Mindful Builder

Matthew Carland and Hamish White
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Join Matt from Carland Constructions and Hamish from Sanctum Homes in a podcast discussing sustainable building practices and passive house concepts. They also talk to experts from all avenues of the building industry to share their knowledge and insights on what the industry looks like today. Further to this, Matt and Hamish are building a platform through the podcast to discuss mental health issues that arise in the building industry. The industry can be quite negative at times and there is a great deal of stigma around what it means to be a "tradie". Matt and Hamish are here to shine a light of positivity on the industry and share relatable topics that will help you in your own building or construction business.

  1. Politics vs building

    4d ago

    Politics vs building

    We do not usually have politicians on the show, so sitting down with David Southwick, the Planning, Building, and Construction Minister for the Liberal Party’s Shadow government, made for a very different kind of conversation. Less product talk and site detail, more housing policy, building regulation, and the decisions that shape what builders can actually do on the ground. If you work in the construction industry in Australia, this episode is a useful look at the levers that affect your day to day. David’s path into politics is not the usual script. He has been a DJ, a businessman, and a small business owner, and that comes through in how he talks about the industry. A big theme is the need for governments to listen to builders, tradies, and industry experts, not just write rules from a distance. It is a practical conversation about decision-making, consequences, and what happens when policy does not match reality on site. We get into the messy part of the current housing market. Construction costs, interest rates, red tape, delays, and the pressure to increase housing supply fast. But we are not interested in building more homes if they are worse homes. We talk about affordability alongside build quality, comfort, durability, and the long-term cost of homes that underperform. This is where topics like tax, approvals, and compliance start to matter just as much as what happens on site. We also explore future-focused solutions like prefab housing, kit homes, and 3D printing in construction, plus the need for stronger trade education and longer apprenticeships to lift capability across the industry. The thread running through it all is confidence and certainty. Builders need stable settings to invest, hire, and train, and clients need confidence to commit. Whether you agree with David politically or not, this is a grounded builder reality check on how politics and construction intersect, and what needs to change to support better outcomes in Australian housing. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Welcome 00:51 David’s Background Story 03:40 Minister Role and Big Picture 05:06 Housing Crisis and Targets 06:10 Taxes and Cost Drivers 08:08 Planning Delays and Infrastructure 11:08 Confidence and Building Quality 14:02 Future Housing and Prefab 17:04 Tradies and Apprenticeships 20:57 Rogue Builders and Regulation 23:22 BPC Critique and Better Enforcement 26:23 Promoting Good Builders 27:08 Showcasing Great Builders 27:59 Standards Should Be Accessible 29:36 Minimum Financial Rules Critique 31:25 Insurance Gaps And Defects 34:41 NCC Freeze And Product Influence 36:14 Cladding Liability Nightmare 40:30 Red Tape Vs Quality Fixes 45:22 Election Promises For Housing 49:46 One Silver Bullet Certainty 51:20 Getting Youth Into Trades LINKS: David Southwick: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/david-southwick/ Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Proclima Sponsor

