Bio-based building materials have often a lower carbon footprint than conventional building materials because they are made from plants that sequester CO₂ during growth. Many people associate bio-based materials with being healthier which is arguable when pesticides are involved to prevent moisture-related decay. However, there is no need to use chemicals if adequate constructional measures are employed that protect the materials from insect or microbial attacks. Their main purpose is to keep the construction dry enough during the construction process and under normal service conditions. This can be checked by field testing or hygrothermal simulation. Since the moisture tolerance of envelope assemblies depends not only on the climatic boundary conditions but also on the material characteristics, it is important to understand the performance differences of bio-based and conventional materials. Bio-based materials are moisture susceptible, but at the same time they are quite resistant to temperature or UV-radiation, especially compared to polymers. They are generally hygroscopic and can buffer humidity peaks and often have a higher heat capacity than their conventional peers. Their benefits justify a deeper focus on moisture control design, and more research and development efforts to overcome some of their weaknesses.

Leader of the Melbourne office for progressive, global sustainability consulting practice, Atelier Ten, David has 25 years of experience in delivering cutting-edge design solutions founded upon a deep appreciation and understanding of building physics.

Accomplished in environmental engineering and sustainability master planning, he has delivered exemplar sustainability and environmental design solutions on major projects spanning the sectors including arts, culture, commercial, health, and education. He has worked across the globe including projects in the UK, Europe, USA, China and Australia.

David regularly teaches sustainable design and building simulation techniques at universities across Melbourne including integrated architecture and engineering design studios at Melbourne University and the Sustainable Construction course at Swinburne University.

Peter Walker is a principal and founding director of Cumulus Studio. Insatiably curious, he uses design to better understand the world around him, seeing each project as a chance to dive into something new - be it place, culture, material or experience. He believes architecture is as much art and poetics as it is engineering or construction and is inspired to create spaces that are connected to their place and evoke deep emotional responses. Peter believes not only in the importance of environmental responsibility but also in the need for long term social and cultural sustainability of projects.  In line with a “less is more approach” to sustainability Peter has deliberately sought projects that continue the memories and traditions of a place and include the sensitive transformation of buildings such as a dilapidated Georgian warehouse for UTAS, the heritage hydro buildings at Pumphouse Point, and a timber Apple Shed for Willie Smiths. Awarded nationally and internationally for his high profile tourism project portfolio, Peter’s tourism work projects such as the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, Devil’s Corner and Pumphouse Point.  His work always has a clear, central idea which informs each design and construction decision. Amongst other awards Peter is a past winner of the Timber Design Association’s Timber Awards and the Tasmanian Emerging Architect Prize.

Jim Gandy is an engineer who has worked on projects with Architects over the years. Of note is his collaboration with Robert Morris-Nunn. Jim will be having a conversation with Robert at the conference dinner.