In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a rambunctious chat with high-performance builders Hamish White and Matt Carland to discuss the intricacies of constructing sustainable homes in Australia.
We delve into the challenges faced in the residential construction industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for better education around energy efficiency.
The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding building practices, the significance of Passivhaus certification, and the potential for innovative projects to push the boundaries of construction standards. Ultimately, the episode emphasises that building better is a choice that can lead to healthier living environments.
It is also, so far, the only episode I have had to place the explicit warning on so don't say you weren't warned! Haha a great chat with a couple of fantastic builders who want to see the industry they love rise up. Enjoy!
Show notes can be found here:
https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/13-passivhaus-performance-the-power-of-building-science-with-hamish-white-and-matthew-carland
This is the longest episode yet, but it’s worth every minute!
In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I interview Clarence Macalister, a builder and scientist with extensive experience in remediation and condensation management. In our chat we go deep into problems created by moisture and also into roof ventilation, finally an explanation!!
We chat about the nuances of Passivhaus design, the role of sensors in monitoring building conditions, and share case studies of building failures.
Clarence has a huge amount of practical skill and experience we can all learn, from so tune in and put any questions or feedback in the comments!
Find show notes can be found here:
In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Clare Conroy, who shares her unique journey from homeowner to project manager at 35 South Building Co. Clare opens up about entering the construction industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of relationships and trust in building. The conversation explores the responsibility that comes with creating homes, the misconceptions around energy efficiency, and how building smaller can still mean building better.
Clare also introduces her inspiring new project aimed at making building science accessible to children through storytelling - teaching concepts like insulation and orientation in fun, engaging ways. We highlight the urgent need for better education around building performance for both professionals and the public, and the power of knowledge sharing to create meaningful change in the industry.
Show notes can be found here:
https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/11-responsibility-energy-efficiency-purpose-with-clare-conroy
In this episode, I interview Villy Yordanov, a mechanical engineer and innovation engineer at Pro Clima. We discuss the importance of building science, sustainability, and moisture management in construction. Villy shares his journey into the field, the role of WUFI in hygrothermal modeling, and the significant challenges associated with managing moisture in concrete structures. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about moisture in buildings, the balance between air tightness and vapour control, and the latest innovations in building science.
Show notes can be found here
In this episode, Cindy Angel shares her journey of building a sustainable home with her husband Shane in Lake Caddai. As a thermal performance assessor, Cindy discusses the challenges and triumphs of designing their home, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency, healthy building principles, and collaboration with builders. She reflects on her educational background, the use of NatHERS software for energy assessments, and the lessons learned throughout the construction process. Cindy also highlights the significance of creating a home that supports well-being and the impact of building materials on health.
Episode show notes:
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Episode Summary
In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a chat with Ken Long, the Regional Sustainability Manager at LendLease and chairperson of the Adelaide Sustainable Building Network. We discuss Ken's journey into sustainability, the role of the ASBN in promoting sustainable practices, and the importance of community engagement. Ken shares insights on the challenges of making sustainability, the significance of the Green Book as a resource, and the need for policy changes to ensure better living conditions through sustainable housing. The conversation emphasises the importance of construction details in achieving energy-efficient homes and the collective responsibility to foster a sustainable future.
Useful Links From Our Chat
Adelaide Sustainable Building Network
Glenn Murcutt - Australian Architect
Sustainable House Day - 5th May 2025
Sustainable House Day - Webinar series 2025
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Architecture
01:10 Ken's Journey into Sustainability
06:11 The Role of Education in Sustainability
09:06 The Adelaide Sustainable Building Network
14:58 Engagement and Community in Sustainability
20:17 Events and Networking Opportunities
25:17 Challenges in Promoting Sustainability
29:43 Making Sustainability Appealing
31:42 The Perception of Sustainability
35:02 Social Dynamics and Sustainability
40:12 The Green Book: A Resource for Sustainability
45:03Policy Changes for Sustainable Living
52:52Key Takeaways on Sustainable HousingFollow B
In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I speak with Sean Maxwell, the ATTMA Scheme Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about the importance of airtightness testing in building science. We chat about the role of blower door testing, the regulatory landscape surrounding airtightness, and the significance of the NatHERS star rating system. Sean shares insights from recent studies, including the CSIRO report on airtightness in Australian homes, and emphasises the need for better building practices to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive positive change in the construction industry.
