Sun, 8 September 2019
HPH263 : A step-by-step EnerPHit retrofit of a mid-terrace home – with Harry Paticas from Arboreal Architecture
Harry Paticas of Arboreal Architecture explains why care and hard work have been so important to the retrofit of his 1978 mid-terrace townhouse. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 2 September 2019
Dr Mike Page explains how The Cube micro home project developed and why land availability turned out to be a major issue for those that liked the idea of tiny house living. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 21 August 2019
Duncan Baker-Brown from BBM Sustainable Design explains how we can reduce waste on our projects, given a little more time and with a different approach on site. With the construction industry being such a big contributor of annual waste, he also shares strategies for how we could transform things if we treat buildings as material banks, which are built with deconstruction in mind. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 15 August 2019
HPH260 : What's the difference between a self build and a speculative development? – with Mark Stevenson
Managing Director of Potton Homes, Mark Stevenson, looks at how self build, custom build and speculative development differ. Check out the show notes for more information: |
Mon, 29 July 2019
Mike Coe has a progress report from Portree Passivhaus, which is now almost watertight. We pick up the story as the groundworks begin and look at some of the challenges as the superstructure has gone up. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 19 July 2019
HPH258 : Using a turn-key design and build company to deliver an ecological home – with Neil Sutherland
Neil Sutherland explains how using a design, manufacture and delivery company can give you a better quality of construction. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 6 July 2019
Ben Adam-Smith runs through the biggest problems you could face on your self build journey. He also looks at what can be done in those situations. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 28 June 2019
Tom Heywood from Green Building Store explains why we need mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in high performance homes and why it needs to be well designed. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 19 June 2019
Chris Herring, Director at Green Building Store, explains why careful consideration should be given when specifying windows. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 14 June 2019
Jeremy Lent, author and integrator, looks at how and why we should transform the fundamental basis of our civilisation. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 5 June 2019
Property developer and podcaster, Rob Bence, advises on what's needed for undertaking a successful building development project. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 1 June 2019
Chris Magwood, a director at the Endeavour Centre in Canada, explains the importance of embodied carbon and how building with plant-based materials could transform our new homes into carbon sinks. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 24 May 2019
Charlie Luxton shares lessons he's learnt from visiting projects on Building The Dream, running an architectural practice and completing his own self build. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 17 May 2019
Ben Adam-Smith picks out ten of his favourite new build homes. These are all homes he has visited and which have impressed him in different ways. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 10 May 2019
Danny Luhde-Thompson explains why he chose to demolish the bungalow he was renovating, to build a contemporary Passivhaus. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 1 May 2019
Resident of Marmalade Lane cohousing, Jan Chadwick, explains why living in a multi-generational community is so important to her. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 24 April 2019
Bill Butcher from Green Building Company, the construction division of Green Building Store, explains how they tackled two radical retrofit projects in West Yorkshire. Each took a 'whole house' fabric first approach in order to improve comfort levels and reduce the heating bills. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 17 April 2019
HPH246 : Self build mortgages that promote sustainable living – with Paul Ellis from Ecology Building Society
Paul Ellis, Chief Executive of Ecology Building Society, explains their approach to mortgages that reward energy efficiency and sustainability. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 3 April 2019
Elinor Olisa explains why her family's health was always paramount to the decision making on this build. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 27 March 2019
Tiny house and lifestyle blogger, Jenna Spesard, explains why she didn't want to spend her life working to pay for a house, but instead wanted a house that would work for her. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 20 March 2019
Architect and author Sarah Susanka explains why bigger isn't always better when it comes to building a house. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 21 February 2019
Phil McGeevor, Chair of Cannock Mill Cohousing, describes the 12-year journey it's taken to realise their cohousing community for older adults. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 8 February 2019
Ben Adam-Smith shares 10 tips for creating a budget, which is detailed and realistic. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 30 January 2019
Ben Adam-Smith runs through a few ideas of how to get started on your self build journey. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 23 January 2019
Matthew Cutler-Welsh takes us through three exciting projects that are making an impact in New Zealand. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 16 January 2019
Architect Adam Cohen explains how his modular construction system is making Passive House building simple and affordable. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 10 January 2019
Architect Richard Dudzicki explains the tricks and challenges of designing a £500,000 house on a £250,000 budget. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 5 January 2019
Ben Adam-Smith's house build was a core part of House Planning Help. Having completed the project in 2018, Ben Adam-Smith looks at what should come next. Check out the show notes for more information.
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Mon, 31 December 2018
Having recorded an audio journal the whole way through his project, Ben Adam-Smith plays back some key moments so you can hear what is involved in a self build within a single podcast episode. Check out the show notes for more information.
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Sun, 23 December 2018
Having completed his house build this year, Ben Adam-Smith evaluates his own performance as a self-builder. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 14 December 2018
Self build consultant, Mike Hardwick, explains the pros and cons of different construction systems. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 5 December 2018
Ben Ribbans is a self-builder who decided to take on more and more responsibility during his project. He explains how he gained the confidence to do this, and why research and planning are vital to success. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 15 November 2018
Interior Designer Gabrielle Blackman explains how, when planned properly, good interior design should take the owner's personality and stamp it on the house. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 24 October 2018
Martin Brown explains how this ancient material can be used in the modern world. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 4 October 2018
Straw Works co-founder Barbara Jones explains the different methods of building with straw. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 29 September 2018
Having had his last site meeting, Ben Adam-Smith explains what they are and how they fit into the construction process when building a new house. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 19 September 2018
Air leakage expert Paul Jennings looks at how best to achieve that all important airtightness when using particular construction methods. Check out the show notes for more information.
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Fri, 14 September 2018
With a matter of weeks until he moves into his new home, Ben Adam-Smith shares a list of ten things that he's excited about. Check out the show notes for more information.
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Sat, 8 September 2018
Architect Andrew Goodman explains what it took to create the UK's first load-bearing straw bale Passivhaus home. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 29 August 2018
Rob Wiggans explains how you can minimise risks when buying land for development. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 22 August 2018
Dean Scott takes Ben on a tour of the Graven Hill development, and of his own energy-efficient self build. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 15 August 2018
With the first phase well under way and residents already moving in, Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill Village Development Company, talks through the process of finding and buying a plot at Graven Hill. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 8 August 2018
As Ben Adam-Smith's build enters the final few weeks he reviews his project's schedule and sequencing. Although a lot of the detail pertains to building a masonry wall Passivhaus, it still serves as an example of the stages any house build might go through. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sun, 1 July 2018
Mike Coe provides a progress update on his second self build project, with finances being stretched as construction is set to begin. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 19 June 2018
Ben Adam-Smith looks at why self build projects often eat into the budget set aside for landscaping. This includes Ben's new home where initial garden plans have been put on hold! Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 6 June 2018
Alex Baines explains the impact a mid-construction delay has had on him, his family, and his Long Barrow Passivhaus project. Check out the show notes for more details.
