Shows
Renovation CollaborativeGet Started: Climate Action in the built environment across AustraliaAcross Australia numerous groups are taking meaningful climate action and working hard to develop inspiring solutions. Today, I speak with representatives from five different organisations from the built environment to find out what’s happening. These groups tackle climate change from various angles, employing different structures and methods. They include formal committees, research groups, informal support and information sharing, and grass roots action. Today we’ll hear from: 1. The Australian Institute of Architects, Climate Action and Sustainability Committee – Andrew Noonan2. The Retrofit Lab, from the University of Melbourne – Professor Sarah Bell3...
2025-11-171h 03Renovation CollaborativeGet Started: Reducing Embodied Carbon – Lucy Humphrey, Studio EcologyReducing embodied carbon in all new buildings and renovations is fast becoming a global priority, and in Australia new regulations are on the horizon. In today's episode, we move on to our final theme - Getting Started - and the first of two episodes to conclude the season.I talk with environmental architect, artist and well known Australian climate advocate Lucy Humphrey. Lucy is a director of the climate active architecture practice Studio Ecology, she teaches at the School of Architecture at the University of Sydney and the Sydney University of Technology and was a...
2025-11-101h 12Renovation CollaborativeWater & Ecosystems: Delight in your environment – Tim Bennetton, Tim Bennetton ArchitectsCareful consideration of water is now a critical part of design as we confront increasing floods and droughts due to climate change. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme - Water and Ecosystems. We'll investigate the design of a small extension to an old timber home located in suburban subtropical Brisbane. This project has a very challenging site with overland flow and stormwater flooding issues. I talk with architect Tim Bennetton, the director of Tim Bennetton Architects, who will share the inside story on his Yeronga House project. ...
2025-11-0348 minRenovation CollaborativeHealthy Buildings: Hempcrete and materials for a healthy home – Michael Leung, Balanced Earth ArchitectsPrioritising health when selecting materials and products is simply common sense, and the best thing about healthy materials – they are also brilliant for the environment. In today’s episode we move on to our next sustainable design theme – healthy buildings.We’ll investigate the design of a house on an off grid site located in Mullumbimby in the Subtropical northern New South Wales hinterland. I talk with architect, Michael Leung, the director of Balanced Earth Architects, who will share the inside story on his Sky Farm project. Today we’ll learn about:The key de...
2025-10-2758 minRenovation CollaborativePrefabrication: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) & Passivhaus – Murray Robertson, Robertson Architects NZSIPS, or structural insulated panels are a fast and efficient way to achieve very high thermal performance. In today's episode, we continue exploring prefabricated panel solutions. We investigate the design of a passive house built from SIPS on a very challenging site in the oceanic temperate climate of Wellington, in New Zealand. Architect Murray Robertson, the director of Robertson Architects, shares the inside story of his Bell House project. Today we'll explore the process, benefits and costs of SIPs and when they're an ideal solution.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for...
2025-10-2035 minRenovation CollaborativePrefabrication: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) design & construction - Jae Warrander, MakersHouse prefabrication using flat pack panels delivers multiple environmental and cost benefits and is the way of the future. In today's episode, we dive into our next sustainable design theme, prefabrication, and we'll explore house design and construction using cross laminated timber. Architect Jae Warrander, director of Makers, shares the story behind his Akaroa Bach: a prefabricated holiday home situated in a mild temperate climate on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. Makers, located in Wellington, New Zealand, is a collaboration between Makers of Architecture and Makers Fabrication. Today we'll explore...
2025-10-1353 minRenovation CollaborativeEarth Building: Rammed Earth – Steffen Welsch, Steffen Welsch ArchitectsAre you looking for a unique sustainable material with a low carbon footprint? In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Earth Building, and investigate rammed earth construction. Architect Steffen Welsch, director of Steffen Welsch Architects, shares the story behind his Butterfly House project, located on an off-grid site in Rutherglen in the hot, dry summer and cool winter climate of north-eastern Victoria. Today we'll learn about the process, benefits and costs of using rammed earth construction and a wealth of insights and practical information drawn from Steffen's extensive experience.
