Author: Matthew Cutler-Welsh
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Why You Can’t Rely on the Building Code
If you’re reading this, then you’re interested in building a home that performs well. And if you want a home that performs well, you can’t rely on the Building Code to achieve this. This is because, in my opinion, the Building Code has very little to do with sustainability or actually building a good home.…
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The Stretch and Grow House
Phil McLean is a secondary school teacher who’s passionate about design. He was given the opportunity to take six months immersing himself in a new topic, in part to experience being a beginner learner again, to empathise with his students. His chosen new field was building and the result is his open source design of…
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Prefab Houses with Pamela Bell
Prefab houses have so much to offer. So why are we not doing more of it here in New Zealand, right now? This week, I spoke with CEO of PrefabNZ, Pamela Bell to discuss this very issue. The Name Prefab For many New Zealanders, the reason why there’s resistance to prefab is in the name. More…
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Attic Island Provides Roof Storage Space
How do you store stuff in your roof space without it affecting your insulation? Attic Island is a simple solution that provides a sturdy platform for roof storage and access above your insulation. Picture this; you or your clients have just paid to have a good amount of insulation installed in the ceiling, but then…
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Is Passivhaus Relevant in New Zealand?
Is it ‘Passive House’ or ‘Passivhaus’? That was one question I put to expat Kiwi, architect and Passive House expert, Elrond Burrell. But the main question should be, is Passivhaus even relevant in New Zealand? Elrond Burrell was back visiting New Zealand recently and took the opportunity to conduct a couple of seminars on…
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House Planning Help
I first came across Ben’s show when I was browsing for quality podcasts about sustainability and buildings. I’ve been surprised with the relative few results from variations of this search in iTunes and was grateful to stumble across House Planning Help. In particular I first found Ben’s slightly different episode all about content marketing in…
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Chip In for Pollinate Energy
A couple of weeks ago, I shared my interview with Monique Alfris from Pollinate Energy. This inspiring organisation has teamed up with another inspiring organisation, Chip In, to start a campaign where you can contribute as little as $5 to help their cause. That’s about the price of an incandescent light bulb! So go on,…
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Is Christchurch in the process of making a big mistake?
Is Christchurch in the process of making a big mistake? Surely not intentionally. But the front page of the Press last Friday did look a lot like urban sprawl. Is there another way to describe 40,000 homes being built outside the current city boundary? This is the vision of the Land Use Recovery Plan. Affectionately known…
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Auckland Unitary Plan
I’m lucky to be working in a building just walking distance from the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter in Auckland. Today in particular, this meant I could stroll down past the million dollar boats to attend the release of the Auckland Unitary Plan. In short, this plan is the plan to unite all plans. It’s plan…