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Sustainable House Day Program of Events 2024

Sustainable House Day 2024

Renew’s annual Sustainable House Day (SHD) provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most unique and inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them.

This year on Sunday 21 April, Renew Hunter Region Branch members were at two of the Sustainable House Day open homes and what a great day it was! The rain stopped just in time and the open homes in Glendale and Valentine were ready and waiting for the enthusiastic crowd of over 80 visitors who started arriving from 9.30am.

A perfectly matched collaboration between Steele Olney of Studio Dot Architecture and Evan Graham Master Builder has resulted in this stunning prefabricated studio home that incorporates Passive House and building biology principles. It provides occupants with a healthy, low impact living solution and incorporates low toxic finishes, fresh filtered air, acoustic ceilings and Australian made products.

There was a focus on minimal waste during construction. Small is certainly beautiful as well as practical in so many ways. The Studio is situated at the rear of the owner’s property and will be featured in the next issue of Sanctuary Magazine. Subscribe here: https://renewportal.org.au/join-renew

More pics and specs of the Studio here.

Passive Prefab Studio

Valentine Funky House

Meantime, Gayle’s Funky House in Valentine, Lake Macquarie certainly lived up to its name. This was the third time that Gayle, a longtime Renew member, had opened her home for SHD – and each time it was a different house in a different State!

We experienced Gayle’s home tours which were a revelation of the creative and resourceful ways she deals with the challenges that her quirky 1950s brick home presents her with. From solar whiz to productive garden, an EV on trickle charge, solar array, battery and hot water heat pump – Gayle had plenty to show and tell!

Gayle leads by example and shows you what is achievable – no excuses! For those visitors who had never heard of Renew, our members were at hand to fill them in – and show them our magazines! Special thanks to Gayle whose energy and enthusiasm no doubt motivated many visitors to begin their renovations and start living more sustainably.

More pics and specs about the Funky House here.

Sustainable Living Festival – SHD Community Partner Event.

As Part of the Sustainable House Day Community Partner Program, you can join Renew Hunter Region Branch at the Sustainable Living Festival, 18 May, Medowie Community Centre.

We will have several EV owners who can share their experience and show you their EVs.

Along with Renew, you can meet other Sustainability groups and businesses to find out more about how we can improve our lifestyle, while reducing our impact on the planet – and our wallet.

Come and meet us at this free event.

Sustainable House Day Extension Sessions

Following a day of open-home tours around the country on 21st April 2024, a month of online 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 sessions individually, or grab an Extension Session Pass that gives you access to all sessions 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! Join up here.

You can find out more about Sustainable House Day 2024 and Extension webinars here.

SHD Extension Webinars

Published: 10 Mar 2024