House Planning Help Podcast
Episodes
HPH198 : Creating an interior that works perfectly with the exterior – with Emily Bizley
11 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Interior designer Emily Bizley explains how she and her husband, an architect, co-designed their RIBA shortlisted self-build home. Check out the show ...
HPH197 : Taking risks, overcoming challenges and achieving outstanding results – with Jon Martin
05 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Martin explains how he beat the odds with his extraordinary self-build tree house. Check out the show notes for more information.
HPH196 : Why communication is central to self build success – with Lucy Pedler
27 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy Pedler, architect and founder of The Green Register, talks about the importance of good communication throughout a self-build project. Check out ...
HPH195 : What is cellulose insulation? – with Gordon Lewis
13 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Gordon Lewis explains what cellulose insulation is, how it's applied and why self-builders can benefit from choosing it. Check out the show notes for ...
HPH194 : What are the hidden costs of building a house? – with Paul Testa
13 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Testa from Paul Testa Architecture talks about how to predict the costs of a house build and shares his tips on limiting a self-build budget. Che...
HPH193 : Should you specify uPVC windows? – with Simon Corbey from ASBP
03 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Corbey from ASBP shares some of his research into the costs and life cycle of plastic windows and suggests some considerations for self-builders...
HPH192 : How 'Right to Build' can help custom and self-builders find land – with Michael Holmes from NaCSBA
29 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Holmes from NaCSBA explains the Right to Build initiative and how it will impact on the future of custom and self-builds. Check out the show n...
HPH191 : Key decisions that impact on the sustainability of a house build – with Lloyd Alter from Treehugger.com
25 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Lloyd Alter from TreeHugger shares his advice on what we should be prioritising as 21st century self-builders. Check out the show notes for more infor...
HPH190 : How we are specifying our self build project – with Ben Adam-Smith
19 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith explains how he and his wife have been specifying their new home (which will be built to Passivhaus standard). Check out the show notes...
HPH189 : Is an electric car the perfect accompaniment for a low energy home? – with Robert Llewellyn from Fully Charged
02 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Actor and TV presenter Robert Llewellyn shares his insights about the future of electric cars and energy production. Check out the show notes for more...
HPH188 : What are Paragraph 55 builds and how do they work? – with Richard Hawkes from Hawkes Architecture
24 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Hawkes from Hawkes Architecture tells us about the exceptional circumstances in which planning for rural new builds may be granted. Check out ...
HPH187 : What keeps a self-builder awake at night? – with Will Kirkman from Ecomerchant
20 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Will Kirkman from Ecomerchant shares the key results of a survey the company ran to find out what self-builders worry about most. Check out the show n...
HPH186 : Choosing windows for a Passivhaus home - function versus aesthetics
11 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith have a difference in opinion over which windows to specify for their new build Passivhaus home. While Ben is keen to minimise m...
HPH185 : Why engaging in the planning process is so important
26 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith reviews what it took to be granted planning permission for his new Passivhaus home. Check out the show notes for more information.
HPH184 : Balancing a self build with work and family life – with Donal O'Leary
14 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Donal O'Leary tells us about his self-build in Ireland and shares advice for a successful project. Check out the show notes for more information.
HPH183 : How to achieve an outstanding airtightness result
04 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Buckinghamshire Passivhaus has become one of the most airtight buildings in the UK. As such, we consider what factors contributed towards their except...
HPH182 : Extracting energy from watercourses by generating electricity and extracting heat – with Justin Broadbent from ISO Energy
22 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Broadbent from ISO Energy explains the options available for extracting energy from water on your plot of land. Check out the show notes for mo...
HPH181 : Improving acoustics, noise control and soundproofing – with Jack Harvie-Clark
15 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Harvie-Clark from Apex Acoustics provides an overview of acoustics in the home. He also explains how we might go about controlling noises and sou...
HPH180 : Where to live during your house build – with Ben Adam-Smith
08 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith runs through the main options of where to live while your new home is under construction. While there's potential to save a lot of mon...
HPH179 : How to deal with sewage for a self build home – with Cath Hassell
01 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cath Hassell from ech2o consultants explains why connecting to mains drainage is generally the best option for a new build home. She also runs throug...
HPH178 : Natural clay plaster wall finishes – with Clare Whitney from Clayworks
25 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Clare Whitney from Clayworks explains how clay plasters are made, their applications and why we might choose them over other wall finishes. Check ...
HPH177 : Redeveloping a brown field site for a contemporary home – with Ruth Butler
17 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Architect Ruth Butler shares the story of building a contemporary Passivhaus on an overlooked, brownfield site. Check out the show notes for more in...
HPH176 : A self build case study of 'The Den' Passivhaus – with Dennis and Nicola Merrigan
11 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Dennis and Nicola Merrigan talk about the highs and lows of their Passivhaus self-build project, sharing lessons learned. Check out the show notes for...
HPH175 : From briefing to planning – with Chris Parsons
03 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben reviews the journey from briefing to planning stage for his own self-build project, with their architect Chris Parsons from Parsons + Whittley. Ch...
HPH174 : Addressing height issues on our self build
27 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith visit their architects Parsons + Whittley to discuss how to move their project forward. There are decisions to be made over whi...
HPH173 : How our housing needs change through life – with Dr Michaela Benson
19 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Michaela Benson from Goldsmiths explains how our housing needs change through life and why the concept of a forever home is often not realistic. C...
HPH172 : The impact of setting your energy target – with John Palmer from Enhabit
12 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
John Palmer from Enhabit explains what happens if you choose not to go all the way to Passivhaus standard, including how this impacts on cost, energy...
HPH171 : An eco interior designer in the home – with Elina Grigoriou
05 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Elina Grigoriou from Grigoriou Interiors talks about design, wellbeing and sustainability, and the role of interior designers. Check out the show note...
HPH170 : The process of buying land – with Michael Campbell from Spratt Endicott Solicitors
29 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Campbell from Spratt Endicott Solicitors explains the key stages that need to take place in order to buy a piece of land for a self build pro...
HPH169 : Embracing contemporary vernacular design – with Clare Nash
22 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Clare Nash from Clare Nash Architecture shares various responses by small developers in the UK and abroad to the challenges of creating modern commu...
HPH168 : An example of how much it costs to hire an architect – with Allan Corfield
15 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Allan Corfield from Allan Corfield Architects (ACA) explains how his approach to services and fees differs from traditional architecture practices in ...
HPH167 : What is a healthy building product? – with Simon Corbey from ASBP
09 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Corbey from the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) shares some thoughts of what makes a healthy building product. Check out the...
HPH166 : 7 Self-builders answer the question - what I wish I'd known before starting my project
03 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
7 self-builders reflect on the key things they wish they'd known before starting their projects. Check out the show notes for more information.
HPH165 : Feeding back to our architect
23 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith receive initial sketches of their new home from their architects Parsons + Whittley. They then feedback to John over the phone....
HPH164 : Taking on the role of Principal Designer – with Belinda and Paul Wilson
16 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Paul Wilson share what they've learned from their Passivhaus build. Paul also explains the responsibilities of the Principal Designer and ...
HPH163 : How to create an effective basement – with Andrew McInulty
08 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew McInulty from Ready Made Basements explains the main reasons people install basements. He also shares the challenges of building below ground a...
HPH162 : Briefing our architect for our house build
02 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Kay Adam-Smith sit down with Chris Parsons from Parsons + Whittley to run through the brief for their self build project. Check out the show ...
HPH161 : How I chose an architect for my Passivhaus project – with Ben Adam-Smith
26 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith shares what he's learnt during the process of hiring an architect for his self build project. Check out the show notes for more informa...
HPH160 : Is a thatched roof appropriate for a new build home? – with Stephen Letch
18 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Master thatcher, Stephen Letch, tells us about the history of thatching, the materials and techniques involved, and how it can be used today. Che...
HPH159 : What it took to find my plot of land – with Ben Adam-Smith
11 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith comes clean with his project progress! After two and a half years of looking, he has finally managed to buy a plot of land upon which t...
HPH158 : Lessons from 40 years at the Centre for Alternative Technology – with Pat Borer
04 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Architect and author Pat Borer shares insights from his teaching career at the Centre for Alternative Technology as well as what he's learned from hi...