2025-10-0650 minRenovation CollaborativeRenewable Materials: Affordable sustainable design and Durra Panel - Matt Delroy-Carr, MDC ArchitectsWould you love a sustainable home but think it's out of your budget? Well, think again. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials and investigate the design of an affordable environmental home built using standard construction methods. It features Durra Panel internal wall and ceiling boards made from agricultural waste straw. Architect Matt Delroy-Carr, the director of MDC Architects, shares the story behind his Scarborough Sustainable House, located on a small suburban site in the beachside suburb of Scarborough in warm temperate Perth. Today we'll learn about;ideas for an affordable sustainable home...
2025-09-2954 minRenovation CollaborativeRenewable Materials: Hempcrete – Emily Knight, Emily Knight DesignHemp has been used in construction for thousands of years, but it's only recently that it’s incredible environmental benefits have crept into mainstream awareness. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials. We'll investigate the design of a hempcrete extension to an existing Federation House located in the heritage listed suburb of Ashbury in inner suburban warm temperate Sydney. Architect Emily Knight, the director of Emily Knight Design shares the inside story on her AL House. Today we'll learn about;the process, costs and benefits of using hempcrete in custom architectural con...
2025-09-2256 minRenovation CollaborativeRenewable Materials: Strawbale Panels & Biophilic Design – Talina Edwards, EnvirotectureIf 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 c...
2025-09-151h 06Renovation CollaborativeRenovation & Reuse: Building less & Retro joy – Paul Butterworth, Paul Butterworth ArchitectBuilding 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.
2025-09-0845 minRenovation CollaborativeRenovation & Reuse: Old buildings & character – Rob Norman, Symbiosphere ArchitectsActively 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...
2025-09-0159 minRenovation CollaborativeESD Fundamentals: Adaptable & flexible for the future – Chris Bligh, Bligh Graham ArchitectsTo 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 th...
2025-08-2542 minRenovation CollaborativeESD Fundamentals: Space efficient joy – Belinda Allwood & Allison Stout, People Oriented DesignSustainable 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...
2025-08-1839 minRenovation CollaborativeRegenerative Design & Circularity – Andrew Noonan, Andrew Noonan ArchitectReducing 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 inter...
2025-08-111h 00Renovation CollaborativeDesign for a changing climate – Dr Paul Matthew, University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & PlanningEvery 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...
2025-08-041h 07Renovation CollaborativeSustainable Design: The latest science & solutions – Season 3. Introduction & ProgrammeAre 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 f...
2025-07-2820 min
Radio CarrumRadio Architecture with Ilana Razbash - Episode 92 (Stephanie Skyring)This week Ilana's special guest is Architectural Designer, Stephanie Skyring.
2025-06-0658 minRenovation CollaborativeWhat’s new at Renovation Collaborative in 2025 - Stephanie SkyringRenovation Collaborative has evolved since I launched at the beginning of 2024. If you've listened to my original introduction podcast from back then, you might have noticed that a few things have changed. In this podcast, I explain what's been going on behind the scenes and what's now on offer for the community and architects in 2025. Today I'll be interviewed by my most dedicated listener, my mother, Beverley. MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcripts ed...
2025-03-3113 minRenovation CollaborativeHow to get started with Passive House – Alexia Lidas, Australian Passivhaus Assoc. & Anna Cumming, Sanctuary Magazine at RenewHere we are at the end of Season 2 and if you'd like to know more about Passive House, today you'll learn some ideas that will get you started: If you just want to dip your toe in, and experience the air quality, temperature and quietness, you'll find out about Passive House holiday accommodation you can visit in Australia and New Zealand, orIf you want to get down to business, you'll find out about the indepth information, courses and support available. I'm joined by two guests who will show you the way forward. The Australian...
2025-02-0350 minRenovation CollaborativePassive House Design: Subtropical – Tiago Guerreiro, H4 LivingHow do you design a Passive House in a Subtropical climate like Brisbane?Today’s episode is the fourth and final episode focussing on the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced passive house designer Tiago Guerreiro, a director at the award-winning design and construction company H4 Living based in Brisbane. In this episode, Tiago explains the Passive House design specifics for Subtropical, plus he shares heaps of other information and insights about designing and building from his years of experience to help you better understa...
2025-01-2749 minRenovation CollaborativePassive House Design: Warm Temperate – Ben Caine, Leanhaus ArchitectureHow do you design a Passive House in Warm Temperate climates like Perth, Adelaide or Sydney?In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Ben Caine, the director of the award-winning practice Leanhaus Architecture in Perth. Ben’s architectural mission is to deliver well-thought-out, mindful, architectural homes to the passive house standard, at less cost than a typical architecturally designed home. Ben explains the Passive House design specifics for Warm Te...
2025-01-201h 19Renovation CollaborativePassive House Design: Mild Temperate - Andy Marlow, EnvirotectureHow do you design a Passive House in a mild temperate climate like Melbourne? In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Andy Marlow, a director of the award winning environmental practice Envirotecture in Victoria and New South Wales.In this episode, Andy explains the Passive House design specifics for Mild Temperate. Plus we talk more about Enerfit, the renovation and retrofit tool, and he shares heaps of other information...
2025-01-1345 minRenovation CollaborativePassive House Design: Cool Temperate - Michael Tolhurst, Envelope ArchitecturePassive House design is different in every climate zone. Over the next four podcast episodes, I talk to Passive House designers in the four Australian climate zones where most of our population lives, to discover the key differences. Today I start with Passive House design for cool temperate climates like Canberra and Hobart. I talk to Michael Tolhurst, the director of award winning practice Envelope Architecture in Canberra. Michael clearly explains the Passive House design specifics for cool temperate. Plus he shares heaps of other information and insights to help you better understand...
2024-12-1651 minRenovation CollaborativeHow to build a Passive House - Matthew Carland, Carland ConstructionsHow do you build a Passive House? In this episode you'll find out about the rigorous testing and photographic documentation of evidence that has to happen on site to guarantee that Passive House buildings deliver what they promise. I talk to very experienced Passive House builder Matthew Carland from Carland Constructions in Melbourne. Matthew openly shares everything that happens on site. You'll learn why he believes that Passive Houses are actually easier to build than typical homes. Plus heaps of other information to help you better understand Passive House construction. And...
2024-12-0952 minRenovation CollaborativeWhat are Passive House windows? - Paul Gerrard, Energy Efficient WindowsPassive House windows are not like the typical windows that we are used to in Australia. They require double glazing and sometimes triple glazing, and they open and close in different ways. Glass windows and doors are an integral part of building design, functionality and energy efficiency and they always take a large portion of the budget. So it's critical to know what you're working with before you get started.In today's episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, the owner of Energy Efficient Windows, about the uPVC windows he manufactures for Passive...
2024-12-0224 minRenovation CollaborativePassive House Consultant and Passive House Certifier - Luc Plowman, Detail GreenThe design and construction requirements of the Passive House standard are complex. If you're an architect or building designer, the learning curve to deliver your first Passive House building is steep. If you're keen to get involved but struggling to get your first residential or commercial project off the ground, today, you'll find out how a Passive House consultant and a Passive House certifier can help. I talk to experienced sustainability engineer Luc Plowman, the director of Detail Green in Victoria. Luc shares his extensive knowledge gained from working on residential and commercial...
2024-11-2556 minRenovation CollaborativeHow to design a Passive House – Alexander Symes, Alexander Symes ArchitectsHow do you design a Passive House?In today’s podcast episode you'll get a clear understanding of how a Passive House works and the process to put one together.I talk to architect Alexander Symes, the director of the highly awarded environmental architectural practice Alexander Symes Architects in Sydney.Alexander's architectural mission is to advance sustainable architecture, and in today's interview, that is absolutely what he does. He openly shares his incredible knowledge to empower everyone to move forward with their passive house project.If you're an Au...
2024-11-1847 minRenovation CollaborativeWhat’s it like in a Passive House?What's it really like in passive house?Today, you are going to find out.In this first episode, I let passive house speak for itself through the experience of 5 passive house owners from different climate zones around Australia. Most of them are home owners, but my final guest is from a commercial building, because passive house delivers incredible benefits for all building types, not just houses!In today's episode, my 5 guests explain:What made them decide to build a passive house,Their concerns before they started,What they now...
2024-11-111h 14Renovation CollaborativePassive House: The smart solution for our changing world – Season 2. Introduction & ProgrammeIn this podcast season, I talk to Passive House owners and experts all around Australia to find out what Passive House is all about and get to the bottom of all of the misinformation.Over ten weekly podcast episodes, you'll learn:What it's really like to live and work in a passive house building,What a passive house is and how it's different to standard residential buildings,The key players you need on your project and what they do,The differences in Passive House design across each Australian climate zone and finally,How to get started.
2024-11-0403 minRenovation CollaborativeBorrowing Finance? How much is too much in 2025? - Tim Ward, Ward & Co. WealthAre you pondering taking a very large home loan to renovate, build or buy a new house?If the size of it is making you hesitate, you're not the only one.In today's episode, I speak to a financial adviser and get a second opinion on inflation, interest rates and what everyone is spending on home loans in 2024-2025. Plus, you'll find out how to work out the right amount to borrow for your situation and how much is too much.I talk to highly respected financial adviser Tim Ward from Ward and...
2024-08-2621 minRenovation CollaborativeWhat’s happening with home loans and interest rates in 2025? - Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home LoansAre you wondering whether it’s a good time to take out a large home loan to renovate or buy a house?In today's episode, I talk to a mortgage broker, and you'll learn what's happening with home loans and interest rates in 2024 and 2025. You'll also learn about current housing demand in southeast Queensland and which banks will support the environment to help you make the right decisions.I'll talk to highly respected mortgage broker Richard Jefferies from Newbridge Home Loans in Brisbane.MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you ne...
2024-08-1914 minRenovation CollaborativeHow much can I borrow? Ask a Mortgage Broker - Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home LoansToday, we move on to the next step in the Renovate or Sell journey - Borrowing finance.You might think of mortgage brokers only for getting the best home loan rates, but they've got a lot more knowledge and value to offer than that. Loans for construction and renovation are definitely not one size fits all.When it comes to construction projects, everyone has different objectives: large projects, small projects, owner-builders, licensed builders, and even modular or relocated homes. And that's just the beginning. Not all banks will finance everything, because from the bank's perspective...
2024-08-1243 minRenovation CollaborativeHow much do houses cost in 2024-2025? Brisbane and Australia - Tim Douglas, Place Estate AgentsBuy or Renovate? Which is more affordable?When you discover the price to build your renovation plans you may think, ‘Surely it must be cheaper to sell and buy something better instead?’ In today’s episode, I talk to a real estate agent to find out what is happening in the real estate market in 2024-2025 in Brisbane and all around Australia, and the forecast moving forward.I also investigate the impact of flooding on property prices and how environmental design is valued in the market.I talk to high...
2024-08-0535 minRenovation CollaborativeRenovation Design Brief and Budget Questions? Ask a Real Estate Agent - Tim Douglas, Place Estate AgentsYou might think of real estate agents only for buying and selling property, but did you know that they have a heap of knowledge that can add value to your next renovation or new home project?In the previous episodes, I covered the cost of house construction to help you understand what your design ideas or your house plans might cost. In today's episode, we move on to the next step in the renovate or sell journey - property value and feasibility. You'll find out how a good real estate agent can help you answer your design...
2024-07-2950 minRenovation CollaborativeCurrent Renovation & Construction Costs: Brisbane, SE Qld, Northern NSW, Australia - David Knight, Total Estimating ServicesAre you looking for the current cost of renovating or building a new house in Brisbane, South East Qld or Northern NSW, Australia in 2024-2025? In this episode you’ll find out the current square meter rates for new custom construction. I talk to a building cost estimator and find out the cost of house construction in 2024 and what's forecast to happen in 2025.If this is your first episode, I recommend you go back and listen from the beginning of the season because everything builds on the episode before. At the very least, plea...
