Specialising in contemporary, energy-efficient residential architecture based in Coffs Harbour. Buffer your home against rising energy costs with intelligent 8-Star+ passive solar design.
Led by principal designer Joakim Ho, Natural Matters Design brings two decades of specialized building design experience across regional New South Wales. Joakim began his journey designing and physically constructing pioneering strawbale dwellings in the New England region—gaining rare, hands-on mastery over natural insulation and thermal mass.
Today, based in Coffs Harbour and servicing both the Coffs Coast and New England regions, Joakim specializes in high-performance energy-efficient homes, passive solar orientation, and self-sufficient off-grid sanctuaries.
Pioneered in early strawbale & rammed earth builds.
Precision orientation for year-round climate balance.
Discover which high-performance house model best fits your lifestyle, budget, and sustainability goals.
Uses natural energy flows (sun orientation, thermal mass, and cross ventilation) to naturally heat and cool your home without heavy reliance on mechanical HVAC.
Built to strict international energy limits. Features continuous airtight insulation and heat recovery ventilation for perfect indoor air quality and zero drafts.
Pairs a Passive House building shell with a dedicated solar PV & battery system. Generates 100% of all the energy your household consumes annually.
Compare an 8-Star NatHERS Eco Home vs a Standard 5-Star Home
Showcasing two decades of strawbale insulation, pavilion design, and passive retrofits.
Robust strawbale construction with exceptional natural insulation, solar + battery storage, and extensive rainwater self-sufficiency.
Strong northern aspect with pavilion-style glass walls, vaulted ceilings, and natural cross-flow cooling.
Reinvention of an existing home featuring double-glazed cedar joinery, polished concrete thermal mass floors, and vaulted ceilings.
Whether you are looking for a modern family home, a getaway shack, or optimizing a renovation, we'd love to help you build an energy-efficient sanctuary.