The Building Sciology Poddie

In part 2 of my conversation with Michael Kingsland, we continue our discussion on the critical role of ventilation systems in energy-efficient buildings, focusing on the importance of proper installation and the misconceptions surrounding heat and energy recovery systems. We chat about the challenges of maintaining air quality and preventing mould in high-performance buildings, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to insulation and vapour control. Michael shares his insights with me on the evolution of building practices in Australia and the necessity of addressing energy efficiency without compromising structural integrity.Useful Links⁠Laros website⁠A little info o the 1/3 2/3 ruleSIP Framing | What You Need To Know Before You Build... - ASIRI DesignSocial Media - Follow here⁠Building Sciology⁠⁠ Sponsors⁠Climasure⁠⁠Enduro Builders⁠⁠Sign up to the Building Sciology Mailing list here! Show notes can be found here

In this conversation, I interview Michael Kingsland from Laros Technologies, exploring the evolution of the company from its solar roots to its current focus on high-performance building solutions. We discuss the importance of sustainable timber sourcing, the principles of Passive House, and the critical role of air tightness and moisture management in construction. Michael emphasizes the differences between HRV and ERV ventilation systems, the need to balance budget constraints with essential building performance elements, and the common mistakes made in construction that can lead to significant long-term issues. Our discussion also highlights the Aqua Tower case study as a cautionary tale about thermal bridging and the importance of considering building physics in design.Useful LinksLaros websiteAqua Tower Chicago - Buildingscience.comSustainable House DayMouldy frames in AdelaideSocial Media - Follow hereBuilding Sciology SponsorsClimasureEnduro BuildersSign up to the Building Sciology Mailing list here! Show notes can be found here

In this conversation, I speak with Jake Turner, a tradie turned building surveyor and founder of JT Certification Services. We discuss Jake's journey in the construction industry, the importance of quality control, and the challenges faced in building compliance and regulations. Jake emphasises the need for better education and communication within the industry, as well as the significance of energy efficiency in building performance. The conversation highlights the role of private certifiers in streamlining processes and the necessity for collaboration among builders and certifiers to improve outcomes.Useful linksJT Certification Services - Mount Gambier - websiteRobe Passive House- InstagramSean Maxwell - ATTMA Aus and NZ Scheme Manager - W: https://www.bcta.group/attma/attma-anz/ E: sean.maxwell@attma.orgWhat does a building surveyor do? - “The report found building surveyors were more than seven times more likely to have their registrations cancelled than any other class of building practitioner.”Mouldy frames in Adelaide - Instagram postAustralian College of Environmental Studies - do you want to become a building biologist?What is NatHERSSA’s building code paused for 10 yearsNational Building Code Pause until 2029The TikTok Inspector - TikTok accountShine Hub - smart affordable solar and battery solutionsSocial Media LinksBuilding SciologyCimasure (sponsor)Enduro Builders (sponsor)Show notes can be found here

In this final episode of the Building Sciology Poddie for 2025, I had a great chat with architect and healthy home expert Pippa Lee of Haven Designed Healthy Homes.We discussed the importance of designing homes that support health and wellbeing, the impact of indoor environments on health, and practical tips for builders to create healthier spaces.Pippa shares her journey in architecture, her experiences in New York, and the significance of using non-toxic materials. We also explore the WELL Building Standard and the importance of water quality and filtration in homes.I hopoe you enjoy and please leave a 5 star review and follow along if you enjoyed the content. Cheers!Useful LinksZara D’Cotta - Healthy Materials Master MindCIRS ExplainedPurchase an ERMI test - $459 - $500Understanding the WELL Building StandardWELL Standard - ResidentialGreen Star HomesRoadmap to becoming a WELL APWaters Co Ace Bio+ jugWell Verti shower filterNatural v Synthetic furniture - how fast they burnSocial Media LinksBuilding Sciology InstagramClimasure InstagramEnduro Builders FacebookShow notes can be found here

