Renovation Collaborative

Across Australia numerous groups are taking meaningful climate action and working hard to develop inspiring solutions. Today, I speak with representatives from five different organisations from the built environment to find out what’s happening. These groups tackle climate change from various angles, employing different structures and methods. They include formal committees, research groups, informal support and information sharing, and grass roots action. Today we’ll hear from: 1. The Australian Institute of Architects, Climate Action and Sustainability Committee – Andrew Noonan 2. The Retrofit Lab, from the University of Melbourne – Professor Sarah Bell 3. Australian Architects Declare – Steffen Welsch 4. Parlour Regenerative Designers Annexe – Anna Lindstad 5. Architects Climate Action Network, Australia – Lucy Humphrey Most of the groups I speak with today welcome all built environment professionals. And most importantly, they all provide free environmental information on their websites. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:43] AIA – Climate Action & Sustainability Committee – Andrew Noonan [00:02:19] What are the primary functions of the committee at State & National level? [00:05:24] What projects are you working on at the moment? [00:07:08] Can you tell us about the Embodied Carbon Curriculum? [00:09:43] How can architects get involved? [00:11:27] The Retrofit Lab, The University of Melbourne – Professor Sarah Bell [00:12:08] How did the Retrofit Lab get started? [00:14:13] Can you tell us about the Retrofit Lab and the work you do? [00:20:18] Tell us about your project investigating digital info for retrofit decisions? [00:23:53] Tell us about about your Climate Safe Rooms project? [00:26:42] How can we get involved and find out more? [00:28:29] Australian Architects Declare – Steffen Welsch [00:29:29] How did Architects Declare get started in Australia? [00:31:06] What are your primary aims? [00:31:44] How is it run? [00:33:49] How can architects get involved? [00:35:17] What campaigns are you working on? [00:39:35]...

Reducing embodied carbon in all new buildings and renovations is fast becoming a global priority, and in Australia new regulations are on the horizon. In today's episode, we move on to our final theme - Getting Started - and the first of two episodes to conclude the season. I talk with environmental architect, artist and well known Australian climate advocate Lucy Humphrey. Lucy is a director of the climate active architecture practice Studio Ecology, she teaches at the School of Architecture at the University of Sydney and the Sydney University of Technology and was a co-founder of the Australian branch of ACAN. Today, Lucy gives us a powerful wake up call about the current state of our planet. And she shares strategies to help us decarbonise our designs and meet our global targets, so together we can bring about change. We'll learn about: What's really happening to the planet and why change is urgent, The validity of climate emotions About Life cycle carbon assessments and practical strategies to reduce embodied carbon. What's happening to the construction industry in Denmark where construction carbon caps are now mandatory, and also The critical importance wholistic design thinking Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY [01:08:57] Stephanie: Today's summary only scratches the surface, and I found it very challenging to narrow down six key points. Lucy’s knowledge and passion are both inspiring and empowering so I recommend listening to the episode or reading the transcript. 1. Climate emotions are valid and can include heavy feelings such as anger, isolation, grief and guilt. It's completely acceptable and healthy to take a step back and say, ‘No, I'm not engaging with this today.’ As an industry, we need to foster open conversations about this to enable everyone to embrace change. 2. Enable clients to make informed decisions about their home designs by sharing embodied carbon information and letting them decide. The best time to start talking about reducing embodied carbon is in the concept design stage at the very beginning of the project. This is when we have the most power to reduce carbon and all environmental impacts, because we can choose not to build, to reduce the size, we set the direction for the structural system and the form. Present...

Careful consideration of water is now a critical part of design as we confront increasing floods and droughts due to climate change. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme - Water and Ecosystems. We'll investigate the design of a small extension to an old timber home located in suburban subtropical Brisbane. This project has a very challenging site with overland flow and stormwater flooding issues. I talk with architect Tim Bennetton, the director of Tim Bennetton Architects, who will share the inside story on his Yeronga House project. Tim has successfully transformed this problem site into a valuable asset that not only brings joy to the homeowners, but also provides much needed habitat for local flora and fauna. Today we'll learn about: The importance of retaining stormwater and rainwater on site and appreciating water as a very valuable resource. Ideas that improve the resilience of cities to heavy rainfall and flooding, while also improving water quality and biodiversity, and We'll also cover a wealth of other insights from Tim's years of experience. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. This site was affected by overland flow or water that runs or ponds on the site after rainfall. Overland flow may occur before the stormwater enters a creek, or when the stormwater leaves the creek as floodwater, or in some cases when stormwater rises to the surface naturally from underground. Overland flow typically occurs in natural low lying drainage paths. And as we discover today with good design, overland flow can become a positive asset because water is a valuable resource, particularly into the future as droughts increase. 2. Urban development in low lying stormwater flow channels leads to multiple problems such as: Increased flood levels, meaning that buildings take up space causing water to pile up, increasing flood depth and velocity, Reduction of natural absorption processes, meaning that a natural soft landscape of grasses, trees and other vegetation absorbs water and slows its movement, whereas hard surfaces and buildings prevent this from occurring, and Increased impervious surfaces, meaning that urban built surfaces like concrete, asphalt and roofs cause rapid and increased runoff. When it reaches the local waterways. The additional fast forward moving water causes erosion of banks and destruction of waterway ecosystems. 3. Sponge cities are urban areas designed to absorb,...

Prioritising health when selecting materials and products is simply common sense, and the best thing about healthy materials – they are also brilliant for the environment. In today’s episode we move on to our next sustainable design theme – healthy buildings. We’ll investigate the design of a house on an off grid site located in Mullumbimby in the Subtropical northern New South Wales hinterland. I talk with architect, Michael Leung, the director of Balanced Earth Architects, who will share the inside story on his Sky Farm project. Today we’ll learn about: The key design considerations, materials and products for a healthy home, We talk further about the process, costs and benefits of using hempcrete in custom architectural construction, and We’ll also cover a wealth of other insights and practical information drawn from Michael’s extensive experience as both an architect and a builder. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Healthy building is about interrogating the detail of materials. Often that's not presented on websites and you have to dig deeper into the Material Safety Data sheets. After extensive research, Balanced Earth Architects now work with a simple palate of materials and the basics include: hempcrete, recycled timber and other materials from demolition, galvanised steel, timber windows, and natural finishes including clay and lime renders. 2. A hempcrete and lime rendered wall composition prevents mould growth. Hempcrete is vapour permeable, allowing moisture to travel from the inside to outside. In addition, lime render has an alkali surface preventing mould growth. 3. A hempcrete wall is set up as follows: It can be constructed on a timber framed or concrete floor. In timber framed construction, the joists or bearers may be doubled up to carry more load when the hemp is wet. Then a 10 or 20mm compressed FC board is fixed on top as a base for the hempcrete. To build the wall, a timber stud frame is setout 80mm in from the external wall line. The 90x45 stud sits centrally in the 250mm hempcrete wall, allowing 80mm of cover on both inside and outside. The entire house is constructed with standard timber stud frame construction. All timber can be untreated pine because the lime in the hempcrete protects the timber, and The services are clipped into the stud wall, and...

SIPS, or structural insulated panels are a fast and efficient way to achieve very high thermal performance. In today's episode, we continue exploring prefabricated panel solutions. We investigate the design of a passive house built from SIPS on a very challenging site in the oceanic temperate climate of Wellington, in New Zealand. Architect Murray Robertson, the director of Robertson Architects, shares the inside story of his Bell House project. Today we'll explore the process, benefits and costs of SIPs and when they're an ideal solution. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Structural insulated panels or SIPs are used in floors, walls and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural facings and in this case Murray used oriented strandboard (OSB). SIPS are manufactured off site and are custom designed for each project. 2. SIPs panels do have some timber framing in them, but much less than a standard timber stud wall. The reduced timber content plus the polyurethane insulation deliver better thermal performance than standard insulated timber frame construction. 3. The external wall composition of this project was as follows: The basic external shell was a 165 mm thick SIPS panel. Externally, the ProClima weathertight membrane was fixed directly to the SIPS board and a 45x45 timber structural cavity batten attached to the outside of the membrane for the external cladding, and Internally, 45 x 45 timber battens were fixed to the SIPs, creating space for services, additional insulation and attachment for internal plasterboard lining. 4. Internally, the oriented strandboard lining can be exposed rather than covered with plasterboard to save costs, but this approach makes access to services much more challenging. Additionally, since the strandboard wall serves as the finished surface, it requires protection during construction. 5. SIPS are very airtight, making them very appealing for use in Passive House projects. Only the joints in the very large SIPS panels require taping. And finally, 6. Important design considerations when using SIPs include: Lintels above doors and windows cannot be concealed within the ceiling, meaning that floor to ceiling glazing is not possible, and SIPS roof panels stop at the wall line resulting in no eaves overhang. Therefore, a custom solution to attach eaves is...