    57 min
  2. More good and less bad

    May 24

    More good and less bad

    “I don’t understand why people build houses like this.” If you have ever said that on site after spotting a leaky junction, a sweaty wall, or a home that is freezing in winter and cooking in summer, you are not alone. This conversation is our pushback against the shortcuts that have become normal in the Australian building industry. The whole point of More Good and Less Bad is simple. Build better homes, make fewer mistakes, and deliver healthier, more comfortable results through better building performance and smarter decisions. We recorded this one at Pro Clima HQ in Sydney with Andy Marlow, director at Envirotecture and a certified Passive House designer. Andy has a rare ability to talk about sustainable building without the greenwashing and without making it feel like a lecture. The focus is on outcomes that matter to homeowners and builders alike. Homes that perform, homes that last, and homes that do not quietly fail behind the plaster. We also dig into the Living Building Challenge, because it is one of the few sustainability frameworks that does not let you cherry-pick the easy bits. It looks at the full picture of holistic sustainability in construction, including materials, energy, water, and health. Not because every project needs a badge, but because it forces better questions about what sustainable construction really means when you zoom out and look at long-term impact. Finally, we talk about making Passive House principles more buildable and accessible through Andy’s Passive House Design and Construct model. Pre-designed, high-performance homes that still leave room for personal choice, without reinventing the wheel every time. We also share the lessons we have learned the hard way, and why building with intention is about mindset, systems, and balancing the ideal with what is financially feasible and genuinely buildable on real sites. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Meet Andy Marlow - Envirotecture 03:31 Andy’s Path to Architecture 06:18 Living Building Challenge Explained 10:32 Materials Red List and Declare 17:08 Envirotecture Origins and Merge 23:15 Passive House Beyond Five 25:26 Quality Assurance and Certification 31:39 Why Start PH Design Construct 34:17 Cutting Costs With Standard Plans 34:44 Builder Territories And Low Touch Builds 37:13 Margins Overheads And Markup Debate 37:54 Repeat Builds And Site Variables 39:56 Prefab Options Straw Hempcrete 47:52 Cost Transparency And Pricing Stages 52:45 Solving Housing With Design Construct 57:17 Certification Limits And Client Expectations 01:02:07 Mindful Moment And Closing Reflections LINKS: Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Proclima Sponsor

    1h 13m
  3. Ask us anything with Buildingsciology

    May 17

    Ask us anything with Buildingsciology

    “As builders, you have huge overheads. Massive.” Matt said it mid-conversation and it just sat there, because it is the part people outside the construction industry rarely see. They see the finished home and the invoice. They do not see the cash flow pressure, the holding costs, the insurances, the compliance, the admin load, the delays, and how quickly one wobble in the pipeline can hit a building business. That is where this chat with Jessica Kismet from Climasure, host of the Building Sciology Podcast, really goes. Jessica jumps in as guest host and asks the questions builders usually keep to themselves. Money pressure. Risk. Ego. Family. The emotional load of running a residential construction business in Australia, especially when the market is tight and the margin for error is small. If you are a builder, contractor, or tradie trying to stay steady through uncertainty, this episode will feel very familiar. We talk openly about the financial tightrope and what it means to actually know your numbers. Builder margins, overheads, pricing, and the real cost of delays are not optional knowledge anymore. Post-COVID, “she’ll be right” is not a strategy. This conversation gets into the learning curve, the mistakes, and the shift from running on instinct to running a more sustainable construction business that can last. We also get into bigger industry questions. Would we encourage our kids to become builders? Who is the real villain in the building industry, from legislation to contracts to banks and insurance? How do you set boundaries with clients, protect your process, and avoid the compromises that come back to bite you later? And we finish on the long game of building science, where better outcomes depend on builders, architects, and designers understanding the whole system, not just their part of it. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Passive House Display Tour 02:34 Financial Edge Stories 07:02 Learning Business Basics 11:31 AI As A Coach 13:02 Would You Encourage Kids 16:10 Training Paths And Overwhelm 20:12 Industry Villains And Red Tape 29:56 Midlife Balance And Mortality 32:16 Matt On Not Caring 40:20 Client From Hell Stories 44:37 Vetting Clients No Dickheads 46:15 Fixed Price vs Cost Plus 49:34 Quickfire Building Science 50:55 Failures, Mould, and Leaks 56:18 Builders vs Architects Buy In 01:01:03 Mindful Moment Apprentices LINKS: Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Proclima Sponsor

