Mindful Builder

The Queen of Passive House

"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia."  That’s probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grown, more building professionals are actively exploring the concept, and even government is starting to take notice. We sat down with Clare to understand how this shift happened and what it means for Australian builders. For builders considering Passive House, the question isn't whether to adopt these standards but when. Early adopters gain competitive advantages as client awareness grows and regulations tighten. The industry is moving toward higher performance standards, whether individual builders choose to lead or follow. Clare's journey from "tin foil hat" advocate to government sustainability director demonstrates how persistence and proven results shift entire industries. The Passive House revolution isn't coming, it's already here. The only question is whether you'll be part of driving this change or catching up later. LINKS: Australian Passive Haus Association: https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Treated Pine vs Standard Pine - Beer and Building Science

Welcome to beer and building science chats, where we touch on some very complicated topics in the Australian construction sector. We look to bring the smartest people into these conversations to help educate everyone around healthy and durable buildings. In this engaging episode, our panel of experts dives deep into the debate between treated and standard pine battens. Join the Australian Beer and Building Science crew as they explore the pros and cons of each option, discussing moisture resistance, environmental impact, and practical applications. Whether you're a builder, architect, or DIY enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into making informed decisions for your next project. Tune in to discover which side of the fence you might land on!

The tradie that makes you laugh

”I'm just an average carpenter and builder a lost in a world of red tape”.   Joel Griffs from Heidi Build isn't exaggerating. The modern builder's reality involves navigating compliance mazes, managing cash flow crises, and maintaining a social media presence all while trying to actually construct buildings. We sat down with Joel to understand how the builder's role has transformed and what it takes to survive in 2025. For those entering or continuing in the building industry, Joel's story offers both warning and encouragement: the work is harder than ever, but with the right approach, it's still possible to build a sustainable business while maintaining your sanity. LINKS: Heidi Build: https://www.heidibuild.com.au Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Construction and Building Trends

Becoming a father changes everything - including how you run a construction business.  Matt just welcomed his first child, while Hamish became a dad for the third time, adding a daughter to his two boys. These life changes forced a complete reassessment of priorities, work schedules, and business operations. But fatherhood isn't the only transformation happening - AI, rising costs, and trade dynamics are reshaping the entire construction landscape.  In this episode, we talk through the trends we’re seeing right now and what they’ll potentially look like into the future. LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Australias most known architect

"The architect designed something we can't actually build."  It wouldn’t be outlandish to believe that most builders have said this at least once, usually while staring at plans that look beautiful but ignore practical realities. We sat down with Amelia Lee from Undercover Architect [https://undercoverarchitect.com/]to understand why architects and builders struggle to collaborate effectively, and more importantly, how to fix it. The industry's future depends on collaboration and education. Architects need to communicate their vision while welcoming practical construction input. Builders must openly share real-world challenges and constraints rather than silently struggling with impractical designs. Amelia's Home Method [https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/] and other online courses have equipped thousands of homeowners with the knowledge to facilitate better architect-builder relationships. When clients understand both perspectives, they can bridge communication gaps and keep projects on track. When architects and builders work together harmoniously, respecting each other's expertise, the results benefit everyone - especially homeowners who deserve projects completed on time, on budget, and to quality standards. LINKS: The Undercover Architect [https://undercoverarchitect.com/] Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]