SUSTAINABLE BUILDS TRAIL

The Builds Trail invites you to connect with owners and experts who have decided to build with the environment in mind.  

Explore a range of technologies and materials including passive or off-grid homes, solar power set-ups, water collection, and even builds made from rammed earth and hempcrete.

Whether your plans are large-scale or tiny, reno or new build, you will discover inspiration and friendly advice on a range of aspects from owners and experts.  

Each build is offering one or more free or low cost tours, talks or workshops.

Check out what is on offer on the schedule, or full tour details under each property.

Please register for Builds and Farms Tours, Talks and Workshops here.

RAMMED EARTH

Talks & tours

  • Building and living in rammed earth homes.

  • Buying land with friends and building separate homes.

CERTIFIED PASSIVE

Talks & tours

  • What is takes for passive certification.

  • Belonging to a food co-operative

HEMPCRETE

Talks, tours & workshops

  • Building and living in a hempcrete home

  • Sustainable home builders workshop - sharing advice.

 

TINY HOME

Talks, tours & workshop

  • Low cost build, low cost living.

  • Teaching the skills for DIY and house maintenance.

school without walls

Talks & tours

  • Visionary architecture and the design, building, land use and end-of-life process.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Talks & tours

  • Sustainable energy generation, storage, and passive sytems.

ADDITIONAL TALKS & workshops

SUSTAINABLE RENOVATIONS

Speaker: Sam Rowlands, Sustainable Design Advisor

5.30pm-7.30pm, 14 Nov (Thu) @ Escape Coffee Roasters

Talk & discussion

  • Learn how to make your renovation project energy efficient and affordable to run into the future. Including how to set your project up for success in the pre-design stage, key features and practical solutions you can implement on your project today.

Admission: Free. Spaces limited, please register.

SUSTAINABLE builds

Facilitator: Matt Lowe, Sustainable Builds Host

2pm-4pm, 13 Nov (Wed) @ Kahu Glen, Bell Block

Workshop & facilitated discussion

  • Facilitated discussion for people considering, are part way through, or who have completed a sustainable build. Participants will each share their ideas and where they’re at in the journey, pass on advice from their experience, and share valuable contacts.

Admission: $60 including snacks, refreshments and take home 1 litre bottle of organic juice.