

Detailed Design and Construction Documentation  

This unit of competency encompasses the process of developing the design through research, detailed assessment of options and the integration of technical solutions, value and cost control processes to maintain or enhance the design intent. The final design proposal is cohesive, fully described and resolved to achieve value and cost objectives, and compliance with planning controls and construction codes.

Units of Competency: PC24, PC28, PC35, PC39, PC41,PC43

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FAQ

I won't be able to make it to the session, or might miss part of it, will there be a recording that I can catch up on?

Yes, there will be a recording. All registered attendees will receive a link to view it the following week alongside their CPD quiz to receive points. For anyone who isn't registered, it will be made available on CPD Online in a month's time.

How do I get my CPD points?

A CPD quiz will be sent alongside the session recording which you can complete. The quiz will be open for 2 weeks. Certificates will be sent out to those who have completed the quiz after it is closed. Please ensure to check your junk emails 

I no longer wish to attend the session, can I cancel my booking?

Yes, you can cancel and receive a refund by going to your Humanitix Order Confirmation email > Manage Order > Refund/Cancel.

I have a specific question for the speaker / panel. How do I ask it prior to the event?

You can send it to admin@architeam.net.au and the office will pass it on for you.

More Info:

NOTE: This event may be photographed and filmed (in-person), and/or recorded (virtual). Your recorded image may be used by ArchiTeam Cooperative in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes. By attending this event you are agreeing to ArchiTeam Cooperative using your image for these purposes.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Formal CPD points will only be issued on completion of any written requirements. Attending the session alone will not earn you formal CPD points. ArchiTeam reserves the right to alter the dates, speakers or venue of an event. Cancellations or refunds must be requested 48 hours prior to the event, no refunds will be given after this time. People attending in replace of a member must pay the difference for non member pricing. Start and end times are an estimation.

Click here to read the Terms and Conditions.