Sustainable Holmes

Most Australian homeowners have never heard of a building wrap — and that gap in knowledge, says today's guest, is quietly costing them money, comfort, and their health. John Martin is a chemical material scientist who spent years working internationally, designing high-performance building membranes that are standard practice across European construction. When he returned to Australia and bought a property, he pulled apart his walls and found what he describes as an industry-wide problem: ho...

What if your "difficult" south-facing block could become your home's greatest asset? Or your tight renovation budget could create a space that feels twice its size? In this conversation, award-winning building designer Alex Urena reveals how ancient Peruvian architectural wisdom meets modern Australian sustainability to create homes that truly belong. Alex shares his unique design philosophy—one that begins with a ritual of touching the earth, asking permission, and listening to what the land...

In this rich conversation, Lisa takes us on a journey through her evolution as a designer—from creating bespoke fashion with her mother, to building and designing five boutique hotels across regional NSW, to her current practice creating thoughtful residential and commercial spaces on the South Coast. What makes Lisa's approach unique is her understanding that design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about people. Her years as a couturier taught her that every millimetre matters. When you're c...

Episode Summary What if the key to truly sustainable housing isn't building bigger, but building smarter? In this conversation, architect Ben Wollen reveals why small, well-designed homes with multiple generations in mind are the future of sustainable building—and why your most valuable design investment isn't solar panels, but thoughtful orientation and a tight building envelope. Ben brings a rare dual perspective to architecture, combining environmental science with architectural design. Th...

In this episode, Robyn sits down with Adam Souter from Souter Built, a builder who's raising the standard for sustainable construction. Adam's journey from working on luxury Sydney homes to building passive house-standard projects reveals what's possible when quality and sustainability become non-negotiable. Adam shares his frustration with Australia's "she'll be right" building culture and explains why fast-food housing—those grand five-bedroom homes with whisper-thin windows—won't stand the...

Episode Summary Are you planning a renovation but worried about making expensive mistakes? In this eye-opening episode, Robyn sits down with Michael Tibbs, a Mechanical Engineer and Home Energy Advisor from NEST EMPOWERED who's at the forefront of Australia's newest tool for assessing existing homes. Discover why your gut instincts about energy efficiency might be costing you thousands. Michael reveals insights from his work rating homes across NSW, including: Why that expensive solar system ...

Penny Keogh, Eaves Content Agency and Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design In this launch episode, host Robyn Johnson speaks with friend Penny Keogh about Penny's work in Co-Directing the Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design (IFAD) into it's third year of hosting some of the most exceptional professionals in Illawarra region to discuss their projects, and to share their passions. Run annually in October, the 2025 theme is connecting our homes to the outdoors. Eaves Content A...