Renovation Collaborative

Stephanie Skyring
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Highly respected Australian residential architect Stephanie Skyring interviews industry experts to share the latest environmentally sustainable home design ideas, products and materials. Each podcast season demystifies a specific topic. Episodes are released weekly on Tuesdays. Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for listening to the podcasts and completing an online quiz. Find out more at www.renovationcollaborative.com.au

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Sustainable Design: The latest science & solutions – Season 3. Introduction & Programme

    Are you renovating or building and striving to make more sustainable and affordable decisions?  Whether you're an architect, designer or homeowner, juggling the current challenges of rising construction costs and the need to rethink design to be resilient and sustainable is very difficult …to say the least!  So, I created this podcast season to find answers that we all need and help inspire change.   Over 15 episodes, leading architects from across Australia and New Zealand will share their insights on the latest environmental design and construction, products and materials.  In this first episode, we'll cover: the upcoming episode topics, the three critical takeaway messages from the entire season, and for anyone new to sustainability, an introduction to the basics.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   SEASON 3 PROGRAMME THE LATEST SCIENCE E02 Design for a changing climate Dr Paul Matthew – University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & Planning E03 Regenerative Design and Circularity Andrew Noonan –Andrew Noonan Architect - Project Case Study: 39s House Renovation, Turrbal Country / Brisbane, QLD THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS E04 Sustainable Design Fundamentals - Space Efficient Belinda Allwood and Allison Stout – People Oriented Design - Project Case Study: Big Small House, Yirriganydji Country / Palm Cove, North QLD E05 Sustainable Design Fundamentals - Adaptable Chris Bligh – Bligh Graham Architects - Project Case Study: Live Work Share House, Yuggera Counry / Samford, QLD RENOVATION AND REUSE E06 Renovation - Material reuse Rob Norman - Symbiosphere Architects- Project Case Study: Bambury Bungalow, Bundjalung Country / Fingal Head, NSW E07 Renovation - Minimal Work Paul Butterworth - Paul Butterworth Architects - Project Case Study: Stafford Heights Modern, Turrbal Country / Brisbane, QLD RENEWABLE MATERIALS E08 Strawbale Panels & Biophilic...

    20 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Design for a changing climate – Dr Paul Matthew, University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & Planning

    Every renovation and new build project is an opportunity to create positive environmental change. But where should we concentrate our efforts to achieve the greatest impact? In today's episode, Dr. Paul Matthew, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Queensland School of Architecture, Design and Planning, will share his research on building for a changing climate to help guide us forward. Today we'll learn about: The latest climate change science and what we need to focus on in design. The regulatory changes in the pipeline for existing and proposed houses to help tackle climate change, The key steps to achieve net zero carbon, and Loads of other valuable insights, and practical information from Paul's years of research. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The CSIRO have modelled the potential future impacts of climate change over course of the century in all the Australian climate zones. The link to this CSIRO document is in the show notes. As the climate warms, design to optimise cooling through cross ventilation in summer will be critical for the whole of Australian. However it’s essential that rooms to be mechanically heated or cooled can be efficiently insulated and sealed to minimise energy consumption. 2. The Australian Government is planning two significant building regulatory changes to tackle climate change. The first proposed change affects new building work – Embodied carbon calculations are required as part of the Australian National Construction Code approval process. This change was enacted in 2025 in NSW for commercial buildings only. However, the goal at this early stage is to establish a standardized method for measuring embodied carbon.The second proposed change is for existing houses - An operational energy assessment will be required at the point of sale or lease using the NatHERS tool. This change is yet to be enacted, but it's worth noting that a very similar scheme has been in place in the ACT for over 25 years. 3. To achieve net zero carbon there are three steps: The primary objective is to reduce operational carbon. To create highly energy efficient homes through strategies such as: climate responsive designsystems like Passive House adding rooftop PV panels, and purchasing renewable energy via the grid The secondary objective is to reduce embodied carbon...

    1h 8m

  3. EPISODE 3

    Regenerative Design & Circularity – Andrew Noonan, Andrew Noonan Architect

    Reducing carbon emissions, both embodied and operational, is now a design priority. But carbon cannot be considered in isolation. Today we continue with the latest science and investigate the importance of holistic decision making and regenerative design. We'll explore the renovation and extension of a 150-year-old timber cottage on a small inner city suburban site in Turrbal Country, subtropical Brisbane. Architect Andrew Noonan, director of Andrew Noonan Architect, shares the inside story on renovating his own home. Andrew conducted extensive research on his design, material and product choices to ensure they achieved optimal regenerative outcomes and he shares his very interesting findings. Today we'll learn about: the importance of regenerative design and circular economy thinking, specifying timber from environmental sources, the long term problems with using dark colours in hot climates, why plasterboard wall linings are actually a very environmental solution, and loads of other insights and practical information from Andrew's extensive research and years of experience.   Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Reducing carbon emissions through design is critical, but we must think holistically and find regenerative design solutions that do not focus on carbon at the expense of everything else. Regenerative design aims to integrate the building into a broader system, emphasising ways to give back and create a positive impact rather than merely reducing negative impacts. As an example, Andrew could have achieved 10 star NatHERS but chose not to because achieving it would have required upgrading from single to double glazing. This change would have significantly increased his embodied carbon due to the added glass. NatHERS modelling proved that his house design would be comfortable in a subtropical climate without mechanical heating and cooling, and so double glazed windows were not essential. 2. Relying on rooftop solar power to offset large household energy consumption is not a balanced regenerative approach. It's crucial to prioritise reduction over production. Always explore ways to reduce energy demand first. 3. Getting the fundamentals of climate responsive design right is a vital starting point for all designs and will significantly enhance energy efficiency. 4. Choosing light coloured exterior paint in hot climates can minimise heat gain and prolong the life of...

    1h 1m

  4. EPISODE 4

    ESD Fundamentals: Space efficient joy – Belinda Allwood & Allison Stout, People Oriented Design

    Sustainable design begins with the fundamentals. This means carefully considered floor plans that utilise space efficiently and are responsive to your climate and the surrounding site. In today's episode, we'll explore the design of a new house on a small site located in Palm Cove in tropical North Queensland. Architects Belinda Allwood and Allison Stout from People Oriented Design share the inside story of their Big Small House project. Today you'll learn, ideas to help you create a comfortable and happy home that is space efficient and affordable,design strategies to optimize cross ventilation, and creative ways to provide joy through design while working with a modest budget.  Plus loads of other insights and practical information on materials and products from Belinda and Allison's years of experience. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz. MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Houses in hot tropical climates can be comfortable most of the year with access to good natural ventilation and shading. However, they will need a small air-conditioned retreat space designed for optimal energy efficiency for those very hot days every summer. 2. Belinda's design ideas to maximize ventilation and airflow include: Thermal venting by allowing a large volume of cool air to enter at the lower level and as it heats, rise and exit through the upper level. Providing narrow floor plans with windows on opposite sides of the house to promote breeze flow straight through because breezes move best in straight lines through the house, Providing awnings and eaves over windows and doors so they can remain open during rain. Maximising door opening size in this case with sliding stacker doors, Using louvres and casement windows to provide 100% opening. These windows can be angled to channel breeze through the house and also remain open during rain. However, it is important to note if you're designing a room to be opened for maximum ventilation, and also closed for air conditioning with optimal energy efficiency, choose more airtight window openings and this includes casement windows, bifold doors, swing doors. Avoid louvers, sliders and double hung windows because they do not seal shut as effectively. 3. A common design requirement in cyclonic regions is the psychological need to feel safe. Timber and steel framing is very strong in cyclonic wind speeds when built to the correct engineering standards. However, masonry, and that means...