HPH157 : A contemporary eco home case study – with James Galpin from HazleMcCormackYoung
28 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Architect James Galpin from HazleMcCormackYoung shares insights into how Mayfield Passivhaus was designed and built. Check out the show notes for m...
HPH156 : Creating a garden that's biodiverse – with Lisa Kerslake from CIEEM
21 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Kerslake from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management explains how self-builders can encourage wildlife to flourish on t...
HPH155 : Do you really need an architect to design your house? – with Jeremy Harris
14 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Harris explains why he chose not to use an architect or designer for his self build, and how he managed to do the job himself. He also shares s...
HPH154 : The challenges of building a new home in a rural community – with Jeremy Harris
07 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Harris, a scientist by background, wanted a low energy house for his retirement. He talks about the initial stages of his self-build project: ...
HPH153 : How to comply with building regulations – with Phill Skill
30 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Phill Skill explains what building regulations are and how we comply with them. Check out the show notes for more information.
Encore episode : Why airtightness can get compromised and how to avoid it
23 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We re-run an interview from 2014 with Stephen Gurney, who explains what causes poor airtightness test results and how they could have been avoided. ...
Encore episode : How big should your new house be?
16 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We re-run an interview from 2013 with Sarah Susanka, author of the Not So Big House. Check out the show notes for this podcast.
Encore episode : The Passivhaus standard explained
09 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We re-run an interview from 2012 with the co-founder of the Passivhaus standard, Dr Wolfgang Feist.
HPH152 : Should you consider the resale potential of your self build? – with Mike Coe
02 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Coe and his partner Lizzie created one of the UK's most energy efficient homes. Now they're looking to sell and start a new project elsewhere, th...
HPH151 : When does it make sense to demolish and rebuild? – with Janet Cotterell
19 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We are currently following the progress of Buckinghamshire Passivhaus with video updates in The Hub. In order to provide some background to the projec...
HPH150 : Where is the balance between renewables and a fabric first approach? – with Alex Baines
12 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We have been following Alex Baines' Long Barrow Passivhaus self build project in previous podcast and Hub episodes. This time we catch up with him to ...
HPH149 : Can airtightness tests on developer homes be trusted? – with Paul Buckingham of Sustainable Lifestyles
05 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Until fairly recently Paul Buckingham was carrying out airtightness tests on volume built houses. He explains how his role was to make the house pass ...
HPH148 : How do you know you're properly prepared for a self build? – with Dean Scott
28 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Dean Scott and his wife Hannah have never found anywhere they liked enough to buy and have long had a dream to self build instead. With the release of...
HPH147 : A Passivhaus standard Q & A – with Elrond Burrell
21 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As part of Ben Adam-Smith's video work, podcasts and meeting with other self builders, he is often asked questions about the Passivhaus standard that ...
HPH146 : Could engaging with your local council help your self build? – with Emma Osmundsen from Exeter City Council
14 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It can be difficult to know who to approach at your local authority, other than the planning department, if you're looking to self build. And if you g...
HPH145 : An urban infill that embraces simplicity – with Bernard Tulkens
07 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Building a 94m² Passivhaus with no south-facing glazing, on an infill plot in a conservation area posed many challenges! However architect Bernard Tu...
HPH144 : What do you do when you can't find land?
31 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Three self builders explain their next steps after struggling to find land upon which to build their new homes. Check out the show notes for more...
HPH143 : Why I couldn't build a house in 4 years – with Ben Adam-Smith
24 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith reviews the key decisions that may have led to failing to build an energy-efficient home within his desired 4-year timeframe. Check out...
HPH142 : What is a Passivhaus Designer? – with Marine Sanchez from Enhabit
17 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Marine Sanchez is a building physics engineer and a Passivhaus Designer. She helps explain what a Passivhaus Designer does, when you might need one an...
HPH141 : What is a structural engineer? – with Andrew Collinson
10 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Collinson explains what the role of structural engineer entails. He also runs through his most frequent tasks on housing projects, outlines how...
HPH140: What is a quantity surveyor? - with Jerry Thomas from Smith Thomas Consult
03 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A quantity surveyor can add far more value to a project than just working out how much your project is likely to cost. Jerry Thomas explains the role ...