    1h 6m
  4. How to stop working in your business

    May 10

    How to stop working in your business

    “Version one is better than version none.” James Brown means it in the most practical way possible for builders. A rough first system in your building business is better than no system at all. Not the perfect process. Not the spreadsheet you will build “when things slow down”. Just something written down that gets the ball rolling, so you can test it, hand it to someone else, and improve it over time. If you have ever felt like the business owns you, this conversation will feel familiar. Quoting at night, solving problems all day, trying to remember what you promised clients and trades, and living in your inbox. James runs Builders Escape and helps builders step out of that reactive loop by putting simple business systems and processes in place that make a construction business easier to run. We take a look at what systemisation actually looks like on the ground for the building industry. The goal is to make the invisible visible. Get the key steps out of your head, document them, and make them easy for your team to follow. Not a corporate manual. Just clear, repeatable processes that reduce mistakes, improve communication, and help you build a more reliable operation. James also walks through starting with your client journey from enquiry to handover, because that is where the cracks usually show up. Missed steps, repeated conversations, and tasks that rely on one person remembering everything. We also talk about AI in construction business and why it only works when your processes are clear. If you are a builder who wants better margins, fewer fires, and more time and headspace, this episode is your reminder to start with version one and iterate from there. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Mindful Builder Podcast Intro 01:39 Meet James Brown from Builders Escape 02:21 Freedom Through Systems for Building Businesses 03:15 Systemisation Works in Any Construction Business 04:43 Choosing Software and the EOS Operating System Metaphor 05:55 What Is a System in a Building Company? 08:09 Over-Systemising Pitfalls for Builders and Tradies 10:04 Make the Invisible Visible: Documenting Processes 16:43 Systems vs Policies vs Training in Construction Teams 19:33 Where Builders Should Start with Systemisation 20:21 Choosing a Systems Champion in Your Building Business 21:36 Time, Authority, and Empowerment for Process Ownership 22:16 Getting Your Team to Follow Systems and Processes 27:35 Why AI Still Needs Systems in Construction Operations 29:13 SystemHUB and AI Drafting for Process Documentation 32:20 Systems Champion Lifecycle and Delegation 34:29 Real Examples: How Systems Create Builder Leverage 35:07 Start With the Client Flow: Enquiry to Handover 38:20 Builder Leverage and BOFT Explained 43:00 Minimum Viable Systems for Builders: Start with Version One 46:06 Owner as Systems Architect: Leading Process Improvement 49:15 Apprentices and Spaghetti Maps: Visualising Workflow 51:51 Effective Over Efficient: What Actually Works on Site 55:02 Contact Details and Wrap Up with Builders Escape LINKS: Builders Escape: https://www.biztechguru.com.au/builders-escape Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Proclima Sponsor

    58 min
  5. This is a big can of worms

    May 3

    This is a big can of worms

    “Legally, you can still build a house with no membrane.” That line from Villy Yordanov, Pro Clima’s Innovation Engineer, sets the tone for this conversation about what is technically allowed versus what actually leads to durable, healthy homes. We unpack the gap between building compliance in Australia and real-world building performance, particularly in weatherproofing, moisture management, and the building envelope. A big focus is the NCC 2025 changes and how some cladding types can bypass performance solutions. On paper, that can look like simpler compliance. On site, it can create risk if builders assume “compliant” automatically means “safe” or “long-lasting”. We talk about why National Construction Code updates matter for builders, and how small decisions in wall systems can lead to big problems later like leaks, mould, and expensive rectification work. We also break down what membranes actually do in modern construction. They are not just there to “stop condensation”. They are part of a complete building envelope system that helps control water, air, and vapour. Alongside correct detailing, taping, penetrations, ventilation, and airtightness, membranes support durability, moisture safety, and better indoor comfort. If you are interested in building science, high-performance homes, or Passivhaus and Passive House principles, this episode connects the dots in plain language. Finally, we look at why warm climates are not a free pass. Tropical building in Australia brings extra humidity and a higher moisture risk, which makes good detailing even more important. The takeaway is simple. Builders who keep learning, understand systems, and treat weatherproofing as a whole-of-wall approach will build better homes and avoid costly failures. If you want practical insight into NCC compliance, membranes, airtight construction, and moisture control in the Australian construction industry, this one is worth a listen. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Inside Pro Clima HQ Sydney and Building Envelope Systems 02:02 Meet Villy Yordanov, Pro Clima Innovation Engineer 02:29 NCC 2025 Update Risks and Australian Building Compliance 04:14 Cladding vs Membranes for Weatherproofing and Moisture Control 07:48 Roof Airtightness Mistakes and Condensation Risk 11:31 Condensation, Mould, and Timber Rot in Wall Systems 14:31 Building Research, Testing, and Industry Funding 16:57 Membrane Myths, Builder Education, and Installation Errors 18:32 Masonry and Concrete NCC Exemptions Explained 24:16 Steel Frame Ghosting, Thermal Bridging, and Airtightness 27:39 Rigid Insulation Boards for High Rise Construction 31:14 UV Exposure Testing Standards for Building Wraps and Membranes 37:43 Tropical Construction, Vapour Barriers, and Humidity Management 40:13 Tropical Home Comfort Strategy and Moisture Safety 40:57 Why Insulation Still Matters in Hot Climates 42:35 Vapour Barriers in the Tropics: When They Help and When They Hurt 46:00 ERV vs HRV Ventilation Systems for Healthy Homes 48:55 Membrane Billowing, Wind Loads, and Weatherproofing Failures 54:50 NCC 2025 Control Layers: Water, Air, Vapour, and Thermal 01:03:23 Ventilated Cavity Requirements and Drainage Planes 01:07:31 Roof Ventilation, Moisture Movement, and Condensation Control 01:12:01 Sandwich Panels Moisture Risk and Building Envelope Design 01:13:15 Builder Mentorship, Training, and Learning Building Science LINKS: Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt CR Kennedy - https://www.crkennedy.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Proclima Sponsor

