• 226: Fire-Resistant Design with Michael Marsh
    Feb 18 2025

    In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Michael Marsh, Principal of Sidekick Architecture in Los Angeles. Michael shares his journey into architecture and Passive House design, discusses the challenges of promoting energy efficiency in California’s mild climate, and explores the intersection of fire-resistant construction and sustainable building. From innovative ADUs to rebuilding fire-damaged homes, Michael provides insights on designing for the future while balancing aesthetics, cost, and performance.

    https://sidekickarchitects.com/home-1

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 225: Transforming Sydney’s Heritage Houses with Nick Sowden
    Feb 11 2025

    In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we chat with Nick Sowden of Sowden Building Solutions about the electrification of homes in Sydney, the shift away from gas, and deep energy retrofits. Nick shares insights on insulation upgrades, solar adoption, and how heritage homes can be transformed into high-performance, energy-efficient spaces. Plus, we discuss Australia’s growing incentives for electrification and why the transition to clean energy is becoming easier than ever.


    https://www.sowdenbuildingsolutions.com.au/

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    36 mins
  • 224: Designing for Deconstruction Pt.2
    Feb 10 2025

    In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down for part 2 of their deconstruction roundtable with Megan Stringer of Holmes, Eric Law of Urban Machine, and Katrina Lund & Imani Hamilton of Ramboll.

    In Part 2 of our series, we dive deeper into the role of structural engineering in deconstruction and material reuse. They discuss overcoming industry hesitations, innovative connection technologies, and real-world applications of design for deconstruction. And also explore Urban Machine’s groundbreaking robotics, which automate lumber reclamation, making reused materials more accessible and cost-competitive.

    https://www.ramboll.com/

    https://www.holmes.us/

    https://urbanmachine.build/

    https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map

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    51 mins
  • Bonus Ep.: Reimagine Buildings News
    Feb 6 2025

    In this bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, Zack introduces Reimagine Buildings News, our sister podcast and the official podcast of the Reimagine Buildings Collective: https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/

    Like what you hear? Please check out the Collective!


    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 please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

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    27 mins
  • 223: Designing for Deconstruction Pt.1
    Jan 28 2025

    In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down for a deconstruction roundtable with Megan Stringer of Holmes, Eric Law of Urban Machine, and Katrina Lund & Imani Hamilton of Ramboll.

    In Part one of this series we dive into the transformative potential of deconstruction and circular economy practices in the building industry. Exploring designing for adaptability, reclaiming valuable materials like old-growth lumber, and leveraging new technologies to reduce embodied carbon. From regulations to real-world case studies, discover how these innovations are driving sustainability, economic benefits, and a new era for the built environment.

    https://www.ramboll.com/

    https://www.holmes.us/

    https://urbanmachine.build/

    https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map

    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 please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

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    56 mins
  • 222: Electrifying Construction with Trent Clark
    Jan 21 2025

    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 the future of green building while celebrating two decades of innovation.

    https://www.redcedarconstructions.com/

    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 please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

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    33 mins
  • 221: Large-Scale Carbon Consulting with Chris Swinburn
    Jan 14 2025

    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-proofing against climate change, this episode dives deep into practical solutions for all-electric buildings.

    https://www.beyondcarbon.uk/

    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 please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

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    53 mins
  • 220: World’s Largest Passive House Museum with Raphael Vibert
    Jan 7 2025

    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.html

    https://www.herz-lang.de/de/

    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 please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

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    46 mins