Episodes

  • Chatting with Australias most dialled in builder

    Chatting with Australias most dialled in builder
    Jun 14 2026
    In this episode, we sit down with Jackson from Enduro Builders in Adelaide to talk high performance homes, energy efficient construction, and what it actually takes to build houses that perform year after year. We recorded inside a Passive House, and once you feel that level of comfort and stability, it’s hard to accept what “normal” housing has been getting away with.Jackson has been building certified Passive Houses and energy efficient homes in South Australia for more than a decade, and he keeps it simple. No magic. No secret sauce. Just good design, tight detailing, and refusing to cut corners where it counts. We take a look at what makes a home feel consistently warm (or cool), how the building envelope does the heavy lifting, and why comfort is a measurable outcome, not a marketing line.One of the best parts of this chat is how practical Jackson is about targets. Not every project needs certification, and not every client wants the same thing. We talk Passive House principles, performance tiers, and how to choose the right materials and systems for the brief, the budget, and the climate. The point is not the badge. The point is building performance, durability, and homes people can actually afford to live in.We also get into the real-world negotiations builders face: design vs function, heating choices (including hydronic heating and wood fires), and what “cosy” really means in a well-built home. Plus, Jackson shares why he’s using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) in his own build, and why systems and processes are the backbone of a sustainable building business. If you’re a builder, architect, designer, or homeowner who cares about sustainable construction in Australia, this episode will shift how you think about good building.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction01:08 Enduro Builders And Climasure03:33 Scaling Passive House05:50 Cost Premium Breakdown07:54 Airtight Ceiling Strategy11:01 Performance Solutions16:20 Three Build Standards17:34 Design Build Debate22:56 Selling Comfort Not Tech26:20 Rammed Earth Benefits29:07 Solar Shading Tradeoffs31:35 Hydronic Negotiations33:52 Designing His Own Home36:39 Forever House Priorities37:48 Design Choices and Tradeoffs38:50 Healthy Home and Fire Safety41:28 CLT Structure and Insulation43:43 Bushfire and Wind Detailing44:51 Windows and Supply Chain46:01 Interior Finishes and Joinery47:29 Build Schedule and Winter Risks51:43 Business Numbers and WIP57:09 Coaching and Better Systems01:03:27 Mindful MomentLINKS:Enduro Builders: https://www.endurobuilders.com.au/Climasure: https://www.climasure.com.au/Our Sponsors:Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtCR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • What is the end game of building ?

    What is the end game of building ?
    Jun 7 2026

    “Do we want 1.2 million crappy houses?” That’s the question Jesse Clark (pro clima) drops early in this episode, and it pretty much sets the tone. We talk about Australian housing supply, building quality, and why “more homes” is not the win if we’re locking in mould risk, discomfort, and expensive fixes for decades. If you care about better homes, healthier homes, and what the future of construction should actually look like, this one’s for you.

    Jesse’s whole approach is simple and repeatable building systems. We look at practical building science for real sites: the building envelope, airtightness, membranes, wraps, and the kind of construction details that can be done consistently across projects without relying on luck or one superstar tradie.

    A big focus is moisture management and ventilation, because moisture safety is the foundation of durable homes. We get into vapour-permeable assemblies, how leaky buildings happen, and why mould in Australian homes is often the outcome of small decisions made early. We also touch on the debate around energy efficiency and building codes (NCC), and how chasing energy targets without understanding moisture can create unintended consequences.

    If you’re a builder, architect, designer, certifier, or homeowner trying to understand high performance homes without the hype, this conversation will help. Topics include sustainable building, passive house principles, condensation control, indoor air quality, and what it takes to build homes that last in Australian climate zones.

    👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

    00:00 Meet Jesse Clarke

    01:03 Simple Repeatable Systems

    01:36 Australia Study Origins

    02:12 Healthy Envelope Basics

    03:21 Tropics Mould Reality

    05:33 Future Building Trajectory

    07:17 Carbon Versus Health

    10:24 Energy Code Debate

    15:10 Density And Housing Targets

    19:13 Why Codes Move Slowly

    22:48 Standards Board Conflicts

    28:10 Membrane Standard Breakthrough

    30:57 R&D Heat and Vapour Tradeoffs

    34:48 Consensus Voting Explained

    38:22 Leaks and Insurance Policy Wraps

    42:04 Iterating to Build Better

    43:19 Builder Journey Timeline

    47:53 Mindful Moment Closing

    LINKS:

    Our Sponsors:

    Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

    MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

    Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

    Connect with Hamish:

    Instagram: @sanctumhomes

    Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

    Connect with Matt:

    Instagram: @carlandconstructions

    Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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    53 mins
  • Politics vs building

    Politics vs building
    May 31 2026
    We do not usually have politicians on the show, so sitting down with David Southwick, the Planning, Building, and Construction Minister for the Liberal Party’s Shadow government, made for a very different kind of conversation. Less product talk and site detail, more housing policy, building regulation, and the decisions that shape what builders can actually do on the ground. If you work in the construction industry in Australia, this episode is a useful look at the levers that affect your day to day.David’s path into politics is not the usual script. He has been a DJ, a businessman, and a small business owner, and that comes through in how he talks about the industry. A big theme is the need for governments to listen to builders, tradies, and industry experts, not just write rules from a distance. It is a practical conversation about decision-making, consequences, and what happens when policy does not match reality on site.We get into the messy part of the current housing market. Construction costs, interest rates, red tape, delays, and the pressure to increase housing supply fast. But we are not interested in building more homes if they are worse homes. We talk about affordability alongside build quality, comfort, durability, and the long-term cost of homes that underperform. This is where topics like tax, approvals, and compliance start to matter just as much as what happens on site.We also explore future-focused solutions like prefab housing, kit homes, and 3D printing in construction, plus the need for stronger trade education and longer apprenticeships to lift capability across the industry. The thread running through it all is confidence and certainty. Builders need stable settings to invest, hire, and train, and clients need confidence to commit. Whether you agree with David politically or not, this is a grounded builder reality check on how politics and construction intersect, and what needs to change to support better outcomes in Australian housing.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Welcome00:51 David’s Background Story03:40 Minister Role and Big Picture05:06 Housing Crisis and Targets06:10 Taxes and Cost Drivers08:08 Planning Delays and Infrastructure11:08 Confidence and Building Quality14:02 Future Housing and Prefab17:04 Tradies and Apprenticeships20:57 Rogue Builders and Regulation23:22 BPC Critique and Better Enforcement26:23 Promoting Good Builders27:08 Showcasing Great Builders27:59 Standards Should Be Accessible29:36 Minimum Financial Rules Critique31:25 Insurance Gaps And Defects34:41 NCC Freeze And Product Influence36:14 Cladding Liability Nightmare40:30 Red Tape Vs Quality Fixes45:22 Election Promises For Housing49:46 One Silver Bullet Certainty51:20 Getting Youth Into TradesLINKS:David Southwick: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/david-southwick/Our Sponsors:Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtCR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Proclima Sponsor
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    57 mins
  • More good and less bad

