"In Germany, you’d never see a timber frame left out in the rain." 

That’s just one of the eye-opening differences we uncovered with Daniel Jakobs, a master carpenter and construction engineer from Germany, on the Mindful Builder Podcast. Dan has spent over 20 years in high-performance, ecological construction, and now serves as Technical Sales Manager for pro clima® in Australia and New Zealand. If you’ve ever met him, you know he’s got a world-class hipster beard, a great sense of humour, and the rare ability to make building science fun.

Dan shares what sets European building standards apart, from meticulous prefabrication and weatherproofing to the absolute importance of ventilation for healthy, durable homes.

Discover why protecting timber, getting back to basics with tools, and prioritising proper airflow are non-negotiables for future-ready construction. 

Australia has the talent and the tools; now it’s about raising our standards. That means learning from the best of Europe, investing in better methods, and refusing to settle for more relaxed standards. For new apprentices and seasoned builders alike, it’s about being open to new ideas, looking after your craft, and building homes that are healthy, durable, and genuinely fit for the future.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction 

01:08 Special Offers and Promotions

01:53 Exciting News and Announcements

02:04 pro clima® Sponsorship

05:12 The Future of Building

05:47 Dan Jakobs Background and Journey

06:15 Building Practices in Germany

08:09 Challenges in Australian Building

21:42 Treated Timber and Building Materials

26:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Prefabrication

28:03 Small Scale Prefab: A Practical Approach

30:57 The Importance of Timber Quality and Sustainability

32:06 Education and Training in Carpentry

39:22 Innovations in Timber Products

42:52 Addressing Mould and Moisture in Construction

44:15 Encouraging Better Building Practices

52:12 Tips for Apprentices and Industry Professionals

58:43 Conclusion

LINKS:

https://proclima.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/