Build Fest UK 2025 @ Story Garden
Why a build festival? Why Now?
The built environment sector needs to radically change and we believe that together, through sharing skills, knowledge and ideas we can help to make that change. For one day, we would like to bring together all those who want to celebrate kinder and more inclusive citymaking.
What do you mean when you say festival?
Expect dynamic thinking, critical debate and human connection as well as practical workshops in nature based construction. Meet some of the most progressive thinkers and practitioners in the field. Hear from experts and self-builders. Get your hands dirty learning to build with earth, clay and green timber. Join us in the sunny Story Garden and celebrate with us what we can achieve when we all work together!
Who are you?
For 20 years Global Generation has been integrating social and environmental practice. Along the way, we have created a variety of buildings & gardens across London that practically contribute to ecological and social change. There’s been the King’s Cross Skip Garden, the Story Garden at the British Library, the Floating Garden at Granary Square and the Paper Garden in Canada Water. We call them ‘gardens of a thousand hands’, built by local people using reclaimed and natural materials.
Our work with residents, young people, architects, developers and engineers has shown us that collaboration and a culture of care are fundamental principles for everyone working in the built environment to effectively address the climate emergency. This event is a collaboration between many partners and an opportunity for different people pushing for change to make this a reality.
On the Day:
The festival will run from 9:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Story Garden in Kings Cross and ticketholders get access to:
A choice of up to 2 workshops or 4 talks from the full programme
A vegetarian lunch and refreshments
Networking, panel discussion and end of day celebration
Showcases of natural building techniques and materials
Example sessions include:
Practical Making Sessions
Introduction to Greenwood (practical session)
Building with Earth
Brickmaking 101
Workshops & Talks
Climate Literacy: The Materials Doughnut
How to Design and Run a Community Build
Designing and Working with Young People
Technical Specifications, Modern Regulations & Natural Materials: Making the right mix
Current Festival Partners
ACAN: Architects Climate Action Network
Sign up below to register your interest in being involved or attending - tickets go live April 21!