Episode 37: 8 Fundamentals to Home Design - Chris Laumer-Giddens

Episode 37: 8 Fundamentals to Home Design - Chris Laumer-Giddens

Chris Laumer-Giddens shares his journey into architecture and why airtight building envelopes are critical for preventing moisture and mould. Drawing on a Passive House project that achieved zero air leakage, he highlights what’s possible with the right approach. Chris also advocates for simpler, more durable design, challenges over-complicated solutions like spray foam, and explains why ERVs can outperform HRVs when it comes to moisture control — all while keeping long-term comfort and building performance front of mind. Special Guest: Chris Laumer-Giddens.

Episode 36: Yes, you can build a whole home with a truss! Kim Aitkin

Kim Aitken shares her journey from Ireland to Scotland and into a diverse career spanning time with the British Army, Product Design Engineering, and Structural Engineering in Canada. She introduces Truss House™ - an innovative system using roof trusses as the primary structure to deliver faster, more efficient builds. Despite early hurdles, including a Dragon’s Den appearance and COVID-19 disruptions, the concept has gained strong traction in New Zealand through partnerships with Pryda and Bunnings Trade, with current plans on the drawing board for everything from modular to multi-storey housing. Special Guest: Kim Aitkin.

Episode 35: What happens when things go wrong? - Peter Raimondo

In this episode of the Pro Clima Podcast, Simon Cator talks with Auckland-based (but Toronto born and raised) building enclosure engineer Peter Raimondo about adapting building science principles from Canada to New Zealand. Raimondo discusses challenges in local construction practices, the importance of airtightness and ventilation, and how controlled airflow prevents condensation and energy loss. He also shares insights from blower door testing, international best practice, and his role as MC for the upcoming Building Science Summit, focused on industry collaboration and knowledge sharing. Special Guest: Peter Raimondo.

Episode 34: Eco-Friendly Construction - Simon Wansbrough

Simon Wandsborough joins the pro clima Podcast to discuss his journey from outdoor instructor to eco-conscious builder and the thinking behind his business, Third Little Pig. He shares how growing up in New Zealand and completing an adult apprenticeship shaped his focus on building better, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes. The conversation explores high-performance building principles such as passive solar design, insulation, airtightness, and quality windows, alongside the need for better education and early collaboration between clients, architects, and builders. Simon also reflects on the limitations of New Zealand’s building code, common misconceptions around cost and airtightness, and what’s next for Third Little Pig. Special Guest: Simon Wansbrough.

Episode 33: Freidrich Strey

Special Guest: Freidrich Strey.