In this episode, of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler Welsh chats with Trent Clark of Red Cedar Constructions about the evolution of his Sydney-based construction business and its focus on sustainable building practices. Trent shares his journey into Passive House design, the challenges and successes of pioneering projects like the Thornleigh house, and the growing trend toward electrification and energy-efficient homes in Australia. Tune in to hear how Red Cedar Constructions is shaping ...
Jan 21, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 222
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast host Mary James talks with Chris Swinburn, director of Beyond Carbon, about the complexities of applying Passive House principles to large-scale and commercial buildings. Discover how Beyond Carbon became a leader in sustainable design, tackling projects like the largest Passive House development in the UK—a student accommodation complex at UWE Bristol. From overcoming challenges in mechanical systems to addressing overheating risks and future-proofin...
Jan 14, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 221
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox speaks with Raphael Vibert, Passive House Certifier and Senior Designer at Herz Lang, about the Museum of Bavarian History in Regensburg, Germany. Discover how this stunning riverside museum became the largest Passive House-certified museum in the world, the unique challenges of balancing artifact preservation with energy efficiency, and the innovative systems that make it a landmark of sustainable design. https://www.museum.bayern/en/museum....
Jan 07, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 220
This week on the Passive House Podcast Mary James sat down with Sean Conta, founder of Targa Homes. Sean shares his journey from green building certification to starting his own company in 2018, focusing on creating sustainable, high-performance homes in the Pacific Northwest. Discover how Sean educates clients about Passive House principles, his experience using innovative materials like cork and wood fiberboard for insulation, and the practicalities of reducing embodied carbon in construction....
Dec 30, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 218
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with Ramune Bartuskaite, architect and CEO of Spec Matters. Originally from Lithuania and now based in Philadelphia, Ramune shares her inspiring journey through architecture, from her academic experiences at Miami University, Penn, and international studies in Copenhagen and London, to founding her own platform dedicated to healthier materials. She shares insights on how architects can select better materials, advocate for healthier envir...
Dec 23, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 218
In this special component spotlight episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy chats with Source 2050 Co-founders Michael Ingui and John Knapp and Passive House expert Shannon Pendleton. They discuss how Source 2050 simplifies sourcing innovative, sustainable products, bridging design and construction to accelerate better building practices. Whether you're an architect, builder, or consultant, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your practice and accelerate sustainable constru...
Dec 19, 2024•49 min
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox and Mary James talk with Crystal Ng, Director of Sustainability at Curtis + Ginsberg. Crystal discusses her first-hand experiences with Passive House projects, the future of geothermal and domestic hot water systems, and the innovative strategies her team is employing to achieve net-zero goals. https://www.cplusga.com/ Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest pro...
Dec 17, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 217
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Zack Semke talks with Chris Magwood of RMI. Chris shares his journey from running a design-build company and school in Ontario to becoming a leading voice in embodied carbon and sustainable building practices. The conversation delves into the evolution of green building, the importance of upfront carbon reduction, and the potential of biomaterials to achieve net-zero carbon construction. Chris also highlights tools, research, and insights for advanci...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 216
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Ilka Cassidy sits down with Chelsey Effinger from GO Logic, Angie Horner and Abby Xerri of Quantum Passivhaus, and Jonah Stanford from B.Public Prefab to explore the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) process. Together, they discuss the critical intersection of architectural design, energy modeling, and panelized construction. From 3D modeling software to effective collaboration with architects and manufacturers, this conversation u...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 215
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler-Welsh talks with Stephan Mausli, co-owner of Hector Egger New Zealand. Stephan reflects on adapting to the New Zealand housing industry and redefining construction practices. Sharing the stark contrasts between European and New Zealand building standards, the challenges of prefabrication in a developing market, and his passion for delivering high-quality, sustainable housing solutions. https://www.hector-egger.ch/de/he-nz https://www.re...
