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

The first session in our program is all about taking that first leap towards your sustainable build or renovation. We will discuss 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 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:

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

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.