Concrete Conversations

Concrete masonry has been a material of choice within the architectural and construction world for years. It provides one of the best returns on your construction investment and has been known as a strong and durable material throughout the ages, being used in Ancient Egyptian pyramids, Greek temples, Roman cities, and the Great Wall of China. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre, and special guest, Matthew Ching, cover topics such as; Sustainability benefits from thermal mass including heating and cooling; Recyclability of concrete masonry units; Aesthetic applications of concrete masonry; Concrete masonry acoustic superiority; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.  Mentioned in this episode: CMAA MA55 Masonry Benefits Architectural Masonry Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @adbrimasonry on Instagram

Michael White is the co-founder of Freadman White Architects, along side his partner in life and work - Ilana Freadman. Michael is a driven architect and for Freadman White, architecture isn't just about the built form, it's also about the human response to the architecture itself, the experience and atmosphere it creates - thoughtful modulations in light and shade, proportion, function and flexibility are expressed through uncompromising construction, enduring materials and a minimal, yet warm, aesthetic which can then evoke that human response.   In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Michael White will explore the spaces he found the most inspiring through life, and the ins and outs of working with your life partner.    Listen to the full episode to discover more of the following: Growing up in different areas and how this effected Michael's view of architecture and spaces The design of appropriate housing in Australia and the Australian climate The use of hit and miss screens for Freadman White's project Napier street for Milieu and the many benefits of this Eduardo Souto de Moura and his influential work on the Monastery in Portugal Some projects should be preserved in terms of their history and structural "bones" - and how this was achieved by Eduardo Souto de Moura   This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.   Mentioned in this episode: Freadman White Architects Parliament House in Port Moresby, PNG Hobart Collage Passive Design Eduardo Souro de Moura Napier Street for Milieu Hoddle House Kevin Borland Masonry Award Think Brick Awards   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @freadmanwhite on Instagram

In this episode on the Concrete Conversations Block Series, we cover everything to do with weatherproofing and Concrete Masonry.   In this episode your host, Cathy Inglis our acting CEO and our Technical team member Jack Wang discuss; Why weatherproofing is important; What happens when you don't weatherproof; How to weatherproof concrete masonry; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode:   Technical Manuals   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

In this episode on the Concrete Conversations Block Series, we cover the different types of masonry walling systems used in engineering.   In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre with our Technical team member Jason McKenzie cover; The difference between single skin and solid concrete masonry walls; Concrete veneer walls and how it is the best system for thermal performance; Reverse Concrete masonry veneer walling systems; Cavity concrete masonry; and much more...   This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode:   Technical Manuals AS 3700   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

In this episode on the Concrete Conversations Block Series, we cover how different types of masonry walling systems are designed. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre with our special guest, Michael Koungras Senior Structural Engineer cover; The common types of architectural walling systems used and how they are designed; Hit and miss walls and their purpose as a structural and aesthetic feature; The different types of curved walls and how each wall is designed; The different walling systems designed for aesthetic purposes such as stackbonding and textured walls (Corbelling); and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode:   Technical Manuals AS 3700   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

In this episode on the Concrete Conversations Block Series, we cover the benefits of concrete masonry as a an efective fireproofing material across all types of residential and commerical structures. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre with our engineering team member, Nicholas Bannigan cover; How Concrete Masonry works best as a fireproofing material; Nature of bushfires in Australia and the contributing factors behind them; Fire Resistance levels of concrete masonry; Fireproofing methods; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode:   Technical Manuals   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

In this episode on the Concrete Conversations Block Series, we cover all the different types of colours and finishes for concrete masonry.   In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre with our special guest, Michael Koungras Senior Structural Engineer cover; The different colours produced in concrete masonry; The prime determinants of colour in concrete masonry; How different finishes are produced; The types of face units including plain face, split face, honed face and shotblast units and much more...   This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode:   Technical Manuals   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

In this episode on the Concrete Conversations Block Series, we cover the benefits and process behind using recycled materials in the manufacturing of concrete bricks. Using recycled materials in the manufacturing of concrete bricks has major benefits when it comes to sustainability by reducing the amount of waste products that are destined for landfill. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre, and special guest, William Stewart Sales and Marketing Manager from Natural Brick co, cover topics such as; William's experience in Kenya and Uganda learning about how people adapt to a culture of sustainability; The passion behind handcrafting sustainable masonry at Natural Brick co; Wood Stone as a sustainability masonry material; The manufacturing processes behind sustainable bricks; Product benefits and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.  Mentioned in this episode: Natural Brick Co Wood Stone Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Concrete masonry comes in many different shapes and sizes. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre, and special guest, Matthew Ching, cover topics such as; How concrete blocks are classified; The coding system; Types of concrete blocks; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.  Mentioned in this episode: CMAA MA55 Masonry Benefits Architectural Masonry Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @adbrimasonry on Instagram

In the concrete masonry industry, there are guidelines and provisions to ensure masonry construction results in a safe, durable, and appropriate product. This is done by following construction codes and standards such as the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards documents. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre, and special guest, Jack Gill, cover topics such as; NCC 2019 and 2022; ABCB Housing Standard; AS3700, AS4773 and AS4455; Our own in-house manual MA55; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.  Mentioned in this episode: CMAA MA55 Masonry Benefits Architectural Masonry Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Stuart Holmes studied at Deakin University and completed his Bachelor of Architecture with Honours in 1995. Since then he has gained extensive experience in institutional, commercial and residential architecture and has worked variously as a sole practitioner, collaborator and project architect. An avid traveller, Stuart seeks a holistic understanding of architecture and culture, and a rounded understanding of place. In this episode, your host, Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Stuart Holmes, have an interesting conversation which covers topics such as;  Growing up in Victoria; How different experiences shaped his career path; Some must-see international architecture; His award-winning project, Wabi Sabi; and much more...  This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: Wabi Sabi Think Brick Awards Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Ingrid Richards co-founded Richards and Spence Architects with Adrian Spence in 2008 with the aim of creating vibrant public spaces from private commissions. She has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Queensland and has practiced in her hometown of Brisbane for over 20 years. Richards brings strategic thinking and urban choreography to the practice of architecture.  In this episode, your host, Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Ingrid Richards, have an interesting conversation which covers topics such as;  Growing up in Brisbane; The beginnings of Richards and Spence; How her experiences in Europe shaped her career path; The reasons for using concrete blocks in their projects; and much more...  This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: Richards and Spence La Scala Think Brick Top 40 Think Brick Awards   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @richardsandspence on Instagram

Led by Ilana Freadman and Michael White, Freadman White embeds a curiosity-driven and experientially charged tension in its architecture. Seeking to reveal beauty in seemingly simple and often overlooked settings, they strive to create visually intriguing and emotionally resonant spaces.   Believing architecture's mandate to making positive contributions to individual lives and the wider urban plan, Freadman White designs contextually informed structures with disciplined whimsy. Rather than responding literally to physical surrounds, they pursue sensorial and textural moments informed by memories of place and the achievements of modern architecture.   In this episode, your host, Elizabeth McIntyre, and our guest, Ilana Freadman, talk about her amusing childhood memories, Kevin Borland's influence on her architectural development, early career stage struggles, and why the chemistry between work and life partners benefit both life and work.   Listen to the full episode to discover more of the following: Main influential sources that led Ilana to pursue architecture; Ilana's first introduction to Kevin Borland's architecture, and how it shaped her architectural vision; What role Ilana's European heritage plays in her household and office environment; How Ilana was introduced to Kevin Borland's first interior ceiling device; Unconventional child activities shaping Ilana's views towards art; Design methodology and fundamentals behind their multi-award-winning projects; Her journey from the first steps into the world of architecture to building her own firm; Dealing with hectic work schedule establishing Freadman White; A glimpse into Ilana and Michael's companionship and the roles they take; Ilana and Michael's lateral solution acquiring their first house;   This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.   Mentioned in this episode: Hoddle House North Melbourne Residences Napier Street for Milieu Kevin Borland Kennedy Nolan Claire Cousins NGV   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @freadmanwhite on Instagram

Andrew Hagemann founded the multi-award winning architecture practice Fringe Architects, now AHArchitecture which is an inventive, client collaborative Architecture Studio led by Andrew. AHA operates in the most remote and isolated capital city in the world, which in recent times has seen Western Australia stand out as a desirable destination to live and work. In this episode, your host, Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Andrew Hagemann, have an interesting conversation which covers topics such as;  Growing up in Perth, WA; Going to university at Curtin Uni and some of the first projects he worked on; How growing up in Perth informed his idea of architecture; An informative gap year; The first jobs and firms Andrew has as an architect; The reasons for using blocks in his projects; The challenges for architecture in the coming years; and much more...  This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: Perth AHArchitecture Think Brick Top 40 Think Brick Awards   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @aharchitecture_ on Instagram

