The Building Sciology Poddie

Jess Kismet
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

My mission is to educate builders, architects and home owners so you can create the most comfortable, healthiest buildings possible. When you know better, you can do better.

  1. #27 - Waterproofing Fails, Compliance Gaps & the Accountability Problem with Jake Turner

    3D AGO

    #27 - Waterproofing Fails, Compliance Gaps & the Accountability Problem with Jake Turner

    In this conversation, I speak with Jake Turner, a tradie turned building surveyor and founder of JT Certification Services. We discuss Jake's journey in the construction industry, the importance of quality control, and the challenges faced in building compliance and regulations. Jake emphasises the need for better education and communication within the industry, as well as the significance of energy efficiency in building performance. The conversation highlights the role of private certifiers in streamlining processes and the necessity for collaboration among builders and certifiers to improve outcomes. Useful links JT Certification Services - Mount Gambier - website Robe Passive House- Instagram Sean Maxwell - ATTMA Aus and NZ Scheme Manager - W: https://www.bcta.group/attma/attma-anz/  E: sean.maxwell@attma.org What does a building surveyor do? - “The report found building surveyors were more than seven times more likely to have their registrations cancelled than any other class of building practitioner.” Mouldy frames in Adelaide - Instagram post Australian College of Environmental Studies - do you want to become a building biologist? What is NatHERS SA’s building code paused for 10 years National Building Code Pause until 2029 The TikTok Inspector - TikTok account Shine Hub - smart affordable solar and battery solutions Social Media Links Building Sciology Cimasure (sponsor) Enduro Builders (sponsor)

    1h 12m
  2. #26 - From Materials to Mindset: How Architecture Shapes Human Health with Pippa Lee

    12/21/2025

    #26 - From Materials to Mindset: How Architecture Shapes Human Health with Pippa Lee

    In this final episode of the Building Sciology Poddie for 2025, I had a great chat with architect and healthy home expert Pippa Lee of Haven Designed Healthy Homes. We discussed the importance of designing homes that support health and wellbeing, the impact of indoor environments on health, and practical tips for builders to create healthier spaces. Pippa shares her journey in architecture, her experiences in New York, and the significance of using non-toxic materials. We also explore the WELL Building Standard and the importance of water quality and filtration in homes. I hopoe you enjoy and please leave a 5 star review and follow along if you enjoyed the content. Cheers! Useful Links Zara D’Cotta - Healthy Materials Master Mind CIRS Explained Purchase an ERMI test - $459 - $500 Understanding the WELL Building Standard WELL Standard - Residential Green Star Homes Roadmap to becoming a WELL AP Waters Co Ace Bio+ jug Well Verti shower filter Natural v Synthetic furniture - how fast they burn Social Media Links Building Sciology Instagram Climasure Instagram Enduro Builders Facebook

    54 min
  3. #25 - Navigating Building Codes: Lessons from New Zealand and Canada with Pete Raimondo and Shawn McIsaac

    12/14/2025

    #25 - Navigating Building Codes: Lessons from New Zealand and Canada with Pete Raimondo and Shawn McIsaac

    In this episode, I chat with Shawn McIsaac and Peter Raimondo, of Oculus, to discuss building science, energy efficiency, and the challenges of modern construction. They explore the importance of airtightness, the risks of condensation, and the evolving building codes in New Zealand and Canada. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between architects and builders, the role of government incentives, and the future of high-performance building. Useful links Oculus Engineering website - podcast information Oculous Engineering - You Tube Channel Oculus Engineering instagram Retrofit post Victorian Gov insulation scheme 2025 Botched insulation scheme - BBC BRANZ - “Roof space moisture - it’s complicated” Aussie warm roof v European warm roof Parka Wrap- external insulation system Mouldy townhouses in Adelaide - instagram post Scoping Study into Condensation - has building code recommendations for 2019/2022/2025 Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings - DCCEEW Building Sciology Climasure Enduro Builders Show Notes https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/?v=lfcm

