"Is natural building just for green hippie owner-builders?" We sat down with Rachel from Natural Building Australia to tackle this question head-on. Rachel's academic background and hands-on experience reveal how natural building has evolved from 1990s counterculture to a professionalised industry attracting broader audiences. Thanks to hemp industry growth and increasing awareness of healthy building materials, natural building is becoming a legitimate mainstream option in Australian construction.Rachel discusses the challenges facing natural building - building codes that don't recognise materials used successfully for centuries, labour shortages, and higher costs for bespoke approaches. But she's optimistic about the future, highlighting community workshop builds that attract diverse participants, including architects wanting to get their hands dirty and more women changing the traditionally blokey building site culture.Natural building isn't just about sustainability - it's about health, community, skill building, and connection. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner curious about alternatives to conventional construction, Rachel's insights demonstrate that natural building offers practical pathways for creating healthier homes and more connected communities.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction to Natural Building03:10 Defining Natural Building04:53 Challenges and Misconceptions05:13 Historical Context and Evolution07:03 Mainstreaming Natural Building09:08 Regulatory Hurdles and Performance11:57 Labor and Cost Issues21:07 Straw Bale Construction24:59 Comfort and Performance in Natural Homes28:06 Innovative Cooling Techniques in Passive Design29:21 Balancing Comfort and Natural Building Methods30:10 Client Expectations and Building Regulations30:45 The Role of Architects and Builders in Sustainable Design32:00 Challenges and Misconceptions in Natural Building34:47 The Importance of Healthy Building Materials35:38 Encouraging Curiosity and Innovation in Building36:39 Resources and Community Support for Natural Building44:01 Hands-On Involvement and Learning Opportunities48:11 Integrating Natural Building into Apprenticeships52:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLINKS:Natural Building Australia: https://naturalbuildingaustralia.org/place/rachel-goldlust-natural-building-consultant/Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

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