"Is natural building just for green hippie owner-builders?" 

We sat down with Rachel from Natural Building Australia to tackle this question head-on. Rachel's academic background and hands-on experience reveal how natural building has evolved from 1990s counterculture to a professionalised industry attracting broader audiences. Thanks to hemp industry growth and increasing awareness of healthy building materials, natural building is becoming a legitimate mainstream option in Australian construction.

Rachel discusses the challenges facing natural building - building codes that don't recognise materials used successfully for centuries, labour shortages, and higher costs for bespoke approaches. But she's optimistic about the future, highlighting community workshop builds that attract diverse participants, including architects wanting to get their hands dirty and more women changing the traditionally blokey building site culture.

Natural building isn't just about sustainability - it's about health, community, skill building, and connection. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner curious about alternatives to conventional construction, Rachel's insights demonstrate that natural building offers practical pathways for creating healthier homes and more connected communities.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction to Natural Building

03:10 Defining Natural Building

04:53 Challenges and Misconceptions

05:13 Historical Context and Evolution

07:03 Mainstreaming Natural Building

09:08 Regulatory Hurdles and Performance

11:57 Labor and Cost Issues

21:07 Straw Bale Construction

24:59 Comfort and Performance in Natural Homes

28:06 Innovative Cooling Techniques in Passive Design

29:21 Balancing Comfort and Natural Building Methods

30:10 Client Expectations and Building Regulations

30:45 The Role of Architects and Builders in Sustainable Design

32:00 Challenges and Misconceptions in Natural Building

34:47 The Importance of Healthy Building Materials

35:38 Encouraging Curiosity and Innovation in Building

36:39 Resources and Community Support for Natural Building

44:01 Hands-On Involvement and Learning Opportunities

48:11 Integrating Natural Building into Apprenticeships

52:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

LINKS:

Natural Building Australia:

https://naturalbuildingaustralia.org/place/rachel-goldlust-natural-building-consultant/

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/

A couple of years ago, we weren't sure if a podcast focused on thoughtful, evidence-based building would resonate with Australia's construction community. Turns out, builders, architects, and clients were hungry for exactly this kind of conversation - real talk about what works, what doesn't, mental health challenges, and how to navigate the shifting landscape of codes, client expectations, and new technologies.

This year's conversations revealed clear themes: passive house principles are entering everyday builder vocabulary, communication between teams makes or breaks projects, and learning new techniques while unlearning old habits is essential for industry evolution. 

The Mindful Builder community proved that Australia's building industry is ready for deeper conversations about construction quality, performance, and collaboration. Here's to another year of building better, together - with honest conversations, practical insights, and a community committed to raising standards across Australian construction.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction and Reflections on 2025

01:55 Sponsorship and Future Plans

04:51 Personal and Professional Wins

06:35 Challenges and Learnings

13:09 Looking Ahead to 2026

16:51 Industry Trends and Predictions

22:25 Upcoming Events and Series

24:49 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

LINKS:

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/

"Architects design things we can't actually build."

We sat down with Saxon Hall, Principal Architect at Align Architecture, to tackle the age-old tension between architects and builders. Saxon's unique perspective as a carpenter's son gives him insight into both sides of this divide.

In this episode, we explore why communication breaks down between architects and builders, and more importantly, how to fix it. Saxon shares his 'Align Build Collaboration' method that brings builders into projects from day one, the debate around tender vs negotiated contracts, and why energy-efficient design doesn't have to sacrifice aesthetics.

Saxon's diverse experience across residential, heritage, and sustainable projects proves that when architects understand building practicalities and builders appreciate design intent, everyone wins.

Key topics: 

• Why early builder involvement saves headaches 

• Tender processes vs negotiated contracts 

• The poetic nature of architecture meets practical building 

• Climate-adapted, sustainable design solutions 

• Balancing collaboration with contractual obligations

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction and Saxon's Background

01:52 Unique Projects in Tasmania

04:13 Path to Architecture

05:54 Builder-Architect Relationship

07:57 Early Contractor Involvement

09:30 Negotiated vs. Tender Contracts

16:03 Cost Estimation Challenges

30:13 Understanding Builder Transparency

31:45 The Importance of Real-Time Costing

33:47 Educating the Broader Community

34:08 Passive House Design Challenges

36:57 The Poetic Nature of Architecture

42:10 Collaborative Construction Processes

47:53 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

53:20 Engaging with Align Build

LINKS:

Align Build:

https://align.build/

Connect with us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/  

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

The conversation delves into the mould issues arising in bushfire zones, exploring how sealed environments contribute to the problem and the ongoing search for evidence to address these challenges.

takeaways

• The mould issue in roof spaces began in bushfire zones.
• Sealing buildings to prevent embers can lead to mould problems.
• Cold, bushy areas are particularly susceptible to mould.
• There is a need for more evidence regarding mould issues.
• Sealed environments create significant risks for mould buildup.
• Using tools like Wufi can reveal disastrous conditions.
• Building practices need to be reconsidered in bushfire zones.
• Health risks associated with mould are a growing concern.
• Awareness of mould issues is still limited among the public.
• Addressing mould requires a collaborative effort among experts.

"The message that passive house is better, just isn't reaching people." 

We explore what actually happens when passive house ambitions meet the realities of Australian building sites - from the builder's perspective, the architect's challenges, and the client's concerns.

Today we’re discussing what it means to design and build a passive house with Sven Maxa from Maxa Designs: the learning curves, cost considerations, and collaboration required to bridge the gap between high-performance building theory and practical execution. We break down what changes for builders tackling their first passive house spec, how architects balance performance with design, and what clients need to know before committing to passive house principles.

This isn't about chasing certification badges - it's about understanding whether passive house standards can improve building performance without making life harder for everyone involved.

