Renovation Collaborative (Stephanie Skyring)
Explore every episode of Renovation Collaborative
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Nov 2024 | How to design a Passive House | 00:47:25 | |
How do you design a Passive House? In today’s podcast episode you'll get a clear understanding of how a Passive House works and the process to put one together. I talk to architect Alexander Symes, the director of the highly awarded environmental architectural practice Alexander Symes Architects in Sydney. Alexander's architectural mission is to advance sustainable architecture, and in today's interview, that is absolutely what he does. He openly shares his incredible knowledge to empower everyone to move forward with their passive house project. If you're an Australian Architect, you can claim your formal CPD hours for these podcasts. Jump on to the Renovation Collaborative website for more information.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. There are five design components that the passive house standard uses to achieve its outcomes of energy efficiency and indoor air temperature and quality:
2. You also need mechanical heating or cooling but only a minimal system. A passive house requires much less energy to cool or heat it than a very leaky house where you will constantly be running the air conditioning. 3. You can open the windows when the external conditions are right and the temperature and the relative humidity outside are pleasant. Opening the windows, feeling the natural breeze, and hearing the birds outside are essential to a healthy home. The heat recovery ventilation system will remain running. 4. What is the difference between a passive house and a passive solar or climate-responsive design?
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| 11 Nov 2024 | What’s it like in a Passive House? | 01:14:07 | |
What's it really like in passive house? Today, you are going to find out. In this first episode, I let passive house speak for itself through the experience of 5 passive house owners from different climate zones around Australia. Most of them are home owners, but my final guest is from a commercial building, because passive house delivers incredible benefits for all building types, not just houses! In today's episode, my 5 guests explain:
The interviews bring to light surprising information and sweep away all misconceptions and scepticism. One thing to note: You’ll hear in the interviews that some guests live in Passive Houses, and some live in Passive House style high performance homes. The high performance homes incorporate all the components, testing and outcomes of a Passive House, but have not sought formal certification. You’ll find out more about the pros and cons of formal certification in Episode 4 with the Passive House consultant and Certifier Luc Plowman from Detail Green If you’re an Australian Architect you can claim your formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Passive House delivers genuine health and comfort benefits. The temperature is always stable and pleasant. It's quiet and calm inside the house. There's no mould and the filtered air keeps dust, dirt and pollen and all other pollutants out of the house. 2. It's low maintenance. Because the windows can stay shut, the dirt and dust build up slower and there are no insects and spiders, so there's a lot less cleaning. The bathrooms can stay dry and fresh and your towels are dry within a few hours. 3. You can still connect with the outside like any typical home. You can open the windows whenever the weather is comfortable outside, or just to hear the birds sing, feel a breeze or talk to the neighbours. 4. Passive Houses require a specialised system to duct filtered outdoor air throughout the house. This is called a HRV or an ERV depending on your climate zone. It's silent and you can't feel it. The air is just trickling out at the ceiling level. You also need some air conditioning to fine tune the temperature to a small degree or for a minimum amount of time. You're not running an air conditioning unit on full for hours at a time. 5. There are substantial energy use and running cost savings. The HRV or ERV energy use is negligible at about 80 watts, so if you had to compare that to something, it's... | |||
| 19 Aug 2024 | What’s happening with home loans and interest rates in 2024-2025? | 00:14:36 | |
Are you wondering whether it’s a good time to take out a large home loan to renovate or buy a house? In today's episode, I talk to a mortgage broker, and you'll learn what's happening with home loans and interest rates in 2024 and 2025. You'll also learn about current housing demand in southeast Queensland and which banks will support the environment to help you make the right decisions. I'll talk to highly respected mortgage broker Richard Jefferies from Newbridge Home Loans in Brisbane. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY To conclude today, I want to draw your attention to three main points. 1. Richard forecast that interest rates would remain fairly stable over the next twelve months. 2. There's a high demand for more houses all over Australia, coupled with a shortage of available houses. Southeast Queensland alone has a shortage of about 14,000 homes a year, and this demand is pushing up house prices with no sign of stopping. Brisbane's long-term average medium house price growth rate is around 6 - 8%. And this means two things:
3. If you are looking for a bank that supports the environment, there are a few around. Richard mentioned a great website listing banks that don't invest in fossil fuels. Here is the link: Compare Bank Table - Market Forces INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:45 What's happening in the current finance market about borrowing money? 02:27 In your experience, what changes have you seen over the last few years in the size of mortgages people have taken out? 04:11 How does Brisbane relate to the other capital cities around Australia? 06:31 Where do you see borrowing going in the next twelve months? 07:35 How are environmental features valued by the banks? 10:07 Are any banks doing anything for the environment?
