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In this conversation, I discuss the principles of high performance building at length with Matt Risinger, focusing on the importance of durability, water management, building science education, and the cultural differences in building practices between Australia and the US. Matt shares insights from his experiences in Australia, emphasising the need for transparency and learning from mistakes in the building industry. We also explore the concept of the 'Perfect Wall' and the upcoming "Build HD" standard aimed at improving building durability and health.

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Thanks so much - Jess

Useful links

That video - Matt has concerns Australia!

Level Up conference

Build Show

Building Science 101, 201 and 301

Risinger Build

Who is Dr Joe Lstiburek?

Steel frame done properly - page 13

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to High Performance Building

02:37 Lessons from Australia: Building Communication and Practices

05:16 The Importance of Water Management in Building

08:03 Design Principles: Overhangs and Eaves in Modern Construction

10:42 Learning from Mistakes: Building Science and Durability

13:11 The Perfect Wall: A Concept for Longevity

15:42 Durability vs. Energy Efficiency in Building Practices

18:32 Identifying Common Building Mistakes

21:13 The European Influence on Building Standards

23:28 Mindset Shift: Building for Longevity

26:15 Innovations in Building Materials and Techniques

28:39 Exploring Flat Roofs and Durability

30:13 Mindset of Durability in Construction

31:44 Introducing the HD Standard

33:42 Build Show Live Conference Insights

36:00 Networking and Collaboration in the Building Industry

37:49 Building Science Education and Resources

43:57 Advice for Australian Builders

47:12 Condensation Concerns in Building

52:31 Lessons Learned in the Building Industry

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In this episode, I sat down with Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect. Amelia has been empowering homeowners in the building and renovation process, and upskilling builders in their businesses. In this episode she shares her journey in architecture, the challenges homeowners face, and the importance of communication and education in the industry. The conversation covers the PAC process, managing client expectations, and the significance of moisture management in building health. Amelia emphasizes the responsibility of builders to educate homeowners and create lasting impacts on communities through their work.

Useful Links

Under Cover Architect

Undercover Architect Podcast

Live Life Build

Full show notes:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/20-communication-collaboration-education-and-designing-better-homes-with-amelia-lee

In this conversation, Jess Kismet and Dr. Cameron Munro delve into the intricacies of building performance, focusing on how to create comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient homes. They discuss Cameron's background in aerospace engineering and how it informs his approach to building science. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of mechanical ventilation, the impact of renovations on comfort, moisture management, and the significance of window and roof performance in building design. Cameron emphasises the need for clear communication of building performance metrics to clients and the importance of understanding the balance between passive and active heating and cooling systems.

Links

Cameron Munroe on the Mindful Builder podcast - Part 1

Cameron Munroe on the Mindful Builder podcast - Part 2

In this conversation, Jess Kismet interviews Anthony Benger, a carpenter from Melbourne who shares his personal journey with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) caused by mould exposure. The discussion explores the intersection of health and building practices, emphasizing the importance of creating healthy living environments. Anthony reflects on his experiences with chronic illness, the challenges of navigating the building industry, and the need for better education on environmental health. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding how our home environments impact our health and well-being, advocating for a shift towards healthier building practices.

Links

Mould illness resource list

Toxic Mould Support Australia

Geovital

Surviving Mold - Dr Ritchie Shoemaker

NSJ Enviro - David Lark

Toxic Mould Support Australia Facebook group

HERTSMI test

Other links

Advanced Diploma in Building Biology - ACES

Leviticus 14:33–53 - there actually is a verse in the bible that says if a house is mouldy the priest should declare that the house should be torn down!

Tools app website

Tools app instagram page

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Building Psychology and Personal Journey

01:37 Navigating Chronic Illness and Its Impact on Work

07:01 The Shift from Theory to Practical Building Solutions

12:24 Building Practices and the Importance of Healthy Homes

17:20 Understanding Environmental Illness and Its Implications

22:22 A Day in the Life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

33:51 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in the Building Industry

40:10 Connecting the Dots: Mold Illness and Home Environment

50:09 Final Thoughts on Health and Home Environment

Join Jess Kismet as she delves into the world of high-performance building envelopes with James Pinyon, Kingspan's Technical Services Manager. Discover the intricacies of insulation, thermal performance, and the evolving standards in sustainable building. From the challenges of condensation in modern constructions to the innovative solutions Kingspan is pioneering, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how buildings can be made not just code-compliant, but genuinely better to live and work in. Tune in for insights on the future of insulation and sustainable building practices.

Full show notes, chapters and links can be found here:

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In this episode, I chat to Sean Buchanan, an incredible builder from Northern Tasmania, to explore his journey into the world of building science. Sean shares his insights on the importance of creating durable and healthy homes, the challenges faced in the industry, and his vision for the future. Tune in to learn how Sean is making a difference in the construction world and inspiring the next generation of builders. He's the cool nerd we all need in our lives!

In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Rosen, the founder of Home Energy Academy, to talk about building science, electrification, and homeowner engagement. Spencer shares his journey into home energy education and why he’s so passionate about helping both homeowners and professionals better understand energy efficiency and sustainable living.

We chat about the challenges of upgrading existing homes, the need for a stronger baseline of knowledge among homeowners, and the exciting potential of bringing these ideas into schools. Spencer also told me all about his software development work focused on improving home energy solutions, and we chat through some smart marketing strategies that actually help energy upgrades gain traction.

We wrap up by imagining what ideal energy communities could look like and how to design homes that are truly energy-efficient offering a hopeful look at what's possible for a more sustainable future.

Show notes can be found here:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/15-when-you-know-better-you-build-better-with-spencer-rosen

In this conversation, I chat with Jess Ward, the founder of Mould Wise, about the vital intersection of health and home environments, particularly focusing on mould exposure and its health implications. Jess Ward shares her personal journey from experiencing severe health issues due to mould exposure to becoming a mould inspector. Our chat covers common misconceptions about mould, the connection between mould exposure and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, and the importance of proper mould remediation. Jess emphasises the need for awareness and education regarding mould-related health issues and the significance of maintaining a healthy home environment.

Show notes can be found here:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/14-mould-misdiagnosis-and-the-making-of-a-healthy-home-with-jess-ward