Building Sustainability Podcast
by Jeffrey Hart
The majority of homes currently being built are bad for the earth, the occupants and the builder’s health. Every fortnight, join Jeffrey Hart as he talks to designers, builders, makers, dreamers and doers. Exploring the wide world of sustainability in the built environment by talking to wonderful people who are doing excellent things. Whether you want to learn more about natural materials, are navigating your own self build, or just want to know that better alternatives are out there, this is the podcast for you.
Episodes
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Saving Swifts: A Brick for the Birds - Hannah Bourne-Taylor - BS133
Swifts are among the most remarkable birds on Earth — they sleep on the wing, migrate thousands of miles, and return each year to nest in the same tiny holes in our buildings. But as we insulate, repoint, and renovate, those nesting sites are vanishing — and so are the birds. This week, Jeffrey...
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Circular, Modular, Hemp Construction - Chloe Donovan - BS132
In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, we are joined by Chloe Donovan, founder of Natural Building Systems. She discuss the exciting potential of hemp and other bio-based materials in construction, how modular systems can reduce waste and speed up building, and the complexities…
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From Constraints to Creativity: The Art of Sustainable Renovations - Sigi Koko - BS131
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Sigi Koko, founder of Down to Earth Design, to explore the world of natural renovations. Sigi shares her journey of blending sustainability and health into home retrofits, highlighting the transformative power of materials like clay and hemp in...
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Retrofit Naturally with Sigi Koko - BS130
In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Sigi Koko of Down to Earth Design shares her deeply personal journey of transforming a historic farmhouse into a fully natural, sustainable home. From retrofitting with hempcrete to creating stunning clay archways, Sigi discusses the...
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Earth, Time and Transformation - Becky Little - BS129
In this episode, we sit down with Becky Little, an artist, builder, and earth enthusiast, who shares her journey from traditional building to her deeply rooted, place-based art. Becky discusses her Orkney project, EarthBound Orkney, which draws on the land’s Neolithic history, combining locally...
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Crafting with Cob: Stories of Clay, Community, and Creativity - Kate Edwards - BS128
In this episode, we dive into the ancient and evolving craft of earth building with Kate Edwards, a seasoned sculptor and passionate teacher. Join us as Kate shares her journey from art therapy to building with cob, a natural and age-old construction material. Discover how she turns humble mud…
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Building community at Lammas Ecovillage - Tao Wimbush - BS127
Join me in conversation with one of the founding members of Lammas Eco Village - Tao Wimbush. Tao Paul Wimbush is the co-founder of the Lammas Ecovillage in West Wales. He has a wealth of experience in alternative communities across West Wales – including the anarchic Tipi Valley, and the farm...
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That Roundhouse - Tony Wrench - BS126
Tony and Faith wanted to live a simple low-impact life, so built a little roundhouse on some land in Wales. Little did they know that the lengthy resulting battle to stay in their home would be part of the beginning of the flagship One Planet Policy. We talk about building the roundhouse, filled...
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Llamacroft, a bio-based Passivhaus Pt2 - Janna Laan Lomas - BS125
The second part of my conversation with Janna. In this episode we get into the nitty gritty of airtightness, and how we've come to appreciate its need, while not being 100% happy about the materials needed to achieve it. We talk about the importance of fresh air in your building, how C02 will…
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Llamacroft, a bio-based Passivhaus Pt1 - Janna Laan Lomas - BS124
In this episode of the Building Sustainability podcast, I am excited to welcome back architect Janna Laan Lomas, who shares her journey of building a sustainable home in Herefordshire alongside her partner, Seb, and her parents. We discuss the unique multi-generational aspect of their project…
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Chalk as a building material - Caroline Nicolay - BS123
A bonus episode with Archeologist Caroline Nicolay. The conversation explores building sustainable structures with chalk and earth materials, sharing experiences with chalk as a construction material and unique techniques like milk and cheese curd floors. The dialogue dives into experimentation...
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Retrofit using Natural Materials Pt2 - Will Stanwix - BS122
In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Will Stanix joins me to delve into details of his barn conversion and upcoming clay plaster product. The discussion includes insights on hempcrete applications, clay mixes for roofs, and practical sustainable building practices. We touch on...
