House Planning Help Podcast

Ben Adam-Smith
  • 4.9 (130)
  • HOW TO
  • MONTHLY

If you want to build a house, where would you start?

  1. What does it take to create a bio-based Passivhaus? – with Janna and Seb Laan Lomas

    28 MAR

    What does it take to create a bio-based Passivhaus? – with Janna and Seb Laan Lomas

    Janna and Seb Laan Lomas explain the ethos behind their self build which blends low energy design and natural building while reducing plastics in the construction and also minimising waste. The level of detail, the decisions made and the careful use of the budget have been instrumental in delivering this fantastic project, which makes a great home for them as well as a site that encourages wildlife. Check out the show notes for more information.

    1hr 11min
  2. Sheep's wool insulation and other natural fibre options – with Mark Lynn

    23 FEB

    Sheep's wool insulation and other natural fibre options – with Mark Lynn

    Mark Lynn from Eden Renewable Innovations explains how sheep's wool insulation is made, outlines the pros and cons, and suggests how it is best specified and installed. He also shares some common traits of natural fibre insulation as a category. Check out the show notes for more information.

    51 min
  3. Getting planning permission for a replacement dwelling – with Mark Doodes

    9 FEB

    Getting planning permission for a replacement dwelling – with Mark Doodes

    Mark Doodes from Mark Doodes Planning explains what we mean by applying for planning permission to demolish and rebuild a house, how it is done, what some of the challenges might be and how to do as much as possible to improve your chances of a successful outcome. Check out the show notes for more information.

    48 min
  4. How easy is it to insure a natural building? – with Dr. James Glockling

    26 JAN

    How easy is it to insure a natural building? – with Dr. James Glockling

    Dr. James Glockling explains how insurance works and outlines some of the challenges of insuring a natural building. Check out the show notes for more information

    41 min
  5. Could you automate air sealing on a house build? – with Hugh Franklin

    8 JAN

    Could you automate air sealing on a house build? – with Hugh Franklin

    Hugh Franklin from Aeroseal UK explains how the airtightness of a building can be improved using a water-based, low VOC atomised polymer which is delivered when the building is pressurised. This simpler approach speeds up the process of air sealing and gives real-time feedback on the airtightness score. Check out the show notes for more information

    45 min
  6. How can you reduce the embodied carbon of a project? – with Elly Deacon Smith and Kirk Rushby

    17/12/2025

    How can you reduce the embodied carbon of a project? – with Elly Deacon Smith and Kirk Rushby

    Elly Deacon Smith and Kirk Rushby from Arbor Architects explain why they consider the embodied carbon of their projects, how they do it and how it is balanced with competing factors. Check out the show notes for more information.

    39 min
  7. What's the difference between good and bad retrofit? – with Marion Baeli

    03/12/2025

    What's the difference between good and bad retrofit? – with Marion Baeli

    Marion Baeli, author of "Residential Retrofit," offers hands-on experience of designing and retrofitting high performance homes. As well as drawing on her personal retrofit she shares the lessons learnt from revisiting properties that took part in the Retrofit for the Future competition over a decade ago. Check out the show notes for more information.

    54 min
  8. Earth floors – with Jeffrey Hart

    19/11/2025

    Earth floors – with Jeffrey Hart

    Jeffrey Hart from the Earthen Floor Company gives us the lowdown on natural earth floors, explaining what the components are, how they are mixed and the process of installing them. He also outlines the benefits and limitations, and highlights what makes them a great choice for an eco home. Check out the show notes for more information.

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
130 Ratings

About

If you want to build a house, where would you start?

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Adam-Smith
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    401
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Regen Media 2025
  • Show Website
    House Planning Help Podcast

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