About
Based in Byron Bay Australia, Balanced Earth is a progressive team of builders and designers who recognise the impact of materials and construction methods on a building and it’s inhabitants.
Specialising in hempcrete and reclaimed hardwood, we bring creative solutions with sensible costs to all of our projects.
Luke Wrencher | Co-Founder / Builder
Luke is an award winning Artist and a NSW registered Builder, he has worked in the UK and Australia on projects ranging from national government initiatives to off-grid homes and brings artistic creativity to our work at Balanced Earth.
Luke’s passion for healthy materials led him to hempcrete, a discovery which would ultimately galvanise the company around this incredible plant, focusing our intention towards developing and pioneering hemp as a building product.
Professional Qualifications and Awards:
NSW Registered Builder 2015
Certificate 4 Building 2015
Certificate 3 Carpentry 2007
BA (Fine Art) - Distinction
Advanced Diploma of ArtsArt Spectrum Award July 1997 Design Tech Award Art Express
Art Spectrum Award July 1997
Wynne Prize Finalist 1996
Design Tech Award - Art Express
Michael Leung | Co-Founder / Designer
Michael is a UK registered architect with over 20 years experience in the building industry. He has worked for TPBennett and KSS in London, Hassell Architects and Lausanne Property in Sydney and been involved in residential and commercial projects across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia, as well as the island nations of Fiji, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. His previous clients include Paspaley projects, GHM hotels, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt, Alila Hotels & Resorts, Malmaison Hotels and Marriott International.
Professional Qualifications and Awards:
Professional practice, London South Bank University, UK
Post-Graduate Diploma (Architecture), London, UK.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Architecture, Liverpool. UK.
Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Hilton Fiji: Pevonia Spa Awards - 2014 Winner "International Spa of the Year"
Pevonia Botanica Hilton Fiji: Luxury Travel Magazine's 2013 Gold List Award - Best Overseas Family Resort
Finalist Hilton Fiji: Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2014, 2013 & 2012
Hilton Fiji: Pevonia Spa Awards - Runner-up 2013 Pevonia Spa of the Year
Indian Ocean Suites: Master Builder Association 2014 Winner of Excellence Award British Gas RIBA Winner of Low Energy Residential Design Award
Freeman and Guilds Excellence Award
Ture Schmidt | Co-Founder / Builder
Ture Schmidt cut his teeth as an apprentice carpenter building passive houses for the family business in north Germany. It was here where he refined traditional carpentry methods & developed a zero-compromise approach to quality, all the while prioritising genuine sustainability in his work.
On his way to Australia, Ture worked all over the world on a wide range of residential projects and brings construction strength and efficient management processes to Balanced Earth. He is the driving force on site, orchestrating the team to deliver on time and to the highest possible level of quality.
Professional Qualifications and Awards:
Registered Builder NSW 2016
Certificate 4 Building 2015
Certificate 3 Carpentry 2007
Site builder for Balanced Earth’s MBA NSW Excellence in Housing award for Energy Efficiency