House prefabrication using flat pack panels delivers multiple environmental and cost benefits and is the way of the future. In today's episode, we dive into our next sustainable design theme, prefabrication, and we'll explore house design and construction using cross laminated timber. Architect Jae Warrander, director of Makers, shares the story behind his Akaroa Bach: a prefabricated holiday home situated in a mild temperate climate on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. Makers, located in Wellington, New Zealand, is a collaboration between Makers of Architecture and Makers Fabrication. Today we'll explore what CLT is, the process, benefits and costs of using CLT for prefabricated panel construction, and the ideal scenarios for utilising CLT. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood panel product created by gluing layers of timber together with the grain alternating at 90 degrees for added strength. CLT panels are cut into entire wall, floor and roof sections with precise computer accuracy. 2. CLT buildings must be meticulously designed and this includes all openings and holes cut for doors and windows, services, fittings and even power points. Everything must be accurately located in the computer shop drawings because making changes on site is very challenging. 3. The CLT serves as both the internal wall lining and the structural shell. Externally, it needs thermal insulation, a weather and air tightness building wrap and cladding for weatherproofing. Internally, makers utilise prefabricated stud frame walls in conjunction with CLT to accommodate access to services, particularly in bathrooms. 4. Once prefabricated, the CLT panels are transported to the site and assembled to create the entire building form. The construction timeline is streamlined because site foundations, retaining walls and service connections can occur simultaneously with the off site CLT prefabrication. 5. Prefabrication using CLT offers several advantages: It replaces studs, bracing and other structural components. It eliminates the need for trims such as skirtings, cornices and architraves. It's made from locally sourced New Zealand pine. It reduces construction time on site. It enables building on remote or difficult to...

Are you looking for a unique sustainable material with a low carbon footprint? In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Earth Building, and investigate rammed earth construction. Architect Steffen Welsch, director of Steffen Welsch Architects, shares the story behind his Butterfly House project, located on an off-grid site in Rutherglen in the hot, dry summer and cool winter climate of north-eastern Victoria. Today we'll learn about the process, benefits and costs of using rammed earth construction and a wealth of insights and practical information drawn from Steffen's extensive experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Rammed earth was chosen for this project because it suits the local continental climate. It optimises energy efficiency by absorbing and releasing heat slowly throughout the day, stabilising internal temperatures. This means it helps maintain a moderate temperature range inside the house by absorbing heat in summer to take the edge off those high temperatures and releasing heat slowly in winter to take the edge off low temperatures. 2. The soil used for rammed earth must be laboratory tested to ensure it is structurally suitable. In Steffen's experience in regional Victoria, there are usually quarries with appropriate soil located within a reasonable distance from most sites. A rammed earth contractor can assist with this process. 3. The rammed earth construction process is relatively simple and dates back over 10,000 years. Plywood formwork boxes are constructed and a rammed earth mix, of dirt, cement, water and potentially other admixtures is poured in and compacted with specialised equipment. At the time the Butterfly House was constructed, rammed earth walls comprised a single solid wall with a thickness of around 500mm. Now, rammed earth walls must include insulation. Their current composition involves an internal layer of rammed earth, a core of thermal insulation and an outer layer of rammed earth, resulting in an overall wall thickness of around 450mm. Alternatively, rammed earth can be constructed as a 200mm thick reverse brick veneer wall. 4. Rammed Earth offers numerous benefits, including thermal mass to stabilise internal temperatures, excellent acoustic qualities, high flame resistance, low embodied carbon and durability and a long lifespan,...

Would you love a sustainable home but think it's out of your budget? Well, think again. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials and investigate the design of an affordable environmental home built using standard construction methods. It features Durra Panel internal wall and ceiling boards made from agricultural waste straw. Architect Matt Delroy-Carr, the director of MDC Architects, shares the story behind his Scarborough Sustainable House, located on a small suburban site in the beachside suburb of Scarborough in warm temperate Perth. Today we'll learn about; ideas for an affordable sustainable home, climate responsive design for warm temperate climates, the process, costs and benefits of using Durra Panel internal wall and ceiling boards in custom residential construction, and a wealth of insights and practical information drawn from Matt's extensive experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. In this project, like so many others this season, the clients drove the environmental agenda and they were very well educated about environmental design and materials. This is what they were seeking and it's a fantastic brief for everyone to keep in mind: A floor plan sized to suit their needs that connected to a diverse and productive garden. Maximum thermal comfort for now and the future, A life cycle assessment to help understand and reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint, and All within a modest budget. 2. To control costs, the strategy involved standard construction techniques combined with climate responsive design and environmental materials. This included: a single level design, a slab on ground floor, a trussed roof with flat ceilings throughout, a 90mm timber stud frame, external cladding in low maintenance, pre finished compressed fibre cement sheeting, and internal linings in Durra Panel. 3. Key strategies for achieving a maximum NatHERs energy efficiency rating in a warm temperate climate included: orienting the house toward the north, appropriately located and sized windows and shading to provide shade in summer, spring and autumn while allowing sunlight in during winter, and ensuring effective ventilation. Also, double glazed, thermally broken, clear glass windows greatly enhanced the thermal performance. 4. Matt...

Hemp has been used in construction for thousands of years, but it's only recently that it’s incredible environmental benefits have crept into mainstream awareness. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials. We'll investigate the design of a hempcrete extension to an existing Federation House located in the heritage listed suburb of Ashbury in inner suburban warm temperate Sydney. Architect Emily Knight, the director of Emily Knight Design shares the inside story on her AL House. Today we'll learn about; the process, costs and benefits of using hempcrete in custom architectural construction, how upgrading the thermal efficiency of your existing home is critical for creating environmental change, and a wealth of other insights and practical information drawn from Emily's extensive experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The biggest environmental change can be effected through improving existing buildings. Currently in Australia, there is no requirement to upgrade your existing home as part of your renovation. However, Emily always encourages her clients to set aside some budget for this important work to ensure long term comfort and energy efficiency. 2. Hemp is used in construction in a range of formats. Hempcrete, as covered in this episode, also hemp blocks, hemp sprayed onto a frame and hemp panels. 3. Hempcrete walls are non-structural. They're formed up around a timber stud frame. 4. Hempcrete walls can be finished in a number of ways. They can be left unfinished, coated with natural breathing lime render, or a clear, penetrating, breathable sealer coat. Externally, it usually requires extended roof overhangs to prevent weathering. 5. In Emily's experience, the cost of Hempcrete construction in Sydney by a subcontractor was approximately on par with cavity brickwork. Historically, hemp buildings have been constructed by a community of unskilled friends and family, enabling much lower labour costs. 6. Hemp offers a multitude of benefits: It delivers very healthy indoor air quality. It's very durable and has a long lifespan. It offers excellent acoustic and thermal insulative performance. It's very fire resistant, It can be made airtight, and It sequesters carbon and is biodegradable at end of life. INTERVIEW...

If you thought that straw bales were only for DIY backyard builders, think again. In today’s episode we move onto our next sustainable design theme - renewable materials. We’ll investigate the design of a new certified Passive House built from Huff’n’Puff SITUP strawbale wall panels. This house is located on an off grid site in the cool temperate Victorian high country. Architect Talina Edwards, a director at Envirotecture, shares the inside story on her Huff’n’Puff Haus. Today we’ll learn about: Biophilic design and our intrinsic connection with nature, Country and our planet The costs and benefits of using straw bale panels and their role in construction Strategies to achieve Net Zero carbon, and A wealth of insights and practical information drawn from Talina’s extensive experience Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Biophilic design is linked to care for Country and an understanding that we are part of nature and intrinsically linked with our planet. If we don't care for Mother Earth, she can't keep caring for us. It's a reciprocal relationship of being present, responsible and caring. Like we take responsibility to care for our family. We feel better when we're outside in nature, but most of us spend around 80% of our time indoors. Biophilic design is about creating indoor environments that help us feel closer to nature and the outdoors through ideas such as plants, natural light, textures and materials. But it's critical to be very mindful of how our design choices affect the environment. Because remember, it's not only about what is good for us, it's a reciprocal relationship. 2. The primary driver for using straw bale panels is to create maximum wall insulation in colder or more extreme climate zones. Other benefits include being a renewable material, low embodied carbon and reuse of a waste product from the agricultural industry. 3. Huff n Puff straw bale wall panels are made from straw bales tightly fitted inside plywood box frames. The panels are typically 350 - 450mm thick, approximately 600 - 1200mm wide and 2.5 – 3m high depending on the project requirements and they're engineered to be load bearing. 4. Lime mortar or clay mortar can be used on the exterior or interior to seal the straw...

Building less is without doubt the most cost effective and environmental solution. If you have an old home with good bones, a few strategic and creative moves may be all you need to create something very special. In today's episode, we continue exploring the importance of reusing existing buildings and look at ways to renovate and add value and joy with minimal work. We'll investigate the renovation of a mid-century modern home located in Stafford Heights in subtropical Brisbane. Architect Paul Butterworth, director of Paul Butterworth Architect, shares the inside story on his Stafford Heights Modern project. Today we'll learn about the opportunities and challenges of reusing existing homes and materials. And we have a very interesting conversation about the financial challenges architects and builders face when working on low budget renovations and some real solutions to create better outcomes for everyone. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. It's important for architects to educate their clients about the world of opportunity that design and particularly sustainable design offers. And if you're a client of an architect, it will require trust, sometimes bravery and working collaboratively to achieve a unique and environmental home. 2. If an existing house has character and good bones, think very carefully before demolishing it. Older homes contribute to the character we value in our streets and enhance property value, pride and delight in our suburbs. This character is rarely matched in new low budget homes. 3. It's easier to salvage and recycle items from demolition if you are living on site. Builders work within tight time frames and usually don't have the resources or time to stockpile materials and determine how to pass them on to a new owner. 4. An ordinary mid-century home may be cost effectively renovated into something very special through enhancing its existing motifs and design elements . Look for inspiration in the surrounding older homes. Paul shared some very wise advice about architectural practice. 5. Architects must be transparent about their commitment to projects and build trust with clients by itemising non-chargeable time and tasks....

Actively looking for ways to reuse what is already in place is central to environmental decision making. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Renovation and Reuse. We'll investigate the renovation of a 1940s timber cottage located in Bundjalung Country in the beachside town of Fingal Head in subtropical northern New South Wales. Architect Rob Norman, director of Symbiosphere Architects, shares the inside story on his Bambury Bungalow project. Today we'll learn about creative and cost effective solutions for retaining and reusing old buildings and materials, the unique character and joy that can be affordably created through reusing old buildings, and loads of other insights and practical information from Rob's years of experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Old buildings and materials have a unique character that is very difficult to obtain from anything affordable and new. They make a home so much more interesting, inspirational and joyful to live in, adding to quality of life, market appeal, and ultimately property value. 2. In recent years, interest and awareness of sustainable design have grown in the market, but unfortunately, knowledge has not. Social media, architectural journals and architect websites promote environmental design with glossy, finished project photos, but with limited information about what's going on in the background. These glamorous images support the assumption that environmental buildings are expensive and all about appearance. In reality, a house that performs well from a sustainability point of view is not necessarily expensive or glamorous. Unfortunately, many genuinely sustainable houses do not photograph well, so they do not get the interest that they should. The next points are about ideas for reusing materials out of your existing building. Rob had heaps of ideas, but these particular ones come up most frequently on a lot of old houses. 3. Old window glass and old windows can be retained and made safer by applying security film. Old window glass is thinner and more fragile than modern glass and breaks into sharp, jagged shards when shattered, posing a serious safety risk. The application of security film enhances the window's resistance to breakage and holds the shattered glass together. 4. Old timber T&G floorboards on their last legs can be retained with a thorough cleaning. This approach is beneficial in cases where sanding...

To be sustainable, buildings must be adaptable and flexible. They must meet the current occupants’ needs efficiently and enable rearrangement or repurposing to accommodate future needs with minimal work and material waste. In today's episode we continue our exploration of the sustainable design fundamentals. We investigate the design of a new house on a standard 600m2 suburban site in Yuggera Country, Samford in subtropical Brisbane. This house contains three different parts; a four bedroom home, a self-contained office and a self-contained secondary dwelling. Architect Chris Bligh, a director at Bligh Graham Architects, shares the inside story on his Live Work Share project Today we'll learn: ideas for creating a flexible floor plan that can accommodate multiple functions and adapt to changing needs, design strategies to optimise cross ventilation and passive cooling, and the process for using recycled hardwood from demolition yards. And loads of other insights and practical information from Chris’, years of experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The design brief for the average Australian home is not what it used to be, and it keeps changing. More people are working from home, children are staying at home longer or they leave only to return with their partners and young children. There is a serious shortage of smaller affordable housing suitable for couples, young families or single parent families. For anyone looking for a source of income, incorporating secondary accommodation into your house plans can often provide much needed housing options for others and offer additional flexibility for the future. 2. Reducing your building footprint to maximise green space is critical and provides multiple benefits, such as improved access to passive ventilation, areas for productive food gardening and support for nature and natural processes. 3. Ideas to maximise cooling through passive ventilation included providing openings to at least two, if not three sides of every room. Chris used internal courtyards to achieve this. And security solutions that allow the house to remain open and ventilated while locked up. 4. Ideas to control access to sun in winter and shade in summer included retractable awnings over courtyards, using windows with solid infill instead of glass to provide shade and privacy while allowing ventilation, and adding retractable outdoor curtains to...

Sustainable design begins with the fundamentals. This means carefully considered floor plans that utilise space efficiently and are responsive to your climate and the surrounding site. In today's episode, we'll explore the design of a new house on a small site located in Palm Cove in tropical North Queensland. Architects Belinda Allwood and Allison Stout from People Oriented Design share the inside story of their Big Small House project. Today you'll learn, ideas to help you create a comfortable and happy home that is space efficient and affordable, design strategies to optimize cross ventilation, and creative ways to provide joy through design while working with a modest budget. Plus loads of other insights and practical information on materials and products from Belinda and Allison's years of experience. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Houses in hot tropical climates can be comfortable most of the year with access to good natural ventilation and shading. However, they will need a small air-conditioned retreat space designed for optimal energy efficiency for those very hot days every summer. 2. Belinda's design ideas to maximize ventilation and airflow include: Thermal venting by allowing a large volume of cool air to enter at the lower level and as it heats, rise and exit through the upper level. Providing narrow floor plans with windows on opposite sides of the house to promote breeze flow straight through because breezes move best in straight lines through the house, Providing awnings and eaves over windows and doors so they can remain open during rain. Maximising door opening size in this case with sliding stacker doors, Using louvres and casement windows to provide 100% opening. These windows can be angled to channel breeze through the house and also remain open during rain. However, it is important to note if you're designing a room to be opened for maximum ventilation, and also closed for air conditioning with optimal energy efficiency, choose more airtight window openings and this includes casement windows, bifold doors, swing doors. Avoid louvers, sliders and double hung windows because they do not seal shut as effectively. 3. A common design requirement in cyclonic regions is the psychological need to feel safe. Timber and steel framing is very strong in cyclonic wind speeds when built to the correct engineering standards. However, masonry, and that means...

Reducing carbon emissions, both embodied and operational, is now a design priority. But carbon cannot be considered in isolation. Today we continue with the latest science and investigate the importance of holistic decision making and regenerative design. We'll explore the renovation and extension of a 150-year-old timber cottage on a small inner city suburban site in Turrbal Country, subtropical Brisbane. Architect Andrew Noonan, director of Andrew Noonan Architect, shares the inside story on renovating his own home. Andrew conducted extensive research on his design, material and product choices to ensure they achieved optimal regenerative outcomes and he shares his very interesting findings. Today we'll learn about: the importance of regenerative design and circular economy thinking, specifying timber from environmental sources, the long term problems with using dark colours in hot climates, why plasterboard wall linings are actually a very environmental solution, and loads of other insights and practical information from Andrew's extensive research and years of experience. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Reducing carbon emissions through design is critical, but we must think holistically and find regenerative design solutions that do not focus on carbon at the expense of everything else. Regenerative design aims to integrate the building into a broader system, emphasising ways to give back and create a positive impact rather than merely reducing negative impacts. As an example, Andrew could have achieved 10 star NatHERS but chose not to because achieving it would have required upgrading from single to double glazing. This change would have significantly increased his embodied carbon due to the added glass. NatHERS modelling proved that his house design would be comfortable in a subtropical climate without mechanical heating and cooling, and so double glazed windows were not essential. 2. Relying on rooftop solar power to offset large household energy consumption is not a balanced regenerative approach. It's crucial to prioritise reduction over production. Always explore ways to reduce energy demand first. 3. Getting the fundamentals of climate responsive design right is a vital starting point for all designs and will significantly enhance energy efficiency. 4. Choosing light coloured exterior paint in hot climates can minimise heat gain and prolong the life of...

Every renovation and new build project is an opportunity to create positive environmental change. But where should we concentrate our efforts to achieve the greatest impact? In today's episode, Dr. Paul Matthew, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Queensland School of Architecture, Design and Planning, will share his research on building for a changing climate to help guide us forward. Today we'll learn about: The latest climate change science and what we need to focus on in design. The regulatory changes in the pipeline for existing and proposed houses to help tackle climate change, The key steps to achieve net zero carbon, and Loads of other valuable insights, and practical information from Paul's years of research. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The CSIRO have modelled the potential future impacts of climate change over course of the century in all the Australian climate zones. The link to this CSIRO document is in the show notes. As the climate warms, design to optimise cooling through cross ventilation in summer will be critical for the whole of Australian. However it’s essential that rooms to be mechanically heated or cooled can be efficiently insulated and sealed to minimise energy consumption. 2. The Australian Government is planning two significant building regulatory changes to tackle climate change. The first proposed change affects new building work – Embodied carbon calculations are required as part of the Australian National Construction Code approval process. This change was enacted in 2025 in NSW for commercial buildings only. However, the goal at this early stage is to establish a standardized method for measuring embodied carbon. The second proposed change is for existing houses - An operational energy assessment will be required at the point of sale or lease using the NatHERS tool. This change is yet to be enacted, but it's worth noting that a very similar scheme has been in place in the ACT for over 25 years. 3. To achieve net zero carbon there are three steps: The primary objective is to reduce operational carbon. To create highly energy efficient homes through strategies such as: climate responsive design systems like Passive House adding rooftop PV panels, and purchasing renewable energy via the grid The secondary objective is to reduce embodied carbon...

Are you renovating or building and striving to make more sustainable and affordable decisions? Whether you're an architect, designer or homeowner, juggling the current challenges of rising construction costs and the need to rethink design to be resilient and sustainable is very difficult …to say the least! So, I created this podcast season to find answers that we all need and help inspire change. Over 15 episodes, leading architects from across Australia and New Zealand will share their insights on the latest environmental design and construction, products and materials. In this first episode, we'll cover: the upcoming episode topics, the three critical takeaway messages from the entire season, and for anyone new to sustainability, an introduction to the basics. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. SEASON 3 PROGRAMME THE LATEST SCIENCE E02 Design for a changing climate Dr Paul Matthew – University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & Planning E03 Regenerative Design and Circularity Andrew Noonan –Andrew Noonan Architect - Project Case Study: 39s House Renovation, Turrbal Country / Brisbane, QLD THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS E04 Sustainable Design Fundamentals - Space Efficient Belinda Allwood and Allison Stout – People Oriented Design - Project Case Study: Big Small House, Yirriganydji Country / Palm Cove, North QLD E05 Sustainable Design Fundamentals - Adaptable Chris Bligh – Bligh Graham Architects - Project Case Study: Live Work Share House, Yuggera Counry / Samford, QLD RENOVATION AND REUSE E06 Renovation - Material reuse Rob Norman - Symbiosphere Architects- Project Case Study: Bambury Bungalow, Bundjalung Country / Fingal Head, NSW E07 Renovation - Minimal Work Paul Butterworth - Paul Butterworth Architects - Project Case Study: Stafford Heights Modern, Turrbal Country / Brisbane, QLD RENEWABLE MATERIALS E08 Strawbale Panels & Biophilic...

