Heating your home isn’t just about turning on a switch, it’s about comfort, efficiency, and making choices that suit your lifestyle and budget. In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of home heating, exploring the wide variety of options available to homeowners in Tasmania and beyond. From traditional wood heaters and pellet systems to reverse cycle, hydronic, and geothermal solutions, they break down how each system works, the costs involved, maintenance requirements, and long-term efficiency.

Frank and Amelia discuss practical considerations like retrofitting older homes, the importance of insulation and thermal performance, and how your choice of heating can impact both your energy bills and the environment. They also highlight the often-overlooked benefits of passive solar design, showing how smart placement of living areas and windows can harness the sun’s energy to naturally warm your home, free of cost and emissions.

Listeners will gain insights into choosing the right heating system for their needs, understanding the balance between upfront investment and long-term returns, and how to optimise comfort for every season of life. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or simply curious about making your current space warmer and more sustainable, this episode is packed with expert advice, real-life examples, and tips you won’t want to miss. And be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode, there's a new topic each week!

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia welcome back Sam from SM Building for the second instalment of our two-part series on Passive House design (If you haven't listened to part one yet go back to the previous episode first so you can hear the full instalment). Frank, Amelia and Sam dive deeper into what it really takes to build and certify a home to this international standard. They explore the processes, inspections, and rigorous testing that set a Passive House apart from a standard build.

From understanding the role of the Australian Passive House Association and how to find certified professionals, to recognising the significance of the certification plaque, we uncover the steps that prove a home is more than just “inspired by” Passive House principles. Sam shares his experience navigating the added documentation, blower door testing, and quality checks that create a home built for comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term durability.

They also open up an honest conversation about quality in the broader building industry and why it’s often overlooked, how price-driven decisions can compromise outcomes, and what clients should really look for when choosing a builder. With practical advice on interviewing builders, checking references, and building trust early in the design journey, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a new home or renovation.

If you’ve been curious about Passive House or simply want to better understand how to secure a high-quality build, this episode is full of takeaways to help you make informed decisions. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Every week there is a different topic!

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia sat down with Sam from SM Building, who recently achieved something remarkable, completing the very first certified Passive House units in Launceston. Sam opens up about his journey of navigating the process for the first time, sharing both the opportunities and the challenges of bringing this globally recognised building standard to Tasmania.

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into creating a Passive House this conversation is for you. Frank, Amelia, and Sam explore the five key principles that make these homes so efficient, the lessons Sam learned onsite, and how he overcame hurdles around design, detailing, and cost. You’ll hear why comfort and health are just as important as energy savings, and how simple changes in building practice can completely transform the way we live in our homes.

Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or simply curious about the future of sustainable housing, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible when you rethink the way we design and build. Sam’s experience is proof that with the right mindset and commitment, better homes are well within reach.

It's definitely an episode not to be missed! This is part one of a two part series so be sure to check out the following epsiode so you can listen to part 2.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.