Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 264, and in it, I’m talking with architect, Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects, about Green Roofs. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/264] Over the years, I’ve had lots of members of the UA Community ask me about green roofs, and so, when I went hunting for someone I could bring to the podcast to discuss this topic, one specific architect’s name kept coming up: Emilio Fuscaldo. Emilio is a Melbourne based architect with his own practice that’s been running now for around 17 years. And in 2011, he designed a new 80m2 home for his partner and himself that included a fantastic green roof.  Being his own home, Emilio was able to establish a great understanding of the building and maintaining the green roof, and also collect a lot of information on what it was like to live with the benefits of a green roof and its impact on the thermal performance and lifestyle in the home. Traditionally green roofs are something we’ve seen in commercial projects or in overseas work, and anytime I’ve tried one, it’s involved concrete, and lots of structure and high end detailing.  Emilio’s example is a different approach, and if you’re keen to include a green roof on your home, I know this will be a fantastic conversation for you to hear, as Emilio breaks down all the details for us in how he designed and constructed this for his home. In this episode, you’ll hear Emilio talk about his green roof being an Extensive green roof.  You can also get Intensive and Semi-Intensive green roofs, which will have a deeper profile, support a more significant type of planting such as food gardens, or heavily planted areas and is often what people think about when hearing about green roofs. Extensive green roofs are shallower in profile and support a particular type of planting, which you’ll hear Emilio talk about. If you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, as well as loads of photographs of the green roof under construction and completed, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/264 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/264 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 263, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Melanie Lupis from Sustainability Certified about how to design and build an energy efficient, zero carbon home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/263] This is Part 2 of my conversation. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, you can find it in Episode 262. Just head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/262 to listen now or download the free PDF transcript. As we continue the conversation in this episode, Melanie shares with me her thoughts on NatHERS and Passive House. Being certified to assess with both modelling tools, she has great perspective to share on them both. We also talk about the True Zero Carbon Challenge that Design Matters National ran in 2022, and Melanie entered with building designer, Lachy McEwan, from Harmonic Design.  The aim of the True Zero Carbon Challenge was to design a home that not only produces more power than it uses over the year; through energy-efficient design, careful appliance selection, and photovoltaic integration.  Entries also had to consider and calculate embodied carbon in material selection, and to put on enough extra photovoltaic panels to pay back the home's entire carbon debt by 2050* (based on today’s carbon intensity). Thermal Performance Assessors or Energy Efficiency Assessors, as they’re also known, paired up with Building Designers and Architects to create a home design and assess its energy efficiency and carbon footprint.  At the time of recording this episode, Melanie and Lachy had submitted their entry, and were waiting to hear the results.  Well, I’m super excited to share that they were declared the NSW State Winners - isn’t that fantastic!  You’ll hear Melanie talk more in detail about how she and Lachy worked together to design and assess the home in preparation for entering, and what insights it gave her for all home designs. I think you’ll find it really interesting. If you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/263 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/263 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melanie Lupis, a Sustainability Certified expert, discusses the Residential Efficiency Scorecard for existing homes in Australia. Scorecard rates energy efficiency and comfort, helping homeowners make cost-effective upgrades. The assessment covers building shell, appliances, heating, cooling, hot water, pool equipment, and solar panels. Learn about the importance of energy efficiency in design, utilizing small changes for significant impact, and involving energy assessors early in the process for optimal results.

Hello! This is Episode 261, and in it, I’m speaking with a dear friend of Undercover Architect, Sarah Lebner. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/261] In this conversation, Sarah shares some fantastic information about sustainable retrofitting and renovating, and how you can dramatically improve the performance and comfort of your existing home without a huge expense.  Plus, she also shares some specific tips to consider when renovating or building. This is part 2 of my conversation with Sarah. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 already, then head back to Episode 260, or www.undercoverarchitect.com/260 where you can check that out.  And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/261 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/261 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 260, and in it, I’m speaking with a dear friend of Undercover Architect, Sarah Lebner (formally of Light House Architecture and Science, and now Cooee Architecture). [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/260] If you’re a long time listener of the podcast, you may remember Sarah Lebner from my conversation with her, and Jenny Edwards, from Light House Architecture + Science. It was one of our most downloaded episodes that year, and I’ll pop a link in the resources if you haven’t listened to it yet. Sarah has recently moved home with her family, and moved on from Light House Architecture and Science, and has new adventures to share with us. And, in true Sarah-style, she’s also got loads of clever wisdom and experience to share that will benefit your project.  This is a great conversation over this episode and the next, and especially for those of you who are wanting to create a sustainable home, or are building or renovating in a regional location, or simply want some actionable and practical advice for your project. And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/260 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/260 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 259, and in it, I’ll be continuing my conversation with Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of the Bushfire Building Council of Australia - which has recently been rebranded as the Resilient Building Council. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/259] With floods, fires, cyclones and general weather events subjecting our homes to more and more extreme conditions, many homeowners are talking with me about their desire to create a climate resilient renovation or new build. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Kate, head back to Episode 258 to listen to that now. You can grab the transcript, or listen to our conversation by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/258.  In that episode, Kate introduces us to Fortis, a range of homes that were created with extensive community consultation, and experienced and expert collaboration, to help homeowners who are building or rebuilding after bushfire or other events such as floods and cyclones, or building in areas that can experience those events.  