    39 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    ESD Fundamentals: Adaptable & flexible for the future – Chris Bligh, Bligh Graham Architects

    To be sustainable, buildings must be adaptable and flexible. They must meet the current occupants’ needs efficiently and enable rearrangement or repurposing to accommodate future needs with minimal work and material waste. In today's episode we continue our exploration of the sustainable design fundamentals. We investigate the design of a new house on a standard 600m2 suburban site in Yuggera Country, Samford in subtropical Brisbane. This house contains three different parts; a four bedroom home, a self-contained office and a self-contained secondary dwelling. Architect Chris Bligh, a director at Bligh Graham Architects, shares the inside story on his Live Work Share project Today we'll learn: ideas for creating a flexible floor plan that can accommodate multiple functions and adapt to changing needs, design strategies to optimise cross ventilation and passive cooling, and the process for using recycled hardwood from demolition yards. And loads of other insights and practical information from Chris’, years of experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. The design brief for the average Australian home is not what it used to be, and it keeps changing. More people are working from home, children are staying at home longer or they leave only to return with their partners and young children. There is a serious shortage of smaller affordable housing suitable for couples, young families or single parent families. For anyone looking for a source of income, incorporating secondary accommodation into your house plans can often provide much needed housing options for others and offer additional flexibility for the future. 2. Reducing your building footprint to maximise green space is critical and provides multiple benefits, such as improved access to passive ventilation, areas for productive food gardening and support for nature and natural processes. 3. Ideas to maximise cooling through passive ventilation included providing openings to at least two, if not three sides of every room. Chris used internal courtyards to achieve this. And security solutions that allow the house to remain open and ventilated while locked up. 4. Ideas to control access to sun in winter and shade in summer included retractable awnings over courtyards, using windows with solid infill instead of glass to provide shade and privacy while allowing ventilation, and adding retractable outdoor curtains to...

    42 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Renovation & Reuse: Old buildings & character – Rob Norman, Symbiosphere Architects

    Actively looking for ways to reuse what is already in place is central to environmental decision making. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Renovation and Reuse. We'll investigate the renovation of a 1940s timber cottage located in Bundjalung Country in the beachside town of Fingal Head in subtropical northern New South Wales. Architect Rob Norman, director of Symbiosphere Architects, shares the inside story on his Bambury Bungalow project. Today we'll learn about creative and cost effective solutions for retaining and reusing old buildings and materials, the unique character and joy that can be affordably created through reusing old buildings, and loads of other insights and practical information from Rob's years of experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Old buildings and materials have a unique character that is very difficult to obtain from anything affordable and new. They make a home so much more interesting, inspirational and joyful to live in, adding to quality of life, market appeal, and ultimately property value. 2. In recent years, interest and awareness of sustainable design have grown in the market, but unfortunately, knowledge has not. Social media, architectural journals and architect websites promote environmental design with glossy, finished project photos, but with limited information about what's going on in the background. These glamorous images support the assumption that environmental buildings are expensive and all about appearance. In reality, a house that performs well from a sustainability point of view is not necessarily expensive or glamorous. Unfortunately, many genuinely sustainable houses do not photograph well, so they do not get the interest that they should. The next points are about ideas for reusing materials out of your existing building. Rob had heaps of ideas, but these particular ones come up most frequently on a lot of old houses. 3. Old window glass and old windows can be retained and made safer by applying security film. Old window glass is thinner and more fragile than modern glass and breaks into sharp, jagged shards when shattered, posing a serious safety risk. The application of security film enhances the window's resistance to breakage and holds the shattered glass together. 4. Old timber T&G floorboards on their last legs can be retained with a thorough cleaning. This approach is beneficial in cases where sanding...

    59 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Renovation & Reuse: Building less & Retro joy – Paul Butterworth, Paul Butterworth Architect

    Building less is without doubt the most cost effective and environmental solution. If you have an old home with good bones, a few strategic and creative moves may be all you need to create something very special. In today's episode, we continue exploring the importance of reusing existing buildings and look at ways to renovate and add value and joy with minimal work. We'll investigate the renovation of a mid-century modern home located in Stafford Heights in subtropical Brisbane. Architect Paul Butterworth, director of Paul Butterworth Architect, shares the inside story on his Stafford Heights Modern project. Today we'll learn about the opportunities and challenges of reusing existing homes and materials. And we have a very interesting conversation about the financial challenges architects and builders face when working on low budget renovations and some real solutions to create better outcomes for everyone. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. It's important for architects to educate their clients about the world of opportunity that design and particularly sustainable design offers. And if you're a client of an architect, it will require trust, sometimes bravery and working collaboratively to achieve a unique and environmental home. 2. If an existing house has character and good bones, think very carefully before demolishing it. Older homes contribute to the character we value in our streets and enhance property value, pride and delight in our suburbs. This character is rarely matched in new low budget homes. 3. It's easier to salvage and recycle items from demolition if you are living on site. Builders work within tight time frames and usually don't have the resources or time to stockpile materials and determine how to pass them on to a new owner. 4. An ordinary mid-century home may be cost effectively renovated into something very special through enhancing its existing motifs and design elements. Look for inspiration in the surrounding older homes. Paul shared some very wise advice about architectural practice. 5. Architects must be transparent about their commitment to projects and build trust with clients by itemising non-chargeable time and tasks....

    46 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Renewable Materials: Strawbale Panels & Biophilic Design – Talina Edwards, Envirotecture

    If you thought that straw bales were only for DIY backyard builders, think again. In today’s episode we move onto our next sustainable design theme - renewable materials. We’ll investigate the design of a new certified Passive House built from Huff’n’Puff SITUP strawbale wall panels. This house is located on an off grid site in the cool temperate Victorian high country.  Architect Talina Edwards, a director at Envirotecture, shares the inside story on her Huff’n’Puff Haus. Today we’ll learn about: Biophilic design and our intrinsic connection with nature, Country and our planet The costs and benefits of using straw bale panels and their role in construction Strategies to achieve Net Zero carbon, andA wealth of insights and practical information drawn from Talina’s extensive experience   Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.au PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY 1. Biophilic design is linked to care for Country and an understanding that we are part of nature and intrinsically linked with our planet. If we don't care for Mother Earth, she can't keep caring for us. It's a reciprocal relationship of being present, responsible and caring. Like we take responsibility to care for our family. We feel better when we're outside in nature, but most of us spend around 80% of our time indoors. Biophilic design is about creating indoor environments that help us feel closer to nature and the outdoors through ideas such as plants, natural light, textures and materials. But it's critical to be very mindful of how our design choices affect the environment. Because remember, it's not only about what is good for us, it's a reciprocal relationship. 2. The primary driver for using straw bale panels is to create maximum wall insulation in colder or more extreme climate zones. Other benefits include being a renewable material, low embodied carbon and reuse of a waste product from the agricultural industry. 3. Huff n Puff straw bale wall panels are made from straw bales tightly fitted inside plywood box frames. The panels are typically 350 - 450mm thick, approximately 600 - 1200mm wide and 2.5 – 3m high depending on the project requirements and they're engineered to be load bearing. 4. Lime mortar or clay mortar can be used on the exterior or interior to seal the straw...

    1h 7m
See All Season 3 (14)

About

Highly respected Australian residential architect Stephanie Skyring interviews industry experts to share the latest environmentally sustainable home design ideas, products and materials. Each podcast season demystifies a specific topic. Episodes are released weekly on Tuesdays. Australian Architects can claim their formal CPD hours for listening to the podcasts and completing an online quiz. Find out more at www.renovationcollaborative.com.au

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Skyring
  • Episodes
    37
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Stephanie Skyring
  • Show Website
    Renovation Collaborative

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