Best Prefabricated Buildings Podcasts (2026)

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Speed Isn't the Advantage—Certainty Is 3:04

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2d ago3:04

3:04

The market sells modular on speed. But speed without certainty is just compressed chaos. The real value of modular isn't building faster—it's knowing what you're getting, when you're getting it, and what it will cost before you break ground. In this episode: Why "50% faster" is the wrong metric How certainty—not speed—de-risks deals for lenders and…

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Why Modular Fails More Often Than It Should 3:06

5h ago3:06

3:06

Modular construction fails not because the method is flawed, but because teams treat it like traditional construction with a factory in the middle. The coordination requirements are fundamentally different, and most failures trace back to misaligned expectations—not manufacturing defects. In this episode: Why the "factory instead of site" framing i…

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Plan Smart, Build Better: Common Homebuilding Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 32:42

1M ago32:42

32:42

Show Notes: A deep dive into avoiding common mistakes when building your own panelized prefab home. Following up on Episode 70’s focus on the right questions to ask, this conversation shifts toward what not to do — and how careful planning, honest self-assessment, and realistic goal-setting can make or break your homebuilding experience. From under…

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Get Started: Climate Action in the built environment across Australia 1:03:11

1M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Across Australia numerous groups are taking meaningful climate action and working hard to develop inspiring solutions. Today, I speak with representatives from five different organisations from the built environment to find out what’s happening. These groups tackle climate change from various angles, employing different structures and methods. They…

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Before You Build: Smart Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Homeowner 28:32

2M ago28:32

28:32

Show Notes: Let’s dive into the crucial questions every aspiring panelized kit home owner should ask before building. From evaluating build sites on hillsides, in flood zones, or earthquake areas, to understanding how soil conditions and local permitting can affect timelines and budgets, this episode emphasizes the importance of planning and educat…

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Get Started: Reducing Embodied Carbon – Lucy Humphrey, Studio Ecology 1:12:57

2M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

Reducing embodied carbon in all new buildings and renovations is fast becoming a global priority, and in Australia new regulations are on the horizon. In today's episode, we move on to our final theme - Getting Started - and the first of two episodes to conclude the season. I talk with environmental architect, artist and well known Australian clima…

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The Affordable Custom Home Guide: Build Smart, Save Big 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

Show Notes: In Episode 69 of the Panelized Prefab Kit Home Building Show, Steve Tuma, president of Landmark Home and Land Company, dives into the world of affordable home design — breaking down cost-saving strategies without compromising quality, style, or structural integrity. From evaluating land conditions to tailoring rooflines, ceiling heights…

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Water & Ecosystems: Delight in your environment – Tim Bennetton, Tim Bennetton Architects 48:04

2M ago48:04

48:04

Careful consideration of water is now a critical part of design as we confront increasing floods and droughts due to climate change. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme - Water and Ecosystems. We'll investigate the design of a small extension to an old timber home located in suburban subtropical Brisbane. This projec…

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Healthy Buildings: Hempcrete and materials for a healthy home – Michael Leung, Balanced Earth Architects 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

Prioritising health when selecting materials and products is simply common sense, and the best thing about healthy materials – they are also brilliant for the environment. In today’s episode we move on to our next sustainable design theme – healthy buildings. We’ll investigate the design of a house on an off grid site located in Mullumbimby in the …

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Rebuilding After Disaster: How to Navigate Insurance, Permits & Design Costs 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

Show Notes: Discussions about the complex realities of rebuilding after natural disasters — including fires, hurricanes, and floods — in places like California, Hawaii, and the Florida coast. With 32 years of experience helping families design and build their homes, Steve offers expert insights into navigating difficult insurance claims, understand…

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Prefabrication: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) & Passivhaus – Murray Robertson, Robertson Architects NZ 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

SIPS, or structural insulated panels are a fast and efficient way to achieve very high thermal performance. In today's episode, we continue exploring prefabricated panel solutions. We investigate the design of a passive house built from SIPS on a very challenging site in the oceanic temperate climate of Wellington, in New Zealand. Architect Murray …

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Prefabrication: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) design & construction - Jae Warrander, Makers 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

House prefabrication using flat pack panels delivers multiple environmental and cost benefits and is the way of the future. In today's episode, we dive into our next sustainable design theme, prefabrication, and we'll explore house design and construction using cross laminated timber. Architect Jae Warrander, director of Makers, shares the story be…

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Earth Building: Rammed Earth – Steffen Welsch, Steffen Welsch Architects 50:12

3M ago50:12

50:12

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Renewable Materials: Affordable sustainable design and Durra Panel - Matt Delroy-Carr, MDC Architects 54:53

3M ago54:53

54:53

Would you love a sustainable home but think it's out of your budget? Well, think again. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials and investigate the design of an affordable environmental home built using standard construction methods. It features Durra Panel internal wall and ceiling boards made from agricultural waste straw. A…

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Renewable Materials: Hempcrete – Emily Knight, Emily Knight Design 56:05

3M ago56:05

56:05

Hemp has been used in construction for thousands of years, but it's only recently that it’s incredible environmental benefits have crept into mainstream awareness. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials. We'll investigate the design of a hempcrete extension to an existing Federation House located in the heritage listed suburb…

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Renewable Materials: Strawbale Panels & Biophilic Design – Talina Edwards, Envirotecture 1:06:59

4M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

If you thought that straw bales were only for DIY backyard builders, think again. In today’s episode we move onto our next sustainable design theme - renewable materials. We’ll investigate the design of a new certified Passive House built from Huff’n’Puff SITUP strawbale wall panels. This house is located on an off grid site in the cool temperate V…

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Renovation & Reuse: Building less & Retro joy – Paul Butterworth, Paul Butterworth Architect 45:37

4M ago45:37

45:37

Building less is without doubt the most cost effective and environmental solution. If you have an old home with good bones, a few strategic and creative moves may be all you need to create something very special. In today's episode, we continue exploring the importance of reusing existing buildings and look at ways to renovate and add value and joy…

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Renovation & Reuse: Old buildings & character – Rob Norman, Symbiosphere Architects 59:29

4M ago59:29

59:29

Actively looking for ways to reuse what is already in place is central to environmental decision making. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Renovation and Reuse. We'll investigate the renovation of a 1940s timber cottage located in Bundjalung Country in the beachside town of Fingal Head in subtropical northern New …

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ESD Fundamentals: Adaptable & flexible for the future – Chris Bligh, Bligh Graham Architects 42:24

4M ago42:24

42:24

To be sustainable, buildings must be adaptable and flexible. They must meet the current occupants’ needs efficiently and enable rearrangement or repurposing to accommodate future needs with minimal work and material waste. In today's episode we continue our exploration of the sustainable design fundamentals. We investigate the design of a new house…

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ESD Fundamentals: Space efficient joy – Belinda Allwood & Allison Stout, People Oriented Design 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

Sustainable design begins with the fundamentals. This means carefully considered floor plans that utilise space efficiently and are responsive to your climate and the surrounding site. In today's episode, we'll explore the design of a new house on a small site located in Palm Cove in tropical North Queensland. Architects Belinda Allwood and Allison…

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Regenerative Design & Circularity – Andrew Noonan, Andrew Noonan Architect 1:00:58

5M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Reducing carbon emissions, both embodied and operational, is now a design priority. But carbon cannot be considered in isolation. Today we continue with the latest science and investigate the importance of holistic decision making and regenerative design. We'll explore the renovation and extension of a 150-year-old timber cottage on a small inner c…

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Design for a changing climate – Dr Paul Matthew, University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & Planning 1:07:45

5M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Every renovation and new build project is an opportunity to create positive environmental change. But where should we concentrate our efforts to achieve the greatest impact? In today's episode, Dr. Paul Matthew, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Queensland School of Architecture, Design and Planning, will share his research on building…

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Sustainable Design: The latest science & solutions – Season 3. Introduction & Programme 20:15

5M ago20:15

20:15

Are you renovating or building and striving to make more sustainable and affordable decisions? Whether you're an architect, designer or homeowner, juggling the current challenges of rising construction costs and the need to rethink design to be resilient and sustainable is very difficult …to say the least! So, I created this podcast season to find …

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More Than a House: Building Purpose-Driven Homes That Last 37:23

8M ago37:23

37:23

Show Notes: Discover what makes an “heirloom home” different from an estate or traditional build — and why more families are choosing to create homes intended to be passed down through generations. Steve Tuma from Landmark Home and Land Company shares real, touching stories of clients who’ve built homes centered on legacy, functionality, family gat…

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Smart Home Design: How to Build Cost-Effective Homes Without Sacrificing Style 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

Show Notes: In this episode, you’ll get a detailed look into what “affordable housing” really means when it comes to designing and building a panelized prefab home. Steve Tuma breaks down how design simplicity, careful material choices, and smart structural planning directly impact a home’s affordability. Whether you’re building your personal dream…

