Épisodes

  • #44 - Planning the Fairer Future: Housing, Density & the Cities We Deserve with Melissa Neighbour
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode of Buildipedia, Mat chats with Melissa Neighbour, Director at Sky Planning, about Sydney’s Fairer Future Plan and what it means for housing, density, and smarter city growth. They explore how evidence-based planning, rezoning, and transport-oriented development can unlock supply while protecting heritage and improving livability. Melissa also shares insights on Propinion, a new collaborative platform helping planners, architects, and developers navigate complex legislation together — offering a fresh, practical perspective on how Sydney can build the cities we deserve.


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    CONTACT Melissa Neighbour: ⁠https://www.skyplanning.com.au/


    CREDITS

    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!

    Mat

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    51 min
  • #43 - Sustainable & Passivhaus Design Explained with Gionata Comacchio
    Aug 27 2025

    In this episode of Buildipedia, Mat talks with building designer and sustainability specialist Gionata Comacchio about his journey from the Dolomites in Italy to launching NININ Studio in Australia. Gionata shares the story behind his practice, his passion for Passivhaus design, and the principles that make homes healthier, more comfortable, and more efficient. He unpacks the differences between BASIX, NatHERS, and Passivhaus, offering practical insights for anyone considering a new build or renovation.

    Gionata would like to thank the Australian Passivhaus Association for their work in promoting better building standards in Australia, for sharing knowledge and guidance, and for fostering a generous and welcoming community from which he has learned, and continues to learn, a great deal.

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    CONTACT Gionata Comacchio: nininstudio.com.au


    CREDITS

    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!

    Mat

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    1 h et 1 min
  • #42 - Timeless Architecture: Ian Moore's Story
    Aug 13 2025

    In this episode of Buildipedia, Mat talks with acclaimed architect Ian Moore about his path from New Zealand building sites to shaping world-class architecture. Ian recalls how a detour into engineering led to working on Norman Foster’s Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, sparking his resolve to become an architect. He shares lessons from his construction roots, Sydney’s design scene, and his philosophy of crafting spaces from structure to detail.


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    CONTACT Ian Moore: https://www.ianmoorearchitects.com/


    CREDITS


    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!

    Mat

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    50 min
  • #41 - The Building Balancing Act: Cost, Quality, and Innovation with Andrew Derbidge
    May 21 2025

    Mat chats with structural engineer Andrew Derbidge from AD Consulting Engineers to unpack why the Australian construction industry is slow to adopt new building products and methods—and why some smart innovations don’t stick. They also break down a real-life case where engineering design clashed with build efficiency, diving into the balancing act between cost, quality, and labour on site. Tune in now!


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    WEBSITE: https://www.buildipedia.au/

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    CONTACT Andrew Derbidge: https://adconsultingengineers.com.au/


    CREDITS


    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!


    Mat

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    54 min
  • #40 - Real Estate Insider: Sydney Property Market Update with Matt Hayson
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of Buildipedia, Mat sits down with leading Inner West real estate agent Matt Hayson for a timely look at the current property market—covering everything from election impacts and housing shortages to population growth, interest rates, and what buyers and sellers need to know right now. Tune in now!


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    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.buildipedia.au/


    CONTACT Matt Hayson: https://www.ch.com.au/


    CREDITS


    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!


    Mat

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    43 min
  • #39 - Brick by Brick with Andy Shaw – How Bricklaying went from Every Project Home in Australia to Rare Artisan Craft
    Mar 5 2025

    In this episode of Buildipedia, Mat chats with Andy Shaw from Brickies Network about the changing face of bricklaying in Australia. Once the go-to choice for project homes, brickwork is now a high-end feature rather than the standard. Andy shares insights on why bricklaying has declined, the impact of alternative materials, and whether it’s becoming a lost art like stonemasonry. Is bricklaying being designed out for good, or is there a future for this skilled trade? Tune in to find out!


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    WEBSITE: https://www.buildipedia.au/

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildipedia/

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    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.buildipedia.au/


    CONTACT Andy Shaw: https://www.brickiesnetwork.com/


    CREDITS


    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!


    Mat


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    1 h et 5 min
  • #38 - Rogue planners, Gumby Nimbys and the Heritage Mafia - a peek behind the planning curtain with Philip North, respected planner, architect and heritage consultant
    Feb 12 2025

    In this episode of Buildipedia, Mat chats with Philip North from PCN Urban—a certified planner, registered architect, and heritage expert. They explore the world of town planning, heritage consulting, and navigating complex NSW regulations. Philip sheds light on the ‘Heritage Mafia,’ the blurred lines in heritage consulting, and what it truly takes to be a planner. Tune in now!


    CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!


    WEBSITE: https://www.buildipedia.au/

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildipedia/

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildipediapod/

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ballastpointprojects/


    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.buildipedia.au/


    CONTACT Philip North: philip@pcnurban.com.au


    CREDITS


    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!


    Mat


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    59 min
  • #37 - Alan Kohler on Housing in Australia
    Jan 8 2025

    In this episode, Mat chats with Alan Kohler, Editor in Chief at InvestSMART and founder of The Constant Investor, to unpack the housing crisis and explore solutions. With decades of experience in finance and journalism, Alan dives into topics like the impact of rising interest rates, transport-oriented developments, and the challenges of balancing migration with skills shortages. Drawing on insights from his latest essay, The Great Divide, Alan offers a fresh perspective on fixing Australia’s housing mess. Tune in now!


    CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!


    WEBSITE: https://www.buildipedia.au/

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildipedia/

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildipediapod/

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ballastpointprojects/


    CREDITS


    INTRO: Rita Mastrantone

    INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: Coby Wilk


    If you LOVED the episode, please make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @ballaspointprojects.


    Thanks for listening & talk soon!


    Mat

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    42 min