    1h 21m
  4. #24 - Is This Australia’s Leaky Building Crisis? What Victoria’s Failures Reveal with Chris Crewther MP and Kerry Ould

    11/23/2025

    #24 - Is This Australia’s Leaky Building Crisis? What Victoria’s Failures Reveal with Chris Crewther MP and Kerry Ould

    In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I, Jess Kismet, discuss the ongoing building crisis in Victoria with guests Kerry Auld and Chris Crewther MP. They explore the failures of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), the impact of combustible cladding, and the struggles faced by homeowners. The conversation delves into the need for accountability in the building industry, recent legislative changes, and the establishment of the new Building and Plumbing Commission. The episode emphasises the importance of consumer protection and learning from past mistakes to prevent future crises. Useful Links Article read in the introduction - Horror $9m early Christmas present for 33 apartment owners What is the Leaky Building Crisis - NZ? Rottenomics - The Story of New Zealand’s Leaky Buildings Disaster - buy on Amazon Articles relevant to this interview The Age - 20th February 20199 News - 20th February, 2019The Project - 12th March, 2019The Age - 15th October, 2019Chris Crewther MP - statement to Parliament 10th December 2024Frankston Cladding - 9 News FacebookSix-year-old apartment block full of leaks, cracks, mould Builders to blame for bad cladding will now be chased through courtsCombustible cladding removal costs and uncertainties causing anxiety in building owners - ABC News'We can’t afford this': Home owners bear brunt of cladding crisisApartment owners fear for 'suicidal' neighbours as combustible cladding crisis takes its toll$500 bill final nail in the coffin for struggling homeownerCladding Crisis - The ProjectDay two and still no answer from the Minister for Planning.Fed up Frankston South home owners are pleading for help to fix their apartment building wrapped in dangerous combustible cladding.Chris Crewther MP - Again in Parliament I urged the Labor Government’s Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to support the desperate residentsHome owners left high and dry while their building crumbles around themSocial Media Links Building Sciology - Better Buildings to Live and Breathe In Climasure - Better Buildings and Peace of Mind Enduro Builders - We build award winning high performing, energy efficient and Passivhaus homesVisit the website for a full transcript

    46 min
  5. #23 - A Dialogue with Dr Wolfgang Feist, Founder of The Passive House Institute

    11/09/2025

    #23 - A Dialogue with Dr Wolfgang Feist, Founder of The Passive House Institute

    In this episode, Dr. Wolfgang Feist ,founder of the Passive House Institute, joins me Jess Kismet to unpack why the Passive House standard continues to spark debate across the building world. Why does a building standard evoke such passion, loyalty, and even resistance? We explore how innovation in architecture and building science is often misunderstood, and why new ideas, like Passive House, can feel revolutionary to some and incremental to others. Wolfgang draws parallels to historical, scientific breakthroughs, reminding us that progress doesn’t always mean reinvention. From the importance of critical thinking in evaluating standards to the human tendency to defend familiar ways of building, this episode takes a thoughtful look at how emotion, history, and science intersect in the pursuit of better buildings. Useful Links What is Passive House Who is Dr Wolfgang Feist? Who is Fridtjof Nansen? Bo Adamon - Lund University - Co-creator of Passive House The World's First Passive House - Darmstadt - Kranichstein, Germany Who is Amory Lovins? Who is Kara Rosemeier Who is Ole Fanger The Camel - a living air conditioner Social Media Links Building Sciology Instagram Enduro Builders Instagram Climasure Instagram

    1h 20m
  6. #22 - Building Forensics 101: The Science of Healthy Homes with Dr. Tim Law

    10/26/2025

    #22 - Building Forensics 101: The Science of Healthy Homes with Dr. Tim Law

    In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I am joined by Dr. Tim Law, a building scientist and architectural forensic investigator. We discuss the challenges of building science, focusing on issues like condensation, mould, and the impact of building codes on health and safety. Dr. Law shares insights from his career, emphasising the importance of understanding the technical aspects of building design and the need for collaboration across disciplines. Useful Links Introduction to Architectural Science - The basis of sustainable design - Steven V Szokolay What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome CSIRO House Energy Efficiency Inspections Project 2015 CSIRO Air Infiltration of New Dwellings 2024 ASHRAE 241 - Control of Infectious Aerosols IICRC - Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ANSI/IICRC S500 - Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration ANSI/IICRC S520 - Standard for Professional Mold Remediation ABCB and UTAS Scoping Study of Condensation in Residential Buildings What is CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Breaking Bad - series about cooking Meth! Haha highly recommended AS3740 2021 Waterproofing BPC - Building and Plumbing Commission ABCB Building Confidence Report The Defect Evasion Playbook - Dr Tim Law The Screwtape Letters AS4654 External Waterproofing Episode #12 - Condensation, Roof Ventilation and Building Science with Clarence Macalister AS3500 - Plumbing and Drainage Social Media Links https://www.instagram.com/building.sciology/ https://www.instagram.com/climasuresa/ https://www.instagram.com/endurobuilders/ Websites www.climasure.com.au www.endurobuilders.com.au

    1h 28m
  7. #21 - Building for Durability: Lessons from Matt Risinger

    10/13/2025

    #21 - Building for Durability: Lessons from Matt Risinger

    In this conversation, I discuss the principles of high performance building at length with Matt Risinger, focusing on the importance of durability, water management, building science education, and the cultural differences in building practices between Australia and the US. Matt shares insights from his experiences in Australia, emphasising the need for transparency and learning from mistakes in the building industry. We also explore the concept of the 'Perfect Wall' and the upcoming "Build HD" standard aimed at improving building durability and health. Click follow on your favourite podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode and you help the show grow! Thanks so much - Jess Useful links That video - Matt has concerns Australia! Level Up conference Build Show Building Science 101, 201 and 301 Risinger Build Who is Dr Joe Lstiburek? Steel frame done properly - page 13 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to High Performance Building 02:37 Lessons from Australia: Building Communication and Practices 05:16 The Importance of Water Management in Building 08:03 Design Principles: Overhangs and Eaves in Modern Construction 10:42 Learning from Mistakes: Building Science and Durability 13:11 The Perfect Wall: A Concept for Longevity 15:42 Durability vs. Energy Efficiency in Building Practices 18:32 Identifying Common Building Mistakes 21:13 The European Influence on Building Standards 23:28 Mindset Shift: Building for Longevity 26:15 Innovations in Building Materials and Techniques 28:39 Exploring Flat Roofs and Durability 30:13 Mindset of Durability in Construction 31:44 Introducing the HD Standard 33:42 Build Show Live Conference Insights 36:00 Networking and Collaboration in the Building Industry 37:49 Building Science Education and Resources 43:57 Advice for Australian Builders 47:12 Condensation Concerns in Building 52:31 Lessons Learned in the Building Industry

    1h 3m
  8. #20 - Communication, Collaboration, Education and Designing Better Homes with Amelia Lee

    09/28/2025

    #20 - Communication, Collaboration, Education and Designing Better Homes with Amelia Lee

    In this episode, I saw down with Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect. Amelia has been empowering homeowners in the building and renovation process, and upskilling builders in their businesses. In this episode she shares her journey in architecture, the challenges homeowners face, and the importance of communication and education in the industry. The conversation covers the PAC process, managing client expectations, and the significance of moisture management in building health. Amelia emphasizes the responsibility of builders to educate homeowners and create lasting impacts on communities through their work. Useful Links Under Cover Architect Undercover Architect Podcast Live Life Build Full show notes: https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/episode/20-communication-collaboration-education-and-designing-better-homes-with-amelia-lee

    1 hr
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My mission is to educate builders, architects and home owners so you can create the most comfortable, healthiest buildings possible. When you know better, you can do better.

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