Renovation Collaborative has evolved since I launched at the beginning of 2024. If you've listened to my original introduction podcast from back then, you might have noticed that a few things have changed. In this podcast, I explain what's been going on behind the scenes and what's now on offer for the community and architects in 2025. Today I'll be interviewed by my most dedicated listener, my mother, Beverley. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcripts edited into clear Q&A and other useful resources. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 How have your objectives changed since you started Renovation Collaborative in 2024? 01:54 What’s on offer at Renovation Collaborative in 2025? 04:35 Are the Online Courses still useful for the community? 05:30 When did you realise the podcasts would be helpful for architects? 06:26 How are your podcasts different to other design podcasts? 09:08 Tell us about the CPD for architects. 10:08 What podcast topics are you planning for 2025? GET IN TOUCH If you've got any comments or questions or there's any topic you'd like to know more about, please send me an email at hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au .

Here we are at the end of Season 2 and if you'd like to know more about Passive House, today you'll learn some ideas that will get you started: If you just want to dip your toe in, and experience the air quality, temperature and quietness, you'll find out about Passive House holiday accommodation you can visit in Australia and New Zealand, or If you want to get down to business, you'll find out about the indepth information, courses and support available. I'm joined by two guests who will show you the way forward. The Australian Passivhaus Association CEO, Alexia Lidas, and the Managing editor of Sanctuary magazine at Renew, Anna Cumming. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY I'll start with the information about the Australian Passive House Association. The association have been advocating for the adoption of the Passive House standard in Australia since 2013. One of the primary barriers to Passive House worldwide is the lack of education. So the association provide everything you need to know in a range of learning formats. Following is a quick snapshot of what they offer and you can find further info on their website. They offer free information including: A searchable project database, consultant database and general info blog on their website. Free information sessions in your office to introduce the Passive House basics and benefits. Free one-on-one support for large organisations and government through their Passive House Incubator and this service is designed to help integrate Passive House into building procurement policies, and Free open days to visit Passive House buildings all around Australia. Their paid information options include: Association membership, providing access to online forums where you can ask for support and advice, plus local chapter meetings in each state to discuss local issues. Online courses including the Certified Passive House Designer course and the Certified Passive House Tradesperson course. Plus they offer a hands on construction training course in all states and that's open to anybody, and Their annual conference. The next key points relate to Sanctuary Magazine at Renew: Renew has been advocating, researching and providing independent practical advice to Australians wanting to live more...

How do you design a Passive House in a Subtropical climate like Brisbane? Today’s episode is the fourth and final episode focussing on the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced passive house designer Tiago Guerreiro, a director at the award-winning design and construction company H4 Living based in Brisbane. In this episode, Tiago explains the Passive House design specifics for Subtropical, plus he shares heaps of other information and insights about designing and building from his years of experience to help you better understand Passive House. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A. CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The 5 Passive House design components for a subtropical climate are as follows: Windows are typically double-glazed and always operable. Windows should enable cross ventilation, purging of any excess heat build-up, and connection to the outdoors to enjoy comfortable external temperatures over spring and autumn and much of winter. The fresh air circulation system for subtropical is an ERV (energy recovery ventilation system) which is different to the HRV systems used in the cooler southern states. Wall insulation can fit within a typical 90mm timber stud framed wall thickness. No under-slab insulation is required because connecting to comfortable earth temperatures (usually around 22-23 degrees Centigrade) is beneficial for cooling. Only one layer of external wrapping is required; the vapour-permeable weatherproof membrane on the outside of the home is taped, sealed and made airtight. An additional internal membrane may be used to obtain certainty of airtightness, but it can be avoided in most cases to reduce costs. Removing thermal bridges is always essential to avoid heat gain. 2. Effective shading to avoid all heat gain is critical - no sun can enter the house. Passive houses retain heat very effectively because they are well-insulated and sealed; therefore, the hotter the climate zone, the more shading is required. 3. Humidity and condensation are major issues in subtropical design. It’s always essential to run a Wufi analysis (which is a moisture study) as well as the PHPP modelling to resolve any moisture issues and prevent unseen mould growth in the building structure over the long term. . If you’d like to hear more about the Wufi analysis you can find more information in Episode 4. Passive House Consultant and Certifier – with Luc...