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What’s new at Renovation Collaborative in 2025 - Stephanie Skyring 13:44

9M ago13:44

13:44

Renovation Collaborative has evolved since I launched at the beginning of 2024. If you've listened to my original introduction podcast from back then, you might have noticed that a few things have changed. In this podcast, I explain what's been going on behind the scenes and what's now on offer for the community and architects in 2025. Today I'll b…

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How to get started with Passive House – Alexia Lidas, Australian Passivhaus Assoc. & Anna Cumming, Sanctuary Magazine at Renew 50:17

11M ago50:17

50:17

Here we are at the end of Season 2 and if you'd like to know more about Passive House, today you'll learn some ideas that will get you started: If you just want to dip your toe in, and experience the air quality, temperature and quietness, you'll find out about Passive House holiday accommodation you can visit in Australia and New Zealand, or If yo…

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Passive House Design: Subtropical – Tiago Guerreiro, H4 Living 49:50

11M ago49:50

49:50

How do you design a Passive House in a Subtropical climate like Brisbane? Today’s episode is the fourth and final episode focussing on the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced passive house designer Tiago Guerreiro, a director at the award-winning design…

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The Journey of Building Your Own Panelized Kit Home 31:25

12M ago31:25

31:25

Show Notes: We explore the journey of becoming an owner-builder for a panelized kit home. You’ll discover the process of planning and executing the construction of your own home, learning about the challenges and rewards that come with it. The discussion delves into the roles and responsibilities involved, how to navigate building departments, and …

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Passive House Design: Warm Temperate – Ben Caine, Leanhaus Architecture 1:19:25

12M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

How do you design a Passive House in Warm Temperate climates like Perth, Adelaide or Sydney? In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Ben Caine, the director of the award-winning practi…

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Custom Homes Made Easy: Understanding Landmark’s Process 32:54

12M ago32:54

32:54

Show Notes: Discover the ins and outs of building a custom home with Landmark’s services. We discuss the importance of meticulous planning and how aligning your plans with panelized home packages can make the process smoother and more efficient. You’ll learn about the various stages involved in developing comprehensive plans and how our personalize…

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Passive House Design: Mild Temperate - Andy Marlow, Envirotecture 45:40

12M ago45:40

45:40

How do you design a Passive House in a mild temperate climate like Melbourne? In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Andy Marlow, a director of the award winning environmental practice…

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Understanding Kit Homes: From Basics to Personalization 32:20

1y ago32:20

32:20

Show Notes: Learn the essentials and intricacies of kit home building as the podcast dispels myths and highlights the adaptability and customization possibilities of kit homes. Discover how to design homes that accommodate future growth and integrate aging-in-place features, while also selecting low-maintenance materials for long-term ease. The dis…

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Passive House Design: Cool Temperate - Michael Tolhurst, Envelope Architecture 51:17

1y ago51:17

51:17

Passive House design is different in every climate zone. Over the next four podcast episodes, I talk to Passive House designers in the four Australian climate zones where most of our population lives, to discover the key differences. Today I start with Passive House design for cool temperate climates like Canberra and Hobart. I talk to Michael Tolh…

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How to build a Passive House - Matthew Carland, Carland Constructions 52:27

1y ago52:27

52:27

How do you build a Passive House? In this episode you'll find out about the rigorous testing and photographic documentation of evidence that has to happen on site to guarantee that Passive House buildings deliver what they promise. I talk to very experienced Passive House builder Matthew Carland from Carland Constructions in Melbourne. Matthew open…

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What are Passive House windows? - Paul Gerrard, Energy Efficient Windows 24:58

1y ago24:58

24:58

Passive House windows are not like the typical windows that we are used to in Australia. They require double glazing and sometimes triple glazing, and they open and close in different ways. Glass windows and doors are an integral part of building design, functionality and energy efficiency and they always take a large portion of the budget. So it's…

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Innovative Home Design: Adapting to Modern Lifestyles 45:28

1y ago45:28

45:28

Show Notes: The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of home building and design, exploring the integration of innovative features such as home theaters, convertible spaces, and energy-efficient solutions. It discusses the adaptation of homes to accommodate modern lifestyles, including remote workspaces, recreational areas, and specialized am…

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Passive House Consultant and Passive House Certifier - Luc Plowman, Detail Green 56:54

1y ago56:54

56:54

The design and construction requirements of the Passive House standard are complex. If you're an architect or building designer, the learning curve to deliver your first Passive House building is steep. If you're keen to get involved but struggling to get your first residential or commercial project off the ground, today, you'll find out how a Pass…

