Shows
House Planning Help PodcastHow can you reduce the embodied carbon of a project? – with Elly Deacon Smith and Kirk RushbyElly 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.
2025-12-1738 min
House Planning Help PodcastPractical considerations when looking for a plot of land – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith shares a few thoughts about what to look for in a plot of land for a low energy house build. Check out the show notes for more information
2025-11-0540 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is a Principal Designer? – with Ben NotherBen Nother, a Director at Hawkland Group, explains the two different roles of Principal Designer in meeting building regulations and addressing CDM health and safety. He also reflects on how this has been integrated into their processes. Check out the show notes for more information.
2025-07-1651 min
A-Game Unfiltered091: From Abandonment to Ownership: Ben Hill on Healing, Sobriety, and Starting OverWhat happens when a man stops running from pain and starts facing it?
In this raw and powerful episode, Smith sits down with Ben Hill, a former client and now a successful positive psychology coach, to unpack the journey from emotional avoidance to personal ownership.
Ben opens up about being abandoned by his father as a child, a wound that led him down a path of seeking validation, numbing emotion with food and alcohol, and chasing success in a career he hated.
Eventually, the pain of staying the same became greater than the...
2025-06-0445 min
The Voice of Boxing with Adam SmithTVOB Podcast - Ben Fail: A Rising Star!In this episode of the Voice of Boxing podcast, host welcomes rising star Ben Fail, an undefeated fighter with an impressive amateur background, currently making waves in the Super Welterweight division. Ben discusses his ambitious plans for 2025, aiming for big fights and title opportunities as he seeks to elevate his career. He emphasises the importance of making a name in boxing, stating that “closed mouths don’t get fed,” and shares his determination to bring titles back to Peacock's Gym. The episode also touches on the dynamic between Ben and his twin brother, Carl, as they navigate the boxing world...
2025-03-2138 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is value engineering?Ben Adam-Smith explains what value engineering is and how it can help us to do more with less. He reflects on a short video about Slate House in Herefordshire that includes some great examples of value engineering. Check out the show notes for more information.
2024-04-2729 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow to measure and monitor the performance of a home - with Luke SmithLuke Smith from Build Test Solutions talks about making building performance measurement more commonplace, and how you can't manage what you don't measure. Check out the show notes for more information.
2023-11-0941 min
House Planning Help PodcastBen's Passivhaus 5 years onBen Adam-Smith marks five years of living in his Passivhaus home by reflecting on his self build journey and what the house has been like to live in. Check out the show notes for more information.
2023-10-1135 min
How the Fxck SEO PodcastPart 3: 2,300 Blog Posts in One Go?! How to Do Tomb Raiding Keyword Research - The Strategy Behind the "BEAST" SEO Case Study (Adam Smith, Founder @ Niche Website Builders) - SEO PodcastIn the final episode with Adam Smith, we look at the keyword research system behind his "beast" SEO case study.
Here's the background on the niche site:
He bought an aged domain (DR 27)
He wrote 4 million words (2,300 blog posts)
It's currently at ~40,000 monthly visitors in
2023-04-0424 minHow the Fxck SEO PodcastPart 2: How to Choose a Profitable Niche That You Can *Actually* Win (Adam Smith, Founder @ Niche Website Builders) - SEO PodcastMore with Adam Smith!
This time? The hardest part of niche blogging: Actually choosing a sub-niche you don't regret.
This is the best methodology I've seen to find areas of traffic you can win, quickly.
Adam tells us how to take a data-led approach to this.
The savvy ones of you out there will have already noticed—this methodology (for finding untapped, uncompetitive traffic to win) also applies to SaaS and services.
Really, it's one of the most fundamental principles of SEO research. But taken through a lense I'd ne...
2023-03-2921 min
The Conscious Builder Show with Casey Grey#171 - Ben Adam-Smith - UK Passive House owner and podcaster on his custom buildBen Adam-Smith worked in TV and radio for 15 years. With a growing concern about the environment, he wanted to play his part in looking for solutions. As our homes are probably the biggest part of our carbon footprint he started there. He set up a podcast called House Planning Help and documented what he learnt as he went about his own Passivhaus project. A decade on and his website is going from strength to strength. He also launched a membership community called The Hub to help others who want to build high performance, low carbon homes. Ben is passionate about...
2021-12-0339 min
Unravelling the Universe℠#14 Adam Smith AKA 'Mr Junk Food Chef' | Food Waste Activist | Plant-Based Chef | Ethical EntrepreneurADAM SMITH is a Food Waste Activist, Plant-Based Chef, and Ethical Entrepreneur. He's the founder and co-director of the amazing multi-award-winning global initiative: The Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP), and is one of a tiny minority of people who runs a business that actually values people above profits. He's faced, and has come through adversity in his own life, and those hardships have helped him become the person he is today. In 2014, he was voted one of the forty most influential men in the world by AskMen, and in 2017 the Telegraph voted him as one of top 50 most influential pe...
2021-09-241h 05
House Planning Help PodcastThe houses I've lived in - with Ben Adam-SmithAs a way of celebrating our 300th episode we're doing something a little different. Ben Adam-Smith reflects on the homes he's lived in and what he's learnt from living in them. Check out the show notes for more information.
2021-04-1426 min
House Planning Help PodcastIs mechanical ventilation just something else to go wrong? – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith shares his own experience of living with a mechanical ventilation system. While he's clocked up a few error messages on the unit and had more problems than most, he explains why he wouldn't want to go back to natural ventilation. Check out the show notes for more information:
2021-03-2420 min
Passive House PodcastBen Adam-Smith – House Planning HelpPassive House podcaster extraordinaire and personality Ben Adam-Smith of House Planning Help joins Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh for an entertaining conversation about how Ben came to his focus on Passive House, his burgeoning communications treasure trove at House Planning Help's "The Hub", his observations about Passive House adoption in the UK, and the secrets behind his Passive House communications superpowers. Ben started his career in radio and TV production, including a stint as a radio presenter. But when he embarked on a journey to create an "eco" home for his family, he recognized the need f...
2021-02-2249 min
House Planning Help PodcastRenovating a 1960s house for comfort and efficiency – with Russel HaydenArchitect Russel Hayden explains how he sought to renovate a derelict 1960s house to EnerPHit standards. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-09-0933 min
House Planning Help PodcastA beginner's guide to retrofit – with Russell SmithRussell Smith of Parity Projects explains why a whole house plan is the best way forward for tackling a renovation. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-08-2635 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is the Living Building Challenge? – with Martin BrownMartin Brown from Fairsnape explains how the Living Building Challenge is a holistic standard that benefits health and the environment. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-08-1230 min
House Planning Help PodcastDeveloping plant-based building materials – with Judith ThorntonDr Judith Thornton of Aberystwyth University explores how plant-based materials are being used in the building industry, and why they are so important for our future. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-07-2927 min
House Planning Help PodcastBuild It magazine's Self Build Education House – with Calum Taylor and Opinder LiddarCalum Taylor and Opinder Liddar talk through the design and construction of the 'Self Build Education House' at Graven Hill. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-04-0136 min
House Planning Help PodcastModelling the embodied carbon of your build – with Tim MartelTim Martel explains how to model the embodied carbon of your build using PHribbon, a tool that plugs in to PHPP (Passive House Planning Package). Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-03-2528 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow to share knowledge, test and debunk! – with Nick GrantNick Grant shares his thoughts on the lessons learned from 30 years of the AECB (Association of Environment Conscious Building). Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-03-1832 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat's it like to be an owner builder? – with Tully GallagherTully Gallagher of Beartooth Passive House, explains what it was like to take a leap of faith in swapping a desk job with building a 'forever home' for his family. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-03-1135 min
House Planning Help PodcastA beginner's guide to the Passivhaus Standard – with Jon BootlandChief Executive of the Passivhaus Trust, Jon Bootland, explains the processes and benefits of building your house to the Passivhaus Standard. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-03-0440 min
