Build Fest UK 2025

How can we work together to create buildings & places that meet the needs of people and regenerate the natural environment?

For 20 years, Global Generation has been integrating social and environmental practice while creating 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. Our gardens are gardens of a thousand hands, built by local people using reclaimed and natural materials. 

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 city-making. Join us and collaborators like ACAN, Jan Kattein Architects, Material Cultures, ARUP, Yes Make!, RUSS, Ebuki and more for a day of learning together! 

What to Expect:

• Dynamic thinking, critical debate and human connection
• Practical workshops in nature based construction.
• Meet some of the most progressive thinkers and practitioners.
• 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!

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
  
  
  *Sessions are first come, first served and capacity of some sessions will be limited to ensure safety. Attendance to the event does not guarantee entrance to any specific session.

Programme Schedule Below: 

Tickets

We want anyone who is interested in learning more about building differently to be able to attend, so this event is designed to be free of charge. We have included a small fee to contribute to the cost of lunch and to help ensure attendance, however we will happily waive this fee if it is a barrier to entry - please email jillian@globalgeneration.org.uk to request a free ticket code.  If you want to support this work long term and are able to purchase a pay-it-forward ticket or donate on top of your ticket cost, please do! This allows us to run more free build events and workshops in the future. 

Accessibility

There are pathways throughout the garden that allow access, but as a working garden there are uneven surfaces throughout. We do have two buildings with ramp access and one accessible toilet facility on site. Some practical workshops may require the ability to lift, stand and bend, but modifications are possible. Please include any access needs in your booking details or email to the team if you have specific questions. For queries: jillian@globalgeneration.org.uk

This event is generously supported by Reef+Partners

About Reef + Partners

Reef + Partners is a real estate developer and investor creating innovative, mixed-use spaces through the power of partnerships. With a track record in delivering exceptional places in city centre locations across the UK, Reef + Partners’ cutting-edge designs and collaboration with leading organisations facilitate science & discovery, healthcare provision, as well as working and living to the highest standards.

Reef + Partners is shaping a future where design, innovation, and purpose come together to make a real difference. Its real estate development platform includes London’s largest purpose-built life sciences campus, TRIBECA, in the Kings Cross Knowledge Quarter.

Reef + Partners is an evolution of Reef Group Limited, which specialised in mixed-use urban regeneration. Reef + Partners takes forward Reef Group’s expertise and passion for design and creating vibrant experiences that revitalise towns and cities throughout the UK.