Darren Kaye co-founded Topology Studio with Amy Hallett in 2012. Together, they bring to their practice a combined 40 years of experience in delivering projects with inherently complex and unique briefs, and a passion for exacting design standards. In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Darren Kaye, have an intriguing conversation covering topics such as: Growing up in Adelaide, South Australia and how he started his career in architecture; How his experiences overseas in Europe and India shaped his career path; The beginnings of Topology Studio; The story behind Kevin Borland Masonry Award 2019 Winner House at Otago Bay; and much more! This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: Topology Studio House at Otago Bay Kevin Borland Masonry Award Think Brick Awards Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @topology_studio on Instagram

Michael White is the co-founder of Freadman White Architects, along side his partner in life and work - Ilana Freadman. Michael is a driven architect and for Freadman White, architecture isn't just about the built form, it's also about the human response to the architecture itself, the experience and atmosphere it creates - thoughtful modulations in light and shade, proportion, function and flexibility are expressed through uncompromising construction, enduring materials and a minimal, yet warm, aesthetic which can then evoke that human response.   In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Michael White have an interesting conversation covering topics such as: Growing up in different areas and how this effected Michael's view of architecture and spaces; The design of appropriate housing in Australia and the Australian climate; The use of hit and miss screens for Freadman White's project Napier street for Milieu and the many benefits of this Eduardo Souto de Moura and his influential work on the Monastery in Portugal; This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: Freadman White Architects Parliament House in Port Moresby, PNG Hobart Collage Passive Design Eduardo Souro de Moura Napier Street for Milieu Hoddle House Kevin Borland Masonry Award Think Brick Awards Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @freadmanwhite on Instagram

Kicking off Season Two: Architect Spotlight with Katherine Sainsbery from Pop Architecture! Katherine is an Architect with over 13 years industry experience. In 2016 she established Pop Architecture with Justine Brennan. Their work is driven by a rigorous process which distils response to site, materiality, structural expression and landscape integration into considered architectural form. In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Katherine Sainsbery, have an intriguing conversation which covers topics such as;  Her upbringing in Melbourne and how she got into architecture; Her experiencing working overseas in central China; The beginnings of Pop Architecture; The story behind High Commendation project, South Yarra House; The use of concrete masonry in this project; Advice for young architects; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.   Mentioned in this episode: Katherine Sainsbery Pop Architecture South Yarra House CMAA Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Follow @poparchitecture on Instagram

Season One: Paving Australia comes to an end with this episode! Did you enjoy this series as much as we did? In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and Engineering Team Lead, Jack Gill, touch on each of our Season One episodes and give us an intriguing summary, all about paving! This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.  Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Andrew is a Civil Engineer with experience in all levels of Government and private practice, currently employed as the Coordinator Engineering Services with the City of West Torrens. He considers himself lucky to have been mentored and influenced by some of South Australia's most respected and passionate water professional and academics.   As long-standing Chair of Stormwater SA and a member of many of the stormwater reference committees, working groups and networks established over the past decade, Andrew is consistently pushing for better practices, capacity building, guidelines and legislation in relation to stormwater management, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) and related fields. In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Andrew King, cover such topics as;  What continues to drive him around best practice; How we can help change our world to be more forward-thinking;  How permeable pavements succeed in road enviroments; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode: WSUD SA Paving Manuals  CMAA   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Ryan is Project Engineer – Civil & Stormwater, Engineering Strategy & Assets at the City of Charles Sturt. He has worked in civil construction for the last 15 years, and the last three at City of Charles Sturt. Ryan's experience with permeable paving during his time with City of Charles Sturt extends to the construction of footpath and laneway projects, and the assessment of permeable paving in private development settings. He has also reviewed a number of permeable paving installations onsite to work through post-construction issues and determine paths to rectifying those issues. Ryan's team is responsible for stormwater assets decision making. In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Ryan Nelson, cover such topics as;  How he got into engineering in local government; Working and decision-making in councils; Working with storm water; What he loves about pavers; A few projects he is working on; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all major platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Rate & Subscribe to our podcast to never miss out a new episode. You can also let us know who you want to hear next and what topics we should talk about by leaving us a Review on Apple Podcasts.    Mentioned in this episode: City of Charles Sturt Paving Manuals  CMAA   Social & Links Follow @cmaaaus on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook