Home Style Green - Sustainable Design and Building

Inspiring people to create a better place to live. How do you make a home that's warm, healthy and energy efficient? Matthew is a trained engineer and has worked in various programmes aimed a making homes more sustainable. This podcast brings you the best designers, architects and product experts to discuss how to make homes stylish and green.

THRIVE 25 Expo Part 2 - Supplier Spotlight 07/19/2025

THRIVE 25 Expo Part 2 - Supplier Spotlight In this episode, I continue my coverage of the THRIVE 25 Conference with a series of interviews from the trade show floor. I spoke with leading suppliers whose products and innovations are helping shape the future of Passive House construction in Australasia. From high-performance windows to advanced ventilation systems, each guest shares their unique contribution to better building. 1. Scott Hogan – DEHUM Scott discusses DEHUM’s advanced humidity control systems and their role in maintaining optimal indoor environments for Passive House projects. 2. Mark Ristevski – XTour3D Mark introduces XTour3D’s cutting-edge 3D scanning solutions for construction, bringing ‘digital twin’ technology to the residential market. 3. Mike Ward – Australian Glass Group Mike shares insights into high-performance glazing solutions and the importance of energy-efficient glass in Passive House design. 4. Mark Heyman – Rotho Blaas Mark highlights Rotho Blaas’ construction systems, including airtightness and waterproofing. 5. Ashley Griffs – BINQ Windows Ashley showcases BINQ’s locally manufactured timber, alu-clad, and uPVC windows that meet Passive House standards for thermal performance and security. 6. Adam Socha – Kinzel Industries & Aluplast Adam talks about Kinzel’s partnership with Aluplast, delivering innovative uPVC window systems with exceptional energy efficiency and design flexibility. 7. James Hazelwood – Hygge Windows James presents Hygge Windows’ approach to combining aesthetics and performance in window design, tailored for sustainable living. 8. Harley Truong – Logikhaus Harley explains Logikhaus’ commitment to Passive House certified windows and doors, and their role in delivering high-performance building envelopes. Plus a summary of Harley’s conference presentation, proposing how we might report and communicate better about Passive House benefits. Once again, a big thank you to Andy Marlow and Taline Edwards at for making this possible. /episode/index/show/cutlerwelsh/id/37464355

THRIVE 25 Exhibitor Showcase - Part 1 07/14/2025

THRIVE 25 Exhibitor Showcase - Part 1 I chatted with the wide range of exhibitors at the 2025 Australian Passivhaus Conference, THRIVE 25 in Melbourne. This year saw a growing contingent of panel suppliers along with a variety of window manufacturers, membrane suppliers and more. Special thanks to and the for supporting the Passive House Accelerator to be there and bring you these highlights. Featured Guests and Exhibitors Peter Sullivan, Peter introduces us to his structural insulated panel system designed to simplify construction while delivering high performance for Passive House and other energy-efficient builds. Annettee Braagaard, Annettee shares how intelligent Danish blind systems support shading and comfort in Passive House projects across Australia. Ben Mitchell, Ben explains how their Solcraft panels can help deliver stronger, warmer homes in the Australian market. Rohan Madathanapalli, As Principal Sponsor of THRIVE 25, Rohan outlines Bondor’s role in advanced panel technology and how one product can serve multiple functions, speeding up products and helping to reduce overall cost. Klaus Herrmann, Klaus highlights the benefits of Australian-made prefabricated panels design with European experience. Thomas Paarhammer, Thomas shares insights from over 30 years of crafting high-quality windows and doors tailored for Australian conditions and Passive House requirements. Villy Yordanov, Villy explains some of the new products available from long-time Passive House support, pro clima. Rachael Sparnon-Freeman, Rachael discusses mechanical ventilation solutions, indoor air quality, and how Pacific Ventilation can support both commercial and residential projects. Joel Seagren, Joel speaks about fan technologies and their application in Passive House ventilation systems and energy recovery solutions. Michael Drage, , , Michael talks about communicating passive house in the language of clients, drawing on his experience from the financial sector. /episode/index/show/cutlerwelsh/id/37396310

Build Aotearoa December 2024 with Sharon Robinson and Glenn Harley 12/20/2024

H1 Again with Jason Quinn 12/19/2024

Build Aotearoa ERP 2 with Elrond Burrell 12/18/2024

Build Aotearoa MBIE Weather Files and Self Certification 11/10/2024

Wao Summit 2024 with Aaron Thule 10/24/2024

Build Aotearoa 22: Glenn Harley and Sharon Robinson 10/03/2024

The Products and People Supporting PHINZ 2024 09/22/2024

Build Aotearoa 21: PHINZ 2024 09/22/2024

Build Aotearoa 20: Resilienz with Linday Wood 08/24/2024

Build Aotearoa 19: Constructive 08/17/2024

Build Aotearoa 18: Better Building with Monique Kelly of Wao 08/03/2024

Build Aotearoa 17: Platinum Homes with Sam Watt 07/27/2024

Build Aotearoa 16: Responsible Development with Kirsty Merriman 07/21/2024

Build Aotearoa 15: Building Circularity 07/14/2024

Build Aotearoa 14: The Mammal House 07/06/2024

Build Aotearoa 13: Homestar vs Building Code 06/23/2024

Build Aotearoa 13: Homestar vs Building Code The New Zealand Building Code does not guarantee performance in all areas that many homeowners might expect. Fortunately, Homestar is available to close the performance gaps. Homestar Headline Benefits • Fresh air • Dry • Comfort • Carbon Homestar Design Checklist This is a summary of the basic requirements over and above basic building code compliance for achieving 6 Homestar v5. Inclusion of everything here does not guarantee compliance but is a starting point for what should be considered. Homestar Designer: This can be someone within the project team or an external consultant. Engage them in the process as early as possible. Energy model: Homestar v5 uses predicted performance criteria rather than a schedule of allowable insulation levels. The performance criteria include estimated energy consumption, winter and summer internal temperature and likely carbon emissions and these can be calculated using the Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes (ECCHO). Energy modelling used to be a highly specialised process and expensive process. ECCHO makes energy modelling accessible to Homestar Designers Continuous mechanical ventilation: Internal moisture is a significant problem for New Zealand homes and there is adequate evidence that the building code requirements of openable windows is not reliable for providing enough fresh air and removing dampness. There are simple solutions available for 6 Homestar that are nearly silent, cost very little to run and will provide much more reliable benefits to homeowners. Thermally broken windows: Pay attention to the window frames, not just the glass. Slab edge insulation OR above slab insulation: Junctions such as the connection between walls and floors are risk areas for condensation. Some additional insulation detail can help prevent this and can be easily incorporated when considered early. Water efficient fittings: These are commonly available. Select the best WELS rated products. For more, visit https://nzgbc.org.nz/introduction-to-homestar /episode/index/show/cutlerwelsh/id/31852222