The Building Sciology Poddie

In this episode of the podcast, Jess sits down with Alex Slater, co-director of Building Physics Australia and Shared Space Architecture. While Alex is a master of the complex, numbers-heavy Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), his true superpower is looking past the data to find the human being at the center of the project.
From comparing home health and human health, to breaking down the structural differences between NatHERS and Passive House, Alex shares why building a home is a deeply psychological journey.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by rigid building codes or felt that modern design lacks a soul, this conversation will completely shift your perspective on what a healthy home can be.

Full show notes can be found here
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In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, host Jess Kismet welcomes Chris Laumer-Giddens, co-founder of LG Squared in Atlanta, Georgia. Chris has become a leading voice in high-performance building. He refuses to compromise on aesthetics while executing airtight, flawlessly engineered structures and whether tackling new luxury builds or complex historic renovations, his boots-on-the-ground technical consulting bridges the gap between beautiful architecture and real-world construction. 

In this Episode:
​Zero leakage house construction
​Use of WUFI Passive for energy modelling
​Innovative insulation and air sealing techniques Innovative slab foundation techniques
​Building science and durability
​The importance of kindness and sharing in architectureFind the full show notes here

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Thank you to our sponsors:
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What happens when a top-tier corporate finance expert gets fed up with the investment world and decides to retrain in sustainable building design? You get a refreshing, zero-nonsense look at how badly the Australian housing market is currently failing us - and how we can fix it.
This week, Jess sits down with Michael Drage, the award-winning designer behind Reimagined Habitat. Michael treats building science less like an ideological crusade and more like a smart investment strategy: it’s all about research, precision, and de-risking the build.
If you’re tired of the "marketing spin" around 7-star energy upgrades and want to understand how a house actually functions for your health and wallet, this episode is a must-listen.

Find the full show notes here

Connect with Jess here:
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Thank you to our sponsors:
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⁠⁠⁠Climasure ⁠

Discover how innovative app Tools™ is transforming the construction industry by simplifying access to building codes, standards, and craftsmanship techniques. Jess Kismet interviews industry veteran Jerry Tyrrell about the app’s design, impact, and future potential to elevate building quality worldwide.

Special Offer: Use code JESS20 for a discount on Tools™ and explore the app’s features - expires Nov 4 2026

Download the app on the App Store here and the Play Store here

Thanks to Jerry for sharing his insights and vision for a smarter, better-built future. 

Find the full show notes here

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Thank you to our sponsors:
⁠⁠Enduro Builders⁠⁠
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In today’s rapidly changing world, the way we build our homes plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Join me as I chat with Karina Rafailov, a Blue Mountains designer and founder of Earthy Haus. We chat about sustainable architecture and community education, shedding light on how better informed choices can lead to much healthier living environments!

Find the full show notes here

Connect with Jess here:
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Thank you to our sponsors:
⁠Enduro Builders⁠
⁠Climasure