Size Matters: Home Size In Times Of Climate Change

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, held at the NGV as part of Melbourne Design Week, that explores the relationship between dwelling size and climate change. Building on Breathe Architecture’s Home Truths 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. Developer Liam Wallis (Hip Vs Hype) will present case studies of sustainable housing models achieved through integrated, multidisciplinary processes.

The discussion will be moderated by Danni Hunter and joined by Sarah Buckeridge, Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects Housing Commission, 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.