HPH139 : Building biology principles – with Tomas Gartner from Gale and Snowden
27 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tomas Gartner describes building biology as "a more holistic approach to achieving sustainable, low energy buildings with a more human focus." He expl...
HPH138 : Why an integrated design approach works well for self build – with Charles Grylls and Nick Grant
20 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Integrated design is a way of a design team working collaboratively on a project from the outset. Architect Charles Grylls and Passivhaus Consultant N...
HPH137 : Opportunities to self build at Graven Hill – with Philip Singleton
13 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Initiated by Cherwell District Council, the Graven Hill Village Development Company are providing opportunities for self builders to create their own ...
HPH136 : 6 observations from 6 Passivhaus projects – with Ben Adam-Smith
10 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith shares what he's learnt from visiting 6 self build projects, each shortlisted for the UK Passivhaus Awards 2016. Regen Media produced...
HPH135 : Tips for buying land at auction – with Tom Gresford from Gresford Architects
29 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Gresford likes to use auctions as a way of finding interesting and quirky development sites. He bought an old water tower at auction to build his ...
HPH134 : A new build cavity wall Passivhaus – with Angie and Paul Dallas
22 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Angie and Paul Dallas wanted to build a comfortable, energy efficient home for their retirement, using land at their existing property. Paul was also ...
HPH133 : Building automation and KNX – with Paul Foulkes from Echohouse
15 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Foulkes explains how building automation systems differ from smart home technology, how they can improve energy efficiency, and why the KNX non-p...
HPH132 : What is modular design and how does it work? – with Peter Schneider
08 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
For the past few years Peter Schneider has been looking into how the Passivhaus standard can be introduced to modular homes being built at local facto...
HPH131 : Building a home in your garden for your retirement – with Robert Young
04 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Young explains why he decided to build a home for his retirement at the end of the garden and what steps were necessary to create this low main...
HPH130 : A Passivhaus barn that embraces contextual design – with Lisa Jackson
25 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Jackson is a planning consultant and together with her husband, who has a background in construction and planning, set out to build an energy eff...
HPH129 : Setting up a cohousing scheme – with Chris Wilson from K1
18 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In 2012 Cambridge City Council advertised for potential members for a new cohousing scheme on a plot of land within an existing development. Chris Wil...
HPH128 : Closing the performance gap – with Helen Brown from Encraft
11 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Helen Brown heads up the building physics department at Encraft. Her main area of interest is in low energy construction in new build housing, with a ...
HPH127 : 5 ways to get proactive when looking for land – with Ben Adam-Smith
06 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith outlines 5 strategies for taking your land search into your own hands. If you have been struggling to unearth a plot for your self buil...
HPH126 : When is it right to demolish and rebuild? – with Simon Sturgis from Sturgis Carbon Profiling
27 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Sturgis has been studying carbon emissions in the building industry for the last 8 or 9 years. He uses his experience to look at the scenarios o...
HPH125 : How to create beautiful designs through constraints – with Andrew Michler
20 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Michler has been living off grid in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for over 20 years. He has had a long interest in sustainable design and as w...
HPH124 : A contemporary Passivhaus home, built with SIPs – with Paul Newman from Potton
13 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Potton have a history of serving the self build market and are currently building a Passivhaus show home. They are making the details of the build ava...
HPH123: How different is building a home in the USA versus in the UK? – with Michelle Nelson from Build Your House Yourself University
06 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Like Ben Adam-Smith, Michelle is a podcaster who is keen to build her own home and is sharing the information she learns along the way with her audien...
HPH122 : Can local knowledge help you uncover a plot of land? – with Ben Adam-Smith
30 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
With Ben Adam-Smith struggling to find a plot of land in his town, he has decided to try a new approach and dedicate a full day trying to tap in to lo...
HPH121 : The pros and cons of building a Passivhaus with a kit or system – with Janet Cotterell from Passivhaus Homes
23 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Together with her team at Passivhaus Homes, Janet Cotterell has been developing their PH15 system for building houses to Passivhaus standard. She expl...