House Planning Help PodcastA beginner's guide to building terminology – with Lee Fordham from ArchitypeLee Fordham from Architype simplifies some of the terminology you might come across if you're thinking about doing a sustainable self build. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-02-2633 min
House Planning Help PodcastA beginner's guide to self build – with Geoff StowHaving worked on his own hands-on group self build project, and site managed others, Geoff Stow shares his experience on where to start when it comes to self build. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-02-1936 min
House Planning Help PodcastThe importance of building performance evaluation – with Professor Fionn StevensonProfessor Fionn Stevenson explains why building performance monitoring and post-occupancy evaluation should be mandatory on new homes. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-02-1237 min
House Planning Help PodcastA case study of Hope View Passivhaus – with Tracey and Roman IwanczukTracey and Roman Iwanczuk explain how they managed to build a Passivhaus on a sloping site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-02-0541 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow to reduce the cost per square metre on a self build – with David SnellWith 14 projects under his belt, author and serial self builder David Snell explains how you can stop costs from running away from you. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-01-2930 min
House Planning Help PodcastAn innovative cork house, designed for disassembly – with Matthew Barnett HowlandAward-winning Cork House was the world's first to use a solid cork construction system. Matthew Barnett Howland explains the concept and how he managed to build it himself. Check out the show notes for more information:
2020-01-2234 min
House Planning Help PodcastA hemp house that also minimises plastic use – with Paloma GormleyArchitect Paloma Gormley of Practice Architecture explains how versatile hemp can be as a building material, and how plastic use can be reduced on site. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-01-1530 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is the problem with plastic? – with Emily PennSkipper and oceans advocate Emily Penn explains the damage that plastic pollution is having on our oceans, and how we can find solutions. Check out the show notes for more information.
2020-01-0829 min
House Planning Help PodcastCommon questions about the Passivhaus standard – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith shares some of the questions that got asked about the Passivhaus standard during a question and answer session at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-11-2824 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is the WELL Building Standard? – with Olga Turner Baker from EkkistOlga Turner Baker describes the WELL Building Standard and explains how the principles can be applied to improve health and well-being on individual projects. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-11-0730 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is snagging? – with Chris ParsonsChris Parsons returns to Ben Adam-Smith's self build home after a year to look for defects. He explains what snagging is, how the list is compiled and how the rectification process works. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-10-3028 min
House Planning Help PodcastThe state of self build in the UK – with Jason OrmeSelf-builder and renovator Jason Orme reflects on the main challenges you face if you want to tackle a house build in the UK. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-10-2343 min
House Planning Help PodcastSelf build tips, eco design and the climate emergency – with Kevin McCloud from Grand DesignsKevin McCloud from Grand Designs shares practical advice on how to approach an ecological build, and comments on how architecture needs to change to address the climate emergency. Check out the show notes for more information:
2019-10-1635 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow to invest sweat equity into a project while maintaining quality – with Ajay Boardman and Nigel BowleyClient Ajay Boardman and her builder/carpenter Nigel Bowley share their experience of working together on her self build project. In addition to project managing Ajay is labouring for Nigel. We look at why this relationship has worked well and consider how much money she is saving. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-10-1027 min
House Planning Help PodcastPreserving the beauty of a building while renovating to EnerPHit standard – with Jonathan KearnsJonathan Kearns of Kearns Mancini Architects, describes how he tackled a high performance retrofit of a century-old building. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-10-0630 min
House Planning Help PodcastYour forever home lifestyle - with Mark Siddall from LEAPMark Siddall from LEAP explains his framework the 'Forever Home Lifestyle' and how he uses it with his clients. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-09-2545 min
House Planning Help PodcastA step-by-step EnerPHit retrofit of a mid-terrace home – with Harry Paticas from Arboreal ArchitectureHarry 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.
2019-09-0838 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhere do you put a low energy Cube micro home? – with Mike PageDr 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.
