Virginia is a qualified architect, project manager, BREEAM AP and ISO14001 Lead Auditor, with a lifelong passion for sustainability. She is the author of SustainABLE: How to Find Success as a Sustainability Professional in a Rapidly Changing World, a practical guide for those that have a passion for sustainability but cannot make an impact. Virginia is also an Assistant Lecturer in Sustainability and Environmental Management at Coventry University. During her previous long career at BRE, Virgini...
Mar 15, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Today we talk about mindful spaces and biophilic meditation with Sophie Lacey. Sophie has been running her own freelance copywriting and content writing business for nearly 15 years, working with a variety of lifestyle brands and specialists in placemaking, the built environment, interior design and retail. Her half-Swedish heritage inspires a love of simple design and an affinity with nature and organic materials, colours and textures, while her diploma in meditation teaching gives her a unique...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Sigi Koko is the principal designer of Down to Earth Design, which she founded in 1998 to help her clients manifest their dreams of living in a natural, healthy home. She works exclusively on projects that are natural, energy-efficient buildings, on the forefront of sustainable design. Every project functions in synchronicity with its environment, relating to seasonal cycles of sun, wind, and rain to provide natural heating and cooling primarily from passive (free!) sources. Her clients enjoy an...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Sigi Koko is the principal designer of Down to Earth Design, which she founded in 1998 to help her clients manifest their dreams of living in a natural, healthy home. She works exclusively on projects that are natural, energy-efficient buildings, on the forefront of sustainable design. Every project functions in synchronicity with its environment, relating to seasonal cycles of sun, wind, and rain to provide natural heating and cooling primarily from passive (free!) sources. Her clients enjoy an...
Feb 14, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Well, there's a title I didn't expect to write when I started this podcast! Today I'm talking to Danny and Zach from Terran Robotics about their work training AI drones to build cob homes. Now this might sound a little crazy when you are first introduced to the idea, but the logic behind it is solid. To make affordable homes, build with the cheapest material and reduce the labor costs. Have a listen to the work that Danny and Zach are up to today and let me know what you think! Episode Links Ter...
Feb 01, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Part 2! (Check out episode 67 for Part 1) With energy prices soaring, everybody has good reason to be thinking about adding more insulation to their home. In this episode we are discussing the best types of insulation for your home and the pros and cons of some different types. A recommended listen for anyone looking to increase the energy efficiency of their home. Ben Kerslake is back! Ben last joined us way back in Episode 45 to discuss solving damp problems with lime plaster. Check out insula...
Jan 18, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 68
With energy prices soaring, everybody has good reason to be thinking about adding more insulation to their home. In this episode we are discussing the best types of insulation for your home and the pros and cons of some different types. A recommended listen for anyone looking to increase the energy efficiency of their home. Ben Kerslake is back! Ben last joined us way back in Episode 45 to discuss solving damp problems with lime plaster. Check out insulation month at: https://www.carringtonlime....
Jan 18, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 67
We discuss the report created by Material Cultures and ARUP which examines the potential positive impacts of a bioregional construction economy, from improvements in biodiversity to an increase in construction jobs and security; building a case for redistributing the values of the construction industry towards a cleaner, sustainable methodology for growth that is beneficial to all. It can be viewed here . Until recently, little attention has been paid to the carbon impacts of the construction an...
Jan 06, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Rachel Fowler is an interior designer who focusses on creating healthy and sustainable spaces. We discuss how to design healthy, what to watch out for and get into the healthy products and finishes you could be choosing in your own project. Her company website - https://rachelfowlerinteriors.com/ Her book - My happy place - https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/My-Happy-Place-by-Rachel-Fowler-author/9781788602983 Episode Links Enki Magazine - https://enkimagazine.com Declare - https://declar...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 65
John Butler is back for another episode, this time focussing on 'natural' materials and their whole life carbon. Topics include: What natural means, is it a useful descriptor? The results from a new UK Straw Bale Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Is there enough straw to build a reasonable quantity of homes with? Why is John called the woodlouse? This episode has associated graphs to peruse on the BSP website: https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/what-is-the-environmental-impact-o...
