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Welcome to the first episode of Build Aotearoa for 2026.   Coming up this year,  the NZGBC will be celebrating 20 years of advocating for better buildings in New Zealand. The update of the update of H1 is bedding in, but many builders are turning their attention to roof condensation and overheating. And the market seems to be in a prolonged period of 'cautious optimism'. 

In this episode, I continue my coverage of the THRIVE 25 Conference with a series of interviews from the trade show floor. I spoke with leading suppliers whose products and innovations are helping shape the future of Passive House construction in Australasia. From high-performance windows to advanced ventilation systems, each guest shares their unique contribution to better building. https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/ 1. Scott Hogan – DEHUM Scott discusses DEHUM's advanced humidity control systems and their role in maintaining optimal indoor environments for Passive House projects. https://dehum.com.au 2. Mark Ristevski – XTour3D Mark introduces XTour3D's cutting-edge 3D scanning solutions for construction, bringing 'digital twin' technology to the residential market. https://xtour.com.au/ 3. Mike Ward – Australian Glass Group Mike shares insights into high-performance glazing solutions and the importance of energy-efficient glass in Passive House design. https://agg.com.au/ 4. Mark Heyman – Rotho Blaas Mark highlights Rotho Blaas' construction systems, including airtightness and waterproofing. https://www.rothoblaas.com/ 5. Ashley Griffs – BINQ Windows Ashley showcases BINQ's locally manufactured timber, alu-clad, and uPVC windows that meet Passive House standards for thermal performance and security. https://www.binq.com.au/ 6. Adam Socha – Kinzel Industries & Aluplast Adam talks about Kinzel's partnership with Aluplast, delivering innovative uPVC window systems with exceptional energy efficiency and design flexibility. https://www.aluplast.net/eng-int/company/ 7. James Hazelwood – Hygge Windows James presents Hygge Windows' approach to combining aesthetics and performance in window design, tailored for sustainable living. https://hyggewindows.com.au/ 8. Harley Truong – Logikhaus Harley explains Logikhaus' commitment to Passive House certified windows and doors, and their role in delivering high-performance building envelopes. Plus a summary of Harley's conference presentation, proposing how we might report and communicate better about Passive House benefits. https://www.logikhaus.com.au/ Once again, a big thank you to Andy Marlow and Taline Edwards at Envirotecture for making this possible.

I chatted with the wide range of exhibitors at the 2025 Australian Passivhaus Conference, THRIVE 25 in Melbourne. This year saw a growing contingent of panel suppliers along with a variety of window manufacturers, membrane suppliers and more. Special thanks to Environtecture and the Australian Passivhaus Association for supporting the Passive House Accelerator to be there and bring you these highlights.    Featured Guests and Exhibitors Peter Sullivan, Smart SIPs Peter introduces us to his structural insulated panel system designed to simplify construction while delivering high performance for Passive House and other energy-efficient builds. Annettee Braagaard, Nordic Blinds Annettee shares how intelligent Danish blind systems support shading and comfort in Passive House projects across Australia. Ben Mitchell, SIP Solid and Solcraft Ben explains how their Solcraft panels can help deliver stronger, warmer homes in the Australian market. Rohan Madathanapalli, Bondor Metecno As Principal Sponsor of THRIVE 25, Rohan outlines Bondor's role in advanced panel technology and how one product can serve multiple functions, speeding up products and helping to reduce overall cost. Klaus Herrmann, Alpine Passive House Klaus highlights the benefits of Australian-made prefabricated panels design with European experience. Thomas Paarhammer, Paarhammer Windows & Doors Thomas shares insights from over 30 years of crafting high-quality windows and doors tailored for Australian conditions and Passive House requirements. Villy Yordanov, Pro Clima Australia Villy explains some of the new products available from long-time Passive House support, pro clima. Rachael Sparnon-Freeman, Pacific Ventilation Rachael discusses mechanical ventilation solutions, indoor air quality, and how Pacific Ventilation can support both commercial and residential projects. Joel Seagren, Fantech Joel speaks about fan technologies and their application in Passive House ventilation systems and energy recovery solutions. Michael Drage, Reimagined Habitat, Net Zero Plus, Efficient Habitat Michael talks about communicating passive house in the language of clients, drawing on his experience from the financial sector.  

The government is seeking consultation on insulation standards. Again. Jason Quinn has waded through the details and provided a handy summary. Check it out, and get your submission in by 28 February 2025.

The government has released New Zealand's second emission reduction plan and it does mention building and construction.  Elrond Burrell shared his thoughts.  View the ERP 2 at https://environment.govt.nz/publications/second-emissions-reduction-plan-at-a-glance/ Follow Elrond on LinkedIn and read his review of ERP at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/erp2-building-construction-what-impact-have-elrond-burrell-6ztjc/ I'm now on Bluesky @kakarikicastle.bsky.social 

I'm joined again by Sharon Robinson and Glenn Harley for a chat about the possibility of builder self-certification and MBIE's updated weather files. 

Wao Summit 2024 is happening next week, 29th October - 2nd November. Speakers include John Bell, Monique Kelly, Dr. Jim Salinger, Alec Tang, Jane Lloyd, Dr. Greg Bodeker, Sam Gibson, Paul Spoonley and more! Tickets and information https://www.wao.co.nz/summit2024

I caught up with Glenn Harley and Joseph Lyth to talk about the recent Passive House conference in Wellington, and other building issues in Aotearoa. 

https://www.resilienz.co.nz/

Notes from RMBA's Constructive Industry Forum. 

Wao is a collective dedicated to a regenerative future. I caught up with co-founder Monique Kelly to discuss why she does what she does, and their upcoming Summit.  For more information check out https://www.wao.co.nz/summit2024 

99 Waiwai Drive, Milldale north of Auckland looks like a regular new house in a regular new subdivision, but around 30 people visited the site mid-build to see why it's different. This showhome will be one of the Platinum Homes high-performance range. It's a SIP (structural insulation panel) construction and achieved a near Passive House level of airtightness.  I caught up with Sam Watt, the General Manager of Platinum Homes, Rodney.  https://www.platinumhomes.co.nz/our-homes/house-and-land-packages/99-waiwai-drive-milldale/ https://formance.co.nz/