In this episode, we sit down with Harley Truong, the godfather of Passive Houses in Australia, to explore his incredible journey from public servant to sustainability pioneer. Twelve years ago, Harley was working at the Department of Defence in Canberra when he decided he'd had enough of Australia's zero-star energy efficiency housing and drafty homes. We dive into how he took on the ambitious challenge of building his own passive house without ever having stepped foot in one, using research from Germany's Passive House Institute to create what would become a trendsetting masterpiece.

We talk about the reality of building without a blueprint and how Harley had to literally rewrite the rules to achieve his vision. His meticulous approach resulted in an astounding 0.1 air changes per hour—and we explore what that actually means and why it matters. The conversation gets really interesting when we discuss how one exceptional house wasn't enough for Harley, leading him to recognise a massive gap in the Australian market and found Logikhaus to import high-performance European windows, essentially becoming both consultant and supplier to help other builders achieve their eco-dreams.

Throughout our chat, we explore Harley's bigger vision for the industry and how he's catalysing crucial conversations about providing better, more sustainable housing for all Australians. We discuss his goal of making high-performance windows the norm rather than the exception, and why he believes we're just at the beginning of an inclusive industry revolution. If you're interested in sustainable building, pioneering business moves, or just love hearing about someone who dared to dream bigger, this conversation will inspire you.

LINKS:

Connect with Harley:

Website: https://www.logikhaus.com.au/

Instagram: @logikhaus.windows

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

"What happens if I make my house airtight but have no mechanical ventilation?" This question comes up more often than you'd think, and the answer might surprise you. We sat down with Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics and Brad McEwan from Sanford BuildCo to tackle this and other building questions from our social media following that every builder should understand.

Building a high-performance home isn't just about achieving airtightness - it's about understanding how all building elements work together. The key takeaway? You cannot have an airtight building without proper mechanical ventilation. The energy and comfort benefits only work when you maintain healthy indoor air quality.

For builders serious about high-performance construction, remember that details matter, and investing in proper ventilation systems isn't optional - it's essential for creating truly healthy homes.

If you’d like to submit a question for us to discuss on the podcast, reach out to us on Instagram.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

Winter hits different when you're working outdoors. The sun disappears by 4 pm, the cold seeps into your bones, and suddenly that motivation you had in summer feels like a distant memory. If you've noticed your mood dropping with the temperature, you're not imagining things. We sat down with our good friend and psychologist, Julie to understand why winter affects us so deeply and what we can actually do about it.

Winter challenges are normal, but they don't have to derail your mental health. These strategies work best when implemented consistently, not just when you're already struggling. If you notice symptoms persisting or worsening, professional help can make a significant difference.

Remember, acknowledging winter's impact on your mental state isn't weakness, it's awareness that leads to better self-care.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

Window installation may not instantly grab your attention, but for anyone involved in building or renovating, it's a critical aspect that cannot be neglected. Think about why we have windows: they connect our living spaces with the outside world, offering natural light, beautiful views, and essential ventilation. However, beyond these obvious reasons, there is a layer of complexity and science in window installation that is necessary to explore further.

When it comes to window installation, the type of window is fundamentally essential. Each type has its nuances. It’s these differences that require us to break down and approach each installation uniquely. Matt aptly noted during our latest podcast that while there are some industry standards, every project has nuance and a unique set of challenges.

If you’re navigating window installations—whether you're a seasoned builder or an enthusiastic DIYer, it’s about more than just inserting glass into a gap. It's about strategising each move, considering the materials, and above all, applying a thoughtful blend of science and practicality to the process.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

This is part 2 of our conversation with Cameron Munro about insulation. We recommend listening to part 1 first before listening to this episode.

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When it comes to building or renovating a home, insulation is one of those topics that seems simple on the surface, but quickly gets complicated. That’s why we brought in Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics to help us break down how insulation really works. In part two of this conversation we pivot the topic to focus on insulation used in walls and roof spaces.

After talking with Cam, we’re more convinced than ever that insulation is about more than just picking a product off the shelf. It’s about understanding how heat and moisture move through your home, choosing the right materials for your climate and design, and making sure everything is installed with care. If you want a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home, don’t cut corners on insulation—or on the expertise you bring in to get it right.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics to really dig into the world of insulation. If you’ve ever wondered why your house feels too hot or too cold, or if you’re curious about how the colour of your roof actually affects your comfort, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• Insulation is about controlling heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation all matter.
• The colour of your roof or cladding has an impact, but it’s less important in well-designed, high-performance buildings.
• Still air is a great insulator; moving air (convection) is not.
• Windows are complex—double/triple glazing, air gaps, and coatings all affect performance.
• Context is everything: what works in one climate or building type may not work in another.
• Moisture management is just as important as thermal performance.

A huge thanks to Dr. Cameron Munro for sharing his expertise and helping us unpack the science (and myths) around insulation. If you’re designing, building, or renovating, we hope this episode—and this article—gives you a clearer understanding of what really matters when it comes to keeping your home comfortable and efficient.

We recorded this episode in two parts, so look out for part two where we move further into wall and roof insulation.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

3,214 Australians. That's how many lives were lost to suicide in 2023. As builders, we're experts at measuring, calculating, and fixing physical problems - but when it comes to mental health, many of us struggle to even start the conversation. That's why when Matt and I met Nick Hudson, founder of the Pushup Challenge, we knew his story needed sharing with our community.

This conversation inspired us to take action. We're mobilising the Mindful Builder community - contractors, architects, designers, and everyone in between - to participate in this year's Pushup Challenge. Our industry faces unique mental health challenges, and it's time we addressed them together.

Participation is free, and while fundraising for organisations like Headspace and Lifeline is an option, the real value comes from joining a community committed to mental fitness. For those who've experienced loss due to mental health struggles, this isn't just about pushups - it's about potentially saving lives.

Ready to make a difference? Visit the Pushup Challenge website, sign up individually or create a team, and start building mental fitness alongside physical strength. Can't do traditional pushups? Modified versions work just as well - what matters is participation and awareness.

Let's build a stronger industry from the inside out.

LINKS:

The Pushup Challenge

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

"Nobody wants to be a carpenter anymore." It feels like this rings true in the building industry today. We’re seeing a shift in Australia’s trades landscape, and it’s time to talk about it. We’re exploring why carpentry apprenticeships - once highly sought after - are now struggling to attract and retain talent.

Whether you're in the industry or considering a trade career, the insights from this conversation may help you think differently about where this industry is headed.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/