Author: Matthew Cutler-Welsh
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219: Blue Sky Windows
Viktoria Nikitina is Managing Director of Blue Sky Windows, a manufacturer of high quality, high performance uPVC windows based in Melbourne, Victoria. With so many locally manufactured options now available, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider high performance uPVC windows and doors like these for your next project. Coming to Australia Like…
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218: An Airtight ECO-Block House in Tauranga
Simon Cator of Pro Clima New Zealand recently caught up with Kirstie Brown at a sustainable house that Kirstie has built using ECO-Block Insulation Concrete Forms (ICF) in Tauranga. Simon finds out about the advantages of using ECO-Blocks and how an airtight construction is already contributing to great performance. This episode and accompanying article originally…
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217: The Performance of Luxury
Browsing the photo gallery on Jeff Bogard’s R.E.A Homes website, ‘sustainability’ is not likely the first word that comes to mind. Can large, luxury houses actually be sustainable? This is one of the topics I discussed with Jeff, who’s been providing high performance homes for discerning clients in Saint Louis for over fourteen years. True…
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216: Studio Origami
I’m always interested in the perceptions of architects and builders who have been trained or have experienced living in Europe and then come to the Southern Hemisphere. Their reaction to typical houses in New Zealand and Australia usually involves a level of disbelief. A common sentiment is that they’ve never been colder, despite this being…
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215: Building Biology
As a trained biologist, Joachim Herrmann describes the science of life as “endlessly fascinating”. Sustainability has always interested him and when he heard about Building Biology he wanted to know more. Joachim now offers a range of services and products through his company, Building Biology Services. He aims to make homes, workplaces and buildings healthier…
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214: Energy Efficient Homes
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Robert Whitehouse is Director of Whitehouse Builders and Energy Efficient Homes. He started as an apprentice carpenter in the UK where he gained experience in a range of building work from making kitchens through to working on commercial sites. He also did a bit of building in Germany. When he came to New Zealand, he…
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Passive Solar and Passive House
I’ve been enjoying a mostly plant-based, whole food diet for the last two years. I’ve maintained a healthy size and weight, I’ve avoided getting sick and my blood pressure and cholesterol are all good. I know this because after turning forty a few years ago, I decided to check on these things. Not because I…
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213: What’s so Good About uPVC Windows and Doors?
The uPVC window market is relatively small in Australia right now, but it’s growing fast. I caught up with Kathrin Sender, Managing Director at Integra Windows recently to find out what’s so good about uPVC windows and doors. uPVC This isn’t the first time I’ve featured a uPVC window supplier on the show (see Warm…
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212: Don’t Build a Garden Shed
Ian Chamberlain has been a builder for nearly 40 years. He first learnt his craft as a cabinet maker and joiner in the UK before going on to gain experience across the construction sector, but nearly always working with wood. He’s been in New Zealand now for over two decades and Chamberlain Homes has made…
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211 Energy Architecture
Guy Shaw originally trained in Architecture in Wellington, New Zealand. But it was his experience working in the UK that introduced him to more sustainable design and lead him to become a Certified Passive House Designer.