The Building Sciology Poddie

In this conversation, Jess Kismet hosts Clarence McAllister and Sean Buchanan, who discuss their experiences and insights from monitoring building performance through sensor data..

They explore the importance of understanding moisture and humidity issues in both new and existing builds, emphasising the role of technology in improving quality assurance and risk management in the construction industry.

The discussion highlights real-world case studies, the need for standardised monitoring practices, and the impact of climate on building performance. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of monitoring air quality and humidity in buildings, discussing the implications for health and safety. They explore various tools and technologies available for homeowners and builders to assess and manage indoor air quality, particularly in relation to mould prevention and overall building health.

The discussion emphasises the need for data collection and analysis to inform building practices and improve living conditions.

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In this episode, Jess sits down with building science legend Kohta Ueno, Principal of Building Science Corp, to dive into the messy, fascinating world of building forensics. From "drinking from a fire hose" at MIT to chasing phantom odours through suspended ceilings, Kohta shares his boots-on-the-ground wisdom regarding building failures, safe mass wall retrofits, the raging debate over roof ventilation, and the future of high-performance construction. 

Find the show notes on the ⁠website.⁠

Thank you to our sponsors ⁠Enduro Builders⁠ and ⁠Climasure⁠

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Don't forget to follow the show wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode of the podcast, Jess sits down with Alex Slater, co-director of Building Physics Australia and Shared Space Architecture. While Alex is a master of the complex, numbers-heavy Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), his true superpower is looking past the data to find the human being at the center of the project.

From comparing home health and human health, to breaking down the structural differences between NatHERS and Passive House, Alex shares why building a home is a deeply psychological journey.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by rigid building codes or felt that modern design lacks a soul, this conversation will completely shift your perspective on what a healthy home can be.

Full show notes can be found here

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In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, host Jess Kismet welcomes Chris Laumer-Giddens, co-founder of LG Squared in Atlanta, Georgia. Chris has become a leading voice in high-performance building. He refuses to compromise on aesthetics while executing airtight, flawlessly engineered structures and whether tackling new luxury builds or complex historic renovations, his boots-on-the-ground technical consulting bridges the gap between beautiful architecture and real-world construction. 

In this Episode:

• ​Zero leakage house construction
• ​Use of WUFI Passive for energy modelling
• ​Innovative insulation and air sealing techniques Innovative slab foundation techniques
• ​Building science and durability
• ​The importance of kindness and sharing in architectureFind the full show notes here

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What happens when a top-tier corporate finance expert gets fed up with the investment world and decides to retrain in sustainable building design? You get a refreshing, zero-nonsense look at how badly the Australian housing market is currently failing us - and how we can fix it.

This week, Jess sits down with Michael Drage, the award-winning designer behind Reimagined Habitat. Michael treats building science less like an ideological crusade and more like a smart investment strategy: it’s all about research, precision, and de-risking the build.

If you’re tired of the "marketing spin" around 7-star energy upgrades and want to understand how a house actually functions for your health and wallet, this episode is a must-listen.

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Discover how innovative app Tools™ is transforming the construction industry by simplifying access to building codes, standards, and craftsmanship techniques. Jess Kismet interviews industry veteran Jerry Tyrrell about the app’s design, impact, and future potential to elevate building quality worldwide.

Special Offer: Use code JESS20 for a discount on Tools™ and explore the app’s features - expires Nov 4 2026

Download the app on the App Store here and the Play Store here

Thanks to Jerry for sharing his insights and vision for a smarter, better-built future. 

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In today’s rapidly changing world, the way we build our homes plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Join me as I chat with Karina Rafailov, a Blue Mountains designer and founder of Earthy Haus. We chat about sustainable architecture and community education, shedding light on how better informed choices can lead to much healthier living environments!

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How do you design a home that lasts centuries?

Renowned architect Steve Baczek (The Build Show, Unbuild It Podcast) joins me on the show to break down the fundamentals of building science. From the "Perfect Wall" to the four critical control layers, Steve explains why "buildings needing to breathe" is a dangerous myth and how collaboration between architects and builders is the key to success.

Episode Highlights:

01:10 - Steve’s journey from Building Science Corp to the Build Show.

06:54 - The 4 Control Layers: Water, Air, Vapor, and Thermal.

21:40 - The "Breathing" Myth: Why airtightness is non-negotiable.

38:47 - Overhangs & Eaves: The 2-to-1 rule for water management.

45:12 - The "Perfect Wall" across different climates.

53:13 - The best wall you can build on a budget.

1:13:55 - Steve’s #1 piece of advice for the next generation.

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Is your home actually making you sick, or is there more to the story? In this episode, I’m joined by Zara D’Cotta, founder of The Healthy Home, to explore the intersection of traditional construction and human biology. Zara shares the personal health journey that led her to building biology and presents her case for why "sustainable" design doesn’t always equal a healthy living environment.

We look at everything from the hidden trade-offs of recycled insulation to EMFs and lots more.

The world of EMFs can feel overwhelming and is often met with plenty of scepticism. In this conversation, Zara and I discuss the gap between current building codes and research, so whether you’re a firm believer or still weighing the evidence, this episode is a deep dive into the science, the controversy, and the evolving global standards of EMFs and building biology.

Find the show notes on the website.

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In this episode, I chat with Duayne Pearce, a builder, industry mentor, and co-founder of Live Life Build. Duayne shares his journey from industry struggles to embracing new systems, and his vision for a more professional and sustainable building industry.

We talk about industry transformation, proactive leadership, continuous education, and collaboration. His initiatives like the Level Up expo in 2025, his mentorship program and systematised workflows aim to elevate standards, attract quality clients, and promote sustainable, healthy homes.

Building a better industry is a collective effort. By embracing systems, education, and a passion for quality, builders can significantly improve client outcomes, personal well-being, and industry professionalism.

Show notes on the website

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