Whether you're a builder considering your first passive house project, an architect integrating performance requirements, or a homeowner exploring energy-efficient building options, this conversation reveals the real-world challenges and opportunities of passive house construction in Australia.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment

01:54 Discussion on Passive House Adoption in Australia

02:40 Maxa Design's Experience with Passive House

03:19 Global Adoption of Passive House Standards

05:36 Challenges in Marketing Passive House

07:46 Cost Analysis and Financial Considerations

14:55 Personal Experiences with Passive House

26:00 The Importance of Certification and Quality Assurance

29:39 Outdated Building Codes and Industry Challenges

31:13 The Cost and Value of Certification

32:56 Integrating Certification Without Client Awareness

34:12 Design Documentation and Additional Costs

38:55 Real-World Examples and Feasibility Challenges

41:51 The Importance of Builder Engagement

46:23 Sustainability and Passive House Certification

51:26 Practical Advice for Aspiring Professionals

55:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

LINKS:

Maxa Designs:

https://www.maxadesign.com.au/

Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

“I learned about discipline and resilience at a very young age, all because of this passion that I held. Those lessons have certainly translated into my adult life.”

In this episode, we sit down with Sally former Matilda, now a carpenter and business owner, to explore what it’s really like to transition careers in the building and construction industry. Sally shares her story of moving from elite sport to the tools, overcoming injury, facing health challenges, and building a new path based on shifting values and a growth mindset.

Whether you’re a mid-career tradie, thinking about a change, or just looking for inspiration, Sally’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start a new chapter.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 – Introduction & Sally’s Early Sporting Life

02:15 – Chasing the Dream: From Backyard to World Cup

05:30 – The Pressure of Success & Early Retirement

08:10 – Identity Shift: “What Now?” After Sport

10:45 – Discovering Carpentry & Starting an Apprenticeship

13:20 – Breaking Barriers: Women in Construction

16:00 – Building Community & Handy Humans Collective

18:30 – Facing Adversity: Health Challenges & Resilience

21:00 – Redefining Success & Adapting to Change

23:15 – Mentoring the Next Generation

25:00 – Lessons for Tradespeople: Growth, Values & Community

LINKS:

Handy Humans:

https://www.instagram.com/_handyhumans/

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/

"Even if you finish the build, it's not too late to certify." 

That's what Emilia Iacovino from Detail Green tells builders who've completed high-performance homes without formal Passive House certification. But should you wait that long? We sit down with Emilia, one of only five Passive House certifiers in Australia, to explore whether certification is just bureaucratic red tape or if it delivers genuine value for builders and clients.

Emilia's unconventional path, from architecture aspirations through electrical engineering and automotive work in Japan, gives her unique insight into both the technical requirements and practical realities of achieving Passive House standards in Australian conditions. She reveals common pitfalls that trip up projects, from incorrect climate file selection to inadequate documentation and explains why early design reviews prevent expensive on-site corrections.

This conversation unpacks why Passive House focuses on building fabric first rather than just adding solar panels, the adoption challenges facing Australia's building culture and why certification provides accountability that protects both builder reputations and client investments in high-performance homes.

LINKS:

Connect with Emilia:

Website: https://www.detailgreen.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/

"I decided not to be the 'too busy' dad who missed seeing his kids grow up."

That was the wake-up call for David Jenyns, founder of Systemology. For too long, he was trapped working 60+ hours a week in the business he built which is a common fate for many successful entrepreneurs. If your business cannot function for a week without you, you're not a business owner; you're an employee of a business you own.

We recently sat down with systems expert Dave Jenyns to understand how entrepreneurs can transform struggle into structured, scalable success. The truth is, if you're stuck in the day-to-day grind, your business owns you. 

Ultimately, systematisation isn't just a business strategy; it's a commitment to personal freedom. You started your entrepreneurial journey to gain autonomy, not to become a prisoner to 60-hour weeks and constant crisis management. By implementing the insights of SYSTEMology and enlisting your Systems Champion, you gain the ability to step away, allowing your business to perform with consistency and precision. 

LINKS:

Dave’s Website: 

https://www.systemology.com/

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/

"I had to sell personal belongings just to make payroll." 

Luke Davies isn't ashamed to admit the early struggles of his construction business. From a dairy farm in Sheffield, Tasmania, to running successful building and architecture enterprises, Luke's journey demonstrates what happens when resilience meets strategic learning. We sat down with Luke to understand how he transformed early failures into a thriving business model that's now helping other builders avoid the same mistakes.

For builders facing the daunting 90% failure statistic, Luke's story offers practical lessons: admit what you don't know, invest in coaching and education, understand that building is about more than construction and recognise that homes profoundly impact the people living in them.

Luke's evolution from struggling award-winner to successful business owner and industry educator proves that construction entrepreneurship requires more than technical skills. Understanding the deeper purpose of creating spaces that enhance wellbeing, combined with business acumen and community engagement, separates thriving businesses from those that become statistics.

LINKS:

Luke’s Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dream-Home-building-sanctuary-healthy/dp/1781338779

Davies Construction Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daviesconstructiontas

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/

"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia." 

That’s probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grown, more building professionals are actively exploring the concept, and even government is starting to take notice. We sat down with Clare to understand how this shift happened and what it means for Australian builders.

For builders considering Passive House, the question isn't whether to adopt these standards but when. Early adopters gain competitive advantages as client awareness grows and regulations tighten. The industry is moving toward higher performance standards, whether individual builders choose to lead or follow.

Clare's journey from "tin foil hat" advocate to government sustainability director demonstrates how persistence and proven results shift entire industries. The Passive House revolution isn't coming, it's already here. The only question is whether you'll be part of driving this change or catching up later.

LINKS:

Australian Passive Haus Association:

https://www.passivhausassociation.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/