Useful links from our chat
Red Pen Test - AIVAA
CISRO 2015 - House Energy Efficiency Inspections Report
CSIRO 2024 - Air Infiltration of New Dwellings 2024
International Energy Conservation Code
NatHERS - National House Energy Rating Scheme
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)
00:00 Introduction to Airtightness and Building Science
00:24 The Role of Blower Door Testing
03:20 Understanding Airtightness and Its Importance
06:35 Quality Control and Airtightness Testing
09:34 Common Misconceptions About Airtightness
12:34 Ventilation Strategies in Airtight Homes
15:30 Regulatory Landscape for Airtightness Testing
19:47 Building with Purpose: The Atma Philosophy
22:09 The Importance of Objective Assessments in Building Quality
23:27 NatHERS Ratings and the Need for Air Tightness
28:07 Opportunities for Improvement in Energy Efficiency
30:56 Achieving Air Tightness: Practical Strategies
36:28 The Impact of Recent Studies on Building Practices
41:31 Future Directions: Advocacy for Better Building Standards
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and a full transcript and sign up to the mailing list here!
Sponsor Websites
Climasure - www.climasure.com.au
Enduro Builders - www.endurobuilders.com.au
In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I was incredibly privileged to have a private conversation with Dr. Joe Lstiburek, a leading figure in building science, to discuss critical issues surrounding building design, energy efficiency, and moisture management. We explored common myths in the industry, the importance of proper insulation and cladding, and the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in relation to bushfire resilience. Dr. Lstiburek emphasises the need for source control in indoor air quality and the importance of using appropriate materials in construction. Our conversation highlights the lessons learned from past mistakes in building practices and the need for innovative solutions in the future.Useful Links from our chatwww.buildingscience.com - Dr Joe Lstibureks' website
https://research.csiro.au/bushfire/new-builds/roofs/ - Bushfire Best Practice GuideChapters
00:00 Introduction to Building Science and Dr. Joe Lstiburek
01:41 Debunking Myths in Building Science
05:32 Render and Insulation: A Complex Relationship
11:56 Moisture Management in Building Design
18:11 Learning from Past Mistakes in Building Practices
26:39 Understanding Roof Design and Challenges
29:38 The Debate: Plywood vs OSB
32:10 Building Materials and Fire Safety
39:00Venting Issues and Building Resilience
42:10 Industry Practices and Recommendations
46:15 Legacy and Indoor Air Quality Awareness
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and a full transcript and sig up to the mailing list here!
Settle in during your drive or with a coffee at home for this episode because it’s a bit of a longer one.
In this conversation, I interview Dr Nicole Bijslma about her extensive 30+year journey in building biology and her personal experiences with environmental health issues. Nicole shares how her struggles with miscarriages led her to explore the impact of homes on health, sparking a deep dive into environmental exposures, geopathic stress, and the connection between feng shui and building biology. A key focus of our chat is the critical role of mould in chronic illnesses, its remediation, and the importance of education in preventing mould-related problems in our homes. We discuss advice for homeowners and builders, emphasising timely drying after water events, carefully considered construction practices, and the urgent need for greater awareness of mould’s health impacts. With mould being alarmingly prevalent in Australian homes, it’s so important to understand proactive measures to ensure healthier living environments so I hope you enjoy our conversation!
Thanks for listening! Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought or if you have any questions!
Useful links from our chat
ACES - Australian College of Natural Sciences website
Healthy Home Healthy Family - Nicole’s best selling book
CIRS & Mould Medical Testing Information
S520 - IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mould Remediation
S500 - NSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration
Mould in the Home 101 - excellent website / resource
Mould - scroll through for information on the HEPA sandwich cleaning method and more
Von Pohl - The man who has been described as the modern 'father' of geopathic stress.
Timestamps
00:00 The Journey Begins: Building Biology and Personal Experience
03:26 Environmental Impact on Health: The Role of Chemicals and EMFs
09:51 Understanding Geopathic Stress and Its Effects
16:34 Feng Shui and Building Biology: The Connection to Well-Being
20:30 Mold: The Silent Health Threat
24:16 Navigating Environmental Challenges in Modern Living
26:58 Introduction to Mould in Building Biology
29:22 Mold Remediation Techniques
32.37 Understanding Mold Conditions and Standards
35.14 Health Impacts of Mold Exposure
37.54 The Role of Construction Practices
41.16 The Importance of Education and Awareness
43.54 Practical Tips for a Healthy Home
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch as jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and a full transcript and sign up to the mailing list here!
In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Feiss shares her journey in building a passive house, discussing the principles of passive house design, the importance of energy efficiency in building codes, and the challenges faced in the Australian construction industry. She emphasises the need for better education and training for builders and designers, as well as the growing influence of homeowners in driving sustainable building practices. The discussion highlights the potential for improvement in building standards and the importance of understanding building physics for creating healthy living environments.
