Best Passivehouse Podcasts (2024)

1
HPH356: What is Passivhaus certification? – with Kym Mead 35:03

5d ago35:03

35:03

Kym Mead from Mead Consulting explains what Passivhaus certification is, how the process works and why there is a difference between certified Passivhaus buildings and those that just adopt a 'Passivhaus principles' approach. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
RECLAIMING EARTH - CHAPTER 3. Finding Karuna Dham 11:45

6h ago11:45

11:45

In Chapter 3 of "Reclaiming Earth," join Alex Leeor on his captivating journey to find the perfect land for his Earthship dream in the heart of India. Witness his transformative experiences as he returns to the vibrant, ever-changing landscape of India, settling in Puttaparthy and discovering the serene hill station of Kodaikanal. Experience the un…

1
RECLAIMING EARTH AUDIOBOOK - Chapter 2. Manifesting Dreams 11:14

12d ago11:14

11:14

READ THE FULL BOOK HERE: https://mybook.to/reclaiming-earth Welcome to Chapter 2: Manifesting Dreams. In this chapter, we'll explore how a simple visioning exercise can spark profound life changes and set you on the path to realizing your deepest aspirations. As we journey from a web design office in Portland to the sun-baked mesas of New Mexico, y…

1
HPH355: The Story of Upfront Carbon - with Lloyd Alter 50:00

10d ago50:00

50:00

Lloyd Alter explains the term upfront carbon, its relevance to us all as consumers, and why he felt compelled to write a book on the topic. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH354: How natureplus helps you identify sustainable building products - with Tilmann Kramolisch 34:41

24d ago34:41

34:41

Tilmann Kramolisch from natureplus explains why their eco label was established, how materials and products are assessed, and what it means to use a natureplus certified product on your project. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
RECLAIMING EARTH - CHAPTER 1: A Guide to Off-Grid Living and Earthship Building 21:46

1M ago21:46

21:46

Read the entire book here https://mybook.to/reclaiming-earth Are you ready to embark on a life-changing adventure? In "Earthship Odyssey," author and eco-pioneer Alex Leeor invites you to join him on an extraordinary journey as he sets out to build a self-sustaining, off-grid home in the heart of India. This captivating book is your ultimate guide …

1
Reclaiming Earth Prologue - An Inspiring Memoir and Guide to Off-Grid Living and Earthship Building 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

READ THE BOOK HERE: https://mybook.to/reclaiming-earth Are you ready to embark on a life-changing adventure? In "Earthship Odyssey," author and eco-pioneer Alex Leeor invites you to join him on an extraordinary journey as he sets out to build a self-sustaining, off-grid home in the heart of India. This captivating book is your ultimate guide to Ear…

1
HPH353: 12 tips for a successful Passivhaus project 22:48

2M ago22:48

22:48

Speakers from the Passivhaus workshop event at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon each share a top tip. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH352: Encouraging and supporting home retrofit in your local area 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

Neighbours Wookey and Rob Leedham explain why they were motivated to retrofit their homes, how they built up knowledge and why engaging with others on a similar path has been extremely useful. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH351: Creating affordable, high quality, low carbon homes - with Linda Farrow 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

Linda Farrow from Agile Homes explains how their prefabricated panelised system can deliver high quality and truly affordable homes that are good for the planet. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH350: What is value engineering? 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

Ben Adam-Smith explains what value engineering is and how it can help us to do more with less. He reflects on a short video about Slate House in Herefordshire that includes some great examples of value engineering. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH349: Timber build approaches – with Meredith Bowles 50:33

3M ago50:33

50:33

Meredith Bowles from Mole Architects shares his experience working with timber as a construction material and explains the benefits and drawbacks of the different build approaches. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH348: Why do homes get mould? – with Alexx Stuart 42:54

4M ago42:54

42:54

Alexx Stuart from Low Tox Life shares her experiences of toxic mould exposure and offers some advice on how best to keep your home healthy and mould free. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH347: Common pitfalls to avoid when building a house – with Amelia Lee 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

Amelia Lee from Undercover Architect shares some common themes that tend to crop up on owner-builder projects (particularly with people who are doing this for the first time) and explains how they can be avoided by creating a clear foundation of your values and project intentions. Check out the show notes for more information.…

1
HPH346: Passivhaus homes where cooling is a key consideration – with Andy Marlow 41:16

5M ago41:16

41:16

Andy Marlow from Envirotecture explains why Passivhaus homes are a good fit for most climates in Australia, how they approach these projects and what is needed beyond shading to keep the homes comfortable when the outdoor temperatures soar. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH345: Why is the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) such a useful tool? – with Sarah Lewis 43:41

