Build Aotearoa

We got the band back together!
I caught up with Sharon Robinson and Glenn Harley to discuss some topical housing issues, including;
- The legacy of Minister Chris Penk
- "The right houses, in the right place", according to Minister Chris Bishop
- H1 and timber fraction in walls

Links:
- Sharon's new book, "Babe! Let's build a house", https://www.smartlivingspaces.nz/book

- Community Housing
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/1055757/growing-homelessness-linked-to-tighter-emergency-housing-rules-community-leader-says

- Housing Dashboard
https://www.hud.govt.nz/stats-and-insights/the-government-housing-dashboard/social-housing

- I'm loving watching videos from BAS Renovations in Michigan.
https://www.facebook.com/B.A.S.Renovations.734

- Comfortech H1 Hub counter batten wall solution
https://www.comfortech.co.nz/h1-hub/wall-insulation-solutions/

- OSM 3604
https://www.osm3604.nz/

- Upcoming energy modelling training
https://nzgbc.org.nz/homestar-training

- Check out more interviews on the Passive House Podcast
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast

Grand Designs New Zealand host Tom Webster and PHINZ Chair Joe Lyth sit down for a chat at this year's Passive House conference.

Welcome to the first episode of Build Aotearoa for 2026.

Coming up this year, the NZGBC will be celebrating 20 years of advocating for better buildings in New Zealand. The update of the update of H1 is bedding in, but many builders are turning their attention to roof condensation and overheating. And the market seems to be in a prolonged period of 'cautious optimism'.

In this episode, I continue my coverage of the THRIVE 25 Conference with a series of interviews from the trade show floor. I spoke with leading suppliers whose products and innovations are helping shape the future of Passive House construction in Australasia. From high-performance windows to advanced ventilation systems, each guest shares their unique contribution to better building.
https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/

1. Scott Hogan – DEHUM
Scott discusses DEHUM’s advanced humidity control systems and their role in maintaining optimal indoor environments for Passive House projects.
https://dehum.com.au

2. Mark Ristevski – XTour3D
Mark introduces XTour3D’s cutting-edge 3D scanning solutions for construction, bringing ‘digital twin’ technology to the residential market.
https://xtour.com.au/

3. Mike Ward – Australian Glass Group
Mike shares insights into high-performance glazing solutions and the importance of energy-efficient glass in Passive House design.
https://agg.com.au/

4. Mark Heyman – Rotho Blaas
Mark highlights Rotho Blaas’ construction systems, including airtightness and waterproofing.
https://www.rothoblaas.com/

5. Ashley Griffs – BINQ Windows
Ashley showcases BINQ’s locally manufactured timber, alu-clad, and uPVC windows that meet Passive House standards for thermal performance and security.
https://www.binq.com.au/

6. Adam Socha – Kinzel Industries & Aluplast
Adam talks about Kinzel’s partnership with Aluplast, delivering innovative uPVC window systems with exceptional energy efficiency and design flexibility.
https://www.aluplast.net/eng-int/company/

7. James Hazelwood – Hygge Windows
James presents Hygge Windows’ approach to combining aesthetics and performance in window design, tailored for sustainable living.
https://hyggewindows.com.au/

8. Harley Truong – Logikhaus
Harley explains Logikhaus’ commitment to Passive House certified windows and doors, and their role in delivering high-performance building envelopes. Plus a summary of Harley’s conference presentation, proposing how we might report and communicate better about Passive House benefits.
https://www.logikhaus.com.au/

Once again, a big thank you to Andy Marlow and Taline Edwards at Envirotecture for making this possible.
https://www.envirotecture.com.au/

I chatted with the wide range of exhibitors at the 2025 Australian Passivhaus Conference, THRIVE 25 in Melbourne. This year saw a growing contingent of panel suppliers along with a variety of window manufacturers, membrane suppliers and more.

Special thanks to Environtecture and the Australian Passivhaus Association for supporting the Passive House Accelerator to be there and bring you these highlights.

Featured Guests and Exhibitors
Peter Sullivan, Smart SIPs
Peter introduces us to his structural insulated panel system designed to simplify construction while delivering high performance for Passive House and other energy-efficient builds.
Annettee Braagaard, Nordic Blinds
Annettee shares how intelligent Danish blind systems support shading and comfort in Passive House projects across Australia.
Ben Mitchell, SIP Solid and Solcraft
Ben explains how their Solcraft panels can help deliver stronