Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Sustainable Home Builders in Sydney
Sowden Building Solutions is a fully licensed and accredited sustainable home builder serving Sydney's Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, and North Shore. Established in 2005 by owner-operator Nick Sowden, we specialise in Hempcrete and Passive House construction, combining cutting-edge sustainable practices with traditional craftsmanship. Our team of experienced carpenters and builders prioritises environmental responsibility, delivering homes that exceed energy efficiency standards while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.We hold certifications from the Master Builders Green Living Builder program and the Australian Passive House Association, with award-winning projects like our Balmain EnerPHit development demonstrating our industry leadership. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials, incorporating waste reduction practices and advanced insulation techniques that significantly lower long-term energy costs for homeowners.
Services
Sustainable Home Building
Hempcrete Construction
Passive House Builds
Heritage Renovations
Eco-Friendly Alterations
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20+ years combined experience in sustainable construction
- Australia's first certified EnerPHit 'PLUS' project
- Specialised Hempcrete building expertise since 2015
- Triple award-winning sustainable home building practices
- Member of Australian Passive House Association since 2019
Associations and certifications
- Master Builders Green Living Builder
- Australian Passive House Association
- EnerPHit Certified
What people say
Excellent workmanship
Highly recommend
Sustainable solutions
Professional team
Transformative results
Services
Sustainable Home Building
Specialist sustainable home construction using advanced eco-friendly materials and methods. Our builds incorporate Passive House principles and Hempcrete technology to create energy-efficient residences that reduce environmental impact while maintaining superior comfort levels. Projects feature triple-glazed windows, mechanical ventilation systems, and thermal bridge-free construction for optimal energy performance.
Hempcrete Construction
Innovative Hempcrete construction that combines Australian-grown hemp with lime-based binders. This breathable, monolithic wall system provides exceptional thermal regulation, fire resistance, and acoustic insulation while sequestering carbon. Our certified tradespeople follow strict environmental protocols to deliver durable, low-maintenance homes that improve indoor air quality through natural humidity control.
Passive House Builds
Certified Passive House construction adhering to international energy efficiency standards. We implement five key principles including airtight envelopes, thermal insulation, and heat recovery ventilation systems. Our EnerPHit-certified projects achieve up to 90% energy savings compared to conventional buildings while maintaining exceptional indoor comfort and air quality through precision engineering.
Heritage Renovations
Specialist heritage renovation services that blend modern sustainability with traditional craftsmanship. We maintain architectural integrity while integrating energy-efficient upgrades like insulation and double glazing. Our team works with heritage architects to restore period features using sustainable materials and methods that meet contemporary living standards without compromising historical authenticity.
Eco-Friendly Alterations
Sustainable home modification solutions that enhance energy efficiency and environmental performance. Services include retrofitting insulation, installing renewable energy systems, and implementing water-saving technologies. We focus on minimising waste through material reuse and recycling while improving thermal comfort and reducing ongoing utility costs for existing properties.
People
Nick Sowden
Owner/Operator
With over 15 years' experience in sustainable construction, Nick established Sowden Building Solutions in 2005. He completed Passive House training in 2019 and has led multiple award-winning eco-projects. His expertise spans heritage restoration and modern green building techniques, prioritising client collaboration and environmental responsibility.
Questions
What sustainable building methods do you specialise in?
We specialise in Hempcrete construction and Passive House building standards, combining these innovative methods to create highly energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes across Sydney.
Are your builds certified to environmental standards?
Yes, we deliver EnerPHit-certified Passive House projects and follow strict sustainability protocols. Our Balmain EnerPHit development holds multiple industry awards for sustainable excellence.
Can you work with heritage-listed properties?
Yes, we have extensive experience in heritage renovations, maintaining architectural integrity while integrating modern sustainable upgrades that improve energy efficiency and living comfort.
How do your homes reduce energy costs?
Through superior insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery systems, our homes require up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings.
What areas do you service?
We operate across Sydney's Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, and North Shore, delivering sustainable building solutions tailored to each region's specific environmental and regulatory requirements.
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
We provide accurate upfront quotes and weekly progress updates. Our proven project management approach ensures timely completion within agreed budgets while maintaining strict quality standards.
Reviews (4)
Am Moalem
Jun 12, 2021
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Nick and his team recently helped us renovate our place in Ashfield. Nick was always available, knowledgeable and very professional. He ran a tight ship and I was very impressed with his project management. We only had a short amount of time to get a big job done and Nick had things finished before we expected without compromising on quality. The trades he works with are all reliable and do good work. I recommend Sowden Building Solutions for any job, big or small.
Carroll Graham
Dec 27, 2020
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We were looking for sustainable options in our knock-down rebuild to minimise our environmental impact. We also wanted to address social sustainability issues to meet our needs as aging owners and also those of our daughter who has a disability. So we decided on a single-storey concept with environmental features such as hempcrete construction, passive heating and cooling, etc. The next challenge was to find an architect and builder who were on the same page. Few were willing to contemplate the use of hempcrete (or even know what it is). We were lucky to get connected with Nick, who introduced
W. Hawryluk
Nov 11, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Nick renovated my semi in 2019. He completed the job in the projected 12 weeks and came in under budget. Great attention to detail and a fine team - highly recommended.
Nick renovated my semi in 2019. He completed the job in the projected 12 weeks and came in under budget. Great attention to detail and a fine team - highly recommended.
Meg OMahony
Aug 26, 2020
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Nick from Sowden Building Solutions is an enthusiastic quality builder with excellent attention to detail. He is passionate about using sustainable building techniques and materials. I found him and his team easy to deal with, reliable and professional. I am very pleased with the work Nick has undertaken for me and I have no hesitation in recommending his services.
