Renovation Collaborative

Get Started: Climate Action in the built environment across Australia

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 [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/] hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au [http://www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/] * PODCAST [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/]Key points summary, timestamps and resource links * FREERESOURCES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/free-resources/]Transcript edited into clear Q&A. * CPD [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/]Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and * COURSES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/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] Do you have any final advice for anyone considering getting involved? [00:41:09] Parlour: Regenerative Designers Annexe – Anna Lindstad [00:42:04] How did this group get started? [00:43:30] Tell us about your events and how to get involved? [00:45:07] Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) Australia – Lucy Humphrey [00:45:58] How did you come to co-found ACAN in Australia? [00:47:33] Tell us about ACAN and what it does? [00:49:26] What are the primary aims? [00:51:38] How can built environment professionals get involved? [00:57:15] What other climate action groups could you recommend? [00:58:47] Do you have any advice for anyone considering joining a climate action group?   THANKYOU I want to say a big thank you for joining me this season as we explored the latest sustainable design knowledge. I truly hope the ideas and information that we've discussed have helped you clarify a path forward for improving the environmental outcomes of your projects. I also want to say a special thank you to all my guests for generously sharing their knowledge to help us all renovate smarter. I'll be back in 2026 with Season 4.   REVIEW If you're enjoying my podcasts, I would love it if you would leave me a review or a star rating to help others find the show, head over to www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative [http://www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative]  and follow the simple instructions.   RESOURCE LINKS AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS: CLIMATE ACTION & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Australian Institute of Architects Embodied Carbon Curriculum https://www.architecture.com.au/embodied-carbon-curriculum [https://www.architecture.com.au/embodied-carbon-curriculum] Where to find out about Living Building Exchange Videos https://www.architecture.com.au/events [https://www.architecture.com.au/events] AIA Climate Action Plan - https://www.architecture.com.au/advocacy-news/policy/architecture-industry-decarbonisation-plan-2025-2050 [https://www.architecture.com.au/advocacy-news/policy/architecture-industry-decarbonisation-plan-2025-2050] WA Chapter: Regenerative design resources: https://www.architecture.com.au/sa-chapter/regenerative-design-resources [https://www.architecture.com.au/sa-chapter/regenerative-design-resources]   THE RETROFIT LAB: THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE The Retrofit Lab Website: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/retrofit [https://www.unimelb.edu.au/retrofit] Climate Safe Room Initiative https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/climate-and-sustainability/renewable-yarra/create-all-electric-home/climate-safe-rooms [https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/climate-and-sustainability/renewable-yarra/create-all-electric-home/climate-safe-rooms] Energy Efficiency and Electrification Alliance https://www.3ea.com.au/ [https://www.3ea.com.au/]   AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTS DECLARE Architects Declare website: https://architectsdeclare.com.au/ [https://architectsdeclare.com.au/] Resources: https://architectsdeclare.com.au/resources/ [https://architectsdeclare.com.au/resources/] Sustainability Action Plan https://architectsdeclare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AAD-Sustainability-action-plan-template.pdf [https://architectsdeclare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AAD-Sustainability-action-plan-template.pdf] Product Aware https://www.productaware.au/ [https://www.productaware.au/] Sustainable Builders Alliance https://www.thesba.com.au/ [https://www.thesba.com.au/] Australian Suppliers Declare https://au.suppliersdeclare.com/ [https://au.suppliersdeclare.com/]   PARLOUR REGENERATIVE DESIGNERS ANNEXE Parlour – Regenerative Designers Annexe website: https://parlour.org.au/parlour-annexe/regenerative-designers/ [https://parlour.org.au/parlour-annexe/regenerative-designers/]   ACAN AUSTRALIA ACAN Australia website: https://acanaustralia.org/ [https://acanaustralia.org/] ACAN / Melbourne University - Demolition Atlas project https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/exhibitions/melbourne-design-week/melbourne-demolition-atlas-workshop [https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/exhibitions/melbourne-design-week/melbourne-demolition-atlas-workshop] Climate Action in Australian Architectural Practice https://www.aasa-arch.org/post/climate-action-in-australian-architectural-practice-2022-industry-survey-results [https://www.aasa-arch.org/post/climate-action-in-australian-architectural-practice-2022-industry-survey-results]   OTHER AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE ACTION GROUPS Architects Assist https://www.architectsassist.org/ [https://www.architectsassist.org/] Parents For Climate https://www.parentsforclimate.org/ [https://www.parentsforclimate.org/] MECLA (NSW) https://mecla.org.au/ [https://mecla.org.au/] Climate Action Network Australia https://www.cana.net.au/ [https://www.cana.net.au/] Climate Action Network https://climatenetwork.org/ [https://climatenetwork.org/]   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 [hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au].

Get Started: Reducing Embodied Carbon – Lucy Humphrey, Studio Ecology

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 [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/] hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au [http://www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/] * PODCAST [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/]Key points summary, timestamps and resource links * FREERESOURCES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/free-resources/]Transcript edited into clear Q&A. * CPD [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/]Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and * COURSES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/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 design options with clearly indicated carbon impacts, such as very low, medium and high carbon. Share this information with engineers and builders to empower all parties to effect change. 3. Embodied carbon is part of material knowledge and must become a fundamental part of every designer's skill set. To get started and gain a general understanding of materials, have a look at the Australian Institute of Architects, Embodied Carbon Curriculum. And learn to do a basic carbon lifecycle assessment. 4. Reduction of carbon emissions - both embodied and operational - is critical, but it's only part of the equation. When designing, always balance three equal aims: * Mitigation of carbon emissions, * Regeneration of nature, and * Adaptation to heat, flooding and bushfire. 5. Ideally, Australia needs to halve its carbon emissions by 2030. To achieve this in architectural practice, establish a benchmark by measuring the embodied carbon on past projects and aim to halve that on future work. Focus on structural materials because they account for around 70% of embodied carbon. As a general guide, standard architectural homes average around 500 -1000 kilograms of CO2e, carbon dioxide equivalents per square metre. Lucy suggested that in most cases a 20-30% carbon reduction was reasonably achievable through designing out heavy carbon materials like concrete and new masonry and material substitution. However greater carbon reductions required substantial use of recycled materials and a significant shift towards avoiding demolition unless absolutely essential. 6. Globally, Denmark has enacted policies around embodied whole of life carbon including caps per square metre. And the good news is their construction industry is alive and well. This legislation has opened up new opportunities in the circular material and recycling industry and created new aesthetics. I love how the innovative Denmark sustainable architectural practice Lendager uses an inspirational tagline ‘Form follows availability.’ And finally, building less comes with benefits of time and financial freedom. There is less stuff to manage, less space to clean, less home to pay for in terms of bills and mortgage. Flow on effects include opportunities to work less hours or even less days in the week, delivering more free time, better health, better relationships and improved quality of life. Now that's real food for thought.  INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:44] Why did you become so active in driving environmental change? [00:04:22] Is anyone talking openly about climate change impacts? [00:05:22] How is ACAN helping create space for these heavy conversations? [00:12:08] Are any media talking openly about climate change? [00:17:39] When and how should approach design for climate change with clients? [00:20:42] How can architects learn about material embodied carbon and LCAs? [00:23:35] Is engaging a sustainability consultant for an LCA a good way to get started? [00:24:25] Do any countries in Europe have regulations around construction carbon emissions? [00:25:47] Are there any guidelines to help us reduce embodied carbon by 50% by 2030? [00:29:39] What useful info is in the Leti Guides from the UK? [00:31:05] Can you give us some practical steps to get started reducing carbon emissions? [00:32:31] Can you give us advice around the implications of using timber to reduce carbon? [00:36:44] How easy is it to reduce carbon emissions by 50% [00:39:41] How can we get to 98% reduction in 10 years? [00:41:02] Do you have advice on a holistic approach to design?   [00:43:56] No demolition at all is a very big mindshift! [00:49:25] In Denmark - What has happened to the industry since imposing carbon regulations? [00:55:20] What is your final advice to help everyone move forward with reducing impacts and embracing change? [01:07:11] Key point summary   IN THE NEXT EPISODE Next week we move on to our final Getting Started episode and our final episode in season three. We'll find out about Climate Action Around Australia and what's happening behind the scenes to bring about change. I talk with guests from: * The Australian Institute of Architects - Sustainability & Climate Action Committee, * The RetroFit Lab - The University of Melbourne * Australian Architects Declare, * ACAN Australia, and * Parlour Regenerative Designers Annexe. We'll find out who's doing what, how to get involved and where to find more information.   RESOURCE LINKS EMBODIED CARBON GUIDES Australian Institute of Architects Embodied Carbon Curriculum https://www.architecture.com.au/embodied-carbon-curriculum [https://www.architecture.com.au/embodied-carbon-curriculum] Australian Reduction Roadmap https://reductionroadmap.au/ [https://reductionroadmap.au/] EPIC database https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/research/projects/current/environmental-performance-in-construction [https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/research/projects/current/environmental-performance-in-construction] ICE database https://circularecology.com/embodied-carbon-footprint-database.html [https://circularecology.com/embodied-carbon-footprint-database.html] Leti UK – Low Embodied Carbon Specification and Procurement Guide https://www.leti.uk/specification [https://www.leti.uk/specification]   LCA TOOLS Fitzpatrick and Partners – Free Embodied Carbon App https://github.com/JackD-FP/FP-Embodied-Carbon-App [https://github.com/JackD-FP/FP-Embodied-Carbon-App] One Click LCA https://oneclicklca.com [https://oneclicklca.com/] Cerclos – Etool & Rapid LCA https://cerclos.com/ [https://cerclos.com/]   ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES REUSING WASTE MATERIALS Revival Projects https://revivalprojects.com.au/ [https://revivalprojects.com.au/] Second Edition https://www.secondedition.com.au/ [https://www.secondedition.com.au/] Five Mile Radius https://www.fivemileradius.org/ [https://www.fivemileradius.org/] Denmark - Lendager Architects (Form follows availability) https://lendager.com/ [https://lendager.com/] Denmark – Regulations mandating reuse of demolition materials https://stateofgreen.com/en/news/new-danish-law-to-increase-repurpose-rates-of-construction-materials/ [https://stateofgreen.com/en/news/new-danish-law-to-increase-repurpose-rates-of-construction-materials/]   AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE ACTION GROUPS Architects Declare https://architectsdeclare.com.au/ [https://architectsdeclare.com.au/] ACAN Australia https://acanaustralia.org/ [https://acanaustralia.org/] Architects Assist https://www.architectsassist.org/ [https://www.architectsassist.org/] Parlour – Regenerative Designers Annexe https://parlour.org.au/parlour-annexe/regenerative-designers/ [https://parlour.org.au/parlour-annexe/regenerative-designers/] Climate in Australian Architectural Practice – Industry Survey Results – Dr Liz Brogden, University of Queensland https://www.aasa-arch.org/post/climate-action-in-australian-architectural-practice-2022-industry-survey-results [https://www.aasa-arch.org/post/climate-action-in-australian-architectural-practice-2022-industry-survey-results] Parents For Climate https://www.parentsforclimate.org/ [https://www.parentsforclimate.org/] MECLA (NSW) https://mecla.org.au/ [https://mecla.org.au/]   OTHER Svalbard Global Seed Vault - https://www.croptrust.org/what-we-do/programs/svalbard-global-seed-vault/ [https://www.croptrust.org/what-we-do/programs/svalbard-global-seed-vault/] Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship (NSW) https://www.architects.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/research-reports/reports [https://www.architects.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/research-reports/reports] Jem Bendell – Deep Adaptation https://jembendell.com/category/deep-adaptation/ [https://jembendell.com/category/deep-adaptation/] Stockholm Resilience Centre – Stockholm University – 9 Planetary Boundaries https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html [https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html] Inventory of Climate Emotions – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378023001309 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378023001309] Podcast Planet Critical https://www.planetcritical.com/podcast [https://www.planetcritical.com/podcast] Anthropocene Architecture School https://www.patreon.com/cw/AnthropoceneArchitectureSchool [https://www.patreon.com/cw/AnthropoceneArchitectureSchool] The Amazon Rainforest now a source of CO2 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/14/amazon-rainforest-now-emitting-more-co2-than-it-absorbs [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/14/amazon-rainforest-now-emitting-more-co2-than-it-absorbs] Journalist – George Monbiot - https://www.monbiot.com/ [https://www.monbiot.com/] Breathe Architects installation at National Gallery of Victoria - https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/2024-ngv-architecture-commission-home-truth/ [https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/2024-ngv-architecture-commission-home-truth/] ACAN / Melbourne University - Demolition Atlas project https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/exhibitions/melbourne-design-week/melbourne-demolition-atlas-workshop [https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/exhibitions/melbourne-design-week/melbourne-demolition-atlas-workshop] Regenesis Group https://regenesisgroup.com/ [https://regenesisgroup.com/] House of Bamboo https://houseofbamboo.com.au/ [https://houseofbamboo.com.au/] Half Studio – University of Toronto https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/half-studio [https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/half-studio] Climate Action Network Australia https://www.cana.net.au/ [https://www.cana.net.au/] Climate Action Network https://climatenetwork.org/ [https://climatenetwork.org/] REVIEW And finally today, if you're enjoying my podcasts, I would love it if you would leave me a review or a star rating. To help others find the show, head over to www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative [http://www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative]  and follow the simple instructions.   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 [hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au].

Water & Ecosystems: Delight in your environment – Tim Bennetton, Tim Bennetton Architects

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 [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/] hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au [http://www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/] * PODCAST [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/]Key points summary, timestamps and resource links * FREE RESOURCES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/free-resources/]Transcript edited into clear Q&A. * CPD [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/]Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and * COURSES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/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, store and reuse water to mitigate flooding and manage water resources. A combination of features like wetlands, permeable pavements, green roofs and urban gardens are used to help control stormwater runoff. Instead of relying solely on traditional drainage systems. The goal is to create cities that are more resilient to heavy rainfall and climate change while also improving water quality and biodiversity. 4. This project followed the principles of sponge cities and overland flow and rainwater tank overflow was captured in vegetated seasonal creek beds. * They removed the nutrients from the water, improving water health in the river and Moreton Bay. * They reduced the amount and speed of stormwater runoff. * They allowed the water to slow down and improve absorption into the soil, and * They retained water and moisture in the soil and on the site longer, supporting the growth of wildlife habitat. 5. The goal of sponge cities is to have the upstream properties and the downstream properties all part of the same natural stormwater ecosystem. In other words, to expand this concept across multiple properties, linking the entire overland flow catchment and also linking across multiple catchments. In addition to the multiple waterway benefits, this would create beneficial wildlife corridors. And finally, 6. If you're looking to reuse water on your property, the first step is to find out what's allowable under the local council regulations. If you're seeking a complex solution for an off grid site, Tim recommended engaging a hydraulic engineer for design and to recommend the best products for rain harvesting and sewage treatment suited to your needs and site.   INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [00:00] Introduction [01:28] How did you get started into sustainable design? [02:39] Tell us about your practice [04:00] Has interest in knowledge in sustainable design been increasing? [05:05] What was the project brief? [06:33] Tell us about the Brisbane climate [07:28] Tell us about the climate responsive design solutions you used. [11:14] Tell us about the site issues. [14:30] How did you design to accommodate the overland flow? [17:23] What are the benefits of Sponge Cities approach [20:22] Tell us about the exterior form and materials [27:07] Tell us about the doors and windows you used [30:03] Tell us about the interior design decisions [31:16] Tell about your strategies for household water use and reuse [38:47] What advice do you have for anyone wanting to build sustainably or maximise use of water on site. [42:45] Key points summary   IN THE NEXT EPISODE This was our last case study project for the season. Next week, we move on to Getting Started, and over the next two episodes I wrap up the key learnings from the season to help you move forward. 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. Lucy gives us a powerful wakeup call about the current state of our planet and the urgency to act. And She helps us understand building carbon emissions, plus how to measure them and how to reduce them to hit our targets so together we can bring about change.    RESOURCE LINKS TIM BENNETTON ARCHITECTS - Project Page (images) Yeronga House https://www.timbennetton.com.au/projects/yeronga-house [https://www.timbennetton.com.au/projects/yeronga-house]   PROJECT INFO Project Hydraulic Engineer (and project owner) - Water Technology https://www.watertech.com.au/ [https://www.watertech.com.au/] Finlayson Envirowood Timber Doors and Windows https://www.finlayson.com.au/products/envirowood/ [https://www.finlayson.com.au/products/envirowood/] Feast Watson Black Japan Stain https://www.feastwatson.com.au/colour/black-japan [https://www.feastwatson.com.au/colour/black-japan] Whittle Wax Evolution hard wax oil https://www.whittlewaxes.com.au/collections/hardwax-oils?srsltid=AfmBOoqI8M1sHDOffMIzbVf5NQFt4Ki5u-LHMhk950NH_iE6TYGA3NfJ [https://www.whittlewaxes.com.au/collections/hardwax-oils?srsltid=AfmBOoqI8M1sHDOffMIzbVf5NQFt4Ki5u-LHMhk950NH_iE6TYGA3NfJ]   OTHER INFORMATION Gabriel Poole Architect https://gabrielpoole.com.au/ [https://gabrielpoole.com.au/] Gabriel Poole – Lake Weyba House https://www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au/building/22-lake-weyba-house/ [https://www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au/building/22-lake-weyba-house/]   REVIEW And finally today, if you're enjoying my podcasts, I would love it if you would leave me a review or a star rating. To help others find the show, head over to www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative [http://www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative]  and follow the simple instructions.   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 [hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au].

Healthy Buildings: Hempcrete and materials for a healthy home – Michael Leung, Balanced Earth Architects

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 [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/] hours for these podcasts.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au [http://www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/] * PODCAST [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/]Key points summary, timestamps and resource links * FREERESOURCES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/free-resources/]Transcript edited into clear Q&A. * CPD [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/]Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and * COURSES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/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 the formwork is set up ready for the hempcrete. 4. Concrete interior floor slabs are burnished and then finished with a natural flax seed oil. Burnishing is a process that creates a smooth, dense and low sheen surface by mechanically trowelling a concrete slab before its fully cured. Unlike polished concrete, burnishing does not grind down the concrete or expose aggregate. The process uses a power trowel or helicopter to compact and smooth the surface to a sleek durable finish. 5. Other healthy internal materials and finishes include: * Wall linings of pine boards, plasterboard or Villaboard finished with natural clay or lime paints, and natural clay or lime renders.   * Cabinetry carcasses are constructed from VOC free moisture resistant plywood, painted with natural paint. There is no melamine cabinetry. * Kitchen benches are made from timber, concrete or a copper treated with natural oils. * Wet areas avoid tiles on walls or floors to minimise the opportunity for mould growth in tile joints. Instead the walls are finished in a burnished render. Burnishing involves trowelling the fresh render surface until it is completely smooth and all pores and scratches are removed. Bathroom floors and showers are finished with micro cement and sealed. 6. Materials for roof water collection and storage systems avoid chemical leaching and include: * Galvanized steel roof sheeting, gutters and downpipes. * HDPE pipes (never PVC). * Rainwater tanks made from stainless steel or concrete. 7. EMR or electromagnetic radiation exposure is reduced - particularly in bedrooms. All cabling in the house is not within 2 metres of any sleeping head, particularly children. Solar panels and batteries are located on sheds or garages and away from sleeping and habitable spaces, and Internet cabling and plug in connection is provided to avoid WIFI wherever possible.   INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [00:00] Introduction [01:11] How did you get started into sustainable design? [03:40] Tell us about Balanced Earth Architects and Balanced Earth Builders [08:13] In your experience, is awareness and knowledge about sustainable design increasing? [09:30] What was the sustainable design brief for this project? [15:45] What is the Byron hinterland climate like? [16:31] What were your key design strategies to deal with this subtropical climate? [18:52] Tell us more about hempcrete construction? [21:35] Does hempcrete take longer to build than standard construction? [24:10] How does hempcrete cost compare with other types of construction? [25:18] Tell us about lime render? [27:22] Tell us about the other interior materials and finishes? [29:14] What paints do you use? [31:33] What materials did you use in the kitchen? [33:32] What materials did you use in the bathrooms? [36:39] What are the key criteria to make a healthy home? [40:54] What did you use for your solar power system? [42:59] What did you used for your sewage treatment? [44:26] What did you use for your rainwater harvesting system? [48:34] What advice would you give to anyone wanting to build a healthy home?   IN THE NEXT EPISODE Next week we move on to our next sustainable design theme - Delight in your environment. We'll investigate the design of a small extension to an old timber home and some very important landscape work on a challenging site with overland water flow issues, located in suburban subtropical Brisbane. It's an inspiring transformation from a problem site into a valuable asset that brings joy to the owners and provides a much needed habitat for local flora and fauna. I talk with architect Tim Benetton, the director of Tim Benetton Architects, who'll share the inside story on his Yeronga House project.   RESOURCE LINKS BALANCED EARTH ARCHITECTS - Project Page (images) Skyfarm https://www.balancedearth.co/all-projects/skyfarm [https://www.balancedearth.co/all-projects/skyfarm] BALANCED EARTH BUILDING COMPANY https://www.balancedearth.co/ [https://www.balancedearth.co/] PROJECT INFO Georgio Graesan: https://www.giorgiograesanqld.com.au/products/ [https://www.giorgiograesanqld.com.au/products/] Hempcrete internal clear finish - Rockcote Repel https://rockcote.com.au/product/repel/ [https://rockcote.com.au/product/repel/] Livos https://livos.com/ [https://livos.com/] Rockcote: https://rockcote.com.au/product-category/natural-materials/ [https://rockcote.com.au/product-category/natural-materials/] Rockcote Clay & Lime plaster: https://rockcote.com.au/product/otsumigaki/ [https://rockcote.com.au/product/otsumigaki/] Micro Cement Water filter systems: https://watershop.com.au/ [https://watershop.com.au/]   OTHER INFORMATION Luigi Roselli Architects https://luigirosselli.com/ [https://luigirosselli.com/]   REVIEW And finally today, if you're enjoying my podcasts, I would love it if you would leave me a review or a star rating. To help others find the show, head over to www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative [http://www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative]  and follow the simple instructions.   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 [hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au].

Prefabrication: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) & Passivhaus – Murray Robertson, Robertson Architects NZ

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 [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/] hours for these podcasts.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au [http://www.renovationcollaborative.com.au/] * PODCAST [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/]Key points summary, timestamps and resource links * FREE RESOURCES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/free-resources/]Transcript edited into clear Q&A. * CPD [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/continuing-professional-development/]Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and * COURSES [https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/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 required.   INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [00:00] Introduction [00:55] How did you get started in sustainable design? [03:19] What was the project brief? [04:42] What is the Climate of Wellington in NZ [05:27] What were the site issues? [08:09] Why did your clients pursue Passive House? [08:57] Tell us about the design of the structure? [11:13] What are SIPS? [12:51] What is the total wall composition? [16:12] How are SIPS installed on site? [18:42] Is any structure required or are SIPS load bearing? [19:47] Can you expose the SIPS strandboard lining internally? [21:23] Were SIPS cost saving? [23:42] What materials were used on the building exterior? [24:48] What is thermally modified timber? [26:19] What doors and windows were used? [27:18] What environmental materials did you choose for the interior? [28:21] What is your opinion of Hardwax oils for interior timber floors? [29:50] What advice would you give anyone considering using SIPS? [31:05] Would you use SIPS again? [31:55] Key points summary   IN THE NEXT EPISODE  Next week 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. Michael discusses the key design considerations, materials and products for a healthy home.   RATING  And finally today, if you're enjoying my podcasts, I would love it if you would leave me a review or a star rating. To help others find the show, head over to www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative [http://www.ratethispodcast.com/renovationcollaborative]  and follow the simple instructions.   RESOURCE LINKS ROBERTSON ARCHITECTS - Project Page (images) https://www.robertsonarchitects.co.nz/projects-1/bell-house [https://www.robertsonarchitects.co.nz/projects-1/bell-house] PROJECT INFO ProClima external building wrap https://proclima.co.nz/products/weathertightness-systems/solitex-extasana [https://proclima.co.nz/products/weathertightness-systems/solitex-extasana] Neuffer Windows https://www.neuffer-windows.co.nz/ [https://www.neuffer-windows.co.nz/] Luna Wood https://lunawood.com/ [https://lunawood.com/] Rubio Monocoat https://rubiomonocoat.com.au/ [https://rubiomonocoat.com.au/] Evolution Hardwax oil https://www.whittlewaxes.com.au/collections/hardwax-oils [https://www.whittlewaxes.com.au/collections/hardwax-oils] OTHER INFO ROBERTSON ARCHITECTS BLOG – State House to Passive House https://www.robertsonarchitects.co.nz/blog/categories/residential [https://www.robertsonarchitects.co.nz/blog/categories/residential]   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 [hello@renovationcollaborative.com.au].