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Thu, 31 May 2018
Ben Adam-Smith chats to his wife Kay about what it's been like building a house. She never wanted a new build, preferring to buy a period property instead. So why did she agree to do this? And what can we learn about trying to get a partner on board with a self build? Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 23 May 2018
With decades growing his knowledge of self-building, Mark Brinkley shares some of the surprises, challenges and joys involved. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 28 April 2018
Ben Adam-Smith reflects on what he's learned so far during the construction phase of his self build. The project is halfway through and the finished house will meet the Passivhaus standard. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 18 April 2018
HPH214 : What self-builders can learn from commercial land buyers – with Rob Wiggans from RMP Property
Rob Wiggans shares his expert tips on how to find a plot of land for a self build project. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 11 April 2018
Steven Thompson, from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, explains why it can be sensible to have a contract, and what type you might need for a self build project. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 4 April 2018
John Fenwick discusses the challenges of building his award-winning Passivhaus with an atypical form. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 19 March 2018
Mark Feldman of MARS Building Ltd offers an insight into how he prices up potential new jobs (including when he's invited into a tender process). Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 10 March 2018
Liz and Mike Hill explain the decisions behind the design of their contemporary eco home. Check out the show notes for more information |
Fri, 2 March 2018
HPH209 : Why consideration for others matters when designing a new home – with Marlen and Tony Godwin
Marlen and Tony Godwin explain why it was important for their modern, minimalist Passivhaus home and office designs to be sympathetic to the neighbourhood. Check out the show notes for more information |
Fri, 23 February 2018
Ben Adam-Smith looks at some of the reasons why his tender returns might have been so high. He then sits down with his wife Kay to consider possible savings. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 16 February 2018
Chris Parsons from Parsons+ Whittley outlines a traditional procurement route. And Ben and Kay Adam-Smith receive their tender returns. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 7 February 2018
Robert Flynn from Solarbarn explains how to choose a solar array to suit your needs. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 31 January 2018
Architectural technologist Dan Higginbotham from Parsons + Whittley Architects talks about producing construction drawings and a scheme of works from an architect’s design. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 26 January 2018
Five self-builders explain how they came to build their houses on the edge of a developer estate. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 22 January 2018
Author and self-builder Will Anderson talks about realising his self-build dream not once but twice! Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 15 January 2018
HPH202 : Designing the ventilation, heating, and hot and cold water systems for Ben's house – with Alan Clarke
Building Services Engineer Alan Clarke explains how he has designed and specified the ventilation, heating, and hot and cold water systems for Ben's new house. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sun, 31 December 2017
Ben Adam-Smith reflects on how he's changed while making 200 podcasts about self and custom building. He also looks at how the podcast has changed with him. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 26 December 2017
Ben Adam-Smith shares 20 insights about self-building that he has learned while making 200 podcasts and also tackling his own project. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 19 December 2017
Self-builder Oliver Smallman tells us about planning, building and living in his London Passivhaus. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 11 December 2017
Interior designer Emily Bizley explains how she and her husband, an architect, co-designed their RIBA shortlisted self-build home. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 5 December 2017
Jon Martin explains how he beat the odds with his extraordinary self-build tree house. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 27 November 2017
Lucy Pedler, architect and founder of The Green Register, talks about the importance of good communication throughout a self-build project. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 13 November 2017
Gordon Lewis explains what cellulose insulation is, how it's applied and why self-builders can benefit from choosing it. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 13 October 2017
Paul Testa from Paul Testa Architecture talks about how to predict the costs of a house build and shares his tips on limiting a self-build budget. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 3 October 2017
Simon Corbey from ASBP shares some of his research into the costs and life cycle of plastic windows and suggests some considerations for self-builders. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 29 September 2017
HPH192 : How 'Right to Build' can help custom and self-builders find land – with Michael Holmes from NaCSBA
Michael Holmes from NaCSBA explains the Right to Build initiative and how it will impact on the future of custom and self-builds. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Mon, 25 September 2017
HPH191 : Key decisions that impact on the sustainability of a house build – with Lloyd Alter from Treehugger.com
Lloyd Alter from TreeHugger shares his advice on what we should be prioritising as 21st century self-builders. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 19 September 2017
Ben Adam-Smith explains how he and his wife have been specifying their new home (which will be built to Passivhaus standard). Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sat, 2 September 2017
HPH189 : Is an electric car the perfect accompaniment for a low energy home? – with Robert Llewellyn from Fully Charged
