Building Better: passive house and sustainable construction with Josh Atkins

We recently sat down with our very first international guest Josh Atkins from New Zealand. 

Of course one of the big things we wanted to know is how construction methods vary between New Zealand and Australia. We discuss the different challenges in climate, legislation and more, that builders face in each country.

Josh shared the infamous water damage issues they faced there, and how it forced them to adopt better building practices, including rethinking thermal envelopes and using advanced membranes.It's a chance for us in Australia to learn and anticipate potential challenges.

Josh highlighted some of the real challenges in our industry, like transitioning from traditional building approaches to ones rooted in building science and efficiency. We all agree that there's sadly a lot of negativity surrounding building, with concerns about costs and dodgy builders making headlines more than good news stories.

There’s also the ongoing battle in construction management—trying to run a smooth business while juggling the ups and downs. Last year was tough for many, with jobs dropping off due to economic conditions and the challenge of staying on top of costs and retaining clients interested in sustainable projects.

We've realised that to survive and thrive in this space, it’s crucial to consistently promote what we do—building high-performance homes. As builders, it's not just about building better but also convincing clients of the value these buildings offer.

Creating a brand that's associated with quality and sustainability is key. It helps clients understand what you're about even before they meet you. This way, when they come to you, they're already on board with the idea of building better.

Finally we touched on the delicate topic of relationships between architects and builders. Often, builders understand practical implementation better, which can lead to tension but things are getting better. More architects are becoming aware of design performance issues, and the insights that builders can offer them. 

Our chat with Josh was a good reminder that sustainable building is not just a trend but a necessity. 

By sharing knowledge, we're all working towards the same goal - creating homes that last and contribute positively to the environment.

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/