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In this episode John explains the principles and requirements of Passivhaus construction. He dispels some common myths and goes into some of the nuances of how its achieved. Does living in a passivhaus mean living in a bubble? Can I open the windows in a passivhaus? How airtight should it be? What are the benefits of MVHR? John's work can be found here: https://www.sustainablebuildconsultancy.com/ Links from this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oblique_Strategies https://passivehouse-inte...
Nov 30, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 63
The construction industry needs a shake up. Not just in the materials that are used but in the cultures within the industry. We talk about George and Summer's take on how we should be constructing and discuss their design for the Waste Age exhibition in London. My Movember Space - https://uk.movember.com/mospace/14634309 Mental health support links: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/getting-help https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/mental-health-and-stigma/help-and-support Find local support charitie...
Nov 16, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Welcome back to Building Sustainability, this episode I'm joined by Architect , Academic , Author & Environmental Activist - Duncan Baker Brown. We are talking circular economy in the built environment, issues of sustainable development, deconstruction and closed-looped systems. - We've had a short break here while doing a plastering job for the Design Museum in London. The exhibition opens on the 23rd of October 2021 and full info can be found here: https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/wast...
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Georjie Adams is building a fantastic van based mobile home. It's unlike anything you are likely to have seen before - it's a work of art! Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbluebell/ In this conversation we discuss the issues Georjie faced as a woman wanting to build and the project that has grown out of it, as well as some of the reasons this lifestyle appealed. Part 2 contains more experiences and philosophies the Building Bluebell project has created. From Georjie's website - ...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Georjie Adams is building a fantastic van based mobile home. It's unlike anything you are likely to have seen before - it's a work of art! Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbluebell/ In this conversation we discuss experiences and philosophies the Building Bluebell project has created. Part 1 contains the issues Georjie faced as a woman wanting to build and the project that has grown out of it, as well as some of the reasons this lifestyle appealed. From Georjie's website - get i...
Sep 21, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Part two of the conversation with earth builder Alex Gibbons. Applications for the SPAB fellowship close on the 14th of September - https://www.spab.org.uk/learning/fellowship Sarah Pugh Just giving link - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarahpugh?utm_term=qGVKkgbAG SPAB craft fellowship - https://www.spab.org.uk/learning/fellowship William Morris - News from Nowhere book - https://tinyurl.com/23n8b6c7 Alex Gibbons Website - https://www.stickinthemudconservation.com/ Work I did with Alex...
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Part one of the conversation with earth builder Alex Gibbons in which we discuss his route into mud building, old buildings, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Clay Dabbins, and his clay barn Priors Lynn. Applications for the SPAB fellowship close on the 14th of September - https://www.spab.org.uk/learning/fellowship Sarah Pugh Just giving link - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarahpugh?utm_term=qGVKkgbAG SPAB craft fellowship - https://www.spab.org.uk/learning/fellows...
Sep 02, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Daniel Postma is natural builder who has come to it from an interesting background - Archeology. Daniel is a specialist in traditional turf construction and learnt by doing as an experimental archaeologist. Archaeo Build specialises in the interaction between past and present forms of natural building. We bring together skills and understanding from archaeology, vernacular building conservation and modern-day natural building. It's fascinating to learn the intricacies about this seemingly very b...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Craig White is back for another episode, we chatted away for a couple of hours so this is the second part of the conversation. It might make slightly more sense if you listen to the other episode first, but I think they largely stand alone. Links Modcell - https://www.modcell.com/ Agile Homes - https://agile.property/ BaleHaus at Bath - https://www.modcell.com/projects/balehaus-at-bath/ The House that Kevin Built - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyhW5NST3aM University of Bath - https://www.bath...
Aug 03, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 55
This is the first of two episodes with Craig White of White Design, Modcell & Agile Homes. This episode focuses on Craig's design principles with some side nerding about windows and a small amount of architect poking! Episode Links Agile Homes - https://agile.property/ Modcell - https://www.modcell.com/ Post Occupancy Evaluation - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236144016_Post-Occupancy_Evaluation_A_Multifaceted_Tool_for_Building_Improvement LILAC - https://www.lilac.coop/ TRADA - h...