    More good and less bad
    May 24 2026
    “I don’t understand why people build houses like this.” If you have ever said that on site after spotting a leaky junction, a sweaty wall, or a home that is freezing in winter and cooking in summer, you are not alone. This conversation is our pushback against the shortcuts that have become normal in the Australian building industry. The whole point of More Good and Less Bad is simple. Build better homes, make fewer mistakes, and deliver healthier, more comfortable results through better building performance and smarter decisions.We recorded this one at Pro Clima HQ in Sydney with Andy Marlow, director at Envirotecture and a certified Passive House designer. Andy has a rare ability to talk about sustainable building without the greenwashing and without making it feel like a lecture. The focus is on outcomes that matter to homeowners and builders alike. Homes that perform, homes that last, and homes that do not quietly fail behind the plaster.We also dig into the Living Building Challenge, because it is one of the few sustainability frameworks that does not let you cherry-pick the easy bits. It looks at the full picture of holistic sustainability in construction, including materials, energy, water, and health. Not because every project needs a badge, but because it forces better questions about what sustainable construction really means when you zoom out and look at long-term impact.Finally, we talk about making Passive House principles more buildable and accessible through Andy’s Passive House Design and Construct model. Pre-designed, high-performance homes that still leave room for personal choice, without reinventing the wheel every time. We also share the lessons we have learned the hard way, and why building with intention is about mindset, systems, and balancing the ideal with what is financially feasible and genuinely buildable on real sites.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction01:55 Meet Andy Marlow - Envirotecture03:31 Andy’s Path to Architecture06:18 Living Building Challenge Explained10:32 Materials Red List and Declare17:08 Envirotecture Origins and Merge23:15 Passive House Beyond Five25:26 Quality Assurance and Certification31:39 Why Start PH Design Construct34:17 Cutting Costs With Standard Plans34:44 Builder Territories And Low Touch Builds37:13 Margins Overheads And Markup Debate37:54 Repeat Builds And Site Variables39:56 Prefab Options Straw Hempcrete47:52 Cost Transparency And Pricing Stages52:45 Solving Housing With Design Construct57:17 Certification Limits And Client Expectations01:02:07 Mindful Moment And Closing ReflectionsLINKS:Our Sponsors:Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtCR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Proclima Sponsor
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Ask us anything with Buildingsciology

    Ask us anything with Buildingsciology
    May 17 2026

    “As builders, you have huge overheads. Massive.” Matt said it mid-conversation and it just sat there, because it is the part people outside the construction industry rarely see. They see the finished home and the invoice. They do not see the cash flow pressure, the holding costs, the insurances, the compliance, the admin load, the delays, and how quickly one wobble in the pipeline can hit a building business. That is where this chat with Jessica Kismet from Climasure, host of the Building Sciology Podcast, really goes.

    Jessica jumps in as guest host and asks the questions builders usually keep to themselves. Money pressure. Risk. Ego. Family. The emotional load of running a residential construction business in Australia, especially when the market is tight and the margin for error is small. If you are a builder, contractor, or tradie trying to stay steady through uncertainty, this episode will feel very familiar.

    We talk openly about the financial tightrope and what it means to actually know your numbers. Builder margins, overheads, pricing, and the real cost of delays are not optional knowledge anymore. Post-COVID, “she’ll be right” is not a strategy. This conversation gets into the learning curve, the mistakes, and the shift from running on instinct to running a more sustainable construction business that can last.

    We also get into bigger industry questions. Would we encourage our kids to become builders? Who is the real villain in the building industry, from legislation to contracts to banks and insurance? How do you set boundaries with clients, protect your process, and avoid the compromises that come back to bite you later? And we finish on the long game of building science, where better outcomes depend on builders, architects, and designers understanding the whole system, not just their part of it.

    👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

    00:00 Introduction

    01:07 Passive House Display Tour

    02:34 Financial Edge Stories

    07:02 Learning Business Basics

    11:31 AI As A Coach

    13:02 Would You Encourage Kids

    16:10 Training Paths And Overwhelm

    20:12 Industry Villains And Red Tape

    29:56 Midlife Balance And Mortality

    32:16 Matt On Not Caring

    40:20 Client From Hell Stories

    44:37 Vetting Clients No Dickheads

    46:15 Fixed Price vs Cost Plus

    49:34 Quickfire Building Science

    50:55 Failures, Mould, and Leaks

    56:18 Builders vs Architects Buy In

    01:01:03 Mindful Moment Apprentices

    LINKS:

    Our Sponsors:

    Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

    MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

    CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/

    Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

    Connect with Hamish:

    Instagram: @sanctumhomes

    Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

    Connect with Matt:

    Instagram: @carlandconstructions

    Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Proclima Sponsor
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • How to stop working in your business

