Learning from previous developments and designing sustainably

“Success looks great on social media. The reality is usually messier.”In this episode, we sit down with Liam Wallis, Founder and Managing Director of HIP V. HYPE, to talk about what sustainable development really looks like behind the highlight reel. Not just pretty renders and big announcements, but pressure, responsibility, and the constant work of improving systems so each project is better than the last.Liam shares why sustainable success is built through iteration, not perfection. Using ParkLife 2 as an example, we unpack how strategic planning, process improvement, and a long-term mindset help create high performance apartments that can scale without losing the values that matter. This is sustainable building that is practical, repeatable, and designed for real people.We also explore how lived experience shapes better design. From simple moves like bike storage on apartment levels to bigger performance goals like an eight and a half star NatHERS rating, Liam explains how energy efficiency, comfort, and lower running costs become tangible outcomes when you design for the long game. Better thermal performance. Smarter energy decisions. Homes that support people to live well.Finally, we talk about why experience is belief through the HV Hotel, and why community does not happen by accident. Liam breaks down the importance of community-centric design, feedback loops, and building places where residents feel connected and invested. We also touch on construction mental health, and why building better buildings means building better support systems for the people doing the work.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction01:38 Park Life Two Intro10:13 Building In House Engineering12:11 What Park Life Two Is13:39 Lived Experience Design16:44 Solar And Regulations18:21 Electrification And Hot Water23:03 NatHERS And Passive House27:22 Design Versus Performance29:18 HV Hotel Experience33:59 Park Life Two Sales36:43 Owner Occupiers Vs Investors39:29 Collaborating With Builders42:23 Tendering And Capability44:08 Scaling Industry Capacity44:56 Open Sites And Trade Schools48:15 Parkside Project Vision49:19 Mindful Moment Mental Health52:51 Closing ReflectionsLINKS:Stay in HV Hotel:https://hipvhype.com/hotelParkLife 2 Project:https://hipvhype.com/projects/parklife-2Our Sponsors:Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtConnect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Proclima Sponsor