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Retrofit using Natural Materials - Will Stanwix - BS121
Join me and special guest Will Stanwix as we uncover the secrets of retrofitting a 300-year-old barn with crushed clay roof tiles for stunning finishes in vibrant hues. Dive deep into the history of a saw pit turned wheelwright's house, exploring artefacts and building techniques from the past....
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The past informs the present, the present informs the past - Caroline Nicolay - BS120
Caroline Nicolay discusses natural building and archaeology. We explore ancient techniques like mineral pigments and casein paints, debunking stereotypes of primitive living. Caroline shares her experiential archaeology journey, transitioning from historical food research to pigments in…
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How to Build a Roundhouse Pt2 - Adrian Leaman - BS119
How to Build a Roundhouse - Part 2! Be sure to check out Part 1 first. Episode links Wholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/ Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/ Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Roundhouse Buglife…
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How to Build a Roundhouse Pt1 - Adrian Leaman - BS118
Adrian Leaman from Wholewoods delves into the world of roundhouses and sustainable building practices. The conversation spans from building advice to foundation methods and the importance of using the right timber species in construction. We also discuss different types of roundhouses, techniques...
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Woven in the bone - Sam Goates - BS117
In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, host Jeffrey Hart sits down with Sam Goates from Woven in the Bone, a company that creates woven cloth on pedal-powered looms in Scotland. Sam discusses her love-hate relationship with her looms, the challenges of the industry, and the...
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Land/Clay/Timber - Paloma Gormley - BS116
Paloma Gormley continues our conversation, focusing on the use of clay as a sustainable alternative to lime and cement. We explore the versatility of clay as a material and its use in various forms, such as unfired clay blocks and light earth constructions. We also delve into the challenges and...
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Architecture from Ecology - Paloma Gormley - BS115
Architect, Paloma Gormley from Material Cultures joins me to discus the importance of regenerative materials in building design. The conversation explores plant-based materials like hemp and reed, their uses in construction, and their positive impact on wetlands. Paloma also highlights the need…
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Lessons from running a Natural Building company - Julz Baker - BS114
Today I'm joined by natural builder Julz Baker from Unearthed to talk about the lessons he learned from running a natural building company. It's a frank chat about some of the pitfalls that may await new natural building businesses ... and a whole load of tangents and material chat. Episode links...
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Yule Nonsense - Jeffrey Hart & Mike Hill - BS113
Happy solstice everyone! This episode I'm once again joined by Mike Hill for a festive episode. Join us for an eggnog while we give a very lighthearted review of our year and answer listener questions. There are cracker jokes, mince pies and mulled wine - Plus we talk tiny house details…
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Biophilic Design Enhancing Well-being and Environment [2of2] - Vanessa Champion - BS112
In this episode, Vanessa explores the fascinating world of biophilic design and its potential impact on sustainable and ethical practices. We delve into the use of clay, earth materials, and mushroom mycelium as tactile and eco-friendly alternatives. The episode also touches upon the challenges…
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Biophilic Design Enhancing Well-being and Environment [1of2] - Vanessa Champion - BS 111
In this episode, guest Vanessa Champion discusses biophilia and biophilic design, emphasizing the importance of nature connection and its benefits for well-being and the environment. We explore underappreciated biophilic patterns, healthcare benefits, materials, and so much more. Overall, the…
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Cork House [2of2] - Matthew Barnett Howland - BS110
In this episode, we explore the process of constructing a house using a unique block system and the challenges faced along the way. From the use of robotics and CNC machines to the benefits and limitations of cork as a building material, the speaker shares their experience and insights. We also...
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Cork House [1of2] - Matthew Barnett Howland - BS109
In this episode, our guest, Matthew Barnett Howland, a Director of Research and Development at an architecture firm and Associate Professor, discusses the whole life approach to architecture and environmental sustainability. We delve into the use of cork as the main material in a cork house,...
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FactoryX - Jenny Ford - BS108
Jenny Ford is back to talk about her FactoryX project. It's a Show park/Training space/Materials store and so much more! Episode Links Nettlecombe Craft School Materials in Mind - https://materialsinmind.org/ Tiny Homes Community Bristol - https://www.tinyhousecommunitybristol.org/ Reuse Summit -...
