PODCAST · business
Pro Clima Podcast
by Pro Clima NZ Ltd
Welcome to the pro clima Podcast, where we're dedicated to fostering better building practices in New Zealand. Our mission is to inspire and educate people to create healthy, durable and energy-efficient buildings to live, learn, work and play in — now, and for generations to come. Throughout this podcast series, we will talk to architects, builders and homeowners delving into various aspects of building design, construction techniques, and sustainable living. Here's what you can expect from our episodes: Expert Interviews / Case Studies / Homeowner Perspectives / Emerging Trends and Technologies / Audience Engagement By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we hope to empower our audience with the knowledge and inspiration needed to create buildings that not only meet our immediate needs but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient future for all. Join us on this journey towards better building practices in New Zealand.
Episodes
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Epsiode 42: Briddging the Gap Between Design and Manufacture
Simon and Johann discuss the gap between design and manufacture—and how bridging this gap unlocks greater productivity in construction. Johann explores why simply investing in bigger factories or new technology isn't the answer, and why modern high-performance buildings need to be designed with...
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Episode 41: Building for Performance, Comfort & Health
Drawing on his own experience building and living in a SIPS Passive House, Toby highlights how construction decisions can improve comfort, energy efficiency and indoor health. He also discusses why builders should look beyond minimum building code requirements when delivering better-performing...
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Episode 40: The Cost of Cutting Corners - Jeff Fahrensohn
In this episode, Jeff explains why even small changes to inspection processes can have significant impacts and discusses the factors driving higher inspection failure rates during periods of rapid construction growth. He also explores the role of technology in improving quality assurance…
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Episode 39: Building a Healthy Passive House - Everett Norris
Together with Elizabeth, Everett designed and built a straw bale home that combines natural materials with high-performance building principles, including triple-glazed windows and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. Everett discusses the lessons learned throughout the build, from managing…
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Episode 38: High Performance Renovations - Jason Quinn
Jason Quinn, founder of Sustainable Engineering Limited, shares insights from his upcoming book on deep energy retrofits in New Zealand and explains why improving existing buildings is critical for creating healthier, more energy-efficient homes. In the episode, Jason discusses the importance of...
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Episode 37: 8 Fundamentals to Home Design - Chris Laumer-Giddens
Chris Laumer-Giddens shares his journey into architecture and why airtight building envelopes are critical for preventing moisture and mould. Drawing on a Passive House project that achieved zero air leakage, he highlights what’s possible with the right approach. Chris also advocates for simpler,...
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Episode 36: Yes, you can build a whole home with a truss! Kim Aitkin
Kim Aitken shares her journey from Ireland to Scotland and into a diverse career spanning time with the British Army, Product Design Engineering, and Structural Engineering in Canada. She introduces Truss House™ - an innovative system using roof trusses as the primary structure to deliver faster,...
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Episode 35: What happens when things go wrong? - Peter Raimondo
In this episode of the Pro Clima Podcast, Simon Cator talks with Auckland-based (but Toronto born and raised) building enclosure engineer Peter Raimondo about adapting building science principles from Canada to New Zealand. Raimondo discusses challenges in local construction practices, the...
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Episode 34: Eco-Friendly Construction - Simon Wansbrough
Simon Wandsborough joins the pro clima Podcast to discuss his journey from outdoor instructor to eco-conscious builder and the thinking behind his business, Third Little Pig. He shares how growing up in New Zealand and completing an adult apprenticeship shaped his focus on building better, more...
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Episode 33: Freidrich Strey
Special Guest: Freidrich Strey.
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Episode 32: Offsite Construction - Andre Heller
In this episode, industrial designer Andre Heller shares how his diverse background, from boat building to underground station construction, has shaped his fresh approach to prefabricated housing. Through his company, Flexi House, Andre is redefining offsite manufacturing by prioritising speed,...
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Episode 31: Small, Smart Spaces - Sharon Robinson
In this episode, Sharon Robinson, architectural designer, certified Passive House and Homestar designer - shares how her company Smart Living Spaces, is redefining housing accessibility through its innovative Small, Smart Spaces concept. By combining the benefits of group housing, bespoke design,...
