In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we welcome Barry Cope, Group Managing Director of the Building Compliance Testers Association (BCTA). Barry shares insights into airtightness testing, certification, and how the UK became a leader in 100% blower door testing for new buildings. He discusses the role of ATTMA, the evolution of the industry, and how airtightness impacts building performance, moisture control, and energy efficiency.

The Building Performance Hub: https://www.bcta.group/tbph/
The Building Performance Hub Podcast: https://www.bcta.group/tbph/tbph-podcasts/

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh sits down with Kirstie Wulf of Shelter Building Design. Based in Australia’s Blue Mountains, Kirstie shares how she built her own hempcrete home, the benefits of this natural material, and how it stands up to fire, floods, and extreme weather. If you’re curious about sustainable building, passive house principles, or just love a great career change story, this one’s for you!

https://shelterbuildingdesign.com.au/

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with Chef Chris Galarza—founder of Forward Dining Solutions, co-founder of EcoChef, and author of Understanding the Green Industrial Revolution—to explore the powerful intersection of food, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Chris shares his journey from skeptic to advocate for kitchen electrification, highlighting how induction cooking transforms commercial kitchens by improving air quality, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency. We dive into his groundbreaking cooking demonstration for the U.S. Congress, the hidden economics of electrified kitchens, and how chefs can lead the charge toward a more responsible and sustainable future.

https://forwarddiningsolutions.com/ecochef

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Michael Marsh, Principal of Sidekick Architecture in Los Angeles. Michael shares his journey into architecture and Passive House design, discusses the challenges of promoting energy efficiency in California’s mild climate, and explores the intersection of fire-resistant construction and sustainable building. From innovative ADUs to rebuilding fire-damaged homes, Michael provides insights on designing for the future while balancing aesthetics, cost, and performance.

https://sidekickarchitects.com/home-1

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we chat with Nick Sowden of Sowden Building Solutions about the electrification of homes in Sydney, the shift away from gas, and deep energy retrofits. Nick shares insights on insulation upgrades, solar adoption, and how heritage homes can be transformed into high-performance, energy-efficient spaces. Plus, we discuss Australia’s growing incentives for electrification and why the transition to clean energy is becoming easier than ever.

https://www.sowdenbuildingsolutions.com.au/

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down for part 2 of their deconstruction roundtable with Megan Stringer of Holmes, Eric Law of Urban Machine, and Katrina Lund & Imani Hamilton of Ramboll.

In Part 2 of our series, we dive deeper into the role of structural engineering in deconstruction and material reuse. They discuss overcoming industry hesitations, innovative connection technologies, and real-world applications of design for deconstruction. And also explore Urban Machine’s groundbreaking robotics, which automate lumber reclamation, making reused materials more accessible and cost-competitive.

https://www.ramboll.com/

https://www.holmes.us/

https://urbanmachine.build/

https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map

In this bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, Zack introduces Reimagine Buildings News, our sister podcast and the official podcast of the Reimagine Buildings Collective: https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/

Like what you hear? Please check out the Collective!

Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down for a deconstruction roundtable with Megan Stringer of Holmes, Eric Law of Urban Machine, and Katrina Lund & Imani Hamilton of Ramboll.

In Part one of this series we dive into the transformative potential of deconstruction and circular economy practices in the building industry. Exploring designing for adaptability, reclaiming valuable materials like old-growth lumber, and leveraging new technologies to reduce embodied carbon. From regulations to real-world case studies, discover how these innovations are driving sustainability, economic benefits, and a new era for the built environment.

https://www.ramboll.com/

https://www.holmes.us/

https://urbanmachine.build/

https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map

Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.