Pro Clima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Construction Education”

Episode 32: Offsite Construction - Andre Heller

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +1300

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, efficiency, and consistent quality. Their lightweight timber frame system, complete with continuous insulation and air barriers, delivers a minimum 46% boost in thermal performance over standard New Zealand homes with the potential to reach Passive House levels, making high-performance building more attainable. Andre also dives into his vision for making offsite construction as simple and accessible as ordering from an IKEA catalogue—dramatically reducing waste while transforming the way we build.

Special Guest: Andre Heller.

Episode 31: Small, Smart Spaces - Sharon Robinson

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:30:00 +1300

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, and offsite construction, Sharon is helping make high-performance homes achievable for more New Zealanders. She also explores how Homestar-rated homes can impact energy bills by up to 50% improvement in health and comfort with the same or lower power bills people are used to paying and unlock better mortgage rates, while emphasizing the power of collaboration between designers, builders, and mortgage brokers to deliver affordable, efficient, and healthy homes.

Special Guest: Sharon Robinson.

Episode 30: Antony Pelosi

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:30:00 +1300

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 is currently designing and building a $300,000 passive house, emphasising cost-effective materials and energy efficiency. He explores AI's role in architecture, highlighting its use in text generation, image rendering, and 3D modelling. Pelosi also discusses the potential of AI in construction, sustainability analysis, and the need for reimagining design and delivery processes to improve efficiency and reduce liabilities.

Special Guest: Antony Pelosi.

Episode 29: Casper Valentin

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:30:00 +1200

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 advocate for Passive House principles. He talks through the features of his own home, including 400mm of roof insulation, continuous slab insulation, and a Zehnder ground-source ventilation system. With sensors tracking performance, he’s fine-tuned the house to maintain a consistent 20°C indoors — proving how smart design, insulation, and ventilation can deliver lasting comfort and efficiency.

Special Guest: Casper Valentin.

Episode 28: Allison Bailes

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +1200

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 challenges the myth that houses need to “breathe,” advocating instead for air-tight construction combined with well-designed ventilation systems.

Special Guest: Allison Bailles .

Episode 27: Arena Williams

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +1200

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 her time in parliament. She also highlights the urgent need to modernise New Zealand’s building code—calling out issues like moisture management and fire safety—and the vital role cross-party collaboration and industry input must play in shaping future reforms.

Special Guest: Arena Williams.

Episode 26: Sian Taylor

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:30:00 +1200

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 efficiency of Passive House design.
Sian also critiques the current New Zealand building code, calling out its shortcomings and advocating for stronger regulations, especially the need for mandatory energy modelling to address issues like overheating.

Special Guest: Sian Taylor.

Episode 25: Mark Anderson

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 14 May 2025 10:00:00 +1200

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 to energy efficiency and how it drives his focus on Passive house standards and smarter building methods.
He discusses his role in community initiatives like the Better Building Working Group, his plans for a low-energy home, and the small design decisions that make a big impact on comfort, cost, and sustainability.

Special Guest: Mark Anderson.

Episode 24: Jason Quinn

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +1200

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 gain in the winter, and the importance of good glass specification.
He also goes over the importance of understanding building performance through modelling and making design changes early in the process to avoid any problems in the future.

Special Guest: Jason Quinn.

Episode 23: Bronwyn Barry

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +1300

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 insulation value. She also shares her perspective on an often-overlooked advantage of Passive House design, superior acoustic comfort.

Special Guest: Bronwyn Barry.

Episode 22: Denise Martin

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +1300

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 highlights how proper insulation and airtightness can lead to significant energy savings, ultimately reducing your power bill. Throughout the conversation, Denise shares expert insights on the relationship between airtightness and energy performance, as well as the crucial role of ventilation and moisture management in creating a healthier home environment. Tune in for valuable knowledge on building smarter, more efficient homes.

Special Guest: Denise Martin.

Episode 21: Graham Finch

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +1300

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 expert insights on how different cladding systems impact not only the performance of a building but also its longevity, highlighting critical considerations for architects, builders, and designers. Whether you're a construction professional or simply interested in the science behind moisture management in buildings, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge you won’t want to miss!

Special Guest: Graham Finch.

Episode 20 : Dan Saunders

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +1300

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 Kiwi lifestyles.
Dan shares expert advice on selecting the right building materials, debunks common myths about constructing high-performance homes, and offers practical steps for achieving better results. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or simply interested in the future of housing in New Zealand, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
“I would change the building code so it's a more holistic thing, so people have no choice but to build better."

Special Guest: Dan Saunders.

Episode 19 : Bob Burnett

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +1300

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

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +1300

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

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +1300

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

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +1300

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

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +1300

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

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +1300

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 13: Barry Cope

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +1300

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 testing and emphasise the importance of airtightness testing for energy efficiency, citing that homes with improved airtightness can achieve up to 35% energy savings for heating alone.

Barry talks about the future of airtightness testing, and how he predicts there to be a shift in the way we test for airtightness, instead he predicted we would be using ‘actual energy usage’ metrics rather than predictive models for evaluating building performance, leading to higher energy efficiency standards.

Throughout the podcast, he shares valuable insights into the importance of airtightness in buildings and the effects on energy efficiency in your home. He encourages others to consider the growing global importance of energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.

“You can make even a 20% reduction in the amount of energy you use. That adds up over 10 years.”

Special Guest: Barry Cope.

Episode 12: Vlada Acimovic

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +1300

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 House projects, as well as many other high-performance building projects throughout NZ.

During the discussion, he shares some of the main challenges he faces, particularly misconceptions around the cost of Passive House design. He highlights the need to educate clients and consultants on the numerous benefits of Passive House design, while addressing common misconceptions, such as the belief that Passive Houses are prohibitively expensive or that windows can't be opened.

Simon and Vlada also touch on the future of Smart Home Technology integration with Passive House design. Vlada sees great potential in using smart controls—like external shutters and roll blinds—to manage solar gains and air temperature, improving both performance and comfort in Passive Houses.

Throughout the podcast, Vlada emphasizes the critical balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application in house design, stressing the importance of education and raising industry standards in construction.

“It's easy to explain why Passive House is champion, because we know that it's arguably the highest possible standard in energy efficiency.”

Special Guest: Vlada Acimovic.

Episode 1: Joe Lstiburek

Pro Clima NZ Ltd — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +1200

"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 past mistakes, like weathertightness issues seen in the US or Canada. He reckons the New Zealand construction industry should learn from these mistakes, not keep repeating them. Joe also discusses ventilation concerns and the role of dehumidifiers, suggesting a balanced approach to efficiency. Additionally, he talks about upcoming advancements in design and materials. He stresses the need for education to prevent similar problems from arising in the future.

Special Guest: Joe Lstiburek.

Links:

Building Science Corporation - Building Science Information — Building Science Education for Building Professionals.