    1h 19m
  6. Getting romantic with your craft

    Apr 26

    Getting romantic with your craft

    A German journeyman carpenter walks into our studio and within five minutes, we are thinking, hang on… have we made modern life way more complicated than it needs to be? Erik is living a tradition that feels almost impossible in 2026. He is travelling for three years and one day, working wherever he can, learning from other tradespeople, and doing it all without a mobile phone. Not as a gimmick. As a way of life. Erik’s story centres around the German tradition of the Journeyman Years, a rite of passage where carpenters leave home to sharpen their skills, meet other craftspeople, and learn how to work in completely different environments. It is part training, part travel, part personal development, with rules that force you to rely on people, not apps. No scrolling. No “just Google it.” Just real conversations, real problem-solving, and a level of presence most of us have to actively practise. We also talk about craftsmanship in construction and why the word craft still matters. Erik does not speak about carpentry like it is just a job. He speaks about it like it is a craft worth respecting, protecting, and getting better at for life. It had us reflecting on our own relationship with building in Australia, and how timelines, budgets, admin, and site pressure can flatten the work into something purely transactional. Then there is the cultural contrast of Germany vs Australia on site. Glue. Nail guns. Different methods, different materials, and a bit of culture shock. What stood out most was Erik’s curiosity. No judgement, no superiority, just a genuine desire to learn and understand why things are done the way they are. If you are into carpentry, building culture, construction life, and the mindset side of being a tradie, this conversation is a reminder that presence is not a personality trait. It is a practice. 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Meet Erik the Journeyman 03:56 What Is a Journeyman 09:34 Norway Copper Drill Pads 12:30 Thailand to Australia Move 13:32 No Phone Journeyman Life 14:49 Guild History and Purpose 19:48 Rules and Restrictions 21:21 Journeyman Network in Australia 22:22 First Impressions of Australian Construction Industry Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ 25:59 Uniform Rules Explained 27:09 Tools and Travel Kit 28:51 Life on Aussie Sites 34:16 German Work Culture 40:24 Master Carpenter Path 43:56 Earring and Initiation 45:12 Mindful Moment Wrap

    48 min
  7. Weekly Building Gossip - More Homes, Rising build costs and Silica Issues

    Apr 23

    Weekly Building Gossip - More Homes, Rising build costs and Silica Issues

    Weekly Goss – April 23, 2026Matt and Hamish are back from Adelaide to discuss the latest housing developments in Canberra, a major safety crackdown on silica dust, and the importance of representation in the trades. In This Episode:The Canberra Housing Deal: The ACT and Commonwealth governments have signed a $250 million deal to deliver 4,900 homes, with over 1,700 reserved for first-home buyers.The Rising Cost of Building: A look at the staggering 74% increase in building costs since 2009 and the impact of global events on the industry.Silica Safety Crackdown: South Australia is leading a massive compliance campaign targeting silica dust. Any material with more than 1% silica (including cement sheeting, bricks, and tiles) is under the microscope.Health & Prevention: Matt shares a personal story regarding silicosis and emphasises why tradespeople must prioritise using vacuums and wearing masks, even when under pressure.Design Responsibility: Why architects and designers should be conscious of the materials they specify to reduce on-site cutting risks.Women in Trades: A shout-out to Sophie (@sister.carpentry) on Instagram for her work in encouraging women to join the construction industry. Key Resources & Mentions:Guest Spotlight: Follow Sophie @sister.carpentry on Instagram.South Australia Hosts: Huge thanks to Climasure, Pro Clima, and Endurobuilders for hosting the team in SA.Alternative Products: Mention of Weathertex and magnesium board as safer cladding alternatives. Upcoming Events:SBA Retrofit Playbook (May 7th): Featuring experts like Sarah from Coogee and Dylan from Orlin Construction. Tickets are roughly $30–$40.Passive House Conference (June 25-26, Victoria): Matt and Hamish will be hosting a breakaway room for builders and architects.Promo Code: Use themindfulbuilder for 10% off your tickets

