Inside Byron’s most stunning sustainable homes – open for one day only

LOCALS will have the chance to step inside some of the Byron Shire’s most innovative and sustainable homes this Sunday 17 May as part of Sustainable House Day 2026.

Nine homes across the region will open their doors, showcasing eco-friendly design features ranging from off-grid energy systems and clever retrofits to flood-resilient construction and architect-designed living spaces. Properties participating in the event are located in Bangalow, Byron Bay, Main Arm, Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores.

Among them is Bangalow Poured Earth House, featuring a modern monolithic design, and nearby Bangalow Stone House, built from bluestone rocks with a bessa block interior and polished concrete floors. The latter also includes a newer extension linked to the original home by a glass walkway, while native bees inhabit the exterior rock wall.

In Byron Bay, the Earthen Retreat was designed around passive solar principles and natural materials, with rammed earth used as the primary wall construction.

Recycled timber features throughout the exposed structural elements and ceilings, complemented by copper gutters, downpipes and roofing details.

The home has been designed to respond naturally to changing weather conditions. High-level operable windows allow hot air to escape during warmer days, while closing the windows in the evening helps retain heat absorbed during the day, naturally warming the house overnight.

Garden Gem Backyard Retreat in Mullumbimby is a sustainably-focused shed with a refined rustic aesthetic. Hardwood salvaged from a building site has been repurposed into a door, while timber log seats were carved from a local windfall tree.

Byron Shire Council partnered with event organiser Renew to promote sustainable, climate-ready housing across the Shire for the day.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said Sustainable House Day offered residents a rare opportunity to see what was possible in sustainable home design.

“Whether you’d like to find ways to reduce energy bills, improve comfort, build resilience or just admire great ideas and design, it’s a unique chance to learn through other people’s experiences and get a lot of inspiration for your own home and life,” she said.

“Visit one home or make a day of it and visit several!”

Tickets cost $15 per adult, while children under 18 can attend free with registration.

For more information and tickets, visit sustainablehouseday.com