Foundations to finishes: Choosing the appropriate building materials

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 3: Foundations to finishes: Choosing the appropriate building materials

Choosing the right sustainable building materials for your project can be a daunting task. In this session we will talk through the pros and cons of various natural building materials like rammed earth, strawbale and recycled timber, as well as exploring innovative new materials and the ideal environments for their use.  

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

Please note that this session will be recorded and sent out to registered participants. 

Featuring:

Matthew Carland, Director/Registered Builder, Carland Constructions

Matthew Carland is a Passive House expert, building science nerd and builder located in Melbourne with over 13 years of experience in the construction industry. Matthew is the Director of Carland Constructions, who works in collaboration with architects and designers to provide clients with what they believe to be the most sustainable form of building possible.

Talina Edwards, Director, Envirotecture  

Talina Edwards cares deeply about nature-aligned buildings that are healthy for people and planet. She is an Architect and Director of Envirotecture, and leads the Victorian team. Talina regularly speaks at conferences and events to share her passion for more regenerative architecture. Envirotecture have been designing sustainable homes across Australia for over 25 years (and have been proudly involved since the very first Sustainable House Days back then)!

Sarah Corbet, Homeowner - Lyonville Hemp House

Sarah and David Corbet are the homeowners of Lyonville Hemp House - a featured home of SHD 2024. The owner builders of this small yet beautiful home opposite the Wombat Forest, were deeply engaged in all elements of research, design, construction. The simple design features raked ceilings and is built using hempcrete. The house uses salvaged messmate timbers for balustrades, floorboards, doors, kitchen cupboards, shelving, architraves and skirting boards, with warm oiled timber compliments the clay plaster walls and burnished concrete floors.

Hosted by:

Rachel Goldlust, Sustainability Researcher, Renew

Dr Rachel Goldlust brings experience in environmental education, project management, facilitation and a range of writing, communication and presentation skills. Rachel has worked for community organisations, local governments, universities, and as a research assistant, contractor and consultant across history, planning and natural building. As an academic in the environmental humanities, she continues to research and publish on off-grid lifestyles and choices, alongside sustainable land use and housing.

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 Geoff's Hemp House by Earlx2 Architechture, a SHD2023 featured house.