Throughout his career of over 40 years, Paul Haar has been immersed in architectural practice and related pursuits informed by deep green principles and, where possible, operating inside small local economic and social systems. Our global climate, biodiversity and COVID emergencies now highlight the imperative of this approach.
Paul dedicated his early years in practice to revitalising a self-help housing culture amongst remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This equipped him with a deep understanding of material science, timber and earth construction, land, water and energy systems. He has conducted many lectures and regularly mentored his peers in these subjects.
For the Mullum Creek eco-housing project, Paul framed and oversaw design and construction practices that deeply mitigate environmental impacts tied to the lifetime operation of homes on the estate as well as the impacts embodied in materials used to construct them.
Many guides prepared to support these practices continue to circulate freely and widely, also beyond the estate.
Paul has a deep understanding of the impact that timber specification has on the health of our forests. A lifelong collaboration with CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) prompted his instigation and ongoing support of CERES Fair Wood, a now thriving not-for-profit timber retail enterprise that promotes and celebrates the use of sustainable wood products.
Paul has received 14 national awards for his work in architectural practice and education, and has contributed to several books, professional journals and magazines … all with a strong focus on the environment. He is eternally committed to sustainability, by science, philosophy and design.
Honorary Principal Fellow
University of Melbourne
School of Architecture and Building
In sharing things through this website, I pay tribute to the traditional owners and custodians, past and present, of the land on which I’ve worked and lived over the years ... especially the Woiworung and Boonwurrung people of Melbourne and South Gippsland, the Kurnai of East Gippsland, the Rembarnga of Arnhem Land, the Muralag of the Torres Straits and the Nyawaygi of Far North Queensland.