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

Show notes can be found here:

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

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:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/13-passivhaus-performance-the-power-of-building-science-with-hamish-white-and-matthew-carland

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:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/12-condensation-roof-ventilation-and-building-science-with-clarence-macalister

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:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/11-responsibility-energy-efficiency-purpose-with-clare-conroy

In this episode, I interview Villy Yordanov, a mechanical engineer and innovation engineer at Pro Clima. We discuss the importance of building science, sustainability, and moisture management in construction. Villy shares his journey into the field, the role of WUFI in hygrothermal modeling, and the significant challenges associated with managing moisture in concrete structures. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about moisture in buildings, the balance between air tightness and vapour control, and the latest innovations in building science.

Show notes can be found here

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/10-wufi-walls-and-weatherproofing-with-villy-yordanov

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.

Episode show notes:

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/9-health-energy-efficiency-building-what-matters-with-cindy-angel

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 have a chat with Ken Long, the Regional Sustainability Manager at LendLease and chairperson of the Adelaide Sustainable Building Network. We discuss Ken's journey into sustainability, the role of the ASBN in promoting sustainable practices, and the importance of community engagement. Ken shares insights on the challenges of making sustainability, the significance of the Green Book as a resource, and the need for policy changes to ensure better living conditions through sustainable housing. The conversation emphasises the importance of construction details in achieving energy-efficient homes and the collective responsibility to foster a sustainable future.

Useful Links From Our Chat

Adelaide Sustainable Building Network

Solar Decathlon

Glenn Murcutt - Australian Architect

Sustainable House Day - 5th May 2025

Renew Sustainable House Day - Webinar series 2025

The Green Book

ASBN YouTube Channel

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Architecture

01:10 Ken's Journey into Sustainability

06:11 The Role of Education in Sustainability

09:06 The Adelaide Sustainable Building Network

14:58 Engagement and Community in Sustainability

20:17 Events and Networking Opportunities

25:17 Challenges in Promoting Sustainability

29:43 Making Sustainability Appealing

31:42 The Perception of Sustainability

35:02 Social Dynamics and Sustainability

40:12 The Green Book: A Resource for Sustainability

45:03Policy Changes for Sustainable Living

52:52Key Takeaways on Sustainable Housing

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 sign up to the mailing list ⁠here⁠!