In this episode, we sit down with Jackson from Enduro Builders in Adelaide to talk high performance homes, energy efficient construction, and what it actually takes to build houses that perform year after year. We recorded inside a Passive House, and once you feel that level of comfort and stability, it’s hard to accept what “normal” housing has been getting away with.

Jackson has been building certified Passive Houses and energy efficient homes in South Australia for more than a decade, and he keeps it simple. No magic. No secret sauce. Just good design, tight detailing, and refusing to cut corners where it counts. We take a look at what makes a home feel consistently warm (or cool), how the building envelope does the heavy lifting, and why comfort is a measurable outcome, not a marketing line.

One of the best parts of this chat is how practical Jackson is about targets. Not every project needs certification, and not every client wants the same thing. We talk Passive House principles, performance tiers, and how to choose the right materials and systems for the brief, the budget, and the climate. The point is not the badge. The point is building performance, durability, and homes people can actually afford to live in.

We also get into the real-world negotiations builders face: design vs function, heating choices (including hydronic heating and wood fires), and what “cosy” really means in a well-built home. Plus, Jackson shares why he’s using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) in his own build, and why systems and processes are the backbone of a sustainable building business. If you’re a builder, architect, designer, or homeowner who cares about sustainable construction in Australia, this episode will shift how you think about good building.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Enduro Builders And Climasure

03:33 Scaling Passive House

05:50 Cost Premium Breakdown

07:54 Airtight Ceiling Strategy

11:01 Performance Solutions

16:20 Three Build Standards

17:34 Design Build Debate

22:56 Selling Comfort Not Tech

26:20 Rammed Earth Benefits

29:07 Solar Shading Tradeoffs

31:35 Hydronic Negotiations

33:52 Designing His Own Home

36:39 Forever House Priorities

37:48 Design Choices and Tradeoffs

38:50 Healthy Home and Fire Safety

41:28 CLT Structure and Insulation

43:43 Bushfire and Wind Detailing

44:51 Windows and Supply Chain

46:01 Interior Finishes and Joinery

47:29 Build Schedule and Winter Risks

51:43 Business Numbers and WIP

57:09 Coaching and Better Systems

01:03:27 Mindful Moment

LINKS:

Enduro Builders: https://www.endurobuilders.com.au/

Climasure: https://www.climasure.com.au/

Our Sponsors:

Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.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/

Mentioned in this episode:

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