IN THE NEXT EPISODE Next week, in the final episode of Season 1. Renovate or Sell, I speak to a financial advisor. You'll get another opinion about the finance market and some ideas to help you work out the right amount to borrow. Plus, I'll ask Tim Ward from Ward and Co Wealth how much is too much to borrow in 2024-2025.
RESOURCE LINKS Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home Loans | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Passive House Design: Mild Temperate | 00:45:40 | |
How do you design a Passive House in a mild temperate climate like Melbourne? In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Andy Marlow, a director of the award winning environmental practice Envirotecture in Victoria and New South Wales. In this episode, Andy explains the Passive House design specifics for Mild Temperate. Plus we talk more about Enerfit, the renovation and retrofit tool, and he shares heaps of other information and insights from his years of experience to help you better understand Passive House. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINT SUMMARY 1. In terms of the five Passive House design components, mild temperate is very similar to cool temperate.
2. The colour of the roof and walls is considered in the PHPP modelling and affects the design's performance. In cooler climates, dark coloured buildings perform slightly better than light coloured buildings. Dark coloured roof and walls will dry out faster which can be beneficial to reduce any moisture in the wall and roof structure. However, Andy noted that as a nation going forward into climate change and increasing temperatures, generally speaking, lighter coloured buildings are the best solution. 3. Passive House is a performance standard so buildings can be constructed from any material as long as they deliver the required results through the PHPP modelling. Andy references a Passive House that Envirotecture have completed made from straw bale. 4. Passive House certification costs around 3 to 8% extra, however the value it adds far outweighs the extra cost. Envirotecture prefer to build certified Passive Houses over uncertified high performance because of the rigorous testing on site. The quality assurance. 5. When renovating, the whole building must be upgraded to achieve Enerfit certification. Improvements must be made to... | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | Passive House Design: Cool Temperate | 00:51:17 | |
Passive House design is different in every climate zone. Over the next four podcast episodes, I talk to Passive House designers in the four Australian climate zones where most of our population lives, to discover the key differences. Today I start with Passive House design for cool temperate climates like Canberra and Hobart. I talk to Michael Tolhurst, the director of award winning practice Envelope Architecture in Canberra. Michael clearly explains the Passive House design specifics for cool temperate. Plus he shares heaps of other information and insights to help you better understand Passive House design Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Passive House design for cool temperate climates has a focus on warming. Of the four Australian climate zones accommodating most of our population, cool temperate is the most extreme. In Canberra, winters regularly go down to less than -5 degrees Celsius and in summer can reach the 40s. 2. Using a compact building form makes the Passive House standard much easier to achieve in more extreme climates like cool temperate. However, if you want a more linear form because of your site or to capture views etc. The PHPP tool can be used to determine building form alternatives and compensate for heat loss in other ways. 3. Windows are generally triple glazed. The window glass area reduces as the climate becomes colder to reduce heat loss. However, it's still critical to have opening windows in all habitable rooms to get cross ventilation when needed. And shading is still very important to prevent too much heat gain. 4. The fresh air circulation system is a HRV, which stands for Heat Recovery Ventilation System. The HRV provides a constant supply of filtered fresh air and incorporates a highly efficient heat exchanger to retain heat from inside the house. Some additional mechanical heating, usually from a reverse cycle air conditioner, is generally required. As a side note, Michael clearly explains how Passive House heating is generated from three sources: i) Solar heat gain, ii) Internal gains from occupants, showering, cooking and equipment, etc. iii) Mechanical heating. The air tightness and insulation in a Passive House very efficiently retains the heat inside the house. 5. An internal air barrier is required in a cool temperate climate zone and this is in addition to the vapour permeable external membrane used for weatherproofing. Heat energy | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Passive House Design: Subtropical | 00:49:50 | |
How do you design a Passive House in a Subtropical climate like Brisbane? Today’s episode is the fourth and final episode focussing on the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced passive house designer Tiago Guerreiro, a director at the award-winning design and construction company H4 Living based in Brisbane. In this episode, Tiago explains the Passive House design specifics for Subtropical, plus he shares heaps of other information and insights about designing and building from his years of experience to help you better understand Passive House.
Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The 5 Passive House design components for a subtropical climate are as follows:
2. Effective shading to avoid all heat gain is critical - no sun can enter the house. Passive houses retain heat very effectively because they are well-insulated and sealed; therefore, the hotter the climate zone, the more shading is required. 3. Humidity and condensation are major issues in subtropical design. It’s always essential to run a Wufi analysis (which is a moisture study) as well as the PHPP modelling to resolve any moisture issues and prevent unseen mould growth in the building structure over the long term. . If you’d like to hear more about the Wufi analysis you can find more information in Episode 4. Passive House Consultant and Certifier – with Luc... | |||
| 15 Jul 2024 | What are Square Metre Rates? | 00:18:36 | |
If you are trying to figure out how much your renovation ideas will cost, you will have come across square metre rates. But what are they? In this episode I investigate square metre rates in detail. You will find out what they are, how they are calculated, and why building cost specialists hate using them! I talk to highly respected Quantity Surveyor, Flavio Costanzo, from Flavio Costanzo and Associates, in Brisbane. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY We cover so much information in this podcast but I just want to stress the three most important points: 1. If you're ever quoted square metre rates, make sure you find out what they include, because that can just be so variable and everyone has a different interpretation. 2. Square metre rates may or may not include verandas or bits and pieces attached to the house, but they never include work outside the house. So make sure you allow to add all of this on to your building cost work. This includes things like driveways, cut and fill, complex footings, pools, pool houses, landscaping, fences. All of those things need to be added onto your construction cost. 3. Both the quantity surveyor and the building cost estimator really didn't like using square metre rates because they're so variable and it's hard to get a really accurate result. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 01:00 What are square metre rates? 02:10 Where do square metre rates come from? 03:28 What is included in square metre rates? 08:30 What is Rawlinsons? 10:55 What is excluded from square metre rates? 13:44 What are typical items that make square metre rates higher or lower? 16:09 Key Points Summary IN THE NEXT EPISODE In the next episode, I find out how much it costs to build in Brisbane and South East Queensland in 2024 and the forecast for moving into 2025. I will be talking square metre rates, so it's really important that you take on board everything that we've covered today in this interview. RESOURCE LINKS Flavio Costanzo and Associates. Quantity Surveyors and Building Cost Consultants https://au.linkedin.com/in/flavio-costanzo-6165b22a GET IN TOUCH If you've got any comments or questions or there's... | |||
| 22 Jul 2024 | Current Renovation & Construction Costs 2024-2025: Brisbane, SE Qld, Northern NSW, Australia | 00:33:45 | |
Are you looking for the current cost of renovating or building a new house in Brisbane, South East Qld or Northern NSW, Australia in 2024-2025? In this episode you’ll find out the current square meter rates for new custom construction. I talk to a building cost estimator and find out the cost of house construction in 2024 and what's forecast to happen in 2025. If this is your first episode, I recommend you go back and listen from the beginning of the season because everything builds on the episode before. At the very least, please listen to Episode 4. What are square metre rates? so you understand what they are and most importantly, when they're used by inexperienced people, they can lead to very inaccurate results! The information covered in this episode on current square metre rates is for education only. I talk to building cost estimator David Knight from Total Estimating Services in Brisbane. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY We covered so much information in this episode, but I just want to draw your attention to three main points. 1. The first point was the wide range of costs to build custom, mid-range quality houses in the current market, which varied from around $3,000 up to over $6,000 per square metre. I predominantly work on residential renovations two storeys in inner Brisbane, which is quite sloped. So the fact that you could build on a flat block, a single story building for so much less, was quite a surprise to me. It was important to note what did make those renovations in inner Brisbane to older houses so much more expensive that everything is custom. Every bit of timber has to be custom cut. Everything has to fit in unusual sizes for houses out of square and that's what adds to those prices compared to the new single level building on a flat site. 2. The second point to make is that there's no easy way to get costs down. There's never one or two big items that you can just take out of a job and save those costs. Costs are always spread across the entire project, so you really have to go through everything and take out little bits through the entire job. A better way to deal with this is when you're designing and as you go through and you choose each item, make sure you choose an item that's within your budget. Try to keep the costs down in the design stage so you don't have to go back through and take them out after costing. 3. The third important point to note that in this market where costs are so high, it's | |||
