Meeting The Challenge Of Creating Homes Of The Future, Today
Presented by Design Matters National
DETAILS
Ticketed
RMIT Auditorium 94.1.06
23-27 Cardigan Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
As the urgency for sustainable living grows, the built environment plays a critical role in shaping a low-carbon future. Meeting the Challenge of Creating Homes of the Future brings together leading building designers, architects, and energy efficiency assessors to explore what it takes to design homes that not only meet current sustainability goals but set the benchmark for 2050.
Hosted by Design Matters National, this event showcases the work of participants in the True Zero Carbon Challenge — a competition where designers were tasked with creating homes that produce more energy than they consume, while accounting for embodied carbon and offsetting their full carbon footprint by 2050.
Jeremy Spencer, the driving force behind the challenge, will lead a discussion alongside some of the standout participants, providing an in-depth look at their innovative designs, the challenges they faced, and the solutions they developed. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain insight into the future of net-zero housing and the role of smart design in reducing environmental impact.
This event is not just for industry professionals but for anyone interested in the future of sustainable housing. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts, learn about cutting-edge building techniques, and discover how design can shape a healthier, more resilient world.
Participants
Jeremy Spencer
For almost 20 years, Jeremy has been a registered builder, energy rater and director at design and build company Positive Footprints. Positive Footprints has won multiple awards for sustainability from Design Matters National, MBAV, HIA, and the National Sustainability Awards for which he is now a judge. His company has worked to show that energy-efficient sustainable design and Net-Zero homes are a cost-effective option and can be a mainstream reality. Jeremy is founding member of Builders Declare, a group dedicated to raising the standard of building practice. Jeremy is a previous member of the Design Matters National Board, the Sustainability TASC, and the NatHERS Stakeholder Consultative Group.
Greg Sparrius
Greg has taken a circuitous career path back to architecture and urban design study in his 50s - a mature-age student with an enquiring mind. Currently studying for a Master of Architecture and Urban Design at Swinburne University, as well as Certificate 4 in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Greg has a lifelong passion for sustainable living and design. Past titles for Greg include building designer, architectural model-maker, massage therapist, sculptor, owner-builder, sustainability consultant, and pre-purchase building inspector. After initially studying architecture straight from school, Greg’s diverse experiences reflect a deep curiosity, adaptability, and a strong commitment to creating sustainable and innovative designs that address the urgency of the climate crisis.
Pip Sparrius
Pip is an emerging designer currently studying architecture at the Melbourne School of Design. With a passion for material innovation and sustainable practices, she is committed to architectural approaches that foster deep connections between people, communities, and the hybrid landscapes we inhabit. Having grown up on the coastlines of NSW, Pip draws inspiration from nature and keeps creative projects on the go when not learning and collaborating with the vibrant design community around her. Pip is paving a path of future practice centred on adaptable, low-impact solutions to positively shape social and environmental contexts.
Uta Green
As a director of Green Design Architects in Hobart, Uta Green has established the firm as a leading voice in shaping Tasmania’s green building landscape. She built her expertise on a foundation of European training and has devoted her professional life to sustainable design. Green Design’s residential work focusses on creating long-lasting, low-impact, healthy, delightful spaces, that enhance well-being; and their mountain huts on the iconic Overland Track have set a new benchmark for remote-area high performing construction in Australia. Uta contributes to the education of architecture students at the University of Tasmania, while also engaging the public through her community work.
Ben Walsham
With a background in architecture and construction, Ben Walsham launched ARKATA to drive our industry towards creating better homes. He is passionate about the intersection between architecture, business, and health, and through ARKATA his mission is to help architects deliver healthy, comfortable, and resilient homes to their clients.
Ande Bunbury
Ande Bunbury Architects specialise in energy efficient and sustainable residential design. Winner of various state and national sustainability awards, buildings by ABA acknowledge that the current climate crisis needs buildings that are future-proofed for change, encourage the use of sustainable transport, and foster the development of resilience via connection with community and nature. She advocates for larger scale change on a personal as well as professional level. She is the Head of Advocacy and a National Director of Architects Declare Australia, has worked at Sustainability Victoria, was a founding member of Yarra Climate Action Now and is a current representative on the Merri-bek Council Affordable Housing reference group.
Anna Womersley
Anna Womersley of Blue Banded Bee Architectural Services has long been interested in energy-wise housing design and its interface with the natural world. In addition to Architectural and NatHERS Assessor qualifications, she has undertaken Environmental Design and Construction training in the UK, and Permaculture and Green Roof Design training in Australia. Anna enjoys exploring how to get the best thermal performance from her clients’ building designs, whilst staying true to their design vision and project budget. Her diverse areas of study grant an informed and wholistic understanding of building and design processes.