This week, we had a chat with two incredible builders, Jake and Brad, about building science, sustainable housing, and the challenges we all face in our field.

We start off by talking to Jake about his journey from an arts degree into a successful building career. He talked about how his education in art taught him to think outside the box, a skill invaluable in construction. He also shared a pivotal moment in 2013 when an architect asked him, "What's the goal of a building?" 

That question reshaped his entire approach to construction. For Jake, offering clients control over their living environments emerged as a core objective. Like us, he didn’t just want to meet the bare standards, he wanted to surpass them. Whether it's reducing air leakage or managing water intrusion better, we want homes that are stronger, efficient, and, frankly, top-notch in every aspect.

We then touched on Passive House standards. While they are worthwhile, not every high-quality building has to be certified. The value lies more in understanding building science and applying it practically. It’s about making homes better, not just ticking boxes.

Our work isn't just following codes – it's about creating homes that make sense for each client. And sometimes, that’s just explaining why a particular feature matters, helping clients see the bigger picture.

One tip we can offer is to have clear communication with clients about the reasons behind building choices. Explaining the why to clients can help them see the value in sustainable practices, much like Jake does.

We also delved into the builder-architect relationship. With the right communication and trust, this partnership can produce beautiful, efficient buildings. While working with architects who aren’t receptive to builder input can be tricky, it's often worth it to push through and build a foundation of mutual-respect. 

Jake has cultivated such relationships, particularly with his architect friend Steve. Their mutual respect allows for a progressive approach where each project is seen as an opportunity to improve and innovate.

Finally we touched on the limitations we face due to existing legislation and market pressures. Jake spoke about the barriers presented by production builders who push for lower costs rather than quality. It's a shared experience across borders, reminding us of the challenges and the role we play in advocating for better standards.

We hope you enjoy listening to our chat with Jake and Brad as much as we enjoyed having it. It was anjother reminder that industry change comes is a collaborative effort. By sharing knowledge and staying open to new ideas, we can all contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for construction. 

So make sure you keep the conversation going, and we’ll see you next time! 

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/