Home Style Green

James L. Salmon is the President of Collaborative Construction, an organisation created to encourage a better way of building. After spending much of his legal career helping sort out disputes between building owners, contractors and suppliers, James is convinced there's a much better way of organising, communicating and conducting the design, procurement and building processes.

I caught up this week with Lois Easton from Beacon Pathway. Lois is one of the organisers for the 'Building a Better New Zealand' conference coming up in September.

Submissions for abstracts is open until March 9th, so if you're interested, check out their website for more details.

http://www.buildingabetternewzealand.co.nz/

Also in this week's show:

• NZ Tallest building announced: http://www.3news.co.nz/Plans-for-NZs-tallest-skyscraper-unveiled/tabid/423/articleID/331915/Default.aspx
• Ben Adam Smith's new Snippet Book: http://www.thesnippetapp.com/writers/benadam-smith/
• Grand Designs - New Zealand http://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/grand-designs-new-zealand/

What is the IDEAL House, and how will everyone soon be able to see it? I talk with owner, Murray Durbin and he shares his inspiration and discusses some of the features that make this house special. We also talk numbers!

For more, visit: http://idealhouse.org

Dean Buckeridge has been designing energy efficient, passive solar homes in Christchurch for as long as I’ve can remember. Along with Russell Devlin, and Bob Burnett, I hold Dean in high regard for leadership in this field. It’s great to see the rest of the market finally starting to demand more of their knowledge and skills.

In this episode of Home Style Green, we discuss why asthma is the norm in Kiwi kids, how thermal mass can go wrong, the economics of spending a bit more up front, the problem with teenage daughter and having cosy feet.

Dean is also involved with MagRoc. Find out about the benefits of this exciting new product.

Find out more about Dean at:

http://www.dbarc.co.nz/energy-efficient-architecture/

And MagRoc at:

http://www.magroc.co.nz/

Dean also mentioned the site sorted, for looking at the cost of mortgages:

https://www.sorted.org.nz/

What's a fast, inexpensive way to build that can result in high performance homes?

It is of course, prefab. And this week I talk with Melissa Savage from Metrapanel.

http://www.metrapanel.co.nz/

I'd love to get your questions, comments and feedback:

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What could we learn from a creative entrepreneur who's looking at ways to inspire others to live to their highest potential?

No, you haven't tuned into the wrong podcast. It is something a bit different today as I talk with Paul Blais from Doubt the Doubts.

Paul also has some great experience selling and installing efficient lighting.

Links:

• http://www.doubtthedoubts.com
• http://www.gotogirl.com

Book Recommendation

Paul's book recommendation is The Power of Habit.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• iTunes
• LinkedIn

Damien Hochberg is the Operations Manager at Go Green Expo. I caught up with him to find out what the Expo's all about, who's exhibiting and who should attend.

I also wanted to know, why Damien felt the need to create the Go Green Expo.

If you're in Wellington this week, head along to the TSB Area. I'm going to be there, so come and say hello!

http://www.gogreenexpo.co.nz

(Please note, views expressed in this show do not reflect the views of any past or present employer)

Why should all buildings designed for people, be designed by an architect, and how can architects be more influential?

Architects, like all building professionals, need to run a good business to be effective.

Mark R. LePage is an Entrepreneur Architect. He's passionate about the business of architecture, so much so that he writes, podcasts and coaches other architects how to run successful businesses.

I spokes with Mark about his journey, what makes his architectural practice, Fivecat Studio different, and the influence that architecture can have on people.

How much time do you spend finding out what your clients need or want?

Links:

• http://www.entrearchitect.com/
• http://www.fivecat.com/
• http://www.houzz.com/

Mark's book recommendation:

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

Upcoming Events

• Go Green Expo - Wellington 12 - 13th October, 2013
• Canterbury Home Show - Christchurch, 18 - 20 October, 2013
• Earth Song Eco-Neighbourhood Public Tour - 2nd November, 2013

Chris McKay has built what looks like a fairly regular home for his family on the outskirts of Christchurch. Like many residents, they were forced to leave their previous home following the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011. Now they have a warm, comfortable, resilient home and Chris hasn't had a power bill since moving. In this episode, I find out how he did it.

Also check out some of Chris' stunning photography:

http://chrismckayphotography.com/

Resources mentioned in the show include:

• http://ecobob.co.nz
• http://www.enasolar.co.nz