2019-09-0238 min
House Planning Help PodcastReducing construction waste and reusing materials – with Duncan Baker-BrownDuncan 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.
2019-08-2136 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat's the difference between a self build and a speculative development? – with Mark StevensonManaging 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:
2019-08-1536 min
House Planning Help PodcastConstructing the masonry superstructure of Portree Passivhaus – with Mike CoeMike 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.
2019-07-2940 min
House Planning Help Podcast4 ways a self build project can go wrong – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2019-07-0624 min
House Planning Help Podcast10 inspiring self builds – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2019-05-1721 min
House Planning Help Podcast10 tips for better budgeting on a self build – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith shares 10 tips for creating a budget, which is detailed and realistic. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-02-0821 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow to start planning a self build – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2019-01-3023 min
House Planning Help PodcastMaking Passive House homes affordable – with Adam CohenArchitect Adam Cohen explains how his modular construction system is making Passive House building simple and affordable. Check out the show notes for more information.
2019-01-1632 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat next for House Planning Help? – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2019-01-0520 min
House Planning Help PodcastMy entire 6-year house build (told through my audio journal) - with Ben Adam-SmithHaving 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.
2018-12-3143 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow well did I do on my self build? – with Ben Adam-SmithHaving 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.
2018-12-2324 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhich parts of a house build can you do yourself? – with Ben RibbansBen 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.
2018-12-0536 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is a site meeting? – with Ben Adam-SmithHaving 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.
2018-09-2927 min
House Planning Help Podcast10 things I'm looking forward to about my new home – with Ben Adam-SmithWith 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.
2018-09-1422 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat is it like to self build at Graven Hill? – with Dean ScottDean 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.
2018-08-2240 min
House Planning Help PodcastThe build schedule for my cavity wall Passivhaus home – with Ben Adam-SmithAs 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.
2018-08-0825 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhy landscaping plans always get put on hold – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2018-06-1925 min
House Planning Help PodcastWhat to do if your partner wants to build a house! – with Kay Adam-SmithBen 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.
2018-05-3124 min
House Planning Help Podcast10 things I've learned during construction – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2018-04-2817 min
House Planning Help PodcastBringing down the cost of my self build – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2018-02-2330 min
House Planning Help PodcastOpening our tender returns – with Ben and Kay Adam-SmithChris 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.
2018-02-1622 min
House Planning Help PodcastDesigning the ventilation, heating, and hot and cold water systems for Ben's house – with Alan ClarkeBuilding 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.
2018-01-1532 min
House Planning Help PodcastA recap of my self build journey (after reviewing 200 podcasts!) – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2017-12-3131 min
House Planning Help Podcast20 Self build tips (learned from 200 podcasts) – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2017-12-2633 min
House Planning Help PodcastHow we are specifying our self build project – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2017-09-1931 minHouse Planning Help PodcastChoosing windows for a Passivhaus home - function versus aestheticsBen 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.
2017-08-1118 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH185 : Why engaging in the planning process is so importantBen Adam-Smith reviews what it took to be granted planning permission for his new Passivhaus home. Check out the show notes for more information.
2017-07-2626 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH180 : Where to live during your house build – with Ben Adam-SmithBen 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.
2017-06-0825 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH175 : From briefing to planning – with Chris ParsonsBen 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.
2017-05-0327 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH174 : Addressing height issues on our self buildBen 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.
2017-04-2724 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH170 : The process of buying land – with Michael Campbell from Spratt Endicott SolicitorsMichael 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.
2017-03-2929 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH165 : Feeding back to our architectBen 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.
2017-02-2324 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH162 : Briefing our architect for our house buildBen and Kay Adam-Smith sit down with Chris Parsons from Parsons + Whittley to run through the brief for their self build project. Check out the show notes for more information.
2017-02-0230 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH161 : How I chose an architect for my Passivhaus project – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith shares what he's learnt during the process of hiring an architect for his self build project. Check out the show notes for more information.
