Building Sustainability Podcast

By Jeffrey HartSociety & Culture Education How To

Building Sustainability Podcast episodes

July 25, 2023Designing the Future: Creativity and Innovation in Sustainability - Helen Gordon - BS103
What if we told you that the journey to sustainability involves more than just recycling and reducing emissions? Prepare to be enthralled as we navigate through transformational narratives of businesses pivoting towards sustainable and regenerative projects. We share the intriguing story of an Oxfordshire project that breathed new life into discarded barn doors by repurposing them as shelves, countertops, and a dining table. Witness how embracing imperfections and honouring craft can, in fact, revolutionise the way we view sustainability.

Daring to challenge the traditional models of capitalism, Helen proposes a fresh perspective on creating ethical and regenerative business models. We discuss the potential of creating a material passport, life cycle analysis, and other revolutionary concepts to promote transparency and traceability for customers. The episode also explores the exciting potential of often-overlooked materials like mycelium, hemp, and food waste, hinting at the boundless possibilities for future sustainable projects.

Lastly, we reflect on the critical role of designers and creatives in driving a change towards a sustainable future. The episode highlights how designers' innovative ideas coupled with scientific facts can stimulate significant transformations. We also delve into the concept of regeneration, it's potential to remap ecosystems, and re-establish local communities. Buckle up for a thought-provoking journey that challenges your conventional understanding of sustainability and presents a fresh perspective on transforming our world for the better.

Episode 103 Links

Kite Creative - https://kitecreative.co.uk/
Purposeful Business - https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/
Edward Bulmer Paint - https://www.edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk/
Planted - https://planted-community.co.uk/
Kinsugi - https://theconversation.com
Planet Mark - https://www.planetmark.com/
2050 Materials - https://2050-materials.com/
Cradle to Cradle (Book) - Hive.co.uk
C2 Certified products - https://c2ccertified.org/
Material Passports -
Lane 8 BMX Podcast
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 9 min
July 11, 2023Building with Purpose: The Straw Bale House Experience - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS102
Are you ready to embark on a journey that blends architectural innovation with environmental sustainability? Come along as I engage in a vibrant discussion with the gifted duo, Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker of Abundant Earth. We delve into the captivating process of constructing a straw bale house that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings. It's not just a house, but a tribute to human ingenuity and a testament to the beauty of nature.

The tale doesn't stop at the mere structure; it's the life force that fueled its creation that forms the crux of our conversation. We reminisce about the energetic team that breathed life into the project, from the dedicated participation of the community to the unique challenges and delightful surprises encountered along the way. Unearth the inspiration behind the design, be it the Nebraska-style straw bale construction, timber frame, turf roof or the unparalleled retaining wall crafted from truck tires.

As we tread the path of understanding the deep connection between the house and its environment, we’ll also immerse in the beauty of waking up to buzzards wheeling in the sky. This episode isn't merely about creating a house; it’s about forging a relationship with Mother Nature and the indomitable human spirit. Become a part of this journey, as we explore the union of nature, architecture and human resilience.

Episode Links
Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
Building With Bales - Barbara Jones - https://tinyurl.com/236u65ss
Building the Timber Frame House : The Revival of a Forgotten Craft - https://tinyurl.com/2658n4n5
The Last Straw Journal - https://www.thelaststraw.org/
European Straw Bale Gathering - https://strawbuilding.eu/
Woodland Pioneers - http://www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk/pioneersbook.php

Lane 8 BMX Podcast
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47 min
June 27, 2023Building an Off-Grid Community: Lessons from Abundant Earth - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS101
Ever wondered what it's like to create an intentional community from the ground up? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker, co founders of Abundant Earth, as they share their journey of building a sustainable, off-grid life for themselves and their families. With experiences ranging from living in cabins on the outskirts of Newcastle to navigating the planning permission process, Matt and Joe have come a long way, and their story is sure to inspire and uplift anyone interested in intentional living.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of communication, conflict resolution, and the power of friendship in community building. Jo and Matt share insights into the systems they've put in place, such as land management, weekly meetings, and seeking external support for conflict training. Plus, learn how their experiences have led them to work with probation services to help those in need, making a tangible impact on the lives of others.

Finally, we explore the joy and gratitude Jo and Matt have experienced as they reflect on their journey together and their friends' role in establishing the Abundant Earth community. From building oak-framed houses to sharing meals and memories, this conversation is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of living life with intention. Join us for this uplifting episode and discover the magic of creating a community from scratch.