| 29 Jul 2024 | Renovation Design Brief and Budget Questions? Ask a Real Estate Agent | 00:50:48 | |
You might think of real estate agents only for buying and selling property, but did you know that they have a heap of knowledge that can add value to your next renovation or new home project? In the previous episodes, I covered the cost of house construction to help you understand what your design ideas or your house plans might cost. In today's episode, we move on to the next step in the renovate or sell journey - property value and feasibility. You'll find out how a good real estate agent can help you answer your design brief and budget questions, and add real value to your home. I talk to experienced real estate agent Tim Douglas from Place West Estate Agents in Paddington, Brisbane. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Do many renovators ask you for advice on their design brief and budget? 05:48 What information can real estate agents provide regarding brief or budget? 07:53 If someone is thinking of selling, should they talk to a real estate agent before they do any improvements? 11:46 What are the most common features that make a house not worth renovating? 16:59 For people putting together a design brief, what are the things that potential buyers always look for? 20:33 Do swimming pools add value and are people looking for them? 23:20 What is your advice on baths? 26:02 Do very personal or unusual design features make a house difficult to sell? 30:45 If you create a smaller home than others in the area, will it cause a problem when it comes to resale? 37:25 When is the best time to approach a real estate agent to get advice? 43:05 What are the typical relocation costs? 46:33 What design information should people bring when meeting with a real estate agent? 47:59 Key Points Summary KEY POINTS SUMMARY These are the key points from this episode: 1. Firstly, if you've got design brief or budget questions, it's always worth talking to a few experienced local real estate agents to get their opinion, particularly if you're considering selling in under five years. Agents talk to buyers on a daily basis so they're in a unique position to provide information on features that add value and those that don't, as well as what buyers are prepared to pay for them. At the end of the day, it's your house, so you can do what you want. You don't have to follow the agent's advice, but I always think it's worth getting informed before you start spending any money, so there's no regrets later on. 2. Secondly, it was... | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | What are Passive House windows? | 00:24:58 | |
Passive House windows are not like the typical windows that we are used to in Australia. They require double glazing and sometimes triple glazing, and they open and close in different ways. Glass windows and doors are an integral part of building design, functionality and energy efficiency and they always take a large portion of the budget. So it's critical to know what you're working with before you get started. In today's episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, the owner of Energy Efficient Windows, about the uPVC windows he manufactures for Passive Houses and high performance homes all around Australia. You'll learn:
Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Passive House windows are different to the typical windows that we're used to in Australia. The main Passive House options are tilt and turn windows, lift and slide doors and hinged swing doors. These opening types comply with the airtight requirements. They lock the entire perimeter of the window and really compress the seals. 2. Passive House windows need to be double or triple glazed. The option that's correct for your climate zone will be determined through your PHPP calculations. 3. The window frame material is also part of the window energy equation, not just the window glass. It needs to be insulated and airtight and thermal bridge free, meaning that the heat energy can't transfer through the window frame from inside to out, or outside to in. 4. uPVC windows are the most cost effective Passive House window option. Other options include timber thermally broken aluminium and timber aluminium composite. 5. The window brand and type you choose doesn't need to be a certified component through the German Passive House Institute. As long as the required data on the window glass and the frames is available, the PHPP calculations can be balanced with everything else in the house to achieve the Passive House standard. 6. A few facts about uPVC windows:
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| 24 Jun 2024 | Renovate or Sell in 2024-2025? – Season 1. Introduction & Programme | 00:03:31 | |
Are you going in circles trying to work out whether to renovate or sell? Do you need more information about current costs to help you make the right decisions? In my first podcast season, Renovate or Sell, I tackle costs head on. I interview five trusted industry insiders to find out the latest information:
Each of these professionals has a wealth of knowledge to help you make the right decisions. I also find out what they can do for you, and how to move forward with their services. I demystify the process so you can stop going in circles and achieve your dream home sooner. Join me every Tuesday to get up to date with what's happening in the industry and find out whether to Renovate or Sell in Australia in 2024. Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
SEASON 1. PODCAST PROGRAMME Ep 1. Season 1 Trailer Ep 2. How much does it cost to renovate? Ask a Building Cost Estimator
Ep 3. Building cost questions? Ask a Quantity Surveyor
Ep 4. What are Square Metre Rates?
