Explore the Future of Sustainable Living at the Natural Building Talks & Workshops – April 12-13, Chiltern, VIC

Are you passionate about sustainable living and natural building? The Off-Grid Living Festival in Chiltern, Victoria (Bpangerang Country) is the place to be! With a packed program featuring expert talks, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions, this is a must-attend event for anyone interested in eco-friendly construction, regenerative design, and self-sufficient living.

Why Attend the Natural Building Talks & Workshops?

• Gain insights from leading architects, builders, and sustainable design advocates
• Learn practical skills for building with natural materials like strawbale, hempcrete, mudbrick, bamboo, and timber
• Discover low-carbon, energy-efficient building techniques
• Understand how to navigate owner-building regulations and alternative housing options
• Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainable living

Program Highlights

Build a Low Carbon Thermal Mass Home


Saturday, 10:00 AM | Kenney Lemire & William Eastlake | Mudtec / Integrated Biotecture Design
Discover how thermal mass can naturally regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy bills while improving comfort and air quality.

Natural Building & Owner-Building Discussion


Saturday, 11:00 AM | Panel Discussion
Explore Australia’s natural building scene, from strawbale and hemp construction to navigating building codes and owner-building tips.

Hempcrete for High-Performance Homes


Sunday, 10:00 AM | Kirstie Wulf | Shelter Building Design
Learn how hempcrete can improve indoor air quality, insulation, and energy efficiency, and why it’s gaining popularity in sustainable construction.

Timeless Craft of Traditional Timber Framing

Saturday, 5:00 PM | Adam Hickman | Evergreen Homes Australia
Dive into the art of timber framing, its sustainability benefits, and how this ancient craft is making a comeback in modern eco-building.

Why Use Passive House Design?


Sunday, 2:30 PM | Karina Rafailov | Earthy Haus
Explore Passive House principles and how they create energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthier homes for long-term sustainability.

Benefits of Building with Strawbale


Sunday, 3:30 PM | Lance Kairl | Australian Strawbale Building – Ausbale
Uncover the carbon storage potential of strawbale homes, sustainable material choices, and their role in low-impact construction.

Plus More! Talks on off-grid community living, land-sharing models, tiny homes, prefabricated earth building, bamboo architecture, and more.

Workshops & Hands-On Learning

In addition to these engaging talks, festival-goers can participate in hands-on workshops, where you’ll get to experiment with natural building materials, try out techniques, and learn practical skills from experts in the field.

Check out the workshop program here

Be part of the movement towards sustainable, self-sufficient living. Whether you’re an architect, builder, homeowner, or simply curious about natural building, this event offers a unique chance to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Get your tickets now! Visit Off-Grid Living Festival

Got questions? Contact Kate Nottingham at oglfestival@gmail.com or call 0411 865 563.

See you there! Let’s build a better future, one sustainable home at a time.