Épisodes

  • Episode 32: Offsite Construction - Andre Heller

    Episode 32: Offsite Construction - Andre Heller
    Dec 2 2025
    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.
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    41 min
  • Episode 31: Small, Smart Spaces - Sharon Robinson

    Episode 31: Small, Smart Spaces - Sharon Robinson
    Nov 4 2025
    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.
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    27 min
  • Episode 30: Antony Pelosi

    Episode 30: Antony Pelosi
    Sep 30 2025
    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.
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    45 min
  • Episode 29: Casper Valentin

    Episode 29: Casper Valentin
    Sep 2 2025
    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.
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    31 min
  • Episode 28: Allison Bailes

    Episode 28: Allison Bailes
    Aug 5 2025
    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 .
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    42 min
  • Episode 27: Arena Williams

    Episode 27: Arena Williams
    Jul 1 2025
    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.
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    36 min
  • Episode 26: Sian Taylor

    Episode 26: Sian Taylor
    Jun 3 2025
    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.
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    27 min
  • Episode 25: Mark Anderson

    Episode 25: Mark Anderson
    May 13 2025
    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.
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    40 min