Ep 5. Current renovation & construction costs 2024-2025: Brisbane, SE Queensland, Northern NSW, Australia
Ep 6. Renovation design brief and budget questions? Ask a Real Estate Agent
Ep 7. How much do houses cost in 2024-2025? Brisbane and Australia
Ep 8. How much can I borrow? Ask a Mortgage Broker
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| 08 Jul 2024 | Building Cost Questions? Ask a Quantity Surveyor | 00:23:36 | |
Did you know that a quantity surveyor can give you independent building cost advice on your house plans and ideas, and help you decide whether to renovate or sell? Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative ‘On the tools’ podcast, where I interview industry experts to find out practical information to help you renovate smarter. My name is Stephanie Skyring. I'm an Australian architect with 20+ years of experience helping people create better, more environmental homes on any budget. In the previous episode, I spoke to a building cost estimator. In today's episode, you’ll find out how a quantity surveyor can also provide you with independent building cost advice. You’ll get further insights into building costing that will add value to your residential project, whether you’re an owner, an architect, a building designer or a builder. I talk to highly respected quantity surveyor, Flavio Costanzo from Flavio Costanzo and Associates building cost consultants, in Brisbane. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 01:16 What is the difference between a quantity surveyor and a building cost estimator? 06:42 At what stages of the design process would a quantity surveyor provide costing advice? 11:13 Do you provide cost estimates at the tender stage for builders? 19:06 When you are putting together an estimate, where do the material and labour prices come from? 20:01 What are the benefits of obtaining independent building cost advice from a quantity surveyor? 20:39 Can a quantity surveyor give advice for the whole of Australia or are they more locally based? 21:17 Key Points Summary KEY POINTS SUMMARY We cover so much useful information in this interview, however there are three critical points that came out of the discussion: 1. The first point was that quantity surveyors (QS) and building cost estimators come from different backgrounds, but when it comes to residential costing they work in very similar ways.
2. The second point was again about the critical importance of obtaining costing advice early in the design phase, to ensure your budget and design brief are aligned, before you go... | |||
| 01 Jul 2024 | How much does it cost to Renovate? Ask a Building Cost Estimator | 00:22:22 | |
Do you need to know more information about the cost of house construction to help you decide whether to renovate or sell? You might typically think of obtaining building cost advice from a builder, but did you know that’s not the only option? You can also obtain independent advice on how much it will cost to build your house plans or even your design ideas, from a Building Cost Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor. Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative ‘On the tools’ podcast, where I interview industry experts to find out practical insider info and save you time and money. My name is Stephanie Skyring. I'm an Australian architect with 20 plus years of experience helping people create better, more environmental homes on any budget. In the first four episodes of this Season, starting today, I focus in detail on house construction costs. In today's ‘On the Tools’ episode, you’ll find out practical information about working with a building cost estimator; what they do, what their services cost and how they can add value to your next renovation or new build project. I talk to highly respected building cost estimator David Knight from Total Estimating Services in Brisbane. Join me every Tuesday for Season 1. and find out whether to Renovate or Sell in Australia in 2024. Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 01:19 What does a building cost estimator do on a typical house project? 02:12 What is the difference between a building cost estimator and a quantity surveyor? 03:38 On what size residential projects are cost estimators most commonly used? 04:31 What is included in a building cost estimate? 05:23 Where does your material and labour price information come from? 06:06 What are the benefits of obtaining cost advice from a cost estimator over a builder? 10:15 At what stage should I get a cost estimator involved? 14:41 What do a building cost estimator’s services cost? 17:00 Can building cost estimators provide advice Australia wide? 18:35 How would I get started with a building cost estimator’s services? 19:32 Key points summary KEY POINTS SUMMARY We covered so much helpful information in this interview. However, there are three key points that I want you to know: 1. The benefits of obtaining independent cost advice from a cost estimator (or a Quantity Surveyor):
2. Obtaining cost advice early in the design phase is critical | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | Passive House: The smart solution for our changing world – Season 2. Introduction & Programme | 00:03:58 | |
In this podcast season, I talk to Passive House owners and experts all around Australia to find out what Passive House is all about and get to the bottom of all of the misinformation. Over ten weekly podcast episodes, you'll learn:
As you'll find out, Passive House makes complete sense and really is the smart solution for our changing world. This podcast season creates a comprehensive resource of valuable insights, practical information and solutions to help the industry and the community. If you want to understand Passive House and have all your questions answered join me every Tuesday for Season 2 Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
PODCAST SEASON PROGRAMME Step 1. Understand the Basics E02: What’s it like in a Passive House building?
E03: How to Design a Passive House
E04: Passive House Consultant & Passive House Certifier
E05: What are Passive House windows?
E06: How to Build a Passive House
Step 2. Know your climate zone E07: Passive House design: Cool Temperate
E08: Passive House design: Mild Temperate
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| 05 Aug 2024 | How much do houses cost in 2024-2025? Brisbane and Australia | 00:35:12 | |
Buy or Renovate? Which is more affordable? When you discover the price to build your renovation plans you may think, ‘Surely it must be cheaper to sell and buy something better instead?’ In today’s episode, I talk to a real estate agent to find out what is happening in the real estate market in 2024-2025 in Brisbane and all around Australia, and the forecast moving forward. I also investigate the impact of flooding on property prices and how environmental design is valued in the market. I talk to highly respected and experienced real estate agent, Tim Douglas from Place West Estate Agents in Paddington Brisbane. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY Another fantastic interview with Tim Douglas. I just want to draw your attention to three main points from today. 1. Firstly, the property market is showing growth in most Australian capital cities, with Brisbane looking particularly strong going into the Olympics. Brisbane has had a very strong run since COVID and there's no sign of that stopping over the next 7 - 8 years. 2. Secondly, the high price of construction over the past few years has led to a shortage of completed larger renovations and new houses in the Brisbane market. Therefore, these products are now in high demand. On the flip side, unrenovated smaller cottages are not performing as well as they used to. This is obviously because there's not as much enthusiasm for renovating as there used to be, making these products less desirable. Tim advised that if you're able to hold onto one of these properties and just wait, they'll become a better investment over the longer term. 3. The third point was that environmental design adds value. I've always known it does, but it's really great to see that reflected in the market. Getting the climate responsive design basics right is always a winner. Get those living areas facing north, the indoor outdoor living areas, so they'll be filled with light and responding to the climate, responding to the seasons, winter through summer. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 01:09 What's happening with the price of real estate in Brisbane in 2024-2025 and looking forward? 11:18 What is happening with house prices in the other Australian capital cities looking forward? 19:21 Does a house designed to suit the climate have greater property value? 21:19 Do other environmental initiatives add value and are buyers looking for them? 23:07 What effect does potential flooding have on a property in the current market? 30:22 If... | |||
| 03 Feb 2025 | How to get started with Passive House | 00:50:17 | |
Here we are at the end of Season 2 and if you'd like to know more about Passive House, today you'll learn some ideas that will get you started:
I'm joined by two guests who will show you the way forward. The Australian Passive House Association CEO, Alexia Lidas, and the Managing editor of Sanctuary magazine at Renew, Anna Cumming.
Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY
I'll start with the information about the Australian Passive House Association. The association have been advocating for the adoption of the Passive House standard in Australia since 2013. One of the primary barriers to Passive House worldwide is the lack of education. So the association provide everything you need to know in a range of learning formats. Following is a quick snapshot of what they offer and you can find further info on their website. They offer free information including:
Their paid information options include:
The next key points relate to Sanctuary Magazine at Renew: Renew has been advocating, researching and providing independent practical advice to Australians wanting to live more | |||
| 09 Dec 2024 | How to build a Passive House | 00:52:27 | |
How do you build a Passive House? In this episode you'll find out about the rigorous testing and photographic documentation of evidence that has to happen on site to guarantee that Passive House buildings deliver what they promise. I talk to very experienced Passive House builder Matthew Carland from Carland Constructions in Melbourne. Matthew openly shares everything that happens on site. You'll learn why he believes that Passive Houses are actually easier to build than typical homes. Plus heaps of other information to help you better understand Passive House construction. And let me tell you, if you still aren't convinced about the quality and value of the Passive House standard, in this episode, you'll find out how remarkable it really is. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Involving the builder during design is critical for keeping the project on budget. PHPP is used to test and find a balance of the best design and product options that meet the Passive House standard. And so when you include the builder's cost advice during PHPP design stages, you can effectively balance performance and cost to get the optimal outcome. 2. Passive House projects are easier to build than typical houses because of the high level of communication and collaboration. A specific outcome (Passive House certification) must be delivered and everyone wants to get it right. It's a shared goal. Everyone involved cares about what they do and works together. 3. The main difference between Passive House construction and typical construction is airtightness. Successful building wrapping is about getting prepared and thinking ahead. Once you understand, it's not that difficult, but there is extra time and cost involved. To wrap a standard house internally, it takes about three or four people an extra week. 4. Passive House certification gives you the unquestionable guarantee that what is designed is built. There is no other method on the market that will do that. There are multiple tests during construction to confirm that everything is built correctly, including blower door testing to confirm the air tightness, thermal imaging to confirm the insulation is installed correctly, and visual inspections and photographic documentation of evidence to confirm the right products and installation methods have been used. 5. To get started as a builder, do the Passive House Trade course. After that, building wrap suppliers will show you how to use their products and all the other information you need is... | |||
| 25 Nov 2024 | Passive House Consultant and Passive House Certifier | 00:56:54 | |
The design and construction requirements of the Passive House standard are complex. If you're an architect or building designer, the learning curve to deliver your first Passive House building is steep. If you're keen to get involved but struggling to get your first residential or commercial project off the ground, today, you'll find out how a Passive House consultant and a Passive House certifier can help. I talk to experienced sustainability engineer Luc Plowman, the director of Detail Green in Victoria. Luc shares his extensive knowledge gained from working on residential and commercial Passive House projects all around Australia over the last 10 years. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website.