2024-07-2233 minRenovation CollaborativeWhat are Square Metre Rates? - Flavio Costanzo, Flavio Costanzo & Assoc.If you are trying to figure out how much your renovation ideas will cost, you will have come across square metre rates. But what are they?In this episode I investigate square metre rates in detail. You will find out what they are, how they are calculated, and why building cost specialists hate using them!I talk to highly respected Quantity Surveyor, Flavio Costanzo, from Flavio Costanzo and Associates, in Brisbane.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATION
2024-07-1518 minRenovation CollaborativeBuilding Cost Questions? Ask a Quantity Surveyor - Flavio Costanzo, Flavio Costanzo & Assoc.Did you know that a quantity surveyor can give you independent building cost advice on your house plans and ideas, and help you decide whether to renovate or sell?Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative ‘On the tools’ podcast, where I interview industry experts to find out practical information to help you renovate smarter. My name is Stephanie Skyring. I'm an Australian architect with 20+ years of experience helping people create better, more environmental homes on any budget.In the previous episode, I spoke to a building cost estimator. In today's episode, you’ll find o...
2024-07-0823 minRenovation CollaborativeHow much does it cost to Renovate? Ask a Building Cost Estimator - David Knight, Total Estimating ServicesDo you need to know more information about the cost of house construction to help you decide whether to renovate or sell?You might typically think of obtaining building cost advice from a builder, but did you know that’s not the only option? You can also obtain independent advice on how much it will cost to build your house plans or even your design ideas, from a Building Cost Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor.Welcome to the Renovation Collaborative ‘On the tools’ podcast, where I interview industry experts to find out practi...
2024-07-0122 min
Renovation CollaborativeRenovate or Sell in 2024-2025? – Season 1. Introduction & ProgrammeAre you going in circles trying to work out whether to renovate or sell? Do you need more information about current costs to help you make the right decisions? In my first podcast season, Renovate or Sell, I tackle costs head on. I interview five trusted industry insiders to find out the latest information:about the cost of house construction, from a Building Cost Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor,about the cost of houses, from a Real Estate Agent,about home loans, from a Mortgage Broker, and about the right amount to borrow, from a Financial Ad...
2024-06-2403 minRenovation CollaborativeLearn How to Renovate Smarter: Architect Stephanie Skyring introduces her online learning guide, Renovation CollaborativeArchitect Stephanie Skyring introduces Renovation Collaborative, her new online learning guide designed to help DIY renovators find their way through the entire house design and construction process.The Renovation Collaborative website includes 11 Online Courses, podcasts with industry experts and a private community.Stephanie explains why she created Renovation Collaborative and how it can help you get the best results and value for money in your next renovation or new build project.KEY POINTS SUMMARYArchitect Stephanie Skyring created her Complete home design guide, Renovation Collaborative to help DIY renovators and to...
2024-04-2715 min
Plantfull LifeOryx Desert Salt, taste the spirit of the Kalahari, with founder Samantha Skyring, Episode 36This episode kicks off Season 3 of Plantfull Life with a salty chat with CEO and founder Samantha Skyring of Oryx Desert Salt, and what a perfect way to shift into more of a focus on the pleasure of food by adding a pinch of salt to this podcast. Samantha is the CEO of naturally organic, unprocessed, and micro-plastic free Oryx Desert Salt which comes from a pristine Kalahari Desert salt pan. Samantha and I first connected through LinkedIn, and over many, many months we tried to arrange a zoom call between us, but due to our time zones with...
2022-10-031h 03
Going North PodcastEp. 397 – “Make Your Own Break” with Jennifer Lieberman (@iamjenlieberman)“Stop talking yourself out of things and start talking yourself into things.” - Jennifer Lieberman Today’s featured triple-threat author is an award-winning writer, performer, and producer from Maple, Canada, Jennifer Lieberman. Jen and I talk about how to use your skills in new areas to pay your bills, her Olympic preparation to successfully put on an award-winning one-woman show, and more elite performance goodness! Key Thing’s You’ll Learn: What inspired Jen to be an actor and write her own scripts.
2021-08-3054 min