Join us as we interview Joost Bakker on the design of the Regenerative Futures Studio for Woodleigh School, a learning centre that exemplifies his principles. The project utilises carbon-sequestering materials like hemp and straw, emphasising the distinction between net-zero and truly regenerative design. The buildings also have a thriving indigenous rooftop garden incorporating an innovative rain water harvesting system that ensures an ongoing, climate resilient habitat. Locally sourced natural, recycled and repurposed materials feature throughout, Bakker demonstrates how architecture can actively contribute to environmental restoration and create an exceptional healthy, sustainable learning environment.

https://www.futurefoodsystem.com

@joostbakker

@climate_360

About Joost Bakker

Joost Joost Bakker is an Australian environmental designer and sustainability advocate, celebrated for pioneering zero-waste systems and regenerative architecture. His innovative projects, such as the "Future Food System," showcase closed-loop living environments that integrate food production, waste recycling, and sustainable construction.

About Climate

360 Climate360 is a podcast series that will take a broad view of how climate impacts our whole world. It is an initiative of Sam Redston and Andrew Mackenzie. Over the weeks and months ahead we will explore how climate impacts health, economics, politics, science, farming, manufacturing and everything else. We will explore the challenges of a changing climate, while throwing a light on a rich community of innovators and activists, professionals and academics, makers and motivators, who are leading the way in how we might respond to our changing climate.

Special thanks to:

David Baker, Principal, and the Woodleigh School community Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio Design Team: Joost Bakker, Design Lead; Frank Burridge, Project Architect; John McIldowie, Design Architect; Craig Brown, Project Director; Elizabeth Burger, Interior Designer, Sam Cox, Landscape Consultant; TGA Engineers, Structural Engineer; BRT Consulting, Services Consultant; A2M Consulting, Cost Consultant.

Thanks also to Melbourne Design Week 2025 and the architectural photography of Earl Carter.

We acknowledge that we work and create on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Boon Wurrung People of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Always was. Always will be. www.climate360.com.au

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climate360.substack.com