Pro Clima Podcast

Special Guest: Everett Norris.

Jason Quinn, founder of Sustainable Engineering Limited, shares insights from his upcoming book on deep energy retrofits in New Zealand and explains why improving existing buildings is critical for creating healthier, more energy-efficient homes. In the episode, Jason discusses the importance of taking “performance snapshots” to properly assess a building before beginning retrofit work, along with...

Chris Laumer-Giddens shares his journey into architecture and why airtight building envelopes are critical for preventing moisture and mould. Drawing on a Passive House project that achieved zero air leakage, he highlights what’s possible with the right approach. Chris also advocates for simpler, more durable design, challenges over-complicated solutions like spray foam, and explains why ERVs can...

Kim Aitken shares her journey from Ireland to Scotland and into a diverse career spanning time with the British Army, Product Design Engineering, and Structural Engineering in Canada. She introduces Truss House™ - an innovative system using roof trusses as the primary structure to deliver faster, more efficient builds. Despite early hurdles, including a Dragon’s Den appearance and COVID-19 disrupt...

In this episode of the Pro Clima Podcast, Simon Cator talks with Auckland-based (but Toronto born and raised) building enclosure engineer Peter Raimondo about adapting building science principles from Canada to New Zealand. Raimondo discusses challenges in local construction practices, the importance of airtightness and ventilation, and how controlled airflow prevents condensation and energy loss....

Simon Wandsborough joins the pro clima Podcast to discuss his journey from outdoor instructor to eco-conscious builder and the thinking behind his business, Third Little Pig. He shares how growing up in New Zealand and completing an adult apprenticeship shaped his focus on building better, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes. The conversation explores high-performance building principles...

Special Guest: Freidrich Strey.

In this episode, industrial designer Andre Heller shares how his diverse background, from boat building to underground station construction, has shaped his fresh approach to prefabricated housing. Through his company, Flexi House, Andre is redefining offsite manufacturing by prioritising speed, efficiency, and consistent quality. Their lightweight timber frame system, complete with continuous insu...

In this episode, Sharon Robinson, architectural designer, certified Passive House and Homestar designer - shares how her company Smart Living Spaces, is redefining housing accessibility through its innovative Small, Smart Spaces concept. By combining the benefits of group housing, bespoke design, and offsite construction, Sharon is helping make high-performance homes achievable for more New Zealan...

Dr. Antony Pelosi, a researcher and educator at Victoria University, discusses his journey from building science to architecture, including his time at the University of California, Berkeley. He shares his PhD on spatial comprehension in BIM models and the early use of AI for pathfinding. Pelosi is currently designing and building a $300,000 passive house, emphasising cost-effective materials and...

In this episode, Casper Valintin shares his journey from a childhood split between Brunei and Scotland to careers in horticulture and IT — and ultimately, to a deep passion for high-performance building. After constructing his first ICF block home in Hamilton, New Zealand, Casper became a strong advocate for Passive House principles. He talks through the features of his own home, including 400mm o...

In this episode, building scientist Dr. Allison Bailes shares his journey from physics academia to the world of building science. He discusses the importance of airtightness in homes, explaining how it directly impacts indoor air quality, comfort, energy efficiency, and moisture control. Bailes challenges the myth that houses need to “breathe,” advocating instead for air-tight construction combine...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator and Jon Davies sit down with Arena Williams, MP for Manurewa, for a conversation on housing, policy, and the future of building in Aotearoa. They discuss the overseas building products register, unconsented granny flats, and Arena’s vision for her time in parliament. She also highlights the urgent need to modernise New Zealand’s building code—c...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, architect Sian Taylor shares her journey from growing up in Wales to designing and living in a Passive House in Queenstown. She reflects on the contrasts between UK and New Zealand building standards, highlighting the superior comfort and energy efficiency of Passive House design. Sian also critiques the current New Zealand building code, calling out its s...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator sits down with Mark Anderson of MA Building, a Wanaka-based builder, as he shares how an apprenticeship alongside his father led to his journey into building high-performance homes, focusing on health and comfort. He reflects on his commitment to energy efficiency and how it drives his focus on Passive house standards and smarter building metho...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, host Simon sits down with Jason Quinn, the Director of Sustainable Engineering, as they discuss overheating in homes and how to design to prevent it from happening. Jason explains the balance between reducing heat gain in the summer and losing some solar gain in the winter, and the importance of good glass specification. He also goes over the importance of...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, host Simon Cator sits down with Bronwyn Barry, Principal at PassiveHouseBB, for an insightful conversation about Passive House design. Bronwyn talks about a pre-fabricated panel solution that is really cost-effective while still having a really high insulation value. She also shares her perspective on an often-overlooked advantage of Passive House design,...

Join Simon Cator as he sits down with Denise Martin, Director at BEO, for an insightful discussion on building science and insulation practices in New Zealand. Denise explores the unique challenges of insulating concrete structures and explains the advantages of exterior insulation. She also highlights how proper insulation and airtightness can lead to significant energy savings, ultimately reduci...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, host Simon Cator sits down with Graham Finch, Principal Science Specialist at RDH Building Science, for an in-depth discussion on rain screen walls—their function, importance, and the key differences between open and closed rain screens. Graham shares his expert insights on how different cladding systems impact not only the performance of a building but al...

Join Simon Cator in conversation with Dan Saunders as they explore New Zealand’s H1 building code changes and discuss how we can promote higher standards. This engaging discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities of creating homes that are not only durable but also better suited for Kiwi lifestyles. Dan shares expert advice on selecting the right building materials, debunks common myths...

Join Simon Cator as he interviews Architect Bob Burnett to explore the transformative work behind the Christchurch Earthquake rebuild, the origins of the Superhome Movement, and how to select the perfect architect for your dream home. In this insightful episode, Bob shares the guiding principles of the Superhome Movement, including airtight designs, low-carbon materials, and the importance of resp...

In this episode of the Pro Clima Podcast, host Simon Cator is joined by Nick Gaites from Reveal Building Consultants for an insightful discussion on one of New Zealand’s pressing housing challenges—overheating. Together, they explore how energy modelling, fixed shading, reduced glass areas, and improved insulation can transform building performance and elevate comfort levels. Nick also shares valu...

In this episode of the pro clima Podcast, Simon Cator sits down with Matthew Cutler-Welsh from Home Style Green at the Green Building Council. They discuss the role Home Style Green plays in educating and assisting New Zealanders in designing and building more sustainably, along with addressing carbon targets and reporting requirements. Throughout the podcast, Matthew shares insights about the ass...

Join Simon Cator and Manfred Kehrer as they discuss Manfred's upbringing in Bavaria, his interest in building science and, how he ended up working at the Fraunhofer Institute. They discuss the early development of WUFI® software and how he helped in the early stages of the development process, working alongside Hartwig Künzel. He touches on the differences between WUFI® modelling and the Glaser me...

Join Simon Cator as he sits down with Kara Rosemeier, director of the Passive House Academy in New Zealand, discussing Kara's early career in physiotherapy to then studying Architecture in Germany before moving to New Zealand in 2001. Kara talks about her emphasis on building science and shares insights on ventilation in New Zealand homes, highlighting that air change rates don’t often correlate w...