It’s worth a listen to hear the core principles Fortis was created with, that can translate to any project to create a more resilient home. In Part 2, we continue our conversation about Fortis, plus we talk about some other really amazing projects that Kate is working on with her awesome team. And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/259 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/259 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 258, and in it, I’ll be talking with Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of the Bushfire Building Council of Australia - which has recently been rebranded to the Resilient Building Council. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/258] If you’re building or renovating in an area where bushfire, flooding, cyclones or any other extreme climate event can occur, or you simply want to renovate or build in a more climate resilient way, this episode is going to be super helpful. I’m really excited about sharing this episode and the next with you, as it will not only give you a framework of principles to consider in creating a more resilient home. You’ll also learn about Fortis homes, which can give you a great headstart in your project too.  And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/258 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/258 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early November, 2022. So if you’re listening to this around its time of release, be sure to save your spot.  In my free online workshop, I’ll be taking you through the 4 universal factors that will make or break your project. You’ll learn what these universal factors are, how to avoid them derailing your project, and to use them to your advantage instead. It’ll be super helpful information for you whether you’re planning to build or renovate.  You can choose from a lunchtime or an evening session, and I’ll also be sending out a replay. Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/register to register your details, and I’d love to see you there. And now, let me get on with the episode! This is episode 256 and in it, I’ll be sharing 7 criteria or checks to consider when choosing building materials and products for your future home.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/256] I’m often getting asked about specific building materials, products and brands. In the world of building and renovating, it can feel like there is A LOT to choose from.  And what I see homeowners often find, as they dive into their projects and work with professionals, is that - as a homeowner - you’re often only seeing a small percentage of what is actually available.  Professionals have knowledge about brands and products, and access to businesses, that can be difficult for homeowners to be aware of or be able to directly deal with. So the options can open up even further for you, as you move along your project journey with your team. As someone in the industry, staying up to date with the latest materials and products, and the legislation that applies to them, can take up a lot of time. I spend a lot of time looking for, researching and finding out about products. And often my HOME Method members are also asking about items and products as well that can guide my research when I have specific questions. In fact, many of the guests we’ve had on the podcast are because we’ve been discussing those products inside HOME Method! Listen to the episode to learn more. Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/256 Now, let’s dive in. If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/256 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early November, 2022. So if you’re listening to this around its time of release, be sure to save your spot.  In my free online workshop, I’ll be taking you through the 4 universal factors that will make or break your project. You’ll learn what these universal factors are, how to avoid them derailing your project, and to use them to your advantage instead. It’ll be super helpful information for you whether you’re planning to build or renovate.  You can choose from a lunchtime or an evening session, and I’ll also be sending out a replay. Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/register to register your details, and I’d love to see you there. And now, let me get on with the episode! This is episode 255, and in it, I’m going to talk through some loves of mine when it comes to home design, and some of the trends we’re seeing as well. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/255] With each of my loves, I’ll be sharing what to consider and key tips to remember if exploring them for your future home. Most of what I teach here at Undercover Architect is focussed on timeless, functional design. To me, design isn’t prescriptive, and it isn’t about how something looks. Design is about how something works.  Design that can be flexible and adapt to the changing needs of your family as you live in the home, and adapt to the future owners who’ll come to live in your home in the decades ahead. Homes that suit you now, and over the long-term.  And homes that feel fantastic to live in, because they’re thermally comfortable, energy efficient, full of lovely natural light and ventilation, and there’s a sense of order and calmness about them, which helps you feel relaxed and at peace. Where there’s space to be together and to be apart, and a great connection with the outdoors that optimises the natural environment - even in the most urban of areas. That to me, is the design to aim for. Designing for sustainability, enoughness, for sufficiency, for durability and a long-term view.  And then inside that framework, you can inject what is relevant and special to you. The spaces and things you love. The design styles and trends that you resonate with, and you feel authentically reflect you. The things you know you have always loved and been attracted to. The things that have meaning to you. So, what are my loves when it comes to home design? And what are some of the trends you should be aware of? Listen to the episode to learn more. Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/255 Now, let’s dive in. If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.   Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan   This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.    Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.   LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/255   Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan   Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello!  This is the third and last episode in a special series of mini-sodes I’m doing to help you avoid the mistakes I see many make when choosing, starting and working with a designer during their home renovation or new build.  If you haven’t listened to the first episode about the mistakes many make when choosing their designer, and the second episode about the mistakes many make when starting with their designer, then check out those episodes.  In this mini-sode, I’m going to share the mistakes I see clients make as they continue working with their designer for the weeks and months it can take to create a design. You can also download a free PDF transcript of this and the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/designer. You’ll also be able to access some additional resources and helpful links for your project and team that I’ve included there. Plus, I’m hosting a free live online workshop later this month. In it, I’ll be sharing the 4 factors that can make or break your project. This free workshop is a fantastic way to learn about the key things to focus on that will help you make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.  So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near it’s time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there. Let’s dive in. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/designer Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.