Sustainable Builders Yak

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Matt Carland from Carland Construction shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to builder, and how it led him to focus on sustainable, high-performance homes.
The conversation explores key challenges in the construction industry, including skills shortages, licensing, and the influence of social media. Matt also highlights the importance of mental health and mindfulness for long-term success.
We dive into Passive House principles—airtightness, insulation, and thermal bridging—and how they are shaping better building practices in Australia.
The episode also covers motivation and reward systems for apprentices, financial literacy for builders, and the realities of managing workload, setting boundaries, and avoiding overcommitment. Matt shares practical insights on planning, client communication, and making smarter financial decisions to grow a sustainable business.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
  Sustainable and high-performance building focus 
 Mental health and mindfulness in construction 
 Passive House principles and building standards 
 Skills shortages and licensed trades 
 Financial literacy and scaling a building business 
 Work-life balance and avoiding overbooking 
 Planning and client communication 
LEARN MORE
Carland Construction: https://www.carlandconstructions.com/

Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au

BROUGHT TO YOU BY
This episode is proudly brought to you by Craftwood Hardwood, Wunderbuild, and Powerhaus.

Send us Fan Mail
In this Rethink bonus episode, Matt from MS Constructions shares a real, on-the-ground perspective—from financing challenges and valuation gaps to the growing divide in builder knowledge.
He explores the frustration of delivering high-performance homes in a system that doesn’t yet value them, and why some clients still walk away—even after years of education. Matt also highlights the shift from competition to collaboration, and the difference between proactive and reactive builders.
A candid look at the challenges—and opportunities—shaping the future of building better homes.
Episode Highlights:
Bank valuation vs high-performance homes
Clients choosing cheaper builds
Shift from competition to collaboration
Proactive vs reactive builders
Importance of ongoing training
Guest:
Matt – MS Constructions
Company:
MS Constructions
Company URL:
https://www.msconstructions.net.au/
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA):
https://www.thesba.com.au

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Sean Maxwell from ATMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association) breaks down the essential intersection of building science, air tightness, and occupant health.
He dismantles the industry myth that "houses need to breathe," explaining why modern buildings must be airtight to stay durable while the people inside receive controlled, filtered air. Sean shares insights on the global growth of testing data, the shift in air tightness metrics, and why a well-ventilated, airtight home is the ultimate secret to a restorative night’s sleep.
Episode Highlights:
The myth of the "breathing" house
ATMA’s global data on air tightness
Surface area vs. volume metrics
The critical role of HRV/mechanical ventilation
Controlling moisture and "drying" potential
The luxury of quiet, fresh-air bedrooms
Guest: Sean Maxwell – ATMA / Scheme Manager
Company: ATMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association)
Company URL: https://www.atma.com.au/
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au

BROUGHT TO YOU BY
This episode is proudly brought to you by Craftwood Hardwood, Wunderbuild, and Powerhaus.

Send us Fan Mail
What’s really holding the building industry back?
In this Rethink bonus episode, Matt from Pache Construction shares an honest, on-the-ground perspective—from rising training costs and limited access to education, to the ongoing challenge of apprentice retention.
With 17 years of experience, Matt breaks down the gaps he sees across the industry and why improving education, increasing inspections, and embracing sustainable building practices are critical for long-term change.
He also shares his journey from carpenter to registered builder, his work in renovations and extensions, and his mission to move toward passive house construction.
If you’re a builder, tradesperson, or simply interested in the future of construction, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Follow the podcast for more industry insights, share this episode with a builder or tradie in your network, and leave a review to support the show.
Episode Highlights:
Matt’s 17-year journey in the building industry
The real cost of education and why it’s a barrier
Apprentice retention challenges
Why sustainability and passive house building matter
The need for better inspections and industry standards
Notes:
Guest: Matt — Pacha Construction
Pacha Construction: https://pachebuilt.com/
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://sustainablebuildersalliance.com.au/

Send us Fan Mail
Episode Description
Alex Campbell, director of Tallwood Custom Built Homes shares his journey from a two-way radio room to becoming one of Western Australia’s most awarded builders. In this episode, he unpacks the realities of building a profitable construction business—covering growth, client selection, insurance challenges, and long-term sustainability.
Episode Covers
 Building a successful construction business without a trade background 
 The importance of profit, systems, and smart client selection 
 Navigating home indemnity insurance and growth limits 
 Scaling teams, managing downturns, and industry challenges 
 Planning succession and creating a business that lasts 
Episode Highlights
 From two-way radio room to award-winning builder 
 Why not being a tradie can be an advantage 
 Scaling from 3 to 42 staff—and back again 
 Lessons from COVID and industry shifts 
 Why profit is essential, not optional 
 Winning projects and building a strong reputation 
 Creating a clear exit and succession plan 
Perfect For
 Builders growing or starting a business 
 Tradies transitioning into business ownership 
 Construction leaders and developers 
 Anyone interested in building a sustainable, profitable business 
Learn more:
Sustainable Builders Alliance
Tallwood Constructions