In this episode, I chat with Shawn McIsaac and Peter Raimondo, of Oculus, to discuss building science, energy efficiency, and the challenges of modern construction. They explore the importance of airtightness, the risks of condensation, and the evolving building codes in New Zealand and Canada. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between architects and builders, the role of government incentives, and the future of high-performance building.Useful linksOculus Engineering website - podcast informationOculous Engineering - You Tube ChannelOculus Engineering instagramRetrofit postVictorian Gov insulation scheme 2025Botched insulation scheme - BBCBRANZ - “Roof space moisture - it’s complicated”Aussie warm roof v European warm roofParka Wrap- external insulation systemMouldy townhouses in Adelaide - instagram postScoping Study into Condensation - has building code recommendations for 2019/2022/2025Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings - DCCEEWBuilding SciologyClimasureEnduro BuildersShow notes can be found here

In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I, Jess Kismet, discuss the ongoing building crisis in Victoria with guests Kerry Auld and Chris Crewther MP. They explore the failures of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), the impact of combustible cladding, and the struggles faced by homeowners. The conversation delves into the need for accountability in the building industry, recent legislative changes, and the establishment of the new Building and Plumbing Commission. The episode emphasises the importance of consumer protection and learning from past mistakes to prevent future crises.Useful LinksArticle read in the introduction - Horror $9m early Christmas present for 33 apartment ownersWhat is the Leaky Building Crisis - NZ?Rottenomics - The Story of New Zealand’s Leaky Buildings Disaster - buy on AmazonArticles relevant to this interviewThe Age - 20th February 20199 News - 20th February, 2019The Project - 12th March, 2019The Age - 15th October, 2019Chris Crewther MP - statement to Parliament 10th December 2024Frankston Cladding - 9 News FacebookSix-year-old apartment block full of leaks, cracks, mould Builders to blame for bad cladding will now be chased through courtsCombustible cladding removal costs and uncertainties causing anxiety in building owners - ABC News'We can’t afford this': Home owners bear brunt of cladding crisisApartment owners fear for 'suicidal' neighbours as combustible cladding crisis takes its toll$500 bill final nail in the coffin for struggling homeownerCladding Crisis - The ProjectDay two and still no answer from the Minister for Planning.Fed up Frankston South home owners are pleading for help to fix their apartment building wrapped in dangerous combustible cladding.Chris Crewther MP - Again in Parliament I urged the Labor Government’s Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to support the desperate residentsHome owners left high and dry while their building crumbles around themSocial Media LinksBuilding Sciology - Better Buildings to Live and Breathe InClimasure - Better Buildings and Peace of MindEnduro Builders - We build award winning high performing, energy efficient and Passivhaus homesVisit the website for a full transcript

In this episode, Dr. Wolfgang Feist ,founder of the Passive House Institute, joins me Jess Kismet to unpack why the Passive House standard continues to spark debate across the building world. Why does a building standard evoke such passion, loyalty, and even resistance?We explore how innovation in architecture and building science is often misunderstood, and why new ideas, like Passive House, can feel revolutionary to some and incremental to others. Wolfgang draws parallels to historical, scientific breakthroughs, reminding us that progress doesn’t always mean reinvention.From the importance of critical thinking in evaluating standards to the human tendency to defend familiar ways of building, this episode takes a thoughtful look at how emotion, history, and science intersect in the pursuit of better buildings.Useful LinksWhat is Passive HouseWho is Dr Wolfgang Feist?Who is Fridtjof Nansen?Bo Adamon - Lund University - Co-creator of Passive HouseThe World's First Passive House - Darmstadt - Kranichstein, GermanyWho is Amory Lovins?Who is Kara RosemeierWho is Ole FangerThe Camel - a living air conditionerSocial Media LinksBuilding Sciology InstagramEnduro Builders InstagramClimasure InstagramShow notes can be found here

