Shelter Building Design

02/09/2026

Before heading into the lab for h**p clay materials testing Kirstie has been literally doing some backyard testing with help from expert earth builder, Earl Boyd. Test 1 was different h**p particle sizes and combinations of different sizes, using the same bagged clay. Observation - Some mixes took twice as much clay to achieve the same stickiness. Test 2 was using the same h**p with different clays using a very low amount of clay earth as the binder. The backyard test results are that drying blocks to be protected from curious possums.

31/08/2026

A great article on 3D printing using clay and h**p hurd in the current issue of Sanctuary magazine, by Kirstie's PhD supervisor Dr Kate Dunn from UNSW. Get your copy of Sanctuary magazine at your local newsagent now or even better subscribe to Sanctuary Magazine sanctuary.renew.org.au for independent information on all things sustainable building.

07/07/2026

H**p Hurd in several different sizes from several sources ready for characterization testing next week. The testing and data collection for Kirstie’s PhD researching h**p and clay building materials is about to begin.

14/06/2026

The Shelter Building Design team took to the trail for the Paddy Pallin Rogaine at Glenbrook. A fun team building exercise and a great effort from the team. Compass and map reading skills - tick. Thanks to Kirsten for leading and organising.

13/06/2026

Today at Future Build in Sydney, Kirstie from Shelter Building Design was part of the panel on the Specifying Healthy Buildings, moderated by Dr Jo Vaughn from the University of Newcastle. Other great exhibitors at the show were Viva Homes with their prefab straw panels, Jeanius denim insulation batts, Evitat sustainable specifiers and Keim mineral paints.

11/06/2026

Nothing says Passive House Certification better than the plaque from the Passive House Institute. Kirstie and Karina from Shelter Building Design with the home owner of this Passive House Plus certified house at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. The indoor climbing wall in the background could be the first certified Passive House climbing wall in Australia.

19/05/2026

Want to learn more about building with h**p? Join Kirstie from Shelter Building Design this Thursday for as part of the H**p Building Expert Panel Webinar hosed by iH**p NSW.

🌱 We’re bringing you the iH**p NSW Expert Building Panel on 21 May 6-7pm. 🌱

Interest in building with h**p, particularly h**pcrete, is growing alongside ongoing innovation. Like any industry, it faces challenges. For supply chains to stabilise, increased uptake is essential, driven by education, advocacy, and policy.

The construction sector sits at the centre of the climate challenge. By sharing knowledge and real-world examples, we can accelerate a shift toward materials and practices that support both environmental and community outcomes.

Learn more and register today. See link in comments.

19/05/2026

Frame up and looking forward to delivery of the H**p blocks for this BAL FZ and BAL 40 bushfire zoned house in the Blue Mountains.

17/05/2026

Shelter Building Design were pleased to be running tours of this H**pcrete House in the Blue Mountains today for Sustainable House Day 2026. Thanks to Renew for organising this impactful event and to the owners Brent and Lisa for opening their home.Sustainable House Day

04/05/2026

The Hazo H**pcrete House in the Mid Blue Mountains is opening its doors on Sunday 17 May as part of Sustainable House Day.
Join Kirstie and Kirsten from Shelter Building Design for guided tours and conversations about sustainable design, h**pcrete construction, and creating high-performance homes suited to Australian conditions.
This is a great opportunity to experience a h**pcrete home firsthand and ask questions about materials, performance, and design.
Secure your place here https://sustainablehouseday.com/homes/hazo-h**pcrete-house/