Actor and TV presenter Robert Llewellyn shares his insights about the future of electric cars and energy production. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 24 August 2017
HPH188 : What are Paragraph 55 builds and how do they work? – with Richard Hawkes from Hawkes Architecture
Richard Hawkes from Hawkes Architecture tells us about the exceptional circumstances in which planning for rural new builds may be granted. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Sun, 20 August 2017
Will Kirkman from Ecomerchant shares the key results of a survey the company ran to find out what self-builders worry about most. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 11 August 2017
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith have a difference in opinion over which windows to specify for their new build Passivhaus home. While Ben is keen to minimise mullions, transoms and window frames, Kay believes this takes away from the aesthetics. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 26 July 2017
Ben Adam-Smith reviews what it took to be granted planning permission for his new Passivhaus home. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 14 July 2017
Donal O’Leary tells us about his self-build in Ireland and shares advice for a successful project. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Tue, 4 July 2017
Buckinghamshire Passivhaus has become one of the most airtight buildings in the UK. As such, we consider what factors contributed towards their exceptional result of 0.08 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 22 June 2017
HPH182 : Extracting energy from watercourses by generating electricity and extracting heat – with Justin Broadbent from ISO Energy
Justin Broadbent from ISO Energy explains the options available for extracting energy from water on your plot of land. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 15 June 2017
Jack Harvie-Clark from Apex Acoustics provides an overview of acoustics in the home. He also explains how we might go about controlling noises and soundproofing. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 8 June 2017
Ben Adam-Smith runs through the main options of where to live while your new home is under construction. While there's potential to save a lot of money it should not impact significantly on your comfort, state of mind or key relationships. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 1 June 2017
Cath Hassell from ech2o consultants explains why connecting to mains drainage is generally the best option for a new build home. She also runs through some alternatives if this is not possible. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 25 May 2017
Clare Whitney from Clayworks explains how clay plasters are made, their applications and why we might choose them over other wall finishes. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 17 May 2017
Architect Ruth Butler shares the story of building a contemporary Passivhaus on an overlooked, brownfield site. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 11 May 2017
Dennis and Nicola Merrigan talk about the highs and lows of their Passivhaus self-build project, sharing lessons learned. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 3 May 2017
Ben reviews the journey from briefing to planning stage for his own self-build project, with their architect Chris Parsons from Parsons + Whittley. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 27 April 2017
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith visit their architects Parsons + Whittley to discuss how to move their project forward. There are decisions to be made over which designs to pursue, what materials to embrace and how to address the various constraints (including bringing down the height of the building). Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 19 April 2017
Dr Michaela Benson from Goldsmiths explains how our housing needs change through life and why the concept of a forever home is often not realistic. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 12 April 2017
John Palmer from Enhabit explains what happens if you choose not to go all the way to Passivhaus standard, including how this impacts on cost, energy efficiency and comfort. He also outlines a best practice approach if you are going to build with Passivhaus principles. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 5 April 2017
Elina Grigoriou from Grigoriou Interiors talks about design, wellbeing and sustainability, and the role of interior designers. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 29 March 2017
Michael Campbell from Spratt Endicott Solicitors explains the key stages that need to take place in order to buy a piece of land for a self build project. Ben also chats through some of the challenges he faced during his plot search and subsequent land purchase. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 22 March 2017
Clare Nash from Clare Nash Architecture shares various responses by small developers in the UK and abroad to the challenges of creating modern communities through better design. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Wed, 15 March 2017
Allan Corfield from Allan Corfield Architects (ACA) explains how his approach to services and fees differs from traditional architecture practices in the UK. He describes the staged services his practice offers, giving indicative costs. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 9 March 2017
Simon Corbey from the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) shares some thoughts of what makes a healthy building product. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Fri, 3 March 2017
7 self-builders reflect on the key things they wish they'd known before starting their projects. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 23 February 2017
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith receive initial sketches of their new home from their architects Parsons + Whittley. They then feedback to John over the phone. Chris also outlines how this stage works and explains why it is so important. Check out the show notes for more information. |
Thu, 16 February 2017
Belinda and Paul Wilson share what they’ve learned from their Passivhaus build. Paul also explains the responsibilities of the Principal Designer and why he decided to take on this role himself. Check out the show notes for more information. |