Thanks for listening! Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought or if you have any questions!
Useful links from our chat
Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings - https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/energy-efficiency/buildings/trajectory-low-energy-buildings
Sustainable Builders Alliance - https://www.thesba.com.au/
Net Zero Ready Homes - https://netzeroenergybuilder.com.au/netzero/welcome
Tools app - https://buildingtools.co/
Little Pot of Gold - https://www.envirotecture.com.au/little-pot-of-gold/
Sarah’s Insta account - https://www.instagram.com/sarahfiess_architect/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Passive House and Sarah's Journey
02:48 Building a Passive House: The Process and Principles
05:42 Understanding Passive House Certification and Standards
08:07 The Role of Building Codes in Energy Efficiency
10:49 Challenges in Australian Building Practices
12:53 The Importance of Education in Sustainable Building
15:56 The Future of Building: Going Beyond Minimum Standards
21:18 Building Healthy Structures
23:32 Navigating the National Construction Code
27:24 Future of Sustainable Building in Australia
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch as jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and a full transcript and sign up to the mailing list here!
In this conversation, I interview Ben Walsham, an energy efficiency consultant, about his journey from architecture to energy consulting. We discuss the importance of sustainable building practices, the impact of evolving building codes, and the need for collaboration between architects and energy consultants. Ben emphasises a human-centered approach to energy efficiency, focusing on how buildings affect the occupants' comfort and well-being. We also touch on trends in renovations, compliance pathways for energy efficiency, and the future of energy standards in the building industry.
Thank for listening! Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought or if you have any questions!
Useful Links from our Chat
TED Talk - Unfortunately I couldn't find the exact video we talked about in this episode but here are some other great TED talks!
What's a McMansion and how can we prevent more of them?
How architecture can create dignity for all
Ministerial Building Standard 013
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and full transcript and sign up to the mailing list here!
In this episode, I interview Jackson Digney, Director of Enduro Builders and South Australia's undisputed leader in energy-efficient building. We discuss Jackson's journey into sustainable building, the importance of education and quality control in the industry, and the challenges of maintaining high standards in carpentry. We chat about the performance gap in building practices and the need for continuous professional development among builders to ensure better outcomes for clients. Tune in for more!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Efficiency in Building
00:45 Jackson's Journey to Sustainable Building
04:13 The Importance of Education in Building Practices
07:07 Quality Control in Carpentry and Building
11:26 Designing for Performance: Closing the Gap
15:09 Addressing the Performance Gap in Building
19:04 The Need for Continuous Professional Development
20:43 Understanding Construction Pricing and Value
23:11 Energy Efficiency in Building: Three Levels Explained
28:01 The Importance of Thermal Bridging in Construction
30:41 Navigating Mould Issues in New Homes
32:18 The Role of Energy Modeling in Building Design
Useful links from our chat
SA Passivhaus Display Home Website
SA Passivhaus Display Home Airbnb
What is Heat Recovery Ventilation?
Follow Building Sciology on the gram or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!
Visit the website for show notes and full transcript!
Join the mailing list here
I’m excited to introduce the The Building Sciology Poddie — in it I bring you a blend of building science and biology knowledge I have gathered over the last decade or so. I started in building design game and evolved very quickly into energy efficiency and sustainability. I like a pretty building as much as anyone else, but knowing how they work and how to get it right from the beginning makes way more sense to me. Through my years in this industry, I’ve realised how crucial good information is because the unfortunate fact is that what gets designed is not always what gets built and professionals in varying pockets of the industry not all the same in their skills and integrity. Some are super keen to learn and improve, others not so much so my mission is to improve communication around building codes and better building practices here in Australia!
That’s why I’m thrilled to announce the launch of this podcast. It’s a space to fill those knowledge gaps and connect with everyone involved in the building industry—from designers and builders to homeowners and more.
Head here for more information and our contact page.
Click here for the Building Sciology Instagram page.
Sponsors
Thank you so much to Enduro Builders and Climasure for your support!
Head to their social pages and follow along!
Climasure - Facebook / Instagram
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Building Sciology Podcast
00:26 A bit of a backstory
02:05 A quick sponsor shoutout
02:29 Then came building biology
04:08 The Purpose of the Podcast
05:05 Upcoming Episodes and Guest Lineup
05:57 Get in touch! See you on January 6th 2025 for the official launch of the Building Sciology Poddie!!
Jess xx