HPH120 : What is a self build mortgage? – with Thomas Honour of BuildStore
16 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Honour is a mortgage adviser for BuildStore, who are mortgage brokers specialising in projects such as self builds. Self build mortgages differ...
HPH119 : Sourcing materials for your self build – with Harvey Fremlin from the National Self Build and Renovation Centre
09 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Harvey Fremlin is Managing Director of the National Self Build and Renovation Centre, where they have trade exhibitors, run courses and generally prov...
HPH118 : How to find a good architect – with Adrian Dobson from RIBA
02 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Keen to focus on the professions involved in a self build project, in this episode we’re looking at architects. Adrian Dobson has worked at the Roya...
HPH117 : What to look for in a plot of land – with David Snell, author of Building Your Own Home
24 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
David Snell is author of ‘Building Your Own Home’ and writes regularly for ‘Homebuilding & Renovating’. The last time we spoke to David he was...
HPH116 : How do you find a good builder of low energy homes? – with Mike Whitfield of Mike Whitfield Construction
17 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Whitfield, of Mike Whitfield Construction, has been focused on creating energy efficient houses in Herefordshire since the 1990s. He explains why...
HPH115 : How to budget for a house build – with Mark Brinkley
10 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Freelance writer and author of Housebuilder’s Bible, Mark Brinkley, has been writing about how to build houses for over 20 years. Now embarking on a...
HPH114 : The long road to high performance homes – with David Olivier from Energy Advisory Associates
03 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
David Olivier has over 30 years of experience working with architects and engineers, advising on energy conscious design. In 2012 he moved into his ow...
HPH113 : Budgeting for our eco home – with Tara Murphy and Dimitri Daras
27 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tara and Dimitri had allocated £350,000 for the purchase of land and costs for building their Gloucestershire home. They explain how they worked with...
HPH112 : Getting planning permission for a self build – with Phill Skill
20 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Phill Skill is Lead Business Consultant at Stroud District Council, and for 10 years before that he was their Head of Planning. He talks us through th...
HPH111 : How value engineering could benefit a house build – with Nick Grant from Elemental Solutions
13 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Grant explains why his childhood “make do and mend” mentality has given him a lifelong passion for doing more with less. Combined with a back...
HPH110 : Reflecting on my self-build project – with Ben Adam-Smith
06 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith reviews where he is in his own self-build process and discusses the reasons why there will be some changes to future podcasts. Check o...
HPH109 : How project management helps your build – with Cesar Abeid
25 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Cesar Abeid has recently written a book called ‘Project Management for You’. He explains how his simple steps approach to project management can h...
HPH108 : Progressing your house build plans before you have your land – with Kirsty Maguire
18 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Adam-Smith has been frustrated by his lack of progress in finding a suitable building plot and has been wondering whether there is anything he can...
HPH107 : What Does it Take to Create Sustainable Neighbourhoods? - with Jon Broome
11 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Broome from Jon Broome Architects explains how to create sustainable neighbourhoods and why they make better places to live. He also shares progre...
HPH106 : An Energy Positive House That Addresses Cost, Performance and Buildability – with Professor Phil Jones
04 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Phil Jones from the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University explains how SOLCER House exports more energy to the grid than it use...
HPH105 : How Far Should You Go with a Low Energy Retrofit? - with Bob Prewett from Prewett Bizley Architects
28 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Prewett Bizley Architects specialises in low energy architecture and Bob has a particular interest in retrofit. He explains that housing is responsib...
HPH104 : How I Found My Plot of Land - with Donal O'Leary, Nicki Poggi, Arun Alex, and Glen Graney
21 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Arun, Nicki, Donal, and Glen share their stories of how they successfully bought their plots of land. With four case studies to evaluate from three di...
HPH103 : Is Building a Passivhaus Expensive? - with Geoff and Kate Tunstall
14 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Geoff and Kate Tunstall explain how they were able to create a fantastic Passivhaus in Denby Dale with a modest budget of around £150,000. They also ...
HPH102 : How to Set Up a Community Energy Scheme - with Matthew Black from Fintry Development Trust
07 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The residents of Fintry, Scotland, were approached back in 2003 by a developer that was looking to set up a wind farm in the area and was seeking loc...