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Building Custom Homes: A Personalized Approach to Design and Construction 38:40

1y ago38:40

38:40

Show Notes: The discussion centers around the comprehensive and customizable approach to building a home, emphasizing the importance of personalized design and customer involvement throughout the process. From the initial conversation to the final move-in, every aspect of the home is tailored to the client’s needs, including the choice of materials…

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How to design a Passive House – Alexander Symes, Alexander Symes Architects 47:25

1y ago47:25

47:25

How do you design a Passive House? In today’s podcast episode you'll get a clear understanding of how a Passive House works and the process to put one together. I talk to architect Alexander Symes, the director of the highly awarded environmental architectural practice Alexander Symes Architects in Sydney. Alexander's architectural mission is to ad…

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What’s it like in a Passive House? - 5 owners tell their story 1:14:07

1y ago1:14:07

1:14:07

What's it really like in passive house? Today, you are going to find out. In this first episode, I let passive house speak for itself through the experience of 5 passive house owners from different climate zones around Australia. Most of them are home owners, but my final guest is from a commercial building, because passive house delivers incredibl…

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Passive House: The smart solution for our changing world – Season 2. Introduction & Programme 3:58

1y ago3:58

3:58

In this podcast season, I talk to Passive House owners and experts all around Australia to find out what Passive House is all about and get to the bottom of all of the misinformation. Over ten weekly podcast episodes, you'll learn: What it's really like to live and work in a passive house building, What a passive house is and how it's different to …

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The One-Stop Shop for Home Building: From Vision to Reality 37:44

1y ago37:44

37:44

Show Notes: Exploring the concept of a “one-stop shop” for building a home tailored to individual preferences, providing a comprehensive overview from a customer point of view. It addresses common questions and concerns prospective home builders might have, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning, effective management, and adaptability. The…

1
Understanding Site-Specific Building Challenges 32:42

1y ago32:42

32:42

Show Notes: The discussion delves into the intricacies of building custom homes, focusing on the importance of understanding building codes, site-specific applications, and thorough planning. It explores how universal codes adapt to different geographical conditions, such as hurricanes, snow loads, and seismic activity, which influence design and c…

1
Designing Custom Panelized Homes: Flexibility and Efficiency 37:22

1+ y ago37:22

37:22

Show Notes: We explore the comprehensive process of designing and building custom panelized homes, emphasizing the flexibility and efficiency of this method compared to traditional stick-built homes. It covers topics such as modern and classic architectural styles, specialized homes for various lifestyles, and the importance of detailed planning an…

1
Streamlining Panelized Home Delivery, Setup and Construction 37:24

1+ y ago37:24

37:24

Show Notes: The discussion explores the process of building panelized homes, addressing logistical details from design to delivery, common construction challenges, and effective solutions. It covers the efficiency and precision of panelized construction, the comprehensive support available for customers, and the economic impact of home building. Ad…

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Borrowing Finance? How much is too much in 2025? - Tim Ward, Ward & Co. Wealth 21:37

1+ y ago21:37

21:37

Are you pondering taking a very large home loan to renovate, build or buy a new house? If the size of it is making you hesitate, you're not the only one. In today's episode, I speak to a financial adviser and get a second opinion on inflation, interest rates and what everyone is spending on home loans in 2024-2025. Plus, you'll find out how to work…

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What’s happening with home loans and interest rates in 2025? - Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home Loans 14:36

1+ y ago14:36

14:36

Are you wondering whether it’s a good time to take out a large home loan to renovate or buy a house? In today's episode, I talk to a mortgage broker, and you'll learn what's happening with home loans and interest rates in 2024 and 2025. You'll also learn about current housing demand in southeast Queensland and which banks will support the environme…

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How much can I borrow? Ask a Mortgage Broker - Richard Jefferies, Newbridge Home Loans 43:51

1+ y ago43:51

43:51

Today, we move on to the next step in the Renovate or Sell journey - Borrowing finance. You might think of mortgage brokers only for getting the best home loan rates, but they've got a lot more knowledge and value to offer than that. Loans for construction and renovation are definitely not one size fits all. When it comes to construction projects, …

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How much do houses cost in 2024-2025? Brisbane and Australia - Tim Douglas, Place Estate Agents 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

Buy or Renovate? Which is more affordable? When you discover the price to build your renovation plans you may think, ‘Surely it must be cheaper to sell and buy something better instead?’ In today’s episode, I talk to a real estate agent to find out what is happening in the real estate market in 2024-2025 in Brisbane and all around Australia, and th…