Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! It’s been an amazing season on the podcast so far, and it’s been great to hear from those of you who have found this information helpful.  And thanks to those of you who have been reviewing the podcast so it can reach more people, and also sharing this resource with others who need to hear it. I’m so, so grateful that you’re getting this podcast out there, and to know that homeowners all over are learning how to Get it Right with Undercover Architect. In mid September, I attended the Australian Bushfire Building Conference. Held in the Blue Mountains, they opened it up to virtual attendance, which was fantastic. It was 2 days of incredible speakers, so many insights shared, and such great info, that I wanted to share it here on the podcast as well.  In this episode and the next, I’m going to be sharing the highlights and big takeaways from the Conference. There’s something here for everyone, so, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: This conference I wanted to talk about in this episode is called The Australian Bushfire Building Conference … and I was grateful to be able to hear from so many speakers from all around Australia at this event.  The Blue Mountains is, as cited during the conference, the most bushfire prone area in Australia for properties - with 73% of properties on bushfire prone land.  The speakers were largely from NSW, with other speakers presenting virtually from other locations around Australia. They covered a huge range of topics - and had a huge amount of experience in this area. The Conference was … heavy.  I think with the year that 2020 has been, the immediacy of just what so many went through during those Black Summer fires, and have endured in the past fire events as well, may seem like a distant memory for many of us.  It was quite confronting to be reminded of the intensity, the scale and the sheer destruction those fires caused, and what fire fighters, volunteers, and local communities were and are dealing with in facing those fires, and on their recovery paths now. I thought it would be worthwhile to take you through the highlights and big learnings for me, the big a-ha’s I felt would be relevant to anyone who is rebuilding, or wanting to build a better, more resilient and bushfire resistant home. Speakers that I share on this podcast include: Commissioner Rob Rodgers Shane Fitzsimmons (Resilience NSW) Justin Leonard, CSIRO Dr James Davidson and Clive Ba-Pe, JDA Co. Sam Vivas, Viva Living Homes So, let’s hear more. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-australian-bushfire-building-conference-part-1  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! It’s the last part of my conversation with David Keane from Solve My Claim, in what’s been an amazing interview (over 5 episodes) full of such helpful information and insights into home and contents insurance, insurance claims, and how to ensure you’re protected when you need to be. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims.  And it’s been fantastic to hear members of the UA Community have been getting in touch with Solve My Claim to get the help they need - and have been sharing this incredible information with others as well. David has more great information to share in this episode. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: Solve My Claim exists to provide expert guidance, to help you navigate through claims disputes and problems that can be difficult to resolve. They provide an extraordinary service to people who can often feel so worn and lonely.  First they’ve often been through a traumatic experience that’s resulted in significant loss or damage to their home and belongings. And then they’ve had to battle their insurance company to get the money they thought they were due, to help them get back on their feet.  I know from personal experience, it’s a harrowing experience, and you can feel like all the insurance company is doing is trying to wear you down so you settle for what they’re offering.  Solve My Claim does such important work in being in your corner, and providing you with the expertise and support you need to argue your case in the necessary language and parameters required, so you can get what you’re owed. So, let’s hear more. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel (can you link that to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-current-home-insurance-solve-my-claim-part-2  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! In this episode, I’m back with more from David Keane, Solve My Claim. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims.  David is an expert on all things home and content insurance, and he’s going to help us understand and decipher the differences between insurance policies, and what to check so we know we’re covered. This is essential listening for anyone choosing a home and contents insurance policy, or wanting to review their existing policy to ensure they’re covered properly. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: David is the Director of Solve My Claim, and he has been involved in the insurance industry for more than 24 years. During this time, he was constantly amazed at how many people came to him with insurance problems, complaints, disputes and claims problems. In every instance, he was able to resolve those claims. He realised that there was nowhere for these people to turn, and that realisation started a process that resulted in the creation of Solve My Claim in 2014. Many people feel disempowered when making an insurance claim, because the company has a team of experts acting for them, and you are all on your own. Well not any longer! Solve My Claim is levelling the playing field, and ensuring that you have the best possible opportunity to solve your claim. David Keane is an expert in how to choose insurance policies for your home and contents, and what to be aware of in assessing and deciphering those PDS documents!  It’s definitely worthwhile understanding the pitfalls and hazards of insurance policies BEFORE you have to make a claim. So, let’s hear more. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel (can you link that to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-the-right-home-insurance-solve-my-claim-part-1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m back with Part 2 of my conversation with Amy Beattie, Mortgage Broker and owner of Good Green Home Loans. We’re covering more info about financing your new build or renovation.  This will include talking about some of the many factors that banks and lenders consider to determine your viability, and the fact that banks can put black marks on postcodes or specific criteria that can be completely outside of your control.  All super helpful knowledge to have when you’re seeking finance for your new home or renovation, especially if your site is challenging or in a bushfire-prone area. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Good Green Home Loans is here to help you find the right home loan at a great rate – using only environmentally responsible lenders who aren’t using their profit and power to support the fossil fuel industry. Good Green Home Loans helps you make sustainable choices with your home loan, which is fantastic for exercising your buying power. When we feel powerless to create change, it’s important to remember how powerful our personal spending decisions can be. We can send a great big message to the companies who seek to serve us, by demanding better from their businesses. Amy is a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping those buying, building and renovating, find suitable, competitive loans, from ethical lenders. So, let’s hear more from Amy now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-home-loans-101-lending-criteria-amy-beattie-part-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m looking forward to this episode and introducing Amy Beattie to you. Amy is a Mortgage Broker and owner of Good Green Home Loans, a mortgage broking business that puts sustainability at the forefront of its lending decisions. This is part 1 of my conversation with Amy, and in it, she shares loads of helpful information about borrowing for your renovation or new build. And especially what you need to know when your site is more challenging, or in a bushfire prone area. Let’s dive in now. SHOW NOTES: Good Green Home Loans is not your typical mortgage broking service. Good Green Home Loans is here to help you find the right home loan at a great rate – using only environmentally responsible lenders who aren’t using their profit and power to support the fossil fuel industry. Amy Beattie is a mortgage broker. However, she’s not like most mortgage brokers I know. And when I first heard about her business, Good Green Home Loans, I was so excited that it not only existed, but that it was being driven by someone with such purpose and commitment to their mission, they were willing to build a business on it. Amy believes that Australia’s largest corporations have a responsibility to be leaders when it comes to protecting the environment. With their continued investment in the fossil fuel industry they aren’t there yet. The greatest way we can encourage change is by moving our valuable business elsewhere. This is where Good Green Home Loans can help. When you’re about to set up a potentially decades-long relationship with a lender for one of the biggest investments in your life, Amy helps you not only achieve a great outcome for your mortgage, but vote with your dollar for a future that improves the environment, reduces your carbon footprint, and she also makes a donation on your behalf to a charity or not-for-profit organisation helping the environment as well. So, let’s hear more from Amy now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw] for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-financing-your-new-build-renovation-amy-beattie-part-1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Andy Marlow and Dick Clarke from Envirotecture. In this episode, we’re talking about Passive House, and specifically discussing the opportunity it provides to protect your indoor air quality. The bushfires and smoke pollution that many areas in Australia suffered from really tested the air filtration capacity of the Passive House system.  We’ll also be talking about the active systems you can use to create better fire protection for your home. And we’ll be talking about Andy and Dick’s other business, Passive House Design and Construct, and what it offers for those wanting to manage budget and sustainability whilst creating a passive house certified home. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Let me introduce you to Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow from Envirotecture. Dick Clarke is principal of Envirotecture, is an Accredited Building Designer with over 35 years experience, focusing exclusively on ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate buildings, as well as sustainable design in vehicles and vessels, and has received many Design Awards. Andy Marlow is a Director at Envirotecture, holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture, is a certified Passive House Designer and has extensive experience in sustainable design at a variety of scales. Andy is currently a Board Member of the Australian Passive House Association.  And recently, they started a new business, Passivhaus Design and Construct. Frustrated by the big challenge many experience in their new home journey - that is, creating a sustainably designed home that can be delivered on budget, they decided to marry together the design and construction in a total delivery model. You’ll enjoy cost certainty, quality design, an excellent build and a certified passive house… because it’s their passion to make homes that are better for everyone. And remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus get all the links I mention by heading to the show notes. So, let’s hear more from Andy and Dick now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel >>>  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-passivhaus-design-construct-envirotecture-part-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is the first of 2 episodes where I’ll be sharing my conversation with Andy Marlow and Dick Clarke from Envirotecture, a building design and architecture practice in Sydney specialising in sustainable and passivhaus homes. This conversation is packed full of fantastic advice and insights into how you design a home that is affordable and sustainable, and what to do if it also needs to be bushfire resistant as well. Both Andy and Dick have such great knowledge to share - I’m really looking forward to sharing their wisdom with you. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: Let me introduce you to Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow from Envirotecture. Dick Clarke is principal of Envirotecture, is an Accredited Building Designer with over 35 years experience, focusing exclusively on ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate buildings, as well as sustainable design in vehicles and vessels, and has received many Design Awards. Andy Marlow is a Director at Envirotecture, holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture, is a certified Passive House Designer and has extensive experience in sustainable design at a variety of scales. Andy is currently a Board Member of the Australian Passive House Association.  And recently, they started a new business, Passivhaus Design and Construct. Frustrated by the big challenge many experience in their new home journey - that is, creating a sustainably designed home that can be delivered on budget, they decided to marry together the design and construction in a total delivery model. You’ll enjoy cost certainty, quality design, an excellent build and a certified passive house… because it’s their passion to make homes that are better for everyone. And remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus get all the links I mention by heading to the show notes. So, let’s hear more from Andy and Dick now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel >>>  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-affordable-sustainable-design-envirotecture-part-1  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with architect, Julie Firkin. In this episode, we’re talking about Bushfire Community Centres, working with architects in the recovery efforts, and what it means to help someone after such a traumatic event. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Julie Firkin where we discussed the Bushfire Homes Scheme, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: For over 10 years, Julie Firkin Architects has been bringing creativity and problem-solving prowess to projects big and small in and around Melbourne. An award-winning firm, headed up by architect Julie Firkin, they pride themselves on a personal and people-focused approach to architecture. Julie has a hands-on approach to all projects and designs by visualising herself in the space which helps to create homes that are a joy to live in and spaces that are both practical and beautiful. In the article from MARK Magazine I mentioned in our previous episode, in Julie’s interview with Marg Hearn, Julie said this: “I’m always interested in innovation and in new solutions, as opposed to architects who find a groove and do what they do well all of the time. It was obvious from media reports that people in bushfire-affected areas had a lack of community refuges to go to. In speaking to the CSIRO, I discovered that providing official community refuges is a contentious undertaking, because authorities generally encourage people in high-risk areas to evacuate, and with a refuge to go to, they might decide to stay. Nevertheless, new codes and standards for community bushfire refuges are being developed.  Following the fires, some 52 locations were identified by the state premier and the chief officer of the CFA [Country Fire Authority] as being at the highest risk for bushfire. These locations became candidates for the development of New Township Protection Plans. In setting up the design studio, I selected Forrest, a beautiful hamlet in the Otway hinterlands, as the working site. Each student was asked to design a unique concept that would serve as a community refuge during fire season and a public amenity at other times. They explored the broadest possible variety of building types – town halls, schools, visitors centres – and, as part of the process, sat in on a town meeting and sought input from a local council. Should the opportunity arise for that township to gain a refuge, both council and community will have access to 15 design concepts as a source of inspiration for further discussion.”  I wanted to hear more about how Julie had worked with students in exploring what Bushfire Community Centres could offer as a strategy for building more resilient and defendable communities in the event of a bushfire.  And I was also super keen, given Julie’s experience in New York after 9/11 and in the 2009 Black Saturday fires recovery, to hear her views on how she saw architects could work with people recovering from such a traumatic event.  And remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus get all the links I mention by heading to the show notes. So, let’s hear more from Julie now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel >>>  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-bushfire-home-design-julie-firkin-part-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’ll be talking about what’s been done in the past to help homeowners with the design of their homes when rebuilding after bushfire. I’ll also be sharing some specific resources you can access if you need design help with your rebuild. And I’ll be introducing architect Julie Firkin to you. She’ll be sharing some insights about bushfire home design, and her involvement in a scheme established by the Victorian Government after the Black Saturday fires in 2009. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: For over 10 years, Julie Firkin Architects has been bringing creativity and problem-solving prowess to projects big and small in and around Melbourne. An award-winning firm, headed up by architect Julie Firkin, they pride themselves on a personal and people-focused approach to architecture. Julie has a hands-on approach to all projects and designs by visualising herself in the space which helps to create homes that are a joy to live in and spaces that are both practical and beautiful. Julie studied and practiced internationally and worked for several years at renowned practices. She brings this breadth of experience to her private practice, weaving a local approach and an international perspective into everything she does. While Julie Firkin Architects has the skills and expertise to deliver a range of projects, from residential to commercial, small to large, Julie has a personal interest in both sustainable and bushfire-resistant design. Her design for a bushfire-resistant house was featured by the Bushfire Homes Service following the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009 and Julie has also taught extensively on the subject. In this episode, I wanted to take a little time to talk about a scheme that was launched by the Victorian government after the Black Saturday fires of 2009. It was called the Bushfire Homes Service. I’ll be sharing some information on what it involved, and also introducing architect Julie Firkin to you, who will tell us about her involvement, and the house she designed for it. And I’ll also be talking about what’s been done in the design industry to provide support and help to those impacted by the 2019 / 2020 fires, and where you can go for help with your home design and build right now. And remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus get all the links I mention by heading to the show notes. So, let’s hear more from Julie now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel >>>  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-bushfire-home-design-julie-firkin-part-1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Jeff Dau, from Ember Bushfire Consulting.  In this episode, I’ll be talking more with Jeff about building and renovating in bushfire prone areas, or on land that has a bushfire overlay.  Specifically, we’ll be discussing how to manage a BAL 40 or BAL Flame Zone rating, understanding distances to vegetation, sprinkler systems, and some of the other strategies you can use in building well in these areas. Plus other info I know you’ll find helpful. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Jeff Dau, is a Bushfire Consultant with Ember Bushfire Consulting. EMBER Bushfire Consultants are a team of qualified, accredited and experienced fire industry professionals. They are all accredited Bushfire Consultants under the Fire Protection Association of Australia accreditation scheme, and their accreditation is your assurance that their knowledge and advice is current and that our delivery of service is of the highest level. Co-Founder, Jeff Dau, has had 23 years of experience as a professional in the fire services industry. Jeff has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science) and two Graduate Diplomas being Fire Safety Engineering and Bushfire Protection. Ember takes a “whole of life” approach, offering consulting services for all stages of development. This includes a range of consulting services focussed on assessing new development and construction on Bushfire Prone Land, and prescribing bushfire protection measures to minimise the potential impact of bushfires on life and property. Ember services local government areas across the Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes and South Coast in NSW.  So, let’s hear more from Jeff now. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGH5xSdvyYipHiSvPfbxw] for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-bushfire-consultant-jeff-dau-part-2  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.