Fast Slow Project: A Sustainable Home Takes Shape at Narara Ecovillage
What if sustainable housing could be built faster, more affordably, and with natural materials?
That’s the vision behind the Fast Slow Project – a bold collaboration between University of Newcastle researchers and industry innovators, now coming to life at Narara Ecovillage on the Central Coast.
Led by Dr Sarah Breen Lovett and Dr Hugo Moline from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, the project combines fast prefabricated structural systems with slow, natural building material infill.
The concept was first explored by Dr Breen Lovett during a research fellowship in Ireland, where she investigated alternative approaches to sustainable architecture. Her published work laid the foundation for a partnership for the development of the first prototype with key partners Kenney Le Mire and Will Eastlake from Mudtec and Integrated Biotecture.
The Narara build marks a major milestone - the first real-world application of the Fast Slow system. Clients Marga and Anders Toren will soon see their home take shape, supported by a wide network of collaborators including certifiers, consultants. and builders.
The University’s contribution spans multiple disciplines, with support from the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, and involvement from Professor Patrick Tang, Professor Mark Masia, Dr Akhtar Hossain, Research Assistant Bridget White, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students. This cross-sector collaboration is a powerful example of how academic research, industry expertise, and student learning can come together to address real-world challenges.
The Fast Slow Project is about rethinking how we build – not just the materials and methods, but the systems that make sustainable housing more accessible,” says Dr Breen Lovett. “We’re excited to see the prototype come to life and to explore how this model can be adapted for different communities."
The team has secured Tech Vouchers funding to begin the code-marking process, which will streamline future compliance and certification. Additional grant applications are planned to expand the project’s reach and impact.
With fabrication, prototyping, and testing facilities that support regional innovation, the University of Newcastle is uniquely positioned to lead applied architectural research.
The Fast Slow Project is a testament to what’s possible when bold ideas meet strong institutional support – and a shared commitment to building a better future.
Photography by Ashley Sorensen
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.