Episode Links
Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
NVC Non-Violent Communication - https://www.cnvc.org/
Co-ops UK - https://www.uk.coop/
Somatic Experiencing Association - https://www.seauk.org.uk/
Northern Bowl - https://www.abundantearth.coop/new-page
WWOOF - https://wwoof.org.uk/
Lane 8 BMX Podcast
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
57 min
June 08, 2023Kickstarting Your Career in Natural Building - Allstar Natural Builders - BS100
Ready to kickstart your career in natural building and sustainable construction? Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode in the company of Allstar Natural Builders - Becky Little, Julz Baker, Em Appleton, Dylan Walker, and William Stanwix. Learn from these inspiring professionals as they share their experiences, advice, and pathways into this growing industry.

Discover the diverse journeys our guests took to enter the world of sustainable building, from traditional brickwork apprenticeships to heritage skills routes. Gain valuable insights on continuous learning, hands-on experience, and the importance of networking in the field. Our panel also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced in sustainable construction, including the need for multidisciplinary approaches and finding funding and resources.

Transitioning from conventional to natural building? Our Allstar Natural Builders have got you covered! Dive into their advice on taking courses, being bold with clients, learning from mistakes, and building confidence. Remember, it's all about finding the right crew with the right values and focusing on mastering a few skills at a time. So, what are you waiting for? Tune in and embark on an exciting journey into the world of natural building!

Episode 100 links:

Guests
Becky Little - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/
Julz Barker - https://kindsupply.co.uk/
Em Appleton - http://emappleton.com/
Dylan Walker - https://builtbyartizans.co.uk/
Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/
Jeffrey Hart - http://jeffreythenaturalbuilder.com/
Links
Google Doc Mega Link Repository (sorry too many to fit in shownotes!) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1leyFV0P9bFWF_mj7qYFDQl4hlG5BqbLQ8ZY1ojH2aow/edit?usp=sharing
Lane 8 BMX Podcast
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 6 min
May 16, 2023Finding inspiration in Heritage traditions - Peter Kovacs - BS099
I'm talking with Peter Kovacs about his product design, tool making and taking inspiration from heritage techniques and materials.

Peter's Philosophy - "Our tools allow us to create beautiful objects out of raw materials. These tools should serve us as reliable companions, an extension of our body. That was my aim when I made my axes. Perfect ergonomics, excellent quality steel and heat treatment. From the skill of the blacksmith, hand forging the heads, through my many years of experience with woodwork to the last stitches in the thick leather sheath, everything is an essential part of creating something that will outlast our generation. I want to create a tool which will be handed down to the next generation with a patina on the handle that can only be achieved through years of use”

Episode links
Soulwood Creations - https://soulwoodcreations.com/
Soulwood Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soulwood_creations
Make your own axe with Peter - https://www.woodlandmakers.com/product-page/28th-29th-august-axe-hafting-and-sheath-making-with-peter-from-soulwood
Heritage craft red list - https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/redlist/
Sussex Trugs - https://truggery.co.uk/
James Wood - https://www.jameswoodblacksmith.co.uk/
Nick Westermann - https://nicwestermann.co.uk/
Chip Carving - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5u-nc41ygc

Lane 8 BMX Podcast
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 4 min
March 05, 2023Old House Retrofit - Marianne Suhr - BS098
Marianne Suhr is a Chartered Building Surveyor specialising in the repair of older buildings.
We talk about the role of a building surveyor, the SPAB and how to go about sympathetically retrofitting an old building.

Episode links:
This episode link - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/old-house-retrofit-and-SPAB-marianne-suhr-bs098
Marianne's company website - http://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/
See Marianne in person at the Homebuilding and Renovation show - https://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/building-sustainability-podcast
Futurebuild 2023 - https://www.futurebuild.co.uk/
Material Cultures Workshops - https://materialcultures.org/category/lab/
Material Cultures Book - https://materialcultures.org/material-reform-wip/
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings - https://www.spab.org.uk/
William Morris SPAB Manifesto - https://www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-manifesto
Book: The Old House Handbook : A Practical Guide to Care and Repair - https://tinyurl.com/2lr5qgt6
Book: Old House Eco Handbook : A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability - https://tinyurl.com/2mttjg2d
Building Conservation Summer School - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/buildingconservationsummerschool/719798
Like this episode? Listen Next:
Vernacular Crafts in Earth Pt1 - Alex Gibbons
https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/vernacular-crafts-in-earth-pt1-alex/
Historical Turf Construction - Daniel Postma https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/
Lane 8 BMX Podcast
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 12 min
February 03, 2023Designing and Building. Workwear for Women - Kirsty Cassels Pt2 - BS097
This is the second part of my conversation with Kirsty Cassels. In this episode, we hear about Kirsty's experience as a joiner in the TV industry, her work promoting workwear for women, certifying natural products and the Prince's Foundation... as well as other side meanderings.