5M ago43:41

43:41

Sarah Lewis, the Research and Policy Director at the UK Passivhaus Trust and author of PHPP Illustrated, explains what the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) is and how it is used during the design process. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH344: Hazel Tree Passivhaus – with Janice Gardiner 30:13

5M ago30:13

30:13

Janice Gardiner, an ecologist and the client of last week’s interviewee Josh Wood at Green Trace Architect, is here to tell us what it is like to be the client on a Passivhaus project and share what she has learnt from the experience. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH343: A low cost eco home on a challenging infill plot – with Josh Wood 42:43

6M ago42:43

42:43

Architect Josh Wood gives us an insight into his own self build project, where the balance between keeping costs low and creating a sustainable home have pushed him to come up with creative solutions. By undergoing most of the work themselves, Josh and his partner Amy have been able to transform their snug, back garden plot, into a comfortable and …

1
HPH342: How to incorporate reused materials on a self build - with Kirsty Maguire 40:32

6M ago40:32

40:32

Architect Kirsty Maguire explains why reusing an existing building is always preferable to demolishing and rebuilding. However, when buildings are in terrible condition or need radical alterations to make them habitable we should be looking to reuse, recycle and reclaim as many materials as possible. Kirsty shows us that with intentional and sustai…

1
HPH341: Should embodied carbon or energy efficiency be our priority? – with Jae Cotterell 37:40

7M ago37:40

37:40

Jae Cotterell, founder of Passivhaus Homes, explains the importance of the choices we make when considering our construction approach. It is possible to create a high performance home with low embodied carbon that doesn't cost the earth if we understand the process, where the impacts lie and where optimisation can make a huge difference. Check out …

1
HPH340: How to reclaim VAT on a self build or conversion - with Andrew Jones 50:00

7M ago50:00

50:00

Andrew Jones explains how to reclaim VAT on a self build home or conversion as well as sharing some common pitfalls to avoid. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH339: What is the Housebuilder's Bible? - with Mark Brinkley 42:45

8M ago42:45

42:45

Mark Brinkley, author of the Housebuilder's Bible, explains how his book can guide you towards building a better home. He also shares some of the themes that have cropped up while he's been editing the latest edition. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH338: How to measure and monitor the performance of a home - with Luke Smith 41:15

8M ago41:15

41:15

Luke Smith from Build Test Solutions talks about making building performance measurement more commonplace, and how you can't manage what you don't measure. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH337: Wind power and solar power - past, present and future 35:19

9M ago35:19

35:19

Dr. Derek Taylor talks about advances in wind and solar power over the last 50 years. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH336 : Ben's Passivhaus 5 years on 35:52

9M ago35:52

35:52

Ben Adam-Smith marks five years of living in his Passivhaus home by reflecting on his self build journey and what the house has been like to live in. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH335 : Designing an intentional community - with Anne Thorne 53:23

10M ago53:23

53:23

Anne Thorne talks through the architectural design process of Cannock Mill Cohousing community. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH334 : Combining smart home technology with energy efficiency – with Jonathan Dixon 52:35

10M ago52:35

52:35

Jonathan Dixon talks about incorporating home automation into a Passivhaus retrofit of a 1960s detached house, built using cross wall construction. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH333 : What is the One Planet Development scheme? - with Brendan and Ludka Powell 37:56

1y ago37:56

37:56

Ludka and Brendan Powell explain the Welsh ‘One Planet Development’ scheme and how it led them to building an off-grid, straw panel Passivhaus. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH332 : How accurate are Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)? – with Tom Gwilliam 36:20

1y ago36:20

36:20

Tom Gwilliam explains what Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are, how they are created and why they are unlikely to be a useful measure of how energy efficient a building is. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH331 : What is a mechanical services engineer? – with Alan Clarke 52:04

1+ y ago52:04

52:04

Alan Clarke explains the role of a mechanical services engineer on a low energy house build, in designing a heating and ventilation system that works efficiently and is affordable. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH330 : What is a planning consultant? – with Andy Moger 47:18

1+ y ago47:18

47:18

Andy Moger, from Tetlow King Planning, explains the role of a planning consultant and the benefits they can bring to a project. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH329 : What does a structural engineer do? – with Beth Williams 47:52

1+ y ago47:52

47:52

Beth Williams from Build Collective outlines the role of a structural engineer and explains what tasks might be undertaken on a house build. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH328 : Insulating internally with a thin layer of wood fibre board - with Martin Twamley from Steico 36:27