    How to stop working in your business
    May 10 2026
    “Version one is better than version none.” James Brown means it in the most practical way possible for builders. A rough first system in your building business is better than no system at all. Not the perfect process. Not the spreadsheet you will build “when things slow down”. Just something written down that gets the ball rolling, so you can test it, hand it to someone else, and improve it over time.If you have ever felt like the business owns you, this conversation will feel familiar. Quoting at night, solving problems all day, trying to remember what you promised clients and trades, and living in your inbox. James runs Builders Escape and helps builders step out of that reactive loop by putting simple business systems and processes in place that make a construction business easier to run.We take a look at what systemisation actually looks like on the ground for the building industry. The goal is to make the invisible visible. Get the key steps out of your head, document them, and make them easy for your team to follow. Not a corporate manual. Just clear, repeatable processes that reduce mistakes, improve communication, and help you build a more reliable operation.James also walks through starting with your client journey from enquiry to handover, because that is where the cracks usually show up. Missed steps, repeated conversations, and tasks that rely on one person remembering everything. We also talk about AI in construction business and why it only works when your processes are clear. If you are a builder who wants better margins, fewer fires, and more time and headspace, this episode is your reminder to start with version one and iterate from there.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Mindful Builder Podcast Intro01:39 Meet James Brown from Builders Escape02:21 Freedom Through Systems for Building Businesses03:15 Systemisation Works in Any Construction Business04:43 Choosing Software and the EOS Operating System Metaphor05:55 What Is a System in a Building Company?08:09 Over-Systemising Pitfalls for Builders and Tradies10:04 Make the Invisible Visible: Documenting Processes16:43 Systems vs Policies vs Training in Construction Teams19:33 Where Builders Should Start with Systemisation20:21 Choosing a Systems Champion in Your Building Business21:36 Time, Authority, and Empowerment for Process Ownership22:16 Getting Your Team to Follow Systems and Processes27:35 Why AI Still Needs Systems in Construction Operations29:13 SystemHUB and AI Drafting for Process Documentation32:20 Systems Champion Lifecycle and Delegation34:29 Real Examples: How Systems Create Builder Leverage35:07 Start With the Client Flow: Enquiry to Handover38:20 Builder Leverage and BOFT Explained43:00 Minimum Viable Systems for Builders: Start with Version One46:06 Owner as Systems Architect: Leading Process Improvement49:15 Apprentices and Spaghetti Maps: Visualising Workflow51:51 Effective Over Efficient: What Actually Works on Site55:02 Contact Details and Wrap Up with Builders EscapeLINKS:Builders Escape: https://www.biztechguru.com.au/builders-escapeOur Sponsors:Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtCR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Proclima Sponsor
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    58 mins
  • This is a big can of worms

    This is a big can of worms
    May 3 2026
    “Legally, you can still build a house with no membrane.”That line from Villy Yordanov, Pro Clima’s Innovation Engineer, sets the tone for this conversation about what is technically allowed versus what actually leads to durable, healthy homes. We unpack the gap between building compliance in Australia and real-world building performance, particularly in weatherproofing, moisture management, and the building envelope.A big focus is the NCC 2025 changes and how some cladding types can bypass performance solutions. On paper, that can look like simpler compliance. On site, it can create risk if builders assume “compliant” automatically means “safe” or “long-lasting”. We talk about why National Construction Code updates matter for builders, and how small decisions in wall systems can lead to big problems later like leaks, mould, and expensive rectification work.We also break down what membranes actually do in modern construction. They are not just there to “stop condensation”. They are part of a complete building envelope system that helps control water, air, and vapour. Alongside correct detailing, taping, penetrations, ventilation, and airtightness, membranes support durability, moisture safety, and better indoor comfort. If you are interested in building science, high-performance homes, or Passivhaus and Passive House principles, this episode connects the dots in plain language.Finally, we look at why warm climates are not a free pass. Tropical building in Australia brings extra humidity and a higher moisture risk, which makes good detailing even more important. The takeaway is simple. Builders who keep learning, understand systems, and treat weatherproofing as a whole-of-wall approach will build better homes and avoid costly failures. If you want practical insight into NCC compliance, membranes, airtight construction, and moisture control in the Australian construction industry, this one is worth a listen.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction00:30 Inside Pro Clima HQ Sydney and Building Envelope Systems02:02 Meet Villy Yordanov, Pro Clima Innovation Engineer02:29 NCC 2025 Update Risks and Australian Building Compliance04:14 Cladding vs Membranes for Weatherproofing and Moisture Control07:48 Roof Airtightness Mistakes and Condensation Risk11:31 Condensation, Mould, and Timber Rot in Wall Systems14:31 Building Research, Testing, and Industry Funding16:57 Membrane Myths, Builder Education, and Installation Errors18:32 Masonry and Concrete NCC Exemptions Explained24:16 Steel Frame Ghosting, Thermal Bridging, and Airtightness27:39 Rigid Insulation Boards for High Rise Construction31:14 UV Exposure Testing Standards for Building Wraps and Membranes37:43 Tropical Construction, Vapour Barriers, and Humidity Management40:13 Tropical Home Comfort Strategy and Moisture Safety40:57 Why Insulation Still Matters in Hot Climates42:35 Vapour Barriers in the Tropics: When They Help and When They Hurt46:00 ERV vs HRV Ventilation Systems for Healthy Homes48:55 Membrane Billowing, Wind Loads, and Weatherproofing Failures54:50 NCC 2025 Control Layers: Water, Air, Vapour, and Thermal01:03:23 Ventilated Cavity Requirements and Drainage Planes01:07:31 Roof Ventilation, Moisture Movement, and Condensation Control01:12:01 Sandwich Panels Moisture Risk and Building Envelope Design01:13:15 Builder Mentorship, Training, and Learning Building ScienceLINKS:Our Sponsors:Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtCR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Proclima Sponsor
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Getting romantic with your craft

    Getting romantic with your craft
    Apr 26 2026

    A German journeyman carpenter walks into our studio and within five minutes, we are thinking, hang on… have we made modern life way more complicated than it needs to be?

    Erik is living a tradition that feels almost impossible in 2026. He is travelling for three years and one day, working wherever he can, learning from other tradespeople, and doing it all without a mobile phone. Not as a gimmick. As a way of life.

    Erik’s story centres around the German tradition of the Journeyman Years, a rite of passage where carpenters leave home to sharpen their skills, meet other craftspeople, and learn how to work in completely different environments. It is part training, part travel, part personal development, with rules that force you to rely on people, not apps. No scrolling. No “just Google it.” Just real conversations, real problem-solving, and a level of presence most of us have to actively practise.

    We also talk about craftsmanship in construction and why the word craft still matters. Erik does not speak about carpentry like it is just a job. He speaks about it like it is a craft worth respecting, protecting, and getting better at for life. It had us reflecting on our own relationship with building in Australia, and how timelines, budgets, admin, and site pressure can flatten the work into something purely transactional.

    Then there is the cultural contrast of Germany vs Australia on site. Glue. Nail guns. Different methods, different materials, and a bit of culture shock. What stood out most was Erik’s curiosity. No judgement, no superiority, just a genuine desire to learn and understand why things are done the way they are. If you are into carpentry, building culture, construction life, and the mindset side of being a tradie, this conversation is a reminder that presence is not a personality trait. It is a practice.

    00:00 Introduction

    01:53 Meet Erik the Journeyman

    03:56 What Is a Journeyman

    09:34 Norway Copper Drill Pads

    12:30 Thailand to Australia Move

    13:32 No Phone Journeyman Life

    14:49 Guild History and Purpose

    19:48 Rules and Restrictions

    21:21 Journeyman Network in Australia

    22:22 First Impressions of Australian Construction Industry

    Our Sponsors:

    Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

    MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

    Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

    Connect with Hamish:

    Instagram: @sanctumhomes

    Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

    Connect with Matt:

    Instagram: @carlandconstructions

    Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

    25:59 Uniform Rules Explained

    27:09 Tools and Travel Kit

    28:51 Life on Aussie Sites

    34:16 German Work Culture

    40:24 Master Carpenter Path

    43:56 Earring and Initiation

    45:12 Mindful Moment Wrap
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    48 mins