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I am joined by Dr. Tim Law, a building scientist and architectural forensic investigator. We discuss the challenges of building science, focusing on issues like condensation, mould, and the impact of building codes on health and safety. Dr. Law shares insights from his career, emphasising the importance of understanding the technical aspects of building design and the need for collaboration across disciplines.Useful LinksIntroduction to Architectural Science - The basis of sustainable design - Steven V SzokolayWhat is Chronic Inflammatory Response SyndromeCSIRO House Energy Efficiency Inspections Project 2015CSIRO Air Infiltration of New Dwellings 2024ASHRAE 241 - Control of Infectious AerosolsIICRC - Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration CertificationANSI/IICRC S500 - Standard for Professional Water Damage RestorationANSI/IICRC S520 - Standard for Professional Mold RemediationABCB and UTAS Scoping Study of Condensation in Residential BuildingsWhat is CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response SyndromeBreaking Bad - series about cooking Meth! Haha highly recommendedAS3740 2021 WaterproofingBPC - Building and Plumbing CommissionABCB Building Confidence ReportThe Defect Evasion Playbook - Dr Tim LawThe Screwtape LettersAS4654 External WaterproofingEpisode #12 - Condensation, Roof Ventilation and Building Science with Clarence MacalisterAS3500 - Plumbing and DrainageSocial Media LinksBuilding SciologyClimasureEnduro BuildersWebsitesClimasureEnduro BuildersShow notes can be found here

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.Click follow on your favourite podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode and you help the show grow!Thanks so much - JessUseful linksThat video - Matt has concerns Australia!Level Up conferenceBuild ShowBuilding Science 101, 201 and 301Risinger BuildWho is Dr Joe Lstiburek?Steel frame done properly - page 13Chapters00:00 Introduction to High Performance Building02:37 Lessons from Australia: Building Communication and Practices05:16 The Importance of Water Management in Building08:03 Design Principles: Overhangs and Eaves in Modern Construction10:42 Learning from Mistakes: Building Science and Durability13:11 The Perfect Wall: A Concept for Longevity15:42 Durability vs. Energy Efficiency in Building Practices18:32 Identifying Common Building Mistakes21:13 The European Influence on Building Standards23:28 Mindset Shift: Building for Longevity26:15 Innovations in Building Materials and Techniques28:39 Exploring Flat Roofs and Durability30:13 Mindset of Durability in Construction31:44 Introducing the HD Standard33:42 Build Show Live Conference Insights36:00 Networking and Collaboration in the Building Industry37:49 Building Science Education and Resources43:57 Advice for Australian Builders47:12 Condensation Concerns in Building52:31 Lessons Learned in the Building IndustryShow notes can be found here

In this episode, I saw 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 LinksUnder Cover ArchitectUndercover Architect PodcastLive Life BuildFull show notes can be found here

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.LinksCameron Munroe on the Mindful Builder podcast - Part 1Cameron Munroe on the Mindful Builder podcast - Part 2Show notes can be found here

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.LinksMould illness resource listToxic Mould Support AustraliaGeovitalSurviving Mold - Dr Ritchie ShoemakerNSJ Enviro - David LarkToxic Mould Support Australia Facebook groupHERTSMI testOther linksAdvanced Diploma in Building Biology - ACESLeviticus 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 websiteTools app instagram pageChapters00:00 Introduction to Building Psychology and Personal Journey01:37 Navigating Chronic Illness and Its Impact on Work07:01 The Shift from Theory to Practical Building Solutions12:24 Building Practices and the Importance of Healthy Homes17:20 Understanding Environmental Illness and Its Implications22:22 A Day in the Life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome33:51 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in the Building Industry40:10 Connecting the Dots: Mold Illness and Home Environment50:09 Final Thoughts on Health and Home EnvironmentShow notes can be found here

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

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

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

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a rambunctious chat with high-performance builders Hamish White and Matt Carland to discuss the intricacies of constructing sustainable homes in Australia. We delve into the challenges faced in the residential construction industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for better education around energy efficiency. The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding building practices, the significance of Passivhaus certification, and the potential for innovative projects to push the boundaries of construction standards. Ultimately, the episode emphasises that building better is a choice that can lead to healthier living environments.It is also, so far, the only episode I have had to place the explicit warning on so don't say you weren't warned! Haha a great chat with a couple of fantastic builders who want to see the industry they love rise up. Enjoy!Show notes can be found here

This is the longest episode yet, but it’s worth every minute!In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I interview Clarence Macalister, a builder and scientist with extensive experience in remediation and condensation management. In our chat we go deep into problems created by moisture and also into roof ventilation, finally an explanation!!We chat about the nuances of Passivhaus design, the role of sensors in monitoring building conditions, and share case studies of building failures.Clarence has a huge amount of practical skill and experience we can all learn, from so tune in and put any questions or feedback in the comments!Show notes can be found here

In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Clare Conroy, who shares her unique journey from homeowner to project manager at 35 South Building Co. Clare opens up about entering the construction industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of relationships and trust in building. The conversation explores the responsibility that comes with creating homes, the misconceptions around energy efficiency, and how building smaller can still mean building better.Clare also introduces her inspiring new project aimed at making building science accessible to children through storytelling - teaching concepts like insulation and orientation in fun, engaging ways. We highlight the urgent need for better education around building performance for both professionals and the public, and the power of knowledge sharing to create meaningful change in the industry.Show notes can be found here

In this episode, Cindy Angel shares her journey of building a sustainable home with her husband Shane in Lake Caddai. As a thermal performance assessor, Cindy discusses the challenges and triumphs of designing their home, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency, healthy building principles, and collaboration with builders. She reflects on her educational background, the use of NatHERS software for energy assessments, and the lessons learned throughout the construction process. Cindy also highlights the significance of creating a home that supports well-being and the impact of building materials on health.Follow Building Sciology on the ⁠gram ⁠or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!Visit the ⁠website ⁠for show notes and a full transcript and sig up to the mailing list ⁠here⁠!

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Luke Callery, the founder of Callery Building, an Adelaide-based construction company, increasingly known for its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and energy-efficient building practices. Luke shares his journey from a traditional carpentry apprenticeship to embracing high-performance building techniques through programs like Elevate. He discusses the importance of education, networking, and collaboration in the construction industry, as well as the challenges and successes of growing his team and adapting to client expectations. The conversation highlights the significance of building better homes that prioritize comfort, sustainability, and energy efficiency.Useful Links from Our Chat⁠Elevate Program⁠⁠Live Life Build⁠⁠How does a heat recovery ventilation system work?⁠⁠What is a blower door test?⁠⁠Build Insite Instagram ⁠⁠Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson Course⁠⁠Yourhome.gov.au⁠⁠Mindful Builder Podcast⁠⁠Climasure Blogs⁠⁠Sustainable Builders Alliance by Builders Declare⁠⁠Adelaide Sustainable Building Network⁠⁠Undercover Architect⁠⁠On what happened in South Australia with the NCC is a bad look - The Fifth Estate⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Luke Callery 00:59 The Journey of Callery Building and the Elevate Program 03:30 Transitioning to High Performance Building Practices 06:43 The Importance of Education and Mentorship in Building 09:24 Core Philosophy and Mission of Callery Building 10:04 Types of Projects and Energy Efficiency Challenges 12:12 Client Expectations and Balancing Costs 15:10 Communication and Reducing Variations in Projects 27:09 Educating Architects and Designers 32:34 The Importance of Collaboration in Construction 37:14 Building Relationships: The Role of Communication 41:20 Growing and Expanding the Team 50:10 Advice for Aspiring Builders 52:07 Future Vision for Callery Building 54:36 Navigating Energy Efficiency and Building CodesFollow Building Sciology on the ⁠gram ⁠or get in touch at jess@buildingsciology.net!Visit the ⁠website ⁠for show notes and a full transcript and sign up to the mailing list ⁠here⁠!Sponsor WebsitesClimasureEnduro Builders