Shelter Building Design’s very own Kirstie recently attended the Earth Building Association of Australia (EBAA) Conference — and what an inspiring few days it was!
The event brought together builders, designers, educators, and material specialists from across the country, all united by a shared passion for natural building materials, especially unfired earth. The conference offered an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and roll up our sleeves for some hands-on learning.
One highlight for Kirstie was seeing more conversation and experimentation around hemp and clay light earth walls, an approach that combines thermal performance with a beautifully raw aesthetic. Earth-based wall systems, whether traditional cob, pressed earth blocks, rammed earth, or light earth, offer a low-carbon, highly sustainable alternative to conventional construction, and it’s exciting to see the practice evolving.
Another standout moment was the hands-on demonstration of clay-only binders — proving once again that sometimes the simplest materials are the most effective.
“All clay binder at the Earth Building Conference. It works well, not sure why more people do not do it.”
Kirstie Wulf at Earth Building Conference 2025
It’s moments like these that remind us why natural building techniques have stood the test of time: functional, sustainable, and deeply connected to place.
About the Earth Building Association of Australia (EBAA)
The Earth Building Association of Australia (EBAA) is an organisation committed to promoting unfired earth as a viable and versatile building material throughout Australia. Since its formation in the early 1990s, EBAA has worked to advance the knowledge, credibility, and accessibility of earth construction, both in professional circles and the wider community.
EBAA members come from all corners of the construction world: builders, specialist contractors, tradespeople, designers, architects, consultants, manufacturers, educators, and students. This diversity creates an invaluable network where tradition meets innovation — and practical experience meets academic research.
The association continues to advocate for natural building methods at every level, from local councils to federal regulators, while offering training, workshops, and conferences that build skills and foster community.
Looking Ahead
It was great to see the energy and momentum building around hemp, clay, and light earth systems this year. At Shelter, we’re passionate about sustainable construction and material choices that respect both people and the environment.
We look forward to taking the lessons, ideas, and conversations from this year’s EBAA Conference forward, and we’re excited to see more designers, builders, and clients embracing natural materials in the future.
Kirstie Wulf of Shelter Building Design at the Earth Building Conference 2025 Gallery
If you’d like to learn more about how Shelter Building Design can help integrate natural materials like hempcrete, light earth, or other sustainable solutions into your project, get in touch with us.