www.renovationcollaborative.com.au KEY POINTS SUMMARY To conclude today, I want to draw your attention to six main points. 1. The market for Passive House in Australia has grown exponentially since about 2015. It's really come on in the past few years as the number of built Passive House projects has increased, enabling more people to experience and understand it. 2. Enerfit is the Passive House tool for renovations. It's more challenging and expensive than new build because you need to replace windows and remove cladding to properly address the requirements, but everything is possible so it's worth investigating feasibility. 3. A Passive House Consultant is particularly helpful for a first time Passive House team. They do the Passive House scientific modelling on the PHPP program to inform the design through the entire design, construction and certification process. 4. A Passive House Certifier's role is to provide independent review and quality assurance. They don't get involved in the design process at all. They sit in the background and provide technical support at multiple stages. 5. Building a custom architectural home to the Passive House standard adds around 10% as a rough rule of thumb. Simple design solutions can cost less. 6. Building a commercial building to the Passive House standard is not much of an uplift in cost above typical construction in mild climates like Sydney. Luc forecast that Passive House would become standard practice for commercial in Australia over the coming years. From an owner's perspective, it's not much more expensive to build, delivering low running costs and a more robust building. From a user's perspective, it's a healthier, more thermally comfortable building and therefore a more desirable and productive working environment.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 00:00 Introduction 00:58 How did you get into working in sustainability and Passive House? 02:34 The Passive House standard is applicable to all building types – not just houses. 04:43 Enerfit is the Passive House tool for renovations and refurbs 08:19... | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | How much can I borrow? Ask a Mortgage Broker | 00:43:51 | |
Today, we move on to the next step in the Renovate or Sell journey - Borrowing finance. You might think of mortgage brokers only for getting the best home loan rates, but they've got a lot more knowledge and value to offer than that. Loans for construction and renovation are definitely not one size fits all. When it comes to construction projects, everyone has different objectives: large projects, small projects, owner-builders, licensed builders, and even modular or relocated homes. And that's just the beginning. Not all banks will finance everything, because from the bank's perspective, there are different levels of risk. So, finding out what finance is available for your project ideas is essential before you go too far. I talk to highly respected mortgage broker Richard Jefferies from Newbridge Home Loans in Brisbane. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY There are so many key points from today that narrowing it down to three is hard, but I'll start with these. 1.Depending on your personal financial situation and construction project specifics, you can access a number of loan types. You may also be able to access finance for the design stage consultants as well as the construction. As a general guide, the standard loan types are construction loans and smaller renovation loans. A construction Loan is for projects over about $150,000. It involves a licensed builder and payments made over the standard stages in a construction contract. The alternative is smaller renovation loans for more cosmetic work under the $100,000 mark. This is for bathrooms, kitchens, and other similar projects where you don't necessarily have to have a licensed builder. You can manage the process yourself, and the amount of money will be paid out in a lump sum drawn down at your discretion. 2.Some projects will require specialized loans, and limited lenders will be available. Typical examples of this are when you're going to be an owner builder for a large project of a size potentially that would have usually been covered by a typical construction loan. Also, if you're looking for finance for a relocated home, modular home, prefabricated home, or something similar. 3.If you need finance, getting in touch with a mortgage broker at three key stages is essential.
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| 20 Jan 2025 | Passive House Design: Warm Temperate | 01:19:25 | |
How do you design a Passive House in Warm Temperate climates like Perth, Adelaide or Sydney? In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Ben Caine, the director of the award-winning practice Leanhaus Architecture in Perth. Ben’s architectural mission is to deliver well-thought-out, mindful, architectural homes to the passive house standard, at less cost than a typical architecturally designed home. Ben explains the Passive House design specifics for Warm Temperate, plus he shares ideas on cost savings and heaps of other information and insights from his years of experience to help you better understand Passive House.
Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.
MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINT SUMMARY 1. Through his practice, Leanhaus Architecture, Ben delivers well-thought-out, mindful architectural homes to the passive house standard for a lower cost than a typical architecturally designed home. His practice proves that if you are open to finding efficiencies across design and construction, you can have a passive house or high-performance home without the additional cost. 2. Ben generally designs to the Passive House standard without going as far as certification for the simple reason that Passive House certification adds cost. However, it’s essential to note that during the first four years of Leanhaus Architecture, Ben and his team went to great lengths to model, test and optimize every design and understand the exact formula for success. They can now confidently deliver to the passive house standard without the extra cost.
3. The 5 Passive House design components for a Warm temperate climate are as follows:
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| 27 Apr 2024 | Learn How to Renovate Smarter: Architect Stephanie Skyring introduces her online learning guide, Renovation Collaborative | 00:15:32 | |
Architect Stephanie Skyring introduces Renovation Collaborative, her new online learning guide designed to help DIY renovators find their way through the entire house design and construction process. The Renovation Collaborative website includes 11 Online Courses, podcasts with industry experts and a private community. Stephanie explains why she created Renovation Collaborative and how it can help you get the best results and value for money in your next renovation or new build project. KEY POINTS SUMMARY Architect Stephanie Skyring created her Complete home design guide, Renovation Collaborative to help DIY renovators and to inspire a greater commitment to environmental design. Created over the past 2 years, the Renovation Collaborative website contains online courses and other easy to follow, practical resources to help you get the best results and value for money for your renovation or new house project. What's offered on the Renovation Collaborative website?
Renovation Collaborative also offers a range of free resources, including:
Why is Renovation Collaborative is different to other online renovation courses?
Renovation Collaborative helps you make informed decisions, saving you time and money. The podcasts share industry expert knowledge in a practical, usable format. It's designed for busy people. All the information is put together in a very concise format to save you time and get you the answers you need and the home you want.. Environmental design that is accessible for all budgets is a critical component. The courses and all the resources focus on how to improve climate-responsive design, orientation, natural light, connection to the outside, and energy efficiency. Smart ways to do the simple things and transform your house through design, not through cost. There are solutions for everyone, for any budget. TIMESTAMPS 01:12 Stephanie explains why she created Renovation Collaborative 03:33 Find out about the courses and resources available. 06:04 Renovation Collaborative is very different to other online renovation courses. 06:48 Cut through the huge amount of info online and provide reliable advice. 08:38 What inspired the Podcasts 09:41 Designed for busy people, concise information is offered in a variety of ways. 11:02 Environmental design ideas, accessible for all budgets are a critical component. 12:58 Find answers to your home design and construction questions 14.26 How to get started. WANT TO READ... | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | Borrowing Finance? How much is too much in 2024-2025? | 00:21:37 | |
Are you pondering taking a very large home loan to renovate, build or buy a new house? If the size of it is making you hesitate, you're not the only one. In today's episode, I speak to a financial adviser and get a second opinion on inflation, interest rates and what everyone is spending on home loans in 2024-2025. Plus, you'll find out how to work out the right amount to borrow for your situation and how much is too much. I talk to highly respected financial adviser Tim Ward from Ward and Co. Wealth in Brisbane. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au
KEY POINTS SUMMARY To conclude today, I want to draw your attention to three main points. 1. Interest rates are remaining fairly steady. We are at the end of the interest rate rising cycle. However, another rise is not out of the question because inflation still remains high. 2. Australians are taking out higher mortgages than ever before. You are not alone. Ten years ago, the average Australian mortgage was around $600,000 to $700,000 across major capital cities. Now we're starting to see seven figure mortgages across major capital cities for new entrants to the property market. 3. A financial adviser can help you determine the level of home loan debt that's affordable for your personal situation. This can include budgeting, cash flow management, and stress testing to ensure that you can tolerate a level of interest rate rise comfortably. ADDITIONAL ADVICE FROM TIM WARD Steps to help you work out the right amount to borrow The best process to do this is to reverse engineer what you can afford. These steps will ensure that you can live within your means and do not unknowingly force yourself into undue financial pressure. Step 1. Most importantly, don't use the maximum borrowing capacity afforded to you by the bank. Step 2. Create a budget with all your non-discretionary and discretionary items. Non-discretionary are things that you have to pay, like rates, utilities, phones, insurances. Discretionary items are things that you choose to pay for entertainment, for quality of life and lifestyle. Step 3. See how much is left over for paying off your home loan. Step 4. Stress test your affordability of the loan and this means if interest rates increase 2- 3% from current rates, can you still afford them? How much is too much to borrow in 2024-2025? In Australia, the typical cost of housing as a percentage of gross income has been around 25% to 30%. How much is too much? The answer is definitely not one size fits all. As a general guide, if your home loan repayments are higher than 30% of your gross income, you're more likely to struggle with financial stress. If | |||