Biomaterials Workshop

Get hands-on with earth, hemp and straw in this practical workshop on building with bio-based materials.

Participants work directly with earth, hemp and straw — materials with long histories and renewed relevance today. Mix and tamp earth for blockmaking and clay renders, cast hemp-lime composites for insulated wall systems, and assemble straw-based insulation panels finished with natural plasters.

Led by architects and educators Andre Bonnice (University of Melbourne) and Anna Jankovic (RMIT) from architectural practice Simulaa, the workshop bridges practice, research and material experimentation. Participants will make small 1:1 wall prototypes installed on site at MPavilion Parkville.

Following the Saturday workshop, a series of short talks will feature researchers and industry practitioners working with bio-based materials, including the Earth Building Association of Australia (earth), Durrapanel (straw), and Research Fellow Johannes Fehrmann (hemp). These speakers will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of building with these materials.

Please wear clothes suitable for practical work and closed-toe shoes. No prior experience is required and all materials are non-toxic and safe to handle.