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Going Circular with Snug Homes - Jenny Ford - BS107
Join us for a spirited chat with Jenny Ford, a leading light in the circular economy movement, who brings a wealth of hands-on experience and innovative insights. What can we learn from her journey in sustainable development, from her masters to her current project with Snug Homes? Buckle up for…
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Joining the Dots: Nature, History & Craft [Pt2] - Sally Coulthard - BS106
Ever felt weary in a dull, grey office? Touched a piece of handcrafted wood and felt a strange sense of connection? Wondered why a bottle of earthworm medicine from the 1700s is significant? Our guest, Sally Coulthard, has! A best-selling author and columnist who explores the fascinating world of...
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Joining the Dots: Nature, History & Craft [Pt1] - Sally Coulthard - BS105
Prepare to be enlightened as we enter the captivating world of sustainability and crafting with best-selling author and countryside expert, Sally Coulthard. Sally breaks the mould with her diverse interests, sharing her journey from her first book about organic living to her exploration of the...
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Why I carve spoons while the world burns - Dave Cockcroft - BS104
We go beyond the usual chit-chat and really dig deep into how our disconnection from nature is contributing to exploitative practices and how crafting can bring us back in sync with our roots. All the while, we analyze the dominant stories we live by and their role in perpetuating these...
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Designing the Future: Creativity and Innovation in Sustainability - Helen Gordon - BS103
What if we told you that the journey to sustainability involves more than just recycling and reducing emissions? Prepare to be enthralled as we navigate through transformational narratives of businesses pivoting towards sustainable and regenerative projects. We share the intriguing story of an...
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Building with Purpose: The Straw Bale House Experience - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS102
Are you ready to embark on a journey that blends architectural innovation with environmental sustainability? Come along as I engage in a vibrant discussion with the gifted duo, Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker of Abundant Earth. We delve into the captivating process of constructing a straw bale house...
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Building an Off-Grid Community: Lessons from Abundant Earth - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS101
Ever wondered what it's like to create an intentional community from the ground up? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker, co founders of Abundant Earth, as they share their journey of building a sustainable, off-grid life for themselves and their families. With...
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Kickstarting Your Career in Natural Building - Allstar Natural Builders - BS100
Ready to kickstart your career in natural building and sustainable construction? Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode in the company of Allstar Natural Builders - Becky Little, Julz Baker, Em Appleton, Dylan Walker, and William Stanwix. Learn from these inspiring professionals as they share...
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Finding inspiration in Heritage traditions - Peter Kovacs - BS099
I'm talking with Peter Kovacs about his product design, tool making and taking inspiration from heritage techniques and materials. Peter's Philosophy - "Our tools allow us to create beautiful objects out of raw materials. These tools should serve us as reliable companions, an extension of our…
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Old House Retrofit - Marianne Suhr - BS098
Marianne Suhr is a Chartered Building Surveyor specialising in the repair of older buildings. We talk about the role of a building surveyor, the SPAB and how to go about sympathetically retrofitting an old building. Episode links: This episode link -...
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Designing and Building. Workwear for Women - Kirsty Cassels Pt2 - BS097
This is the second part of my conversation with Kirsty Cassels. In this episode, we hear about Kirsty's experience as a joiner in the TV industry, her work promoting workwear for women, certifying natural products and the Prince's Foundation... as well as other side meanderings. Episode links:...
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Designing and Building - Kirsty Cassels Pt1 - BS096
The first of 2 episodes with designer and builder Kirsty Cassels. Pt2 will follow next week when I am back in the country. Follow Kirsty's work on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/building_cassels/ https://www.instagram.com/creative_cassels/ Leave a review:...
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Make it at Market - Shannon Berry - BS095
The second part of my conversation with Shannon Berry was about her experience on BBC's - 'Make it to Market' and her learning difficulties. Episode Links BBC Make it at Market - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gq6s Shannon Berry Website - https://www.shannonberrynature.co.uk Matty Whitaker…
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Trading architect culture for craft community - Shannon Berry - BS094
Shannon Berry trained as an architect but I met her as a pole lathe bowl turner. You might know her from BBC's Make It at Market. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gq6s https://www.shannonberrynature.co.uk/ Episode links Illustration from Amy Charles' Patreon feedback -...