1+ y ago36:27

36:27

Martin Twamley from Steico explains how to use breathable internal insulation, while avoiding the risks of condensation and mould. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH327 : Upskilling in DIY during a home retrofit – with Es Tresidder 56:02

1+ y ago56:02

56:02

As someone with no previous interest or skills in DIY, Passivhaus Consultant Es Tresidder explains why he went about changing that for his own deep retrofit project. Check out the show notes for more information:By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH326 : Is it worth upskilling your knowledge of Passivhaus? – with Simon Bell 32:52

1+ y ago32:52

32:52

Landscape Architect and Director of HLM Architects, Simon Bell, explains why he decided to upskill when it came to building his own house. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH325 : What reduces the performance of insulation? – with Mark Siddall 31:47

1+ y ago31:47

31:47

Mark Siddall explains how thermal bypass – or air movement around insulation layers – might impact a self-build or retrofit project. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH324 : Why robust planning is vital for a home retrofit in stages – with Alan Budden 34:37

1+ y ago34:37

34:37

Alan Budden explains how a phased retrofit might work and what preparation is required. He also shares how he's retrofitted his own home, which includes trialling an innovative roof solution. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH323 : Can I heat my home with an air source heat pump? – with Nathan Gambling 34:41

1+ y ago34:41

34:41

Influential podcaster and heating systems expert, Nathan Gambling, explains why choosing the right installer is even more important than selecting the heat pump. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH322 : An EnerPHit standard retrofit of a Victorian mid terrace home – with Guy Hargreaves 38:33

1+ y ago38:33

38:33

Homeowner Guy Hargreaves reflects on adapting and expanding his Victorian mid terrace home, retrofitting the whole building to EnerPHit standard. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH321 : How do you make an existing home energy efficient? – with Paul Ciniglio 31:41

2y ago31:41

31:41

With price hikes being caused by the volatile energy sector, Paul Ciniglio from the National Energy Foundation explains what we can be doing to our homes to reduce our energy consumption and be better protected from rising bills. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH320 : Precision-cut timber frames – with Antoine Costantini from Kithurst Homes 24:38

2y ago24:38

24:38

Antoine Costantini explains how Kithurst Homes has embraced modern cutting technology to increase efficiency and minimise waste. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH319 : Natural materials and healthy homes – with Tom Woolley 50:10

2y ago50:10

50:10

Architect, educator and builder, Tom Woolley, takes us through some of the natural construction materials we should be using to build healthier homes. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH318 : Do I need a structural warranty for my self build home? 28:08

2y ago28:08

28:08

Jake Fitness of Self Build Zone explains what a structural warranty is, and why you might need one on your self build or renovation project. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH317 : Getting ambitious with sustainability – with Kit Knowles from Ecospheric 41:40

2y ago41:40

41:40

Kit Knowles from Ecospheric explains why he is driven to keep pushing further in pursuit of sustainability in building projects. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH316 : Why we must embrace sufficiency – with Lloyd Alter 41:05

2y ago41:05

41:05

Lloyd Alter explains how we can take personal actions to address our own carbon footprints, and why it's more important to do so than ever. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH315 : Simplifying the delivery of high performance, sustainable homes – with Mike Jacob 28:44

2y ago28:44

28:44

Mike Jacob explains how Kiss House is using timber component based production to deliver homes to the Passivhaus standard. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH314 : Getting a self build over the finish line, despite setbacks – with Mike Coe 44:51

2+ y ago44:51

44:51

Mike Coe gives a final update on his now complete Portree Passivhaus, that has seen budgets stretched, contractors disappear for a year, and a Covid lockdown! Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

1
HPH313 : What input might an engineer have for a Passivhaus self build? – with Gwilym Still 32:37

2+ y ago32:37

32:37

Gwilym Still, of Max Fordham engineers, explains how good planning and simplicity can improve a home's performance. Check out the show notes for more information.

1
HPH312 : Building a tiny house with natural materials – with Jeffrey Hart 47:03

2+ y ago47:03

47:03

Jeffrey Hart, natural builder and host of the Building Sustainability Podcast, explains what he's learnt designing and crafting his own tiny house.

1
HPH311 : Should we celebrate architecture that performs poorly? 29:18

2+ y ago29:18

29:18

Richard Hawkes from Hawkes Architecture reviews the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) of the RIBA House of the Year longlist and asks why we are showcasing poorly performing architecture. Check out the show notes for more information.By Ben Adam-Smith

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