2017-01-2621 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH159 : What it took to find my plot of land – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith comes clean with his project progress! After two and a half years of looking, he has finally managed to buy a plot of land upon which to build his eco home. However, the process of buying the land was perhaps not the joyous occasion he would have liked. In this solo episode he shares what he's learnt. Check out the show notes for more information.
2017-01-1122 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH147 : A Passivhaus standard Q & A – with Elrond BurrellAs part of Ben Adam-Smith's video work, podcasts and meeting with other self builders, he is often asked questions about the Passivhaus standard that he doesn't know how to answer. He recently took the opportunity to put those questions to Elrond Burrell, as well as finding out about Elrond's future plans as he gets ready to move back to New Zealand. Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-09-2134 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH143 : Why I couldn't build a house in 4 years – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith reviews the key decisions that may have led to failing to build an energy-efficient home within his desired 4-year timeframe. Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-08-2424 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH140: What is a quantity surveyor? - with Jerry Thomas from Smith Thomas ConsultA quantity surveyor can add far more value to a project than just working out how much your project is likely to cost. Jerry Thomas explains the role of a quantity surveyor, when you should employ one and how it could benefit your self build. Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-08-0332 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH136 : 6 observations from 6 Passivhaus projects – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith shares what he's learnt from visiting 6 self build projects, each shortlisted for the UK Passivhaus Awards 2016. Regen Media produced 6 video inserts for the ceremony and this gave Ben the opportunity to visit these homes. Now he reflects on each project and the key takeaways. Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-07-1020 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH127 : 5 ways to get proactive when looking for land – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith outlines 5 strategies for taking your land search into your own hands. If you have been struggling to unearth a plot for your self build and have time to invest, then these proactive strategies could help you get your hands on something that others have missed. Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-05-0621 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH123: How different is building a home in the USA versus in the UK? – with Michelle Nelson from Build Your House Yourself UniversityLike Ben Adam-Smith, Michelle is a podcaster who is keen to build her own home and is sharing the information she learns along the way with her audience. In this episode she and Ben discuss how some of the challenges of the self build market compare in the UK and the US, and also some of the best things about their respective housing industries.
Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-04-0631 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH122 : Can local knowledge help you uncover a plot of land? – with Ben Adam-SmithWith Ben Adam-Smith struggling to find a plot of land in his town, he has decided to try a new approach and dedicate a full day trying to tap in to local knowledge. He shares the tips he was given and concludes with how successful his day was in progressing his self build plans.
Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-03-3023 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH110 : Reflecting on my self-build project – with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith reviews where he is in his own self-build process and discusses the reasons why there will be some changes to future podcasts.
Check out the show notes for more information.
2016-01-0621 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH108 : Progressing your house build plans before you have your land – with Kirsty MaguireBen Adam-Smith has been frustrated by his lack of progress in finding a suitable building plot and has been wondering whether there is anything he can be doing in the meantime to help his project. Kirsty Maguire of Kirsty Maguire Architect Ltd explains the steps that he could be taking now to put him in a stronger position for when he has a site and the project goes live.
Check out the show notes for more information.
2015-11-1834 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH051 : Crowd-Funding a Documentary on 'The Future of Housing' - with Ben Adam-SmithIn this special episode Ben Adam-Smith explains why he wants to crowd-fund a documentary about airtightness, what it will entail and how you can help.
2014-05-0115 min
Home Style Green61: EcoBuild 2014 & Research from Year 1 with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith discusses EcoBuild 2014, what makes an energy efficient house, constraints versus compromise, new versus retrofit, why houses don't use energy, and population growth.
Also, find out why Ben hasn't had a bath for a year!