Aug 02, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 54
Phil Christopher is treasurer for SBUK as well as running Huff and Puff construction, specialising in straw bale construction. We have a little catch up and Phil tells me about the projects he's been working on over the last few years. Links ACAN Natural Building Introduction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSkp1SwgOA ACAN Straw Event - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natural-materials-masterclass-straw-tickets-163901043433 Bale House Hastings - https://www.hastings.gov.uk/parks_gardens_allotm...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Today I'm joined by Sid Hill. Sid Hill is a multi award-winning horticultural consultant; designer; teacher and researcher. With a passion for permaculture design, ethnobotany and regenerative landscapes. Sharing his work via Youtube , Instagram and Facebook Sid Hill Links https://www.sidhillecogardens.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Sid-Hill-Ecological-Gardens-1023579844372812/ https://www.instagram.com/sidhillecogardens/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUE3d0vLxaUauB0aSeL5CyA Episode links Suss...
Jul 12, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Philippa and Taleen return for the concluding part to their 3 part series on their journey and life as sustainable architects. This episode features some top tips for those wanting to bring sustainability into their practice - and how not to burn out while doing it! The Holistic Architect - https://www.instagram.com/the_holistic_architect/ Philippa Birch Wood - https://www.instagram.com/birch.and.wood https://www.chetwoods.com/ ACAN - https://www.architectscan.org/ MAD - Make a difference networ...
Jul 05, 2021•30 min
I'm delighted to bring you a conversation with Alex Geldenhuys of New Dawn Traders - When I organised this recording, I thought the focus would be on the climate benefits of sailing vessels over conventional shipping methods. I was delighted to learn of the much deeper level of good this project is doing. By investing in the small producers who are connected to their land and doing best by it, not just for profit, but also for stewardship of this vital resource. New Dawn Traders have created a n...
Jun 21, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 51
This is the second part of the wonderful series by Philippa Birch-Wood and Taleen Josefsson discussing routes into sustainable design. Philippa has just been named as a nominee for the Architects Journal Sustainability Champion 2021 - huge congratulations to her, so well deserved! https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/aj100-sustainability-champion-of-the-year-2021-nominees-revealed Architects Climate Action Network - ACAN - https://www.architectscan.org/ The Holistic Architect - https://www.i...
Jun 14, 2021•14 min
Something a bit special for episode 50 of the Building Sustainability Podcast. This is a reciprocal episode with Amy Umbel and Brien Beidler from Cut The Craft Podcast - They came on Building Sustainability to talk about craft and give their delightful insights into some of the nuances within the area. In return I was a guest on their Cut the Craft podcast to talk about Natural Building. It was a really fun day of getting to know Amy and Brien, we laughed a whole lot! Links Cut the Craft Podcast...
Jun 08, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 50
The last tiny house episode for a while! Today I'm talking to Philippa Battye, an architect, who designed and built her very unique tiny home. Her house has a collapsible roof and bolt on wings to give extra height and width to her living space. The effect is unlike any tiny house I've seen... spectacular! Take a peak at Philippa's Instagram to see the house in all it's glory! https://www.instagram.com/philippabattye/ We had a big old natter about materials, design, pogs, moving.. and so much mo...
May 24, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 49
For this bytesize episode, sustainable design consultants Philippa Birch-Wood and Taleen Josefsson discuss their education, what shaped their desire to be involved in sustainable architecture and the opportunities that were available to them during their education. The episode ends with some top tips for budding architects on how to bring sustainability into their learning when the educational facilities aren't providing it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-birch-wood-b9488544/ https://www.l...
May 17, 2021•12 min
Emma Pile is a digital artist, based on the outskirts of London, specialising in theatre, exhibitions & events. Last year she built a lovely tiny home with a little help from her Dad. You can see her Tiny House here: https://www.instagram.com/emslittlegreen/ And check out her stunning digital design website: http://www.emmapile.net/ In the podcast we discuss the many questions I have about building my own tiny house. Big topics include: Staying under the trailers max weight Finding a place t...
May 10, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 48
This week I am incredibly excited to be joined by Bill Browning and Catie Ryan from Terrapin Bright Green to discuss biophilic design. Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. Used at both the building and city-scale, it is argued that this idea has health, environmental, and economic benefits for building occupants and urban envir...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 47
