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Image source: Sydney Build Expo 2026 (used for informational purposes)
Sydney Build Expo 2026 – Festival of Construction
Industry Insights from ICC Sydney | ANS Design
Adam Murphy, Principal Building Designer at ANS Design, attended Sydney Build Expo 2026 at ICC Sydney — Australia’s largest construction and design event — gaining valuable insights into sustainability, materials, and NSW planning reforms shaping the future of residential design.
Image source: Sydney Build Expo 2026 (used for informational purposes)
Sydney Build Expo 2026 – Australia’s Leading Construction Event
Sydney Build Expo continues to be the benchmark event for the Australian construction and building design industry.
Held at ICC Sydney, the 2026 event featured:
- 28,000+ attendees
- 700+ exhibitors
- 750+ speakers across 16 CPD stages
The expo brings together architects, designers, builders, developers, and government representatives, making it one of the most valuable industry events in Australia.
Key exhibitors & material insights
BDAA – Industry Standards & Professional Practice
The BDAA stand reinforced the importance of professional building design standards, compliance, and collaboration across the industry.
Cool Hard Hats – Modern Construction Branding & Safety
The Cool Hard Hats stand highlighted how construction sites are evolving — with a stronger focus on:
- Professional presentation
- Site safety innovation
- Branding within the construction industry
Foresco – Composite Cladding & Sandwich Panel Systems
Foresco showcased advanced composite cladding systems and sandwich panels, which are becoming increasingly relevant in residential and multi-residential design.
Key benefits:
- Lightweight construction
- Faster installation
- Improved thermal performance
- Reduced long-term maintenance
Key speaker sessions
Sustainability Stage
Carbon Neutral Construction: Pathways to Zero Emissions
This session explored how the construction industry is transitioning toward net-zero emissions, with practical strategies now being implemented across projects.
Speakers included:
- Dr Matthias Irger – COX Architecture
- Julian Sutherland – JLL
- Clinton Craggs – Webuild
- Hannah Jones – TTW
- Danielle Kwik – WSP
Key Insights:
- Carbon reduction is now a design responsibility, not just engineering
- Material selection plays a critical role in emissions
- Collaboration is essential across all project stages
- Performance-based design will influence approvals moving forward
Future Housing Stage
NSW Planning Reforms & Development Opportunities
This session focused on one of the most important topics for NSW property owners:
“Want to Develop Property? NSW Planning Reforms Might Be the Answer”
Speakers included:
- Brad Armitage – HIA
- Marie Doyle – Fiducia Property Group
- Dan Gallen – Pallas Group
- Michael Said – HIA
- Victor Gennusa – DiJones
Key Insights:
- Planning reforms aim to unlock housing supply
- Faster approval pathways are becoming a priority
- Early alignment between design and planning is critical
- Feasibility and compliance must be considered from day one
Key industry trends
What’s Changing in Building Design
Across the expo, several clear trends emerged:
1. Prefabrication & Panelised Systems
Faster, more efficient construction methods are becoming standard.
2. Sustainability & Energy Performance
Design is increasingly driven by long-term efficiency and compliance.
3. Smarter Approvals & Planning Alignment
Understanding DA and CDC pathways early is critical to project success.
What this means for clients
Real Benefits for ANS Design Clients
Attending Sydney Build Expo allows ANS Design to deliver:
- Smarter floor plan design
- Better material selection
- Improved approval success rates
- More cost-effective construction solutions
- Future-ready, energy-efficient homes
Whether you’re planning:
- Alterations & additions
- New dwellings
- Duplex developments
- Secondary dwellings
Thinking About Your Next Project?
If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or new build across Sydney or NSW, working with an experienced building designer ensures a smoother process and better results.
Visit ANS Design – ANS Design
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- Alterations & Additions
- New Homes
- Secondary Dwellings
Contact us today to discuss your project – Contact ANS Design
Work With ANS Design
If you’re planning a new home, alteration, or secondary dwelling, we’d be happy to help guide you through the process.
Adam Murphy
Principal Building Designer
ANS Design
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