The MTDC Lounge

Building a home is expensive, slow and heavily dependent on trades, materials and site conditions.

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt is joined by Nick Holden from Contour 3D to explore whether 3D printed construction could help solve some of those problems. Nick explains how the technology works, what the printed material is made from, how services are handled, what the approval process looks like, and how printed homes can reduce waste while giving designers more freedom with curves, shapes and custom features.

It’s a practical look at a building method that sounds futuristic but is already being used on real homes.

To learn more about Contour 3D or the technology discussed, contact the team [email protected]Visit https://contour3d.com.au/

Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

Thinking about building a dual occupancy, developing your block, or buying a site with “potential”?

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt is joined by Karl Hellyar from Hellyar Design + Construct to unpack the practical side of dual occupancy development. They talk about how to assess a site properly, what costs often get missed, why approvals and certificates matter, and why a builder should be involved before the design is too far down the track.

Karl also explains why some DA-approved projects still don’t get built, because once they’re priced properly, the numbers simply don’t work.

Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

Learn more about Hellyar Design + Construct here: https://www.hellyar.com.au/

If your home is too hot in summer, too cold in winter, or constantly relying on air conditioning to feel liveable, the issue may not be the appliances, it may be the way the home performs.

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt is joined by Gio Comacchio to explain PassivHaus principles and how they can help create healthier, more efficient and more comfortable homes. They cover insulation, window performance, thermal bridging, airtightness, ventilation, HRV systems, BASIX, NatHERS, solar, building orientation and why early planning is the key to getting the best result.

Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at www.mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

Reach out to Gio to chat about Passivhaus design for your home: https://nininstudio.com.au/

Interior design is not just about picking pretty colours.

In this episode, Matt chats with Brooke Farrell from Hunter Interior Design about the real role of an interior designer in a renovation or new build.

They unpack how good design starts early, why selections need to be made as part of a bigger plan, how designers work with builders on site, and why the best homes balance budget, function, durability and style.

For a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective, visit mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

Contact Brooke here: https://www.hunterinteriordesign.com.au/

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt and Mitch break down what homeowners need to know when designing on a small block, especially when that block is also on a corner.

They talk through the real-world challenges of working with setbacks, front boundaries, secondary side setbacks, rear setbacks, council rules, DA versus CDC pathways, and what happens when a design needs to be justified through council.

Matt and Mitch also share how street context, neighbouring approvals, landscaping, reports and a strong design argument helped get a tricky small block project across the line — and why sometimes a Development Application can deliver a better result than trying to force a design through Complying Development.

Planning a renovation, new build or alteration on a tight block?

Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at www.mtdesign.com.au/consultation

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt chats with Emma Blomfield, experienced interior designer, author and founder of EB Studio, about why interior design should be part of the planning process early, not left until the builder is already on site.

Emma shares how homeowners can avoid costly design mistakes by thinking through floor plans, proportions, furniture, finishes, materials, lighting, budget and real-life practicality before decisions become rushed.

They also discuss decision fatigue, choosing finishes, balancing trends with timeless design, blending old and new homes, working with an interior designer, furniture selection, and why a beautiful home still needs to work for kids, pets, family life and everyday mess.

Buy Emma's new book here:

Style Your Home: Design Secrets for Styling with Confidencehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Style-Your-Home-Secrets-Confidence-ebook/dp/B0DSB61RMT

Contact Emma here:

https://emmablomfield.com/(02) 9173 8508https://www.instagram.com/emma.blomfield/

Planning a renovation, new build or alteration? Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at www.mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

There is a lot of noise in the property market right now.

In this episode, Matt chats with James Callinan from JLH Property Consultants and Garry from Coast Financial Group about what buyers actually need to know; from CGT and negative gearing uncertainty to borrowing capacity, interest rates, pre-approvals and the way buyer confidence has shifted.

If you’re looking to buy, renovate, invest or refinance, this episode breaks down why knowing your numbers matters, why not all pre-approvals are equal, and why the current market may still create opportunities for the right buyer.

For a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective, visit www.mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

Contact Coast Financial Group Here: https://www.coastfingroup.com.au/contact/

Contact JLH Property Here: https://www.jlhproperty.com.au/contact-us/

This is general information and does not take into account any person's individual situation. You should always do your own research, or seek professional advice to assist you in making an informed decision that suits your needs.

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt and Mitch break down what homeowners need to know before buying, renovating or building on a sloped block.

They talk through the hidden challenges that can come with difficult sites, including driveway gradients, drainage, cut and fill, retaining walls, rock, mine subsidence, land slip, building height limits, surveys, soil reports and unexpected variations.

They also explain why good design should work with the slope, not against it — and how split-level homes, voids, views, storage, media rooms and clever under-house spaces can turn a difficult block into something special.

Planning a renovation, new build or alteration on a tricky site? Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

Buying your dream home straight away sounds great — until the repayments, holding costs and lifestyle pressure kick in.

In this episode, Matt chats with Eddie Urra from Marvel Invest about a different way to think about property: rentvesting, buying for cash flow, using equity wisely, and choosing investments that can help you build towards the dream home later.

They cover first home buyer pressure, interstate investing, granny flats, dual-key properties, new builds, regional growth, and why “just getting into the market” is not always the same as having a smart property strategy.

For a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective, visit mtdesign.com.au/consultation.

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge, Matt and Bree sit down to talk about one of the hardest parts of home design: knowing what you want when you don’t actually know what you want.

They unpack how good design starts with the way you live every day, from where the school bags land, how you bring groceries in, where the kids sleep, how the home flows, where the sunlight comes in, and which spaces are actually used.

Matt and Bree also talk about open-plan living, storage, awkward hallways, entryways, kitchen connections, reading nooks, Pinterest inspiration, budget, and why the best designs are not just beautiful, but practical, comfortable and personal.

Planning a renovation, new build or alteration? Book a free no-obligation consultation with MT Design Collective at mtdesign.com.au/consultation.