House Planning Help Podcast

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.

Buckinghamshire Passivhaus has become one of the most airtight buildings in the UK. As such, we consider what factors contributed towards their exceptional result of 0.08 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals. Check out the show notes for more information.

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 more information.

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 soundproofing. Check out the show notes for more information.

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 money it should not impact significantly on your comfort, state of mind or key relationships. Check out the show notes for more information.

Cath Hassell from ech2o consultants explains why connecting to mains drainage is generally the best option for a new build home. She also runs through some alternatives if this is not possible. Check out the show notes for more information.

Clare Whitney from Clayworks explains how clay plasters are made, their applications and why we might choose them over other wall finishes. Check out the show notes for more information.

Architect Ruth Butler shares the story of building a contemporary Passivhaus on an overlooked, brownfield site. Check out the show notes for more information.

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 more information.

Ben reviews the journey from briefing to planning stage for his own self-build project, with their architect Chris Parsons from Parsons + Whittley. Check out the show notes for more information.

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 which designs to pursue, what materials to embrace and how to address the various constraints (including bringing down the height of the building). Check out the show notes for more information.

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. Check out the show notes for more information.

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 efficiency and comfort. He also outlines a best practice approach if you are going to build with Passivhaus principles. Check out the show notes for more information.

Elina Grigoriou from Grigoriou Interiors talks about design, wellbeing and sustainability, and the role of interior designers. Check out the show notes for more information.

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 project. Ben also chats through some of the challenges he faced during his plot search and subsequent land purchase. Check out the show notes for more information.

Clare Nash from Clare Nash Architecture shares various responses by small developers in the UK and abroad to the challenges of creating modern communities through better design. Check out the show notes for more information.

Allan Corfield from Allan Corfield Architects (ACA) explains how his approach to services and fees differs from traditional architecture practices in the UK. He describes the staged services his practice offers, giving indicative costs. Check out the show notes for more information.

Simon Corbey from the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) shares some thoughts of what makes a healthy building product. Check out the show notes for more information.

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.

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. Chris also outlines how this stage works and explains why it is so important. Check out the show notes for more information.