Nov 26, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 214
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Mary James talks with David Komet about the journey of turning an underutilized urban site into a state-of-the-art pickleball facility designed with sustainability, community value, and innovative engineering at its core. David shares how a chance proposal led to a pivot from residential development to creating a Passive House-compliant sports venue. From optimizing land use near highways to integrating materials like AAC panels for thermal mass, we d...
Nov 19, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 213
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with James Clarke, General Manager of NZSIP, to explore his journey from high-end construction in London to leading sustainable building innovations in New Zealand. James shares his passion for creating healthier, more resilient homes after a personal encounter with New Zealand's housing challenges. Discover how Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) offer energy efficiency, airtightness, and superior insulation, making them an ideal choice f...
Nov 12, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 212
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy talk with Joanna Lockhart of Tetra Tech Europe. As the Associate Director of Architecture, Joanna leads a specialized team focused on net zero, whole-life carbon, and circular building approaches. She shares her experience in designing sustainable, low-carbon buildings for the UK’s Ministry of Defense, navigating complex carbon targets, and leveraging circular economy principles. Tetra Tech Europe https://www.tetratecheuro...
Nov 05, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 211
In this special component episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Hugh Whiriskey of Partel. Hugh shares insights into Partel’s approach to energy-efficient building, including updates on their popular ExoPerm 250 membrane and the company’s move towards more sustainable, durable building solutions. They also dive into the importance of environmental product declarations (EPDs), the evolving construction landscape in Ireland, and Partel’s expanding influence across No...
Oct 31, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Lloyd Alter shares stories from his recent trip to New Zealand. We dive into the "missed opportunities" he saw in Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild and the broader evolution of Passive House standards. Lloyd discusses the impact of thoughtful building design, sufficiency in architecture, and what can be learned from New Zealand’s unique challenges in sustainable housing. https://newsociety.com/book/the-story-of-upfront-carbon/ https://www.reimag...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 210
In this Component Spotlight episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Jay Fox sits down with Aaron Frazier from Longboard to dive into innovative cladding solutions, with a special focus on the Hitch System. Discover how Longboard's extruded aluminum products, from tongue-and-groove siding to their advanced cladding attachment systems, enhance durability, reduce embodied carbon, and improve energy efficiency. Aaron shares insights into Longboard's manufacturing process, the evolution of the ...
Oct 24, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jesse Hunt of Emergent Development joins the podcast to share his journey of developing Houston's first Passive House. He discusses his passion for passive building and the how taking the leap to develop his own project has changed everything for him. https://www.emergentdev.co/ Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And ...
Oct 22, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 209
This week on the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh takes us inside PHINZ 2024 for insightful conversations with Alex Slater, Delia Bellaby, Dr. Emina Kristina Petrovic, Lloyd Alter, and Nikki Kruger. Together, they explore the future of sustainable architecture, from the health impacts of building materials to the intricacies of the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), and the recent updates to New Zealand’s earth building standards. Join us for an engaging discussion on energy effic...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 208
In this special component spotlight episode of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke caught up with Adam White, CEO and co-founder of Intelligent Membranes . Adam shares exciting updates on the company’s innovative Passive Purple products, their recent rebranding Net Zero Heroes, and global expansion. Discover how Intelligent Membranes is revolutionizing zero-carbon building with their eco-friendly, liquid-applied membranes. This episode is packed with insights for Passive House enthusiasts...
Oct 10, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-host Zack Semke sits down with James Ortega, the Certification Program Director at Phius. James shares insights on the evolving role of Phius, the shift from small-scale homes to larger multifamily and high-rise buildings, and the exponential growth of certified square footage in passive buildings. He also dives into the upcoming Phius Pro Forum in Providence, Rhode Island, and explore the new Phius Revive standard, which focuses on resilient retr...
Oct 08, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 207
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Zack Semke is joined by Kim Davis, Programs Manager, and Michael Ingui, Founder of Passive House Accelerator. The team dives into exciting new developments at the Accelerator, from survey-driven programming changes to a sneak peek of the upcoming Reimagined Buildings Collective. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how they're shaping the future of zero-carbon building through collaborative community events, conferences, and practical insi...
Oct 01, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 206
In this episode of the Passive House podcast, Co-Hosts Ilka and Mary chat with Sandra Rohler from Cornerstone Architecture. They explore creative approaches to addressing the housing supply crisis, focusing on co-housing as a model for sustainable, community-focused living. Sandra shares insights from her experience with the Little Mountain Co-housing project in Vancouver, a Passive House-certified development, emphasizing the importance of community, sustainability, and innovative building tech...
Sep 24, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 205
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-host Ilka Cassidy and Mary James talk with Christina Boyer, architect, and Matt Bolen, Managing Principal architect at McCallum Sather. They discuss their work in advancing high-performance housing in Ontario, particularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. With a focus on sustainable design, they share insights into using mass timber and Passive House certification to address the housing crisis. Learn about their innovative projects, challenges in...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 204
In this episode of the Passive House Accelerator Podcast, Nathan St. Germain, founder of Studio St. Germain discusses his firm’s philosophy of “building to give back." Nathan explores the concept of aging in place and how Passive House design can create a therapeutic, livable environment for people as they age. He highlights his work on the Wilkinsburg Passive House project, where the focus on air quality, energy efficiency, and livability supports the health and dignity of the occupants. The ep...
Sep 10, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 203
In our final episode of our Cooling and Summer Resiliency series we asked you our audience "What's your DIY cooling/summer resilience solution?". Co-Hosts Zack, Mary, Matthew and Ilka discuss your responses and dive into their own DIY solutions. From running bathroom fans all night to strategic shading solutions, hear practical advice from Passive House enthusiasts across North America. Plus, discover insights on the impact of internal gains and the importance of monitoring and adapting your hom...
Sep 03, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 202
In this fourth episode of our Cooling and Sumer Resiliency series, co-host Ilka Cassidy delves into the intricacies of cooling and resilience in building design with some of North America's leading energy modelers. Join us as Prudence Ferreira, Ryan Abendroth, and Christina Snyder share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for predicting and mitigating overheating in buildings. From the basics of energy modeling to advanced techniques for optimizing building performance. Tune in to expl...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 201
In this third episode of our Cooling and Sumer Resiliency series, we welcome back Andy Marlow to discuss the unique challenges of designing Passive Houses in Australia's increasingly hot and varied climate. We dive into the nuances of maintaining comfort in the face of rising temperatures, the importance of shading, and the evolving role of mechanical cooling. Andy shares insights on the balance between traditional Passive House principles and the need for innovative solutions in warmer regions....
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 200
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast we revisit a previous episode with John Semmelhack, co-owner of the Comfort Squad based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a member of the Phius Technical Committee. In their conversation Zack and John discuss the increasing impact of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality across North America. They explore both immediate and long-term strategies to protect your home, from DIY air filter solutions like the Corsi-Rosenthal Box to integrating high-performa...
Aug 13, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 199
In this episode of the Passive House Accelerator podcast, we're kicking off a special summer mini-series on cooling and summer resiliency. Host Mary James is joined by mechanical engineer, Galen Staengl and Tad Everhart of CertiPHIers Cooperative. Galen shares insights from his extensive experience in energy-efficient green building and Passive House design, emphasizing the importance of holistic, cost-effective approaches to cooling. Tad discusses his journey from climate crisis awareness to Pa...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 198
In this episode of Passive House Podcast, co-host Mary James reconnects Bronwyn Barry in her new project in Sacramento, California during a Passive House Open House Days. Bronwyn emphasizes the importance of both operational energy efficiency and embodied carbon reduction. The episode highlights innovative building materials, such as dense pack cellulose and rigid exterior hemp insulation, and touches on the challenges and successes in obtaining permitting and ensuring fire resilience. Additiona...
Jul 30, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 197