Links:
http://www.houseplanninghelp.com/
https://www.thesnippetapp.com/web/writers/benadam-smith
http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/
2014-03-1244 min
Home Style Green - Sustainable Design and Building61: EcoBuild 2014 & Research from Year 1 with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith discusses EcoBuild 2014, what makes an energy efficient house, constraints versus compromise, new versus retrofit, why houses don't use energy, and population growth. Also, find out why Ben hasn't had a bath for a year!Links:http://www.houseplanninghelp.com/https://www.thesnippetapp.com/web/writers/benadam-smithhttp://www.ecobuild.co.uk/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit homestylegreen.substack.com
2014-03-1244 minHome Style Green61: EcoBuild 2014 & Research from Year 1 with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith discusses EcoBuild 2014, what makes an energy efficient house, constraints versus compromise, new versus retrofit, why houses don't use energy, and population growth.
Also, find out why Ben hasn't had a bath for a year!
Links:
http://www.houseplanninghelp.com/
https://www.thesnippetapp.com/web/writers/benadam-smith
http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/
2014-03-1244 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH041 : 5 Fundamentals to Creating a Better House - with Ben Adam-SmithBen Adam-Smith looks at some of the essentials that you need to understand if you are going to create an energy-efficient house. There is more detail in Ben's new e-book: Why Most People Don't Build Energy-Efficient Homes.
2014-02-0523 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH027 : Does Hiring a Project Manager Save Money? - with Mike Jacob from Trunk Low Energy BuildingMike Jacob from Trunk Low Energy Building provides an insight into the benefits of hiring a project manager for a house build. Also Ben Adam-Smith reflects on the UK Passivhaus Awards 2013.
2013-07-1728 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH018 : Ecobuild 2013London's Ecobuild has just concluded for another year and Ben Adam-Smith shares his experience of the event. In this episode he chats to four people he met there - Janet Cotterell from Passivhaus Homes, Jon Bootland from the Passivhaus Trust, Jo Gooding from the UK Cohousing Network and Robert Stern from Litmus Films.
2013-03-1323 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH016 : Finding The Balance Between Heritage and Sustainable DesignWhat's more important - preserving heritage architecture or retrofitting it to high energy efficiency? In our first forum on a Google+ Hangout we discuss some of the issues.
The Panel
Writer and blogger Roger Hunt (who appeared in our 10th podcast)
Writer and Passivhaus consultant Adam Dadeby from Passivhaus Homes (who appeared in our 5th podcast)
Homeowner Ross Atkin (who has recently retrofitted his Victorian house)
2013-02-2030 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH015 : How Content Marketing Could Help to Promote Positive Actions Against Climate ChangeBen Adam-Smith shares an idea he has about using the Internet to communicate the need for incremental lifestyle change as an action to combat climate change. This one-off episode focusses on how you could use content marketing to get your message across. Cesar Abeid from The Construction Industry Podcast is Ben's guest and helps explain how content marketing works.
2013-02-1228 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH013 : What Preparation is Necessary Before Building a House? - with Jason and Lucy Reeve (Client Case Study)Jason and Lucy Reeve share what preparation was necessary to commission their new-build home and Ben Adam-Smith considers what's more important in renovation, preserving the past or creating a sustainable future.
2013-01-1633 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH007 : A Client's Perspective of Building an Eco House - with Tahir SharifTahir Sharif talks about how he built up his knowledge in order to commission an energy efficient home, while Ben discovers some great thinking from the Home World Exhibition of 1981.
2012-10-2326 min
House Planning Help PodcastHPH005 : The Passivhaus Standard #3 Retrofitting to Passivhaus (Passive House)Adam Dadeby from Passivhaus Homes talks about some of the challenges he faced when retrofitting his own home to the Passivhaus standard. He's also co-author of a new book called The Passivhaus Handbook.
2012-09-2433 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH002 : The House Design You Want And The Low Running CostsMartin Evans from The Malthouse Consultancy talks about energy efficiency and Ben Adam-Smith sets up a consumer mastermind group on LinkedIn to collate the good and bad of house design.
2012-08-1433 minHouse Planning Help PodcastHPH001 : What Makes a Successful Builder of Traditional Homes?Ben Adam-Smith explains his motivation for creating this podcast and there's an interview with Simon Lewis, Managing Director of RW Armstrong, a residential builder in the South East of England.
2012-07-3127 min