In this conversation, Jess Kismet and Dr. Cameron Munro delve into the intricacies of building performance, focusing on how to create comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient homes. They discuss Cameron's background in aerospace engineering and how it informs his approach to building science. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of mechanical ventilation, the impact of renovations on comfort, moisture management, and the significance of window and roof performance in building design. Cameron emphasises the need for clear communication of building performance metrics to clients and the importance of understanding the balance between passive and active heating and cooling systems.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Building Performance and Passive Design

02:47 Cameron's Professional Journey and Approach to Building Science

05:24 Renovation Insights: Making Homes Comfortable and Efficient

07:59 Heating and Cooling in Passive Houses

11:09 Understanding Mechanical Ventilation and HRV Systems

13:53 Moisture Management and Condensation Risks in Buildings

27:35 Understanding Thermal Conductivity in Building Materials

30:12 Insulation Strategies to Prevent Condensation

31:58 Common Pitfalls in Insulation Installation

36:26 Improving Collaboration Between Designers and Builders

41:03 The Impact of Roof Color on Building Performance

44:52 Optimizing Window Installation for Thermal Efficiency

52:05 Minimizing Risk in Building Design and Construction

In this conversation, Jess Kismet interviews Anthony Benger, a carpenter from Melbourne who shares his personal journey with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) caused by mould exposure. The discussion explores the intersection of health and building practices, emphasizing the importance of creating healthy living environments. Anthony reflects on his experiences with chronic illness, the challenges of navigating the building industry, and the need for better education on environmental health. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding how our home environments impact our health and well-being, advocating for a shift towards healthier building practices.

Links

Mould illness resource list

Toxic Mould Support Australia

Geovital

Surviving Mold - Dr Ritchie Shoemaker

NSJ Enviro - David Lark

Toxic Mould Support Australia Facebook group

HERTSMI test

Other links

Advanced Diploma in Building Biology - ACES

Leviticus 14:33–53 - there actually is a verse in the bible that says if a house is mouldy the priest should declare that the house should be torn down!

Tools app website

Tools app instagram page

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Building Psychology and Personal Journey

01:37 Navigating Chronic Illness and Its Impact on Work

07:01 The Shift from Theory to Practical Building Solutions

12:24 Building Practices and the Importance of Healthy Homes

17:20 Understanding Environmental Illness and Its Implications

22:22 A Day in the Life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

33:51 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in the Building Industry

40:10 Connecting the Dots: Mold Illness and Home Environment

50:09 Final Thoughts on Health and Home Environment

Join Jess Kismet as she delves into the world of high-performance building envelopes with James Pinyon, Kingspan's Technical Services Manager. Discover the intricacies of insulation, thermal performance, and the evolving standards in sustainable building. From the challenges of condensation in modern constructions to the innovative solutions Kingspan is pioneering, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how buildings can be made not just code-compliant, but genuinely better to live and work in. Tune in for insights on the future of insulation and sustainable building practices.

Full show notes, chapters and links can be found here: