Self Build Blog

Introducing The Festival Of Sustainable Homes!

Written by Jack Cameron | 15.5.2024

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Festival of Sustainable Homes (sponsored by Good Energy) will run for two days and will highlight how we can all live more sustainably in our homes and communities, featuring multiple seminars, life-size exhibits and live demonstrations.

This inclusive, family-friendly event will cater to all knowledge levels of homebuilding. Make use of the free guided tours and the educational zones to pick up a wealth of valuable information. Whether building on a fresh plot or renovating or extending an existing property, they'll be something here for you. 

"I'm really excited about the festival of sustainable homes. This is the same great show quality that the NSBRC always provides, but slightly rebranded with a more intense focus on sustainability. It's about low energy and low carbon, but also with the additional lens of how you get the most out of your project from a sustainability standpoint."

- Jenny Chandela- Associate & US Registered Architect

Over 200 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest technologies and homebuilding services, with many available for 1-on-1 advice specific to your project. Don't be shy to bring along drawings and ask any burning questions you might have.

You can also visit the new Nature Zone, created to put the spotlight on charities and non-profit organisations that aim to improve our natural environment through targeted campaigns, free advice and educational outreach.

OUR TOP 5 THEATRE TALKS

From planning to budgeting, plot finding and building regulations to ecological surveys and water conservation, theatre talks hold great value and opportunity for both homeowners and homebuilders. Here are 5 theatre talks you shouldn’t miss:

Funding Your Project

BuildStore - Build It Theatre. Everyday at 11:00 – 11:45 

This session is dedicated to methods of raising finance and the importance of setting a budget and controlling costs throughout the project.

Finding Land

Mark Stevenson - Build It Theatre. Everyday at 11:45 - 12:30

Finding a building plot is never easy, but there are ways and means to find that elusive dream plot

Sustainable Design

Allan Corfield Architects – Build It Theatre. Friday at 12:30 – 13:15

Jenny Chandela, a specialist in Low Energy Home Design, discusses how to consider your low-energy targets early in your design process. Learn more about Fabric First, modern construction methods and some tips for an efficient build!

Battle of The Building Systems

Fleming Homes, Modern Masonry, Beco & Allan Corfield Architects - Build It Theatre. Saturday at 14:15 – 15:00

Timber Frame or Brick & Block? ICF or Concrete Blocks? Build on site or in a factory? Find out everything you need to know about the various self build building systems with our panel of experts.

VAT Reclaim

Andrew Jones – Build It Theatre. Every day at 15:00 – 15:30

One of the joys of self-building is the option to claim a VAT refund! If you're a DIY builder, building a new home or converting a non-residential building into a home you should qualify. We’ll discuss what you need to know.

Get Your Free Tickets For The Festival Of Sustainable Homes Here!

AC ARCHITECTS AT THE NSBRC  

We at AC Architects have exhibited at the NSBRC for several years, and they always deliver relevant and up-to-date guidance for both newcomers to house-building and skilled housing professionals. This centre is a genuine inspiration to those looking to make the world a more sustainable place.

As always, our Swindon team led by Jenny Chandela will be exhibiting at the NSBRC and will be on hand at stand 63 to answer any questions and demo our state-of-the-art Virtual Reality system over both days.

With FREE parking and FREE entry – The Festival of Sustainable Homes and a visit to the NSBRC should be on every self-builders to-do list!