Size Matters – Home Size in Times of Climate Change

Size Matters
Presented by Australian Architects Declare, supported by RMIT University and Parlour

Australia has some of the largest homes in the world—yet we face a housing crisis and an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. In this context, the size of our homes presents one of the most pressing climate risks within the built environment.

Size Matters is a timely conversation that explores the relationship between dwelling size and climate change. Building on Breathe Architecture’s Home Truth exhibition, this event asks: how can we design more responsibly, equitably, and sustainably?

Bringing together speakers from across disciplines — research, practice, design, and development — the panel reflects the collaborative, systems-level thinking required to address the challenges ahead.

Dr Nicola Willand (RMIT University) will share her research on the environmental and social costs of oversized housing. Irma del Valle Nachon (Breathe Architecture) will offer insights into the ideas behind their NGV installation and design ethos. Timothy Rodgers (Six Degrees Architects), who has been leading planning policy work for DTP, townhouse and midrise codes, will present case studies of sustainable housing models developed over the years.

The discussion will be moderated by Danni Hunter and joined by Sarah Buckeridge, Chair of the Housing Committee of the Australian Institute of Architects, Victorian Chapter, and Tom Ross, acclaimed architectural photographer who will reflect on the lived experience of space and place.

Together, they will explore how we can rethink housing in an era of climate crisis—moving beyond technological fixes to embrace cultural and spatial change.

“Size Matters” invites the public and professionals alike to engage in this essential conversation about how we build, what we value, and what a low-carbon future can look like.

Participants

Dr Nicola Willand
Associate Professor at the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT Housing researcher, focusing on the interplay of housing, energy, health and equity.

Irma Del Valle Nachon
Business Development Manager at Breathe Architecture Project lead of the 2024 NGV Architecture Commission, 'Home Truth'.

Timothy Rodgers
Senior Associate and policy lead at Six Degrees Architects, known for their pioneering designs since 1992 

Panel discussion lead by 
Danni Hunter
Founder and Principal of Hunter Collective.

With our presenters and

Sarah Buckeridge
Co-Managing Principal of Hayball and
Chair Housing Committee of the Australian Institute of Architects, Victorian Chapter.

Tom Ross
Architectural photographer.

Introduction and closure by
Steffen Welsch
Secretary Australian Architects Declare.

For registered architects, the event will attract 2 formal CPD points.