Join Matt from Carland Constructions and Hamish from Sanctum Homes in a podcast discussing sustainable building practices and passive house concepts.
They also talk to experts from all avenues of the building industry to share their knowledge and insights on what the industry looks like today.
Further to this, Matt and Hamish are building a platform through the podcast to discuss mental health issues that arise in the building industry. The industry can be quite negative at times and there is a great deal of stigma around what it means to be a "tradie".
Matt and Hamish are here to shine a light of positivity on the industry and share relatable topics that will help you in your own building or construction business.
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Well, it's not entirely shattered, but there are definitely some big considerable cracks that need to be repaired.
Today’s guest, Scott Burchell from Comb Construction, breaks down the big issues (like rising project costs, evolving regulations, and a labour shortage) that are making it difficult to remain profitable. He shared stories from both residential and multi-residential sectors, putting a spotlight on how challenging it can be for developers to justify starting new projects when the numbers don't stack up.
One of the biggest headaches? Town planning issues and rising costs have thrown a spanner in the works. Developers are scratching their heads, wondering if their returns would be better off sitting in a savings account, especially with skyrocketing post-COVID prices. But we can’t just point the finger at developers. They need to make money, and let's face it, we need places to live. It’s a two-way street, really.
Residential or otherwise, solutions to our housing hiccups won't be found by building further out into the suburbs alone. Models like Melbourne's Nightingale are fantastic—the concept solves many problems, but it remains a niche solution. We can't ignore how councils seem to hold back innovative designs, yet still hand out awards when these projects finally come to life.
Despite various efforts to streamline processes, it often feels like dealing with councils and developers requires an unreasonable amount of 'common sense'. Decisions get stuck in a loop, cities miss out on optimal layouts, and before you know it, common sense is out the window. Still, sometimes when the dust settles after these projects, people realise things aren't as bad as they feared.
Working in construction or development can feel like walking a tightrope. There's a constant risk of tipping over budget or time, thanks to complex regulations and contracts that seem to put builders in a bind more than anyone else. Scott shared some hard truths from his years in the industry, like seeing firms go bust from one bad project to another.
Something we've noticed is a need for better relationships between architects, builders, and developers. We chatted about how the 'us vs. them' mentality is holding us all back, when what we truly need is collaboration and understanding on both sides. A successful project should have the client living in a wonderful home, the architect’s vision beautifully realised, and yes—the builder making money, too!
While it might seem idealistic to think we can solve all these problems overnight, there's definitely hope if we start working together more transparently. Little adjustments can make a big difference, like if we could tweak some contract agreements to share the risk more fairly or make payment structures more manageable for builders.
The future may be uncertain, but here's hoping the construction industry finds its balance. Let's all aim to build better together, one brick at a time.
Safety. It’s a word that brings to mind tedious rules or intrusive safety officers, and to many in the building industry it’s seen as a chore not a choice.
But safety can be the thin line between life and death, so maybe it’s time we get more engaged.
In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Huber, a safety advocate and operational excellence expert, who’s on a mission to redefine how safety is perceived.
The first step in this is rebranding safety as operational excellence. He doesn’t want to be seen as the “safety police” or a roadblock, but instead as a facilitator, who helps workers to perform at their best and ensures they return home in the same condition they left.
In our conversation, Matt shared some sobering examples from his family's history, driving home the real-world consequences of safety failures. It's stories like these that bring the abstract concept of "risk" into stark reality. The narrative of Matt's uncle, tragically killed in a workplace accident, and his father's own narrow escape paints a vivid picture of why getting safety right is about protecting lives, not just livelihoods.
Safety, just like any other aspect of our work, demands accountability. But who exactly is responsible? Well, we all are. Employers have the power but also the duty to create a safe workspace by providing the necessary resources and conducting ongoing risk assessments. Meanwhile, employees must adhere to these standards and engage in open dialogues about the risks they face. This two-way street nurtures an environment where safety becomes a shared, organisational commitment rather than merely top-down enforcement.
That’s why its important safety is integrated into the culture of our workplace. Tom shared operational excellence principles that encourage thorough risk assessment conversations. The aim is to identify successful processes rather than just failures, shifting the focus from blame to constructive learning. Leaders must lead by example, encouraging an open and honest dialogue about risks and how to address them effectively.
We also discussed how rapidly advancing AI-technology could transform how we approach safety in building. Imagine AI tools that pick out discrepancies across process documents, flagging potential 'error traps' before they ensnare workers—like an extra layer of foresight. While technology can’t replace human intuition, it’s an ally that can help keep us safer and more efficient than ever.
Building bigger is not better
Episode 29
Sunday, September 22, 2024 • Duration 40:58
Did you know Australia boasts the larges average home size anywhere in the world?
The market is full of oversized, inefficient homes that aren’t sustainable or necessary and we’re sick of it.
That’s why we sat down with Imogen from IP Architecture, who’s challenging the ‘bigger is better’ mindset and setting new standards for sustainable living.
Imogen’s journey in architecture began with the mud brick house her parents built. "My parents built their own house when I was a baby, and it was a mud brick house with recycled materials. That was really influential on me," she recalled. This early exposure to sustainable building materials and passive solar design principles stayed with her as she pursued her architecture degree and later her career.
Today, Imogen's designs continue to reflect her commitment to sustainability. She strongly believes in the principles of passive solar design, which involves working with the natural environment to heat and cool homes efficiently. "For me, the principles of passive solar design are just basic architecture," she explained. "It shouldn't be something that’s celebrated; it should be the norm."
I’m sure you know how passionate we are about the Passive House movement, and Imogen shares this enthusiasm. Passive houses take passive solar design a step further, using advanced building physics to create airtight homes that maintain a comfortable indoor climate year-round. Though it might mean more initial embodied carbon due to extra insulation and mechanical systems, the long-term operational energy savings are undeniable.
Our conversation then turned to a pressing issue in the Australian building industry—our penchant for oversized homes. It seems like every year they get bigger and bigger, with another guest room, or media room, or kids room. Imogen has successfully made it her mission to show clients that a well-designed, compact home can meet all their needs without the excess. "One of my favourite things about being an architect is making people's briefs work in the most compact building envelope," she explained.
She’s developed a process that involves deeply understanding her clients’ lifestyles and future needs. Asking detailed questions helps her clients re-evaluate their actual needs versus their initial desires, leading to more efficient, sustainable design solutions.
People Care About You
Episode 28
Monday, September 16, 2024 • Duration 44:32
Have you ever felt like you're burning the candle at both ends and you aren’t sure how long you can keep it up? Trust us, you're not alone.
It’s easy to push ourselves too far with work and neglect our mental health. It might not seem like a huge deal in the moment but it’s a quick path to burnout.
We recently sat down with, we sat down with Kyle Zanetto, a Tasmanian building business owner, who has experienced it all—burnout, breakdowns, and the balance it takes to keep it all together. This story is raw, real, and packed with insights you'll want to carry with you.
Kyle kicked off by sharing a bit about his professional journey. At just 31, he's already led Zanetto Builders through seven successful years, becoming a well-respected name in Tasmania’s custom home space. But as glamorous as that sounds, the path to getting there was paved with more than just hard work and skill—it was strewn with personal sacrifices and intense mental health struggles.
His lowest point came in 2020, when the juggle of a growing business and competitive bodybuilding pushed him to severe burnout. "I was building my house, doing a bodybuilding competition, and running the business. I was on steroids, getting five hours of sleep a night, and my personal life was falling apart," Kyle shared. "It all came to a head when I made the huge mistake of cheating on my partner, and that’s when my life spiraled out of control." Things got so bad Kyle contemplated ending his life, but thankfully two close friends reached out to him with support and helped turn things around.
It wasn’t an overnight change though. After his breakdown, Kyle spent weeks rebuilding his life, seeking therapy, and learning to prioritise his mental health. This journey led him to develop a new vision for his business. Now, he focuses on creating a company so robust that it can accommodate the dreams and aspirations of all his employees, making sure they have a stable and supportive environment.
Practical Takeaways
1. Routine and Structure: Kyle emphasised the importance of a structured routine. From blocking out time for specific tasks to maintaining a work-life balance, these steps were crucial in helping him manage his responsibilities more effectively.
RUOK - Emergency Episode
Episode 27
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • Duration 26:15
We’ve got a bonus episode for you today because it’s R U OK? Day.
If you aren’t familiar with R U OK? Day, it’s a day dedicated to checking in on your mates and yourself.
The construction industry is incredibly demanding and it’s easy for mental health to take a back seat, but days like this remind us how important it is to be there for each other – not just once a year but as an everyday priority. We’re joined by our good friend, the incredibly knowledgeable Julie to break down how to have these conversations.
We know it can be hard to ask someone if they’re okay, especially if you fear making things worse. Julie reassures us that the worst thing we can do is to avoid asking at all. Simple, genuine questions like, "You don’t seem yourself lately, is everything okay?" can open the door for someone to share their struggles.
One of the barriers in our industry is the cultural expectation to be tough and self-reliant. Many of us shrug off issues by saying, "I’m fine," even when we’re not. If you get this response, persistence is key. Follow-up is crucial. Let them know you're genuinely there for them, and don't hesitate to check in again later. Over time, this persistence can prove to someone that our concern is genuine, making them more likely to open up.
What to Do When Things Get Serious
If someone opens up to you about serious issues, such as suicidal thoughts, it's essential to stay calm and listen. While it’s a heavy topic, Julie reminds us that asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk of someone taking their own life. Instead, it can provide them relief by showing they’re not alone. Express your concern and support, and guide them towards professional help, like their GP or a counsellor.
To create real change in the building industry, we need to foster a supportive environment. So, if you’re noticing someone who might be struggling, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed yourself, now is the time to take that first step. Reach out, ask the question, and make a difference. You don't have to be a professional to make a difference. Just being a caring human being who reaches out can have a significant impact.
Why aren't the Australian Standards Free?
Episode 26
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 38:16
Ever been frustrated by how ridiculously expensive it is to access Australian building standards? Yeah, us too. Imagine being hit with a $330 bill just to access ONE building standard—it's maddening!
We recently sat down with Laura Tanova, a building surveyor with nearly two decades of experience, to dig into what’s going on here and how it impacts everyone in the industry. Spoiler alert: things can get pretty complicated and finding the answers you need is not always easy. Trust us; This is one conversation you don’t want to miss!
We kicked off our discussion with a question many of us have wondered about: “Why do some surveyors go through the details meticulously, while others don’t?” Laura explained that it boils down to the individual surveyors' backgrounds and the changing industry standards. Surveyors who began their careers at different times might have differing degrees of adherence to detail, largely influenced by the level of regulation at their entry point into the profession. While ideally, every building surveyor would work to the same high standard, unfortunately, that’s just not the case.
The Cost Barrier
We then circled back to the biggest issue for builders: how expensive it is to access these standards. The necessity of these standards for ensuring quality and safety is undisputed, but their price leaves many builders relying on older out-of-date versions that don’t consider recent advancements or legislation in building practices. It's absurd that in an industry where compliance is critical, accessing the latest standards costs an arm and a leg.
Navigating the Maze of Regulations
The conversation then turned to whether these expensive standards are even worth it for those who can afford them. Laura pointed out that while the National Construction Code (NCC) is supposed to be nationally mandated, different states can choose to adopt parts of it selectively. This selective adoption causes significant confusion and delay, making an already complex system even harder to navigate. As Laura explained, “We’re about to go into NCC 2025, and some states haven’t even taken up 2022.”
Because of this disparity, the code often doesn’t reflect the latest advancements in building technology. Laura mentioned specific challenges like condensation management and roof space ventilation, which are often poorly addressed in the standards. These issues can create additional burdens for builders who may need to seek performance solutions to meet compliance.
Taking the WOO WOO out of mental health
Episode 25
Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 32:27
Today we’re joined by good friend and psychologist, Julie Mounter to discuss a topic that’s often misunderstood but incredibly powerful: mindfulness. If you’ve ever dismissed mindfulness as "woo woo" nonsense, stick around—this conversation will change your mind.
Julie kicked things off by explaining that mindfulness is essentially cultivating a practice of awareness—becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings from a distance rather than getting entangled in them. Julie also assured us that, despite some common misconceptions, mindfulness is firmly grounded in scientific research.
Numerous studies illustrate its benefits, including increased grey matter in the brain, which is linked to memory, empathy, and stress regulation. It also decreases activity in the amygdala, the brain's stress-response centre.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses have become a popular way to learn and practice mindfulness. Julie highly recommends these structured programs for those looking to dive deeper.
Real-Life Applications of Mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t look the same for everyone so we went through some of the different ways it can be practiced. Julie highlighted breathing exercises and mindful eating as simple starting points. By focusing on the taste, texture, and sensation of what we're eating, we can become more grounded and move away from racing thoughts. Whatever you’re doing, the key is to engage fully with the present moment, paying attention to the sensations of the activity.
Hamish shared that gardening and exercise are activities that he finds incredibly grounding, and Julie confirmed that these can be mindful activities if approached correctly. By focusing on the sensations—be it the bend in your knee while walking or the texture of the soil in your garden—you can shift your attention from racing thoughts to your physical experience.
Julie even took us through a simple mindfulness exercise involving our five senses. It’s something anyone can do, even while driving or working on-site. Here’s a quick rundown:
Sight: Identify five things you can see.
Sound: Listen for four distinct sounds.
A crash course into Passive House
Episode 24
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 54:39
What if I told you that a home could be energy-efficient, comfortable year-round, and environmentally sound—all without breaking the bank?
Well if you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you already know the answer is passive houses. We’re both really passionate about passive house building, but we know there is a lot of misinformation out there, so we sat down with building physics expert Dr Cameron Munroe to clear things up.
First things first, what exactly is a Passive House? Many people think building a Passive House is about slapping on some extra insulation and calling it a day, but there’s way more to it. The fundamentals include five key principles: superior insulation, high-performance windows, airtightness, thermal bridge-free construction, and consistent ventilation with heat recovery.
These aren’t new concepts; they've been around for decades. What makes Passive House unique is its systematic approach to integrating these elements to ensure the building performs exceptionally well.
One major misconception is that Passive Houses are prohibitively expensive. Let's debunk that right now. Building in 2024 is expensive, full stop. But when you compare a custom-built, high-performance Passive House to a traditional custom home, the cost difference can be negligible. The crucial point here is that you're getting more bang for your buck. A better-performing building justifies the higher initial investment through long-term heating, cooling, and maintenance savings.
Another myth is that airtight buildings have poor air quality. This couldn't be further from the truth. Passive Houses employ Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems, which ensure a constant supply of fresh, filtered air. So even when outdoor conditions are far from ideal—like during a smoke-filled bushfire season—you’re breathing easy inside.
Some believe that opting for a Passive House means sealing yourself in an airtight box and never opening windows. In reality, Passive Houses give you the freedom of choice. You can open your windows whenever you like, but thanks to the HRV system, you won't need to for ventilation purposes. This way, during those beautiful spring days, you can still let in the fresh air and hear the birds sing without compromising the home's performance.
Making real change in the building industry
Episode 23
Monday, August 19, 2024 • Duration 39:48
Homes in Australia aren’t being built to a high enough standard.
The building industry prioritises quantity over quality so there’s no time for care or craftsmanship. That’s why we sat down with Brian and Simon from the Sustainable Builders Alliance, an organisation dedicated to promoting high-performing, sustainable construction practices. We discuss the challenges of building a sustainable future for the building industry, and how to overcome them.
Our conversation began with Brian sharing two ideas that are at the core of the SBA’s work. That no one in the industry should see each other as competitors but rather as collaborators, and that sharing knowledge is crucial for building a better industry.
Discussing the poor quality rampant in our industry, Brian pointed the blame at society’s throwaway culture. There are still builders who take pride in their craft, there always will be, but it’s difficult for them to fight against a stagnant system. Thankfully, younger people are more aware of the deficiencies in Australian housing standards and are actively seeking ways to incorporate sustainable practices.
So how do we support this shift? According to Simon and Brian, it's all about education and making resources more accessible. The Sustainable Builders Alliance is doing it by creating courses like the five-step system for carbon-neutral homes, but this is just a starting point. For a big impact we need government funding and improved educational systems. This involves integrating sustainability into trade schools to nurture a new generation of builders who prioritise sustainable practices.
The strength and success of the SBA underscore the power of community within the construction industry. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can accomplish much more than we can alone. If you want to learn more about their initiatives or get involved, visit their website atwww.thesba.com.au
Here's to building better, together!
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Interior Designers are valuable
Episode 22
Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 37:31
Ever walked into a home and instantly felt as if everything just clicked into place?
Chances are you have an interior designer to thank! This week we sat down with Erin Fairmaid, to talk about the real magic behind well-designed spaces and why interior designers are invaluable.
Because the industry isn’t regulated, the term “interior designer” can be thrown around by people without knowledge and experience. This dilutes the profession's value and leads to the myth that interior designers just pick paint colours and buy furniture. Erin makes it clear that this is just scratching the surface. Her work involves technical skills, spatial planning, and understanding clients' lifestyles down to the tiniest details – pets, family routines, you name it. She also works closely with architects and builders to design a space that isn’t just beautiful but highly functional.
Erin points out that it’s important to get your interior designer involved early in the pre-construction process. Simple tweaks to a floor plan can significantly improve the functionality of a home, and the sooner you make them the less impact they’ll have on the timeline and budget.
During our conversation, Erin tackles some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Interior Designers:
1. Interior designers are only for wealthy people: Erin argues that her work isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. A well-thought-out design can streamline a build, saving money and resources.
2. Anyone can be an interior designer: While technically true due to the unregulated nature of the industry, great designers have a mix of innate talent and continuous learning. Erin urges homeowners to look for a designer with demonstrated experience.
3. Interior designers just follow trends: Some might, but not Erin. When a client asks for something that’s trending, she challenges this by asking clients about their real preferences—leading to more personalised and timeless designs.
Interior Designers bring so much value to building projects, but are they appreciated for it? Well, it’s a mixed bag. The lack of regulation in the industry leads to confusion and undervaluation of skilled professionals like Erin. On the other hand, anyone who’s seen her work knows it’s value. Whether it’s ensuring functional layouts or sourcing materials that fit the budget without compromising on style, Erin’s contributions are irreplicable.
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So yes, safety can seem mundane but if you look below the surface – it’s ripe for innovation. It might not ever become the most glamourous part of our industry, but with the right mindset and a consistent conversation, we can take pride in our commitment to excellence.
However, it’s not only client expectations that complicate matters. Real estate market norms and outdated policies are significant barriers. Imogen shared how challenging it can be to convince clients to build for themselves and not for resale value. "People need to realise that a well-designed, comfortable, and sustainable house will be invaluable to someone else too," she stated.
Changing the building industry to favour sustainability requires both bottom-up and top-down efforts. As designers and builders, we can lead by example, showcasing projects that highlight the beauty and practicality of sustainable architecture. Meanwhile, we must advocate for policy reform that allows for modern, eco-friendly innovations even within heritage contexts.
Imogen is proof that real change is possible, it just requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to ask the hard questions. So, take this as a challenge, get out there, and push for more sustainable, innovative, and thoughtful solutions in our industry.
Together, we can make sustainable and efficient design the standard, not the exception.
2. Know Your Worth: One of Kyle's strategies was to evaluate whether he was spending his time on tasks that matched his value to the business. If a task could be handled by someone else for a lower cost, he delegated it, allowing him to focus on high-value activities.
3. Support Systems Matter: Kyle’s story is a testament to the power of reaching out and surrounding yourself with people who care. His friends didn't just offer emotional support; they helped him navigate through some of the darkest periods of his life.
We hope Kyle’s story resonates with you as much as it did with us. Burnout is a serious issue, and it’s crucial to recognise the signs early and take steps to address it. Remember, there are always people who care about you, even when you think there aren’t.
Let’s keep this conversation going. Share your experiences, reach out to someone who might be struggling, and never underestimate the power of a supportive community. Here's to rebuilding stronger, together
Given these challenges, what’s the way forward? Education and accessibility should be at the forefront. Laura advocates for making standards more accessible, perhaps through a reasonable subscription model that includes online access for registered builders. This approach would align with the industry's needs and support builders to work at their best.
We know this topic can be frustrating, it frustrates us, but we also hope it helps to hear from professionals like Laura who are committed to pushing the industry forward. Remember to use your voice too and keep advocating for the changes we need.
Touch: Feel the texture of one object nearby as if it’s your first time touching it.
This practice helps ground you in the present moment, making it an excellent tool for quick mental resets during a busy day.
The Big Question: Does Mindfulness Work for Everyone?
While not everyone may find traditional mindfulness practices easy, Julie believes most people can benefit from some form of mindful activity. The key is to find what works for you and make it a consistent practice. An easy way to do this is to attach your mindfulness to a daily task. For example, practising mindfulness after turning off your alarm in the morning or during your commute to work. Setting reminders can also serve as a helpful nudge.
We hope this episode helps to demystify mindfulness and encourage more people to give it a try. Whether it’s through a structured course or simply appreciating a coffee mug’s warmth, the benefits are there for anyone willing to take that first step.
You might be wondering if all these efforts and investments are worth it without clear certification. According to Dr. Cameron Munroe and the Passive House Institute, certification is essential to ensure that all criteria have been met. Without it, calling your home a Passive House doesn't hold much water. Certification provides a seal of quality, confirming your home’s superior performance and airtight construction.
In our experience working with Passive Houses, we’ve found them to be the easiest and most rewarding projects. The goal is clear, the team is unified, and the end result is a home that offers unparalleled comfort, cost savings, and sustainability. If you’re thinking about building or renovating, consider making it a Passive House—it might just be the best decision you ever make for your home.
So, if you're planning a home renovation or building anew, don’t underestimate the role of a talented interior designer. They bring a lot more to the table than just aesthetic value. They can make your home not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
