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 offered a deep dive into a range of sustainability topics. Australia's best architects, designers, tradespeople and experts came together to offer guidance, and homeowners offered first hand experience. If you're considering a sustainable build or renovation, this series is for you.

You can book for this recording independently, or grab an Extension Session Pass to attend the whole series at a discounted price.

Session 1: From dream to drawing board: Permits, planning and finding your team

The first session in our program was all about taking that first leap towards your sustainable build or renovation. We discussed how to get ideas out of your head and into a plan of action: tackling how to navigate planning requirements, identify opportunities and constraints, and find the right team to bring your vision to life.

An expert panel of leading sustainable architects and designers offered guidance and advice

Featuring:

Sonja Markovic, CEO and Co-founder, Evitat

Sonja Markovic is the CEO and Co-founder of Evitat, a simple award-winning home renovation platform powered by AI. The platform acts as a trusted transparent source on sustainability in the global home improvement market and turns renovation choices into climate solutions. It unlocks a brand new value proposition for sustainable renovations and operates as a disruptive force by deepening the relationship between all players in the ecosystem.

Simone Schenkel, Certified Passive House Designer

Simone Schenkel grew up and studied architecture in Germany, the home of the PassivHaus movement. She used the passion, experience and knowledge she gained from her upbringing and architectural studies in Germany to create spaces that are affordable, healthy, thermally comfortable, energy efficient and resilient for future generations. She is a certified Passive House designer on a mission to make energy efficient spaces a staple in the Australian landscape, without it costing the earth!

Petra Richter, Homeowner – Marcel’s Strawbale House

Petra and Marcel Richter are the homeowners of Marcel’s Strawbale House - a featured home of SHD 2024. Nestled in the snowy mountains, this strawbale house embodies a 20-year dream of sustainable living. Recycled materials and thick straw walls, paired with European windows, ensure year-round comfort. With minimal heating required from a wood fire stove, solar warmth further enhances coziness. The home also boasts a greenhouse, chicken coop, and beekeeping, fostering an eco-conscious lifestyle.

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 Session recordings at a discounted price.
Sustainable House Day is an event by Renew.

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.