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The Biophilic Tiny House - Part 3 of 3 - The build - Jeffrey Hart - BS093
The concluding part of the Biophilic Tiny House Christmas conversation. In this episode we discuss how long it took to build, costs, hardest bits, best bits, how to keep up motivation, future plans and advice for future tiny house builders. Links Kind Supply (Hemp Insulation) -...
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The Biophilic Tiny House - Part 2 of 3 - Technical Details - Jeffrey Hart - BS092
This is part 2 of the natural biophilic tiny house Christmas special episode. Guest interviewer Mike Hill quizzes me on technical details such as air tightness, ventilation, solar power, heating, and water. Episode Links Kind Supply (Hemp Insulation) - https://kindsupply.co.uk/ Indinature Hemp -...
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The Biophilic Tiny House - Part 1 of 3 - Design considerations and materials - Jeffrey Hart - BS091
Today we are talking to me, Jeffrey Hart, designer and builder of the biophilic tiny house. This is the Christmas special, and so is a light-hearted chat with some mince pies and mulled wine. We talked for 4 hours, and edited down to just shy of 3 hours! In this episode, we discuss why I wanted…
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Building a modular cabin & Meanderings around craft - Yoav Elkayam - BS090
Yoav Elkayam is a craftsperson specialising in turning cups and bowls. He has also built his own cabin in the woods in a unique way that I was excited to delve into. This is a wandering conversation taking in elements of building, craft, teaching and the true joy of owning a fridge. Check out...
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Developing your craft - John Mullaney - BS089
In this episode, I'm joined by green woodworker John Mullaney. John has carved out the reputation as the shrink pot guy but has many strings to his bow. We discuss his origins & craft in this joyous conversation that will inspire you to get stuck into some learning! This episode link for sharing…
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Charcoal & Biochar - Duncan Goulder & Sam Ansell - BS088
The 3rd and final coppice focussed episode is with Duncan and Sam from The Coppice Co-op. We are predominantly talking about Charcoal in this episode, its history, its uses and the ways to make it. This episode is part of a trio focusing on the technique of coppicing. They were made possible by…
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Spelk Basketry - Lorna Singleton - BS087
Lorna Singleton is a coppice worker, basket maker and green woodworker. Specialising in Spelk Basketry - About Lorna - "I am one of the UK’s last remaining ‘swillers’, a specialist in weaving baskets using coppiced oak. From a workshop tucked away in the Cumbrian woods I weave traditional baskets...
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Coppicing with BHMAT - Kath Morgan & Mike Carswell - BS086
In this episode we hear from Kath Morgan who is the coordinator and administrator for the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust and Mike Carswell, a coppice worker and former BHMAT apprentice. At the end of August 2022 I attended the BHMAT Woodland Pioneers event in the Lake district.…
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Understanding Air Tightness Testing - Gervase Mangwana (3/3) - BS085
The concluding part to my conversation with Gervase Mangwana - This episode we talk through air tightness testing and what the results mean. Should we be using permeability, or air changes per hour? Some of this conversation centres around the results from my air tightness testing in the tiny…
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How deep to Retrofit & Ventilating Right - Gervase Mangwana (2/3) - BS084
Part two of my conversation with Gervase Mangwana - This episode follows on from BS083 and we talk carbon payback, and cost payback of an EnerPHit retrofit. Is going all the way to EnerPHit always the right thing to do? Then we talk about the importance of ventilation in a home and how excess...
About this show
The majority of homes currently being built are bad for the earth, the occupants and the builder’s health. Every fortnight, join Jeffrey Hart as he talks to designers, builders, makers, dreamers and doers. Exploring the wide world of sustainability in the built environment by talking to wonderful people who are doing excellent things. Whether you want to learn more about natural materials, are navigating your own self build, or just want to know that better alternatives are out there, this is the podcast for you.
Hosted by
Jeffrey Hart