Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 435. This is Way #35 of the ‘44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home’ series.
In this episode, we’re kicking off Section Eight: Sustainability During Construction.
And so, we’re going to start this section of the ‘44 Ways’ series by discussing something I wish would become standard for every single new build and potentially every renovation as well.
Way #35 is: Get a Blower Door Test.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/435]
Because, if you’re planning to create a sustainable home, your goals can come completely undone during construction.
This is largely because there is no ‘as built’ verification process inherently included in how we deliver construction of residential homes. Yes, in some locations, there are some checks along the way, but the conventional construction process doesn’t have a legislated way of proving to you that you’ve got the home you designed and specified.
However, a certified Passive House does have as-built verification requirements, and so, there are certain tests that can be adopted from the passive house methodology into traditional construction practices.
These tests can provide useful information during construction, whilst improvements and changes can still be made, to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for in your designed and modelled energy performance. And as a result, they can uplevel typical construction to optimise what’s possible for your home.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/435.
Now, let's dive in!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/435
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 434. This is Way #34 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Seven: A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.
Way #34 is: Soft Cover vs Hard Cover.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/434]
As we build with greater density in our suburbs and urban locations, we increase the amount of hard cover, or hard surfaces. Concrete, paving, and other hard cover surfaces prevent water during rain periods and general overland flow from being able to enter locally back into ground water, restoring the water table.
Instead, water runs over these surfaces, and into stormwater systems, potentially overloading them (especially during heavy rain periods) and taking potential pollutants as well as soil and silt with it from these surfaces.
These hard surfaces also absorb heat, and contribute to higher temperatures in higher density areas through something known as the urban heat island effect.
By contrast, creating soft cover on your site with grass, landscaping, open paving selections and other landscape devices, can improve water management and quality, and also improve temperature management on a site. This can be significantly beneficial for your home, and the larger built environment.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/434.
Now, let's dive in!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/434
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 433. This is Way #33 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Seven: A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.
Last episode, Way #32, we looked at the outdoor room as a sustainability asset. This episode talks about a bigger concept that you may or may not be familiar with, but can dramatically impact how you feel in your home, and the way it supports your health and wellness overall.
Way #33 is: Learn About Biophilic Design.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/433]
The connection with gardens, with light, with natural elements … all of that is scientifically proven to improve our well-being, our sense of relaxation and lower our anxiety levels overall.
Design that capitalises on this is known as Biophilic Design.
This doesn’t have to be grand statements. There are many examples of projects that have shown that something as simple as a lovingly curated collection of indoor plants can make a massive difference to the feel and function of a space in someone’s home. That can be achieved anywhere, for very little budget.
Equally, it can be about your garden and outdoor design generally. It can also relate to material selection, and the use of patterns and other choices.
Biophilic design can be a worthwhile inclusion in your overall approach when creating your sustainable home.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/433.
Now, let's dive in!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/433
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 432. This is Way #32 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re beginning a new section: Section Seven, A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.
This section shifts focus to your site and your landscape, and how the design of the spaces around your home can be designed with sustainability as your priority.
Way #32 is: Design Your Outdoor Room.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/432]
Our wellbeing is greatly enhanced through a connection to light, the outdoors and the natural environment, so bringing this focus into our homes, where we can, will make a big difference to their sustainability.
Plus, if your climate allows you to be outdoors for some, or a big chunk of the year, this can greatly expand the size, spaciousness and feel of your home too, enabling you to build less, but still achieve great functionality overall.
In warmer climates, creating shaded spaces around the edges of our home, can help cool air before it enters our home and improve the home’s ability to stay cool during the warmer months as well.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/432.
Now, let's dive in!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/432
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 431. This is Way #31 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re wrapping up Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.
In this section of the ‘44 Ways’ series, I’ve been covering one specific criteria for choosing materials and products per episode. And so far, we’ve covered choosing for longevity and durability, a low carbon footprint, low VOCs and low tox, recyclability and low waste, and choosing from companies with sustainability missions.
Way #31 is: Choose Based on Efficiency of Manufacture.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/431]
This is where your sustainable selection criteria can be shaped by how a material, product, fixture or finish has been made, and whether it is energy efficient in its manufacture. And also reviewing whether it will improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Choosing this way can also involve reviewing the water use of a material or product in its manufacture, and whether it saves water in its production or use in your home.
And this selection criteria can also mean finding products that source their manufacturing energy needs via renewable energy, and recycle water in their manufacturing process.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/431.
Now, let's dive in!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/431
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.