Episodes

Architectural Character and the Power of Plant Based Materials

So much more than a show park

Circular Economy for Sustainable Construction

Ever felt weary in a dull, grey office? Touched a piece of handcrafted wood and felt a strange sense of connection? Wondered why a bottle of earthworm medicine from the 1700s is significant? Our guest, Sally Coulthard, has! A best-selling author and columnist who explores the fascinating world of biophilic design, craft, and curious objects from history. We start by looking into the intriguing territory of biophilic design. Sally throws light on how our built environment impacts us physiological...

Prepare to be enlightened as we enter the captivating world of sustainability and crafting with best-selling author and countryside expert, Sally Coulthard. Sally breaks the mould with her diverse interests, sharing her journey from her first book about organic living to her exploration of the intersection of people, history, and nature. Let Sally inspire you with her love for practical interests and her belief in the value of being open to learning new skills and absorbing new information. We t...

We go beyond the usual chit-chat and really dig deep into how our disconnection from nature is contributing to exploitative practices and how crafting can bring us back in sync with our roots. All the while, we analyze the dominant stories we live by and their role in perpetuating these exploitative practices. Crafting for us, isn't just a hobby, but a powerful tool to reconnect with nature and rewrite the world's narrative. Hear us wax lyrical about the unique connection between our hands and b...

What if we told you that the journey to sustainability involves more than just recycling and reducing emissions? Prepare to be enthralled as we navigate through transformational narratives of businesses pivoting towards sustainable and regenerative projects. We share the intriguing story of an Oxfordshire project that breathed new life into discarded barn doors by repurposing them as shelves, countertops, and a dining table. Witness how embracing imperfections and honouring craft can, in fact, r...

Are you ready to embark on a journey that blends architectural innovation with environmental sustainability? Come along as I engage in a vibrant discussion with the gifted duo, Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker of Abundant Earth. We delve into the captivating process of constructing a straw bale house that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings. It's not just a house, but a tribute to human ingenuity and a testament to the beauty of nature. The tale doesn't stop at the mere structure; it's th...

Ever wondered what it's like to create an intentional community from the ground up? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker , co founders of Abundant Earth , as they share their journey of building a sustainable, off-grid life for themselves and their families. With experiences ranging from living in cabins on the outskirts of Newcastle to navigating the planning permission process, Matt and Joe have come a long way, and their story is sure to inspire and uplift ...

Ready to kickstart your career in natural building and sustainable construction? Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode in the company of Allstar Natural Builders - Becky Little, Julz Baker, Em Appleton, Dylan Walker, and William Stanwix. Learn from these inspiring professionals as they share their experiences, advice, and pathways into this growing industry. Discover the diverse journeys our guests took to enter the world of sustainable building, from traditional brickwork apprenticeships to...

I'm talking with Peter Kovacs about his product design, tool making and taking inspiration from heritage techniques and materials. Peter's Philosophy - "Our tools allow us to create beautiful objects out of raw materials. These tools should serve us as reliable companions, an extension of our body. That was my aim when I made my axes. Perfect ergonomics, excellent quality steel and heat treatment. From the skill of the blacksmith, hand forging the heads, through my many years of experience with ...

Marianne Suhr is a Chartered Building Surveyor specialising in the repair of older buildings. We talk about the role of a building surveyor, the SPAB and how to go about sympathetically retrofitting an old building. Episode links: This episode link - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/old-house-retrofit-and-SPAB-marianne-suhr-bs098 Marianne's company website - http://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/ See Marianne in person at the Homebuilding and Renovation show - https://www.homebuildingsho...

This is the second part of my conversation with Kirsty Cassels. In this episode, we hear about Kirsty's experience as a joiner in the TV industry, her work promoting workwear for women, certifying natural products and the Prince's Foundation... as well as other side meanderings. Episode links: Workwear for women - https://www.instagram.com/workwear_for_women/ Kirsty's building work - https://www.instagram.com/building_cassels/ Kirsty's design work - https://www.instagram.com/creative_cassels/ RI...

The first of 2 episodes with designer and builder Kirsty Cassels. Pt2 will follow next week when I am back in the country. Follow Kirsty's work on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/building_cassels/ https://www.instagram.com/creative_cassels/ Leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-sustainability-podcast/id1459369615 Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Episode links: Hartwyn - https://hartwyn.co.uk/ Alex Sparrow (UK Hempcrete) - http...

The second part of my conversation with Shannon Berry was about her experience on BBC's - 'Make it to Market' and her learning difficulties. Episode Links BBC Make it at Market - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gq6s Shannon Berry Website - https://www.shannonberrynature.co.uk Matty Whitaker - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/ Alice Blogg - http://www.aliceblogg.co.uk/ Amy Leake (Woodmungler) - https://www.instagram.com/woodmungler/ Sharif Adams - https://www.instagram.com/wooden_wa...

Shannon Berry trained as an architect but I met her as a pole lathe bowl turner. You might know her from BBC's Make It at Market. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gq6s https://www.shannonberrynature.co.uk/ Episode links Illustration from Amy Charles' Patreon feedback - https://cricketmedia.com/blog/reading/spotlight-on-trina-schart-hyman/ Patreon for podcast support - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Matty Whitaker - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/ Abundant Earth - h...

The concluding part of the Biophilic Tiny House Christmas conversation. In this episode we discuss how long it took to build, costs, hardest bits, best bits, how to keep up motivation, future plans and advice for future tiny house builders. Links Kind Supply (Hemp Insulation) - https://kindsupply.co.uk/ Indinature Hemp - https://www.indinature.co/ Tiny House Podcast Links Building A Tiny House - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-a-tiny-house-flo-hamer/ An Extendable High Top...

This is part 2 of the natural biophilic tiny house Christmas special episode. Guest interviewer Mike Hill quizzes me on technical details such as air tightness, ventilation, solar power, heating, and water. Episode Links Kind Supply (Hemp Insulation) - https://kindsupply.co.uk/ Indinature Hemp - https://www.indinature.co/ Chris Magwood Podcast (plastic membrane) - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-buildings-are-going-to-save-the-world-chris-magwood-bs044/ Gervase Mangwana podcast...

Today we are talking to me, Jeffrey Hart, designer and builder of the biophilic tiny house. This is the Christmas special, and so is a light-hearted chat with some mince pies and mulled wine. We talked for 4 hours, and edited down to just shy of 3 hours! In this episode, we discuss why I wanted to build a tiny home, small living, how to find the land, design considerations, budget, windows, materials, the design process, technical details and biophilic design. Episode links Kind Supply (Hemp Ins...

Yoav Elkayam is a craftsperson specialising in turning cups and bowls. He has also built his own cabin in the woods in a unique way that I was excited to delve into. This is a wandering conversation taking in elements of building, craft, teaching and the true joy of owning a fridge. Check out Yoav's work here: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yoav.kafets Website - https://yoavkafets.bigcartel.com/ Woodland Makers Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/woodlandmakers/ Woodland Makers Courses ...

In this episode, I'm joined by green woodworker John Mullaney. John has carved out the reputation as the shrink pot guy but has many strings to his bow. We discuss his origins & craft in this joyous conversation that will inspire you to get stuck into some learning! This episode link for sharing - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/developing-your-craft-john-mullaney-bs089/ Episode links Craftspeople John's Website - https://johnmullaneywoodcraft.bigcartel.com/ John Mullaney - https:/...

The 3rd and final coppice focussed episode is with Duncan and Sam from The Coppice Co-op. We are predominantly talking about Charcoal in this episode, its history, its uses and the ways to make it. This episode is part of a trio focusing on the technique of coppicing. They were made possible by the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT). *** BHMAT are now inviting applications for our next placement and hope to interview and start the placement soon (by the end of the year/beginning...

Lorna Singleton is a coppice worker, basket maker and green woodworker. Specialising in Spelk Basketry - About Lorna - "I am one of the UK’s last remaining ‘swillers’, a specialist in weaving baskets using coppiced oak. From a workshop tucked away in the Cumbrian woods I weave traditional baskets known as spelk baskets, or swills. I cut and prepare the wood by hand, seeing the whole process through from the tree to the finished product, coppicing the woodland to create a truly renewable resource...

In this episode we hear from Kath Morgan who is the coordinator and administrator for the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust and Mike Carswell, a coppice worker and former BHMAT apprentice. At the end of August 2022 I attended the BHMAT Woodland Pioneers event in the Lake district. Woodland Pioneers is an introduction to coppicing and coppice crafts run by the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust. The annual event was fantastic week of learning and hanging out with lovely, likemind...