    16 min
  8. What is a normal house?

    Apr 19

    What is a normal house?

    We sit down with Helen from Renew to unpack why the idea of a sustainable home still gets treated like a luxury, when it should really be the baseline. We talk about the shift happening across the Australian building industry, where sustainable housing, energy efficient homes, and high-performance building are becoming more mainstream. Better design decisions, not just bigger budgets, can lead to healthier, more comfortable, and more resilient homes. We get into the practical side of sustainable design and what actually makes a difference in real homes. Things like orientation, shading, airtightness, draught-proofing, solar power, and all-electric homes all play a role in improving comfort and reducing running costs. For anyone interested in Passive House principles, building performance, home energy efficiency, and sustainable construction in Australia, this is full of useful insight without the usual fluff. We also talk about the people often left out of the sustainability conversation, especially renters. From low-cost upgrades like sealing gaps and using portable induction cooktops, to bigger policy changes around rental energy efficiency standards, this episode looks at how sustainable living can become more accessible. We also explore community-led housing, shared spaces, and projects like The Paddock in Castlemaine, which show that good sustainable development is not just about the house itself, but about how people live together. If you care about sustainable homes, Passive House construction, electrification, healthy homes, low energy building, and the future of sustainable housing in Australia, this is a conversation worth listening to. We also touch on Sustainable House Day and why seeing real projects in person can help make eco homes, green building, and climate-conscious design feel far more practical and achievable. Because the goal is not to make sustainable homes feel special. It is to make them feel normal. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Meet Helen From Renew 02:49 Renew Origins And Mission 04:20 Getting Off Gas Debate 06:06 What Makes A Sustainable Home 08:22 Rethinking Sustainability Language 14:05 How Community Drives Policy 18:39 Sustainable House Day Explained 21:06 Retrofits And Electrification Journey 24:32 Why Sustainability Should Be Standard 27:14 Beyond Passive House 28:56 Narrow Block Case Study 31:36 Simple Sustainable Upgrades 32:07 Sustainable House Day Impact 41:50 Renters Practical Fixes 44:10 Rental Standards Coming 44:51 Ventilation Mould Liability 50:11 Landlords Incentives Debate 51:49 Energy Ratings Disclosure 54:05 Real Estate Greenwashing 54:31 Fixing Building Inspections 57:15 Sustainable House Day Online 01:01:16 Community-Centered Developments 01:05:36 Why Councils Don’t Join 01:22:16 Tours Spark Change 01:22:54 EV Chats and Wrap-Up LINKS: Connect with Renew: https://renew.org.au/ Sustainable House Day: https://sustainablehouseday.com/ Our Sponsors: Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Proclima Sponsor

    1h 26m
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About

Join Matt from Carland Constructions and Hamish from Sanctum Homes in a podcast discussing sustainable building practices and passive house concepts. They also talk to experts from all avenues of the building industry to share their knowledge and insights on what the industry looks like today. Further to this, Matt and Hamish are building a platform through the podcast to discuss mental health issues that arise in the building industry. The industry can be quite negative at times and there is a great deal of stigma around what it means to be a "tradie". Matt and Hamish are here to shine a light of positivity on the industry and share relatable topics that will help you in your own building or construction business.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Carland and Hamish White
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Matthew Carland and Hamish White
  • Show Website
    Mindful Builder

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