Episode links:
Workwear for women - https://www.instagram.com/workwear_for_women/
Kirsty's building work - https://www.instagram.com/building_cassels/
Kirsty's design work - https://www.instagram.com/creative_cassels/
RIBA Building stages - https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work
Building Together CIC - https://www.creativecassels.com/building-together-cic
Indinature hemp insulation - https://www.indinature.co/
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) - https://www.cat.org.uk/
Heritage Endangered Craft Red list - https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/redlist/
QUEST funding - https://www.qest.org.uk/
Emma Appleton - http://emappleton.com/
Emma Appleton (Building Sustainability Podcast) - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-to-create-an-anti-capitalist-building-site-emma-appleton/
Prince's Foundation - Building craft programme - https://princes-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programme
Dumfries House - https://dumfries-house.org.uk/

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 16 min
January 27, 2023Designing and Building - Kirsty Cassels Pt1 - BS096
The first of 2 episodes with designer and builder Kirsty Cassels.
Pt2 will follow next week when I am back in the country.

Follow Kirsty's work on instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/building_cassels/
https://www.instagram.com/creative_cassels/

Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-sustainability-podcast/id1459369615

Support the podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Episode links:
Hartwyn - https://hartwyn.co.uk/
Alex Sparrow (UK Hempcrete) - https://www.ukhempcrete.com/
Grain Architecture - https://www.grainarchitecture.co.uk/
Janna (of Grain Architecture) podcast episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/sustainable-architecture-design-materials-and-cost-janna-laan-lomas/
Felin Uchaf - https://www.felinwales.org/
Prince's Foundation - https://princes-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programme
Centre for Alternative Technology - https://cat.org.uk/
SEDA (Scottish Ecological Design Association) - https://www.seda.uk.net/

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 5 min
January 10, 2023Make it at Market - Shannon Berry - BS095
The second part of my conversation with Shannon Berry was about her experience on BBC's - 'Make it to Market' and her learning difficulties.

Episode Links
BBC Make it at Market - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gq6s
Shannon Berry Website - https://www.shannonberrynature.co.uk
Matty Whitaker - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
Alice Blogg - http://www.aliceblogg.co.uk/
Amy Leake (Woodmungler) - https://www.instagram.com/woodmungler/
Sharif Adams - https://www.instagram.com/wooden_way/
Bowl Gathering - https://www.woodlandmakers.com/bowl-gathering
Locking Lidded Boxes - https://www.mortiseandtenonmag.com/blogs/blog/pole-lathe-lidded-box
Steve Ridd - https://www.instagram.com/northernwoodmonkey
Flo Hamer - https://www.instagram.com/flohamer
Flo Hamer Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-a-tiny-house-flo-hamer/
Geoff Hannis - https://www.instagram.com/geoffhannis
Yoav Elkayam - https://www.instagram.com/yoav.kafets/
Yoav Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-a-modular-cabin-meanderings-around-craft-yoav-elkayam-bs090/
The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
58 min
January 10, 2023Trading architect culture for craft community - Shannon Berry - BS094
Shannon Berry trained as an architect but I met her as a pole lathe bowl turner. You might know her from BBC's Make It at Market.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gq6s
https://www.shannonberrynature.co.uk/

Episode links

Illustration from Amy Charles' Patreon feedback - https://cricketmedia.com/blog/reading/spotlight-on-trina-schart-hyman/
Patreon for podcast support - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Matty Whitaker - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
Ruth Thompson Sylvan Skills - https://sylvanskills.co.uk/
Access to work - https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Atypical Support CIC - https://atypicalcic.org/
Grain Architecture - https://www.grainarchitecture.co.uk/
Grain Architecture podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/sustainable-architecture-design-materials-and-cost-janna-laan-lomas/
Help X - https://www.helpx.net/
Permaculture - https://www.permaculture.co.uk/
Georjie podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/bluebell-a-tiny-cottage-built-onto-a-van-pt1-georjie-adams-bs059/
Small tree felling course - https://www.lantra.co.uk/course/felling-and-processing-trees-380mm
APT&GW Association of Pole-lathe Turners & Green Woodworkers - https://www.bodgers.org.uk/
Bill Hogarth Apprenticeship - http://www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk/
National Coppice Federation - https://ncfed.org.uk/
Living Woods North East CIC - https://livingwoodsnortheast.org.uk
Coppice Coop podcast - https://www.b
The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 9 min

About Building Sustainability Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The majority of homes currently being built are bad for the earth, the occupants and the builder’s health. Every fortnight, join Jeffrey Hart as he talks to designers, builders, makers, dreamers and…