web01.fireside.fm Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:28:50 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Pro Clima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Building Performance” https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/tags/building%20performance Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +1300 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. en-us episodic Podcast by Pro Clima New Zealand 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. no pro clima, pro, clima, proclima, pro clima podcast, proclima podcast, proclimapodcast Pro Clima NZ Ltd podcast@proclima.co.nz Episode 19 : Bob Burnett https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/19-podcast-bob-burnett 2c3b5cce-30af-42bc-b78b-732c1c8f9982 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +1300 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd Bob and Simon discuss the Superhome movement, the Christchurch earthquake rebuild and how to select the right architect for you. 29:11 no 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 of the Superhome Movement, including airtight designs, low-carbon materials, and the importance of responsibly sourced resources. He reflects on how witnessing the Christchurch rebuild and the prevalence of substandard housing across New Zealand inspired his mission to design healthier, more sustainable homes. Special Guest: Bob Burnett. energy modelling, superhome, new zealand construction, overheating, building performance, energy efficient, retrofit, airtightness, weathertightness 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 of the Superhome Movement, including airtight designs, low-carbon materials, and the importance of responsibly sourced resources. He reflects on how witnessing the Christchurch rebuild and the prevalence of substandard housing across New Zealand inspired his mission to design healthier, more sustainable homes.

Special Guest: 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 of the Superhome Movement, including airtight designs, low-carbon materials, and the importance of responsibly sourced resources. He reflects on how witnessing the Christchurch rebuild and the prevalence of substandard housing across New Zealand inspired his mission to design healthier, more sustainable homes.

Special Guest: Bob Burnett.

]]> Episode 18: Nick Gaites https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/18-podcast-nick-gaites 0da8a556-264a-4d84-9f79-64f99d0fa765 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +1300 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd Nick and Simon discuss energy modelling in your home, and what changes you can make to make your own home more efficient. 31:09 no 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 improved insulation can transform building performance and elevate comfort levels. Nick also shares valuable strategies for retrofitting existing homes to enhance their performance. From starting with energy modelling to assess current conditions, to implementing practical solutions, this conversation provides a roadmap for creating healthier, more energy-efficient housing in New Zealand. Special Guest: Nick Gaites. energy modelling, overheating, building performance, energy efficient, construction new zealand, retrofit, airtightness, weathertightness 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 improved insulation can transform building performance and elevate comfort levels.
Nick also shares valuable strategies for retrofitting existing homes to enhance their performance. From starting with energy modelling to assess current conditions, to implementing practical solutions, this conversation provides a roadmap for creating healthier, more energy-efficient housing in New Zealand.

Special Guest: 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 improved insulation can transform building performance and elevate comfort levels.
Nick also shares valuable strategies for retrofitting existing homes to enhance their performance. From starting with energy modelling to assess current conditions, to implementing practical solutions, this conversation provides a roadmap for creating healthier, more energy-efficient housing in New Zealand.

Special Guest: Nick Gaites.

]]> Episode 17: Matthew Cutler-Welsh https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/17-podcast-matthew-cutler-welsh 9d756b4c-3dee-491a-ae9c-2fa724b27351 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +1300 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd Matthew and Simon talk about his career, Homestyle Green Podcast and the role they play in assisting New Zealand to build more sustainably. 25:17 no 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 carbon targets and reporting requirements. Throughout the podcast, Matthew shares insights about the assumptions surrounding new builds meeting healthy living standards and explains the differences between the three methods for calculating energy or insulation values for homes: the modeling method, the schedule method, and the calculation method. He also examines the efficiency of the Building Code and highlights the significant progress still needed in this area. Special Guest: Matthew Cutler-Welsh. airtightness, retrofit, energy modelling, construction new zealand, building performance, 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 carbon targets and reporting requirements.
Throughout the podcast, Matthew shares insights about the assumptions surrounding new builds meeting healthy living standards and explains the differences between the three methods for calculating energy or insulation values for homes: the modeling method, the schedule method, and the calculation method. He also examines the efficiency of the Building Code and highlights the significant progress still needed in this area.

Special Guest: 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 carbon targets and reporting requirements.
Throughout the podcast, Matthew shares insights about the assumptions surrounding new builds meeting healthy living standards and explains the differences between the three methods for calculating energy or insulation values for homes: the modeling method, the schedule method, and the calculation method. He also examines the efficiency of the Building Code and highlights the significant progress still needed in this area.

Special Guest: Matthew Cutler-Welsh.

]]> Episode 16: Manfred Kehrer https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/16-podcast-manfred-kehrer 4968030c-9e84-4e38-b699-8b014ed3f92b Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +1300 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd Simon Cator and Manfred Kehrer discuss the development of the WUFI® model, as well as the differences it has compared to the Glaser model. 34:17 no 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, working alongside Hartwig Künzel. He touches on the differences between WUFI® modelling and the Glaser method, and how the Glaser method can often lead to overestimation of moisture issues. “What people don't know is how many times we discovered measurement errors because we figured out that. I mean, at some point we've seen that the measurement and the simulation doesn't work out well.” Special Guest: Manfred Kehrer. wufi, airtightness, vapour permeability, construction new zealand, hygrothermal modeling, building performance 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, working alongside Hartwig Künzel. He touches on the differences between WUFI® modelling and the Glaser method, and how the Glaser method can often lead to overestimation of moisture issues.

“What people don't know is how many times we discovered measurement errors because we figured out that. I mean, at some point we've seen that the measurement and the simulation doesn't work out well.”

Special Guest: 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, working alongside Hartwig Künzel. He touches on the differences between WUFI® modelling and the Glaser method, and how the Glaser method can often lead to overestimation of moisture issues.

“What people don't know is how many times we discovered measurement errors because we figured out that. I mean, at some point we've seen that the measurement and the simulation doesn't work out well.”

Special Guest: Manfred Kehrer.

]]> Episode 15: Kara Rosemeier https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/15-podcast-kara-rosemeier 9adb247c-4b4f-49d2-98f6-867d48a8c27c Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +1300 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd Kara Rosemeier and Simon Cator talk about ventilation in houses, building science and minimising contaminants in your home. 28:27 no 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 insights on ventilation in New Zealand homes, highlighting that air change rates don’t often correlate with Blower Door tests and that openable windows alone are insufficient for effective ventilation. Throughout the podcast, she shares valuable insights into the contaminants in your home and the importance of having a continuous ventilation system when it comes to minimising the amount of contaminants in your house. “So the main purpose of the system, obviously, is to keep you healthy, and you keep your house well ventilated. But as a side effect, you get huge energy savings, and you get huge gains in comfort.” Special Guest: Kara Rosemeier. passive house academy, architecture, air change rates, ventilation, building performance, construction new zealand, 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 insights on ventilation in New Zealand homes, highlighting that air change rates don’t often correlate with Blower Door tests and that openable windows alone are insufficient for effective ventilation.

Throughout the podcast, she shares valuable insights into the contaminants in your home and the importance of having a continuous ventilation system when it comes to minimising the amount of contaminants in your house.

“So the main purpose of the system, obviously, is to keep you healthy, and you keep your house well ventilated. But as a side effect, you get huge energy savings, and you get huge gains in comfort.”

Special Guest: 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 insights on ventilation in New Zealand homes, highlighting that air change rates don’t often correlate with Blower Door tests and that openable windows alone are insufficient for effective ventilation.

Throughout the podcast, she shares valuable insights into the contaminants in your home and the importance of having a continuous ventilation system when it comes to minimising the amount of contaminants in your house.

“So the main purpose of the system, obviously, is to keep you healthy, and you keep your house well ventilated. But as a side effect, you get huge energy savings, and you get huge gains in comfort.”

Special Guest: Kara Rosemeier.

]]> Episode 14: Hartwig Künzel https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/14-podcast-hartwig-kunzel a04f6318-1387-4b68-b5af-9d3447ba8bd4 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +1300 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd Hartwig Künzel and Simon Cator discuss vapour permeability in construction, and highlighting the creation and impact of the WUFI® model 35:10 no 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 critical role of understanding vapour permeability in construction, highlighting the creation and impact of the WUFI® model. He explains both the significance and complexities of working with WUFI®, along with the challenges that can arise in its calculation. Reflecting on earlier methods of hygrothermal modelling, Hartwig discusses their limitations. Now at the forefront of construction modelling, Hartwig leads efforts in developing and refining tools to measure risks like mould and rot, and is currently advancing in post-processing models to drive even greater accuracy in building science. “Vapour permeability is probably the most important parameter when it comes to hygrothermal simulations. The good thing about that is that is mostly pretty well known.” Special Guest: Hartwig Künzel. wufi, airtightness, vapour permeability, building performance, construction new zealand, hygrothermal modeling 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 critical role of understanding vapour permeability in construction, highlighting the creation and impact of the WUFI® model. He explains both the significance and complexities of working with WUFI®, along with the challenges that can arise in its calculation. Reflecting on earlier methods of hygrothermal modelling, Hartwig discusses their limitations.

Now at the forefront of construction modelling, Hartwig leads efforts in developing and refining tools to measure risks like mould and rot, and is currently advancing in post-processing models to drive even greater accuracy in building science.

“Vapour permeability is probably the most important parameter when it comes to hygrothermal simulations. The good thing about that is that is mostly pretty well known.”

Special Guest: 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 critical role of understanding vapour permeability in construction, highlighting the creation and impact of the WUFI® model. He explains both the significance and complexities of working with WUFI®, along with the challenges that can arise in its calculation. Reflecting on earlier methods of hygrothermal modelling, Hartwig discusses their limitations.

Now at the forefront of construction modelling, Hartwig leads efforts in developing and refining tools to measure risks like mould and rot, and is currently advancing in post-processing models to drive even greater accuracy in building science.

“Vapour permeability is probably the most important parameter when it comes to hygrothermal simulations. The good thing about that is that is mostly pretty well known.”

Special Guest: Hartwig Künzel.

]]> Episode 5: John Straube https://proclimanz.fireside.fm/05-podcast-john-straube 0016f967-fc1b-443a-ba1d-09acfc13924c Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:45:00 +1200 Pro Clima NZ Ltd full 1 Pro Clima NZ Ltd John Straube and Simon Cator discussed the importance of understanding building science to create sustainable and comfortable living spaces. Dr. Straube shared his journey from civil engineering to building science and his decades of experience as a building scientist and professor. 43:45 no 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 of each one of those components." In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, John Straube emphasizes the importance of balancing components such as insulation, airtightness, windows and ventilation in building design to achieve optimal energy efficiency and indoor air quality. He explains that airtightness is often misunderstood but is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Dr. Straube also discusses the principles of rainscreen design, considering the cladding, drainage, and water-resistant barriers, all tailored to local climates and building codes. Special Guest: John Straube. building, buildings, modeling, barrier, model, science, layers, new zealand, wall, physics, perfect, energy, performance, architectural design, weather resistive barrier, building code, construction materials, construction site, airtightness, insulation, windows 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 of each one of those components."

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, John Straube emphasizes the importance of balancing components such as insulation, airtightness, windows and ventilation in building design to achieve optimal energy efficiency and indoor air quality. He explains that airtightness is often misunderstood but is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Dr. Straube also discusses the principles of rainscreen design, considering the cladding, drainage, and water-resistant barriers, all tailored to local climates and building codes.

Special Guest: John Straube.

Links:

  • RDH Building Science - Technical Library — Explore the RDH technical library for building enclosure articles, conference papers, presentations, research reports, quick guides and technical bulletins.
]]> 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 of each one of those components."

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, John Straube emphasizes the importance of balancing components such as insulation, airtightness, windows and ventilation in building design to achieve optimal energy efficiency and indoor air quality. He explains that airtightness is often misunderstood but is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Dr. Straube also discusses the principles of rainscreen design, considering the cladding, drainage, and water-resistant barriers, all tailored to local climates and building codes.

Special Guest: John Straube.

Links:

  • RDH Building Science - Technical Library — Explore the RDH technical library for building enclosure articles, conference papers, presentations, research reports, quick guides and technical bulletins.
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