We’ve all dreamt of that perfect home - something warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. But, how often do we consider the science behind construction that makes a house not only a thing of beauty but also a safe and comfortable haven? 

We recently sat down with Jess Kismet, a building science consultant who opened our eyes to the hidden factors some of us in the building and construction industry can overlook.

There's something exhilarating about diving into a pool of unknowns. Whether we're reviewing plans for a new project or Ben Cooper is creating a new dish, the thrill of creation emerges from the same curiosity that pushes us beyond what we already know. In our latest conversation with Ben, the executive chef at Melbourne's iconic Chin Chin restaurant, we unearthed profound lessons on staying curious, leading teams, and blending passions with our work.

We've all had those moments in life that change us forever, moments where time seems to halt and priorities shift entirely. In our podcast, we found ourselves diverging from our usual discussions to talk through a very personal experience - one filled with loss, love, and resilience. This journey revolved around child loss, a topic not openly discussed, especially among men.

We recognise that conversations about child loss can be triggering, and for those listening to this episode who have experienced similar losses, please know this story comes from a place of healing and understanding.

When you think of developers, what are the descriptive words that come to mind?

For so many of us, developers are synonymous with greed and arrogance. It’s an unfortunate stereotype that the construction industry is rife with. 

And although developers have earned this reputation, not all are created equal. There are some diamonds in the rough and Liam Wallis happens to be one of them. 

Liam Wallis is the founder of HIP V. HYPE, a group that is revolutionising sustainable development in Australia. Their mission resonates powerfully: "to leave our cities and regions in a better condition than we found them."

Let's face it—the stereotypical image of builders often conjures up thoughts of a rugged, all-male group clocking off early to down a few pints at the local pub. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with bonding over drinks, this old paradigm doesn't necessarily cater to everyone's needs in today's society. It’s an image that fails to encapsulate the diverse talents and ideas that can propel our industry forward. 

Today we’re discussing air quality and ventilation, topics that are often overlooked in home construction and renovation projects. We're unpacking this critical subject with the help of Joel Seagren, the national MVHR Solutions Engineer at Fantech, who unravels the mysteries of airflow, air quality, and their importance in building homes.

Would you let someone who is unqualified perform surgery on you?

Of course not. 

Similarly, building a home without the proper credentials can be daunting and lead to catastrophic failures. However, when done correctly, it is a viable option for many. The key here is understanding the role and embracing the learning curve.

As builders in the Australian market, there's one recurring theme that keeps rearing its head in our conversations, and that's the tender process. It's akin to a race to the bottom, a mad dash where numbers are thrown around like confetti, and every party involved is crossing fingers, hoping all that time they invested in the tender results in actually getting the contract.

This week, we had a chat with two incredible builders, Jake and Brad, about building science, sustainable housing, and the challenges we all face in our field.

Welcome back! This week we’re Joined by the incredible Talina Edward, an architect with a strong commitment to eco-friendly building solutions! 

We recently sat down with our very first international guest Josh Atkins from New Zealand. 

Of course one of the big things we wanted to know is how construction methods vary between New Zealand and Australia. We discuss the different challenges in climate, legislation and more, that builders face in each country.

Guest: Kaia and Chris

Prefabrication can get a bad wrap in the sustainable building world but when used in the right way, it can be a powerful tool for building sustainable and affordable homes. We recently sat down with prefabrication pioneers Chris Gilbert and Kaia McCarty Smith to discuss how it can support a better building future. 

Guest: Jeremy McLeod

That’s the world architect Jeremy McLeod is fighting for, and he joins us today to share the how and the why behind this dream. 

Jeremy is the co founder of both Breathe Architecture and Nightingale Housing, where he works to bring sustainability, community, and innovation to the forefront of the building industry. 

Guest: Brad

You might remember today’s guest from all the way back in episode eight! Brad McEwan is a passionate builder, and a good friend who joins us now as a regular guest on the show.

Guest: Sven - Maxa Design

Last week we shared the first half of our conversation with Sven Maxa about how we can build for a better future. This week’s episode is the second half of that conversation and we’re discussing how passive house standards and strong community bonds can help us achieve those goals.

Guest: Sven - Maxa Design

The world is changing, and the way we build our homes should change too. People are increasingly passionate about their health, comfort and the environment – which is where Passive Houses come in.

Guest: Our friend Julie the Psychologist

Have you ever wondered why you feel perpetually drained, despite clocking out on time?

It’s been a big week in the building industry and sometimes we’re not quite sure how to feel, which is why we want to break down some of the big changes we’ve noticed and what they could mean down the line!

Guest: Nadia Cole - Platylobium Landscape Design

Landscaping and the difference it can make when building an enjoyable, and sustainable home.

Guest: Goodbye Gas

Is your home still running on outdated gas energy? 

Maybe the effort of switching to electric doesn’t seem worthwhile, but it definitely is. Going electric isn't just about cutting carbon emissions – it improves the comfort of your home and saves you money! What’s not to love?