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Episode 30: Antony Pelosi
Dr. Antony Pelosi, a researcher and educator at Victoria University, discusses his journey from building science to architecture, including his time at the University of California, Berkeley. He shares his PhD on spatial comprehension in BIM models and the early use of AI for pathfinding. Pelosi…
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Episode 29: Casper Valentin
In this episode, Casper Valintin shares his journey from a childhood split between Brunei and Scotland to careers in horticulture and IT — and ultimately, to a deep passion for high-performance building. After constructing his first ICF block home in Hamilton, New Zealand, Casper became a strong...
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Episode 28: Allison Bailes
In this episode, building scientist Dr. Allison Bailes shares his journey from physics academia to the world of building science. He discusses the importance of airtightness in homes, explaining how it directly impacts indoor air quality, comfort, energy efficiency, and moisture control. Bailes...
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Episode 27: Arena Williams
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator and Jon Davies sit down with Arena Williams, MP for Manurewa, for a conversation on housing, policy, and the future of building in Aotearoa. They discuss the overseas building products register, unconsented granny flats, and Arena’s vision for...
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Episode 26: Sian Taylor
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, architect Sian Taylor shares her journey from growing up in Wales to designing and living in a Passive House in Queenstown. She reflects on the contrasts between UK and New Zealand building standards, highlighting the superior comfort and energy…
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Episode 25: Mark Anderson
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator sits down with Mark Anderson of MA Building, a Wanaka-based builder, as he shares how an apprenticeship alongside his father led to his journey into building high-performance homes, focusing on health and comfort. He reflects on his commitment...
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Episode 24: Jason Quinn
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, host Simon sits down with Jason Quinn, the Director of Sustainable Engineering, as they discuss overheating in homes and how to design to prevent it from happening. Jason explains the balance between reducing heat gain in the summer and losing some solar...
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Episode 23: Bronwyn Barry
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, host Simon Cator sits down with Bronwyn Barry, Principal at PassiveHouseBB, for an insightful conversation about Passive House design. Bronwyn talks about a pre-fabricated panel solution that is really cost-effective while still having a really high...
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Episode 22: Denise Martin
Join Simon Cator as he sits down with Denise Martin, Director at BEO, for an insightful discussion on building science and insulation practices in New Zealand. Denise explores the unique challenges of insulating concrete structures and explains the advantages of exterior insulation. She also...
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Episode 21: Graham Finch
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, host Simon Cator sits down with Graham Finch, Principal Science Specialist at RDH Building Science, for an in-depth discussion on rain screen walls—their function, importance, and the key differences between open and closed rain screens. Graham shares his...
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Episode 20 : Dan Saunders
Join Simon Cator in conversation with Dan Saunders as they explore New Zealand’s H1 building code changes and discuss how we can promote higher standards. This engaging discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities of creating homes that are not only durable but also better suited for…
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Episode 19 : Bob Burnett
Join Simon Cator as he interviews Architect Bob Burnett to explore the transformative work behind the Christchurch Earthquake rebuild, the origins of the Superhome Movement, and how to select the perfect architect for your dream home. In this insightful episode, Bob shares the guiding principles…
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Episode 18: Nick Gaites
In this episode of the Pro Clima Podcast, host Simon Cator is joined by Nick Gaites from Reveal Building Consultants for an insightful discussion on one of New Zealand’s pressing housing challenges—overheating. Together, they explore how energy modelling, fixed shading, reduced glass areas, and...
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Episode 17: Matthew Cutler-Welsh
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator sits down with Matthew Cutler-Welsh from Home Style Green at the Green Building Council. They discuss the role Home Style Green plays in educating and assisting New Zealanders in designing and building more sustainably, along with addressing...
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Episode 16: Manfred Kehrer
Join Simon Cator and Manfred Kehrer as they discuss Manfred's upbringing in Bavaria, his interest in building science and, how he ended up working at the Fraunhofer Institute. They discuss the early development of WUFI® software and how he helped in the early stages of the development process,...
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Episode 15: Kara Rosemeier
Join Simon Cator as he sits down with Kara Rosemeier, director of the Passive House Academy in New Zealand, discussing Kara's early career in physiotherapy to then studying Architecture in Germany before moving to New Zealand in 2001. Kara talks about her emphasis on building science and shares...
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Episode 14: Hartwig Künzel
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon sits down with Hartwig Künzel, who shares his journey with Fraunhofer—from accompanying his father at the test fields as a child, through his studies in chemical engineering, to his pivotal role today at the Institute. Hartwig dives into the…
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Episode 13: Barry Cope
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Barry shares with Simon his journey from studying engineering to transitioning into airtightness testing with ATTMA (Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association) where he has worked for 10 years. Simon and Barry discuss the process of Blower Door...
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Episode 12: Vlada Acimovic
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon and Vlada delve into Vlada’s career as a European-trained architect and Certified Passive House Designer. Vlada, now based in Auckland, is passionate about promoting Passive House design in New Zealand. Vlada has completed multiple certified Passive...
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Episode 11: Murray Alcock
_Now is the time to press play on my next property development! _ This podcast conversation between Simon Cator and Murray Alcock explores Murray’s career in property development and construction, his experience with building techniques, and his current efforts to improve housing design and…
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Episode 10: Steven Hughes
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Steve shares his journey from living in a renovated 1860s villa in Ponsonby, Auckland, to building an off-grid Passive House in Coromandel. He recounts how the villa’s renovation revealed issues with heat retention, leading to high energy costs and...
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Episode 9: Joe Lyth
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Joe shares his personal journey in architecture, from his childhood in a 1890s farmhouse to pursuing a career in architecture and later moving to New Zealand for a better work-life balance. Facing unhealthy rental conditions in New Zealand, Joe and his…
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Episode 8: Chris Penk
In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator and Jon Davies speak to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. The discussion revolves around the Minister’s desire to build “Simply, Cheaply and Quickly” - the recent controversial media furore regarding the government's signal to…
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Episode 7: Jon Davies
"I hope we'll see a change in the outcome for renovation work which has energy modelling and predicted energy demand for that building - for any building - in play during the design process; and then just put some minimums around that." In this podcast, Jon discusses his transition from teaching…
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Episode 6: Sharon Robinson
"Ask yourself, what is your house going to be worth in 2030. A certified Passive House is on the operating levels, energy-wise, of where we're going in 2030. So do you consider your house an investment? I think we put more consideration into the performance of the cars that we buy than we put…
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Episode 5: John Straube
Dr. Straube explains the importance of the critical elements of the building structure, balancing insulation values with good airtightness levels and high-performance windows: "It's a rule of physics that you need to be able to match those three components of typical houses to get the value out…
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Episode 4: Kim Feldborg
"We moved into a brand new house in Taupo, it was double-glazed and looked good, but it was blimmin' cold. I couldn’t understand why people would put up with it. Because of this environment, we decided we wanted to live in a more comfortable house." In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon...
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Episode 3: Darryl Sang
"Modelling approach is the most accurate way of looking at a building. The overall performance really needs to be modelled." In this episode of pro clima podcast, Darryl shares insights from his experience with energy-efficient building projects, including the Piha EnerPHit renovation and the...
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Episode 2: Natasha Cockerell
“We accept a lot just because we don’t know any different.” In the second episode of pro clima podcast, Natasha explains how seeing her relatives work in construction sparked her interest in architecture, which she sees as a combination of art and science. From her experiences with leaky…
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Episode 1: Joe Lstiburek
"It's not a rocket science, it's a building science!" In the first episode of the pro clima podcast, we're talking to Joe Lstiburek, the Godfather of Building Science. He delves into his journey from designer to advocate for improved building practices, emphasizing the importance of learning from...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the pro clima Podcast, where we're dedicated to fostering better building practices in New Zealand. Our mission is to inspire and educate people to create healthy, durable and energy-efficient buildings to live, learn, work and play in — now, and for generations to come. Throughout this podcast series, we will talk to architects, builders and homeowners delving into various aspects of building design, construction techniques, and sustainable living. Here's what you can expect from our episodes: Expert Interviews / Case Studies / Homeowner Perspectives / Emerging Trends and Technologies / Audience Engagement By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we hope to empower our audience with the knowledge and inspiration needed to create buildings that not only meet our immediate needs but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient future for all. Join us on this journey towards better building practices in New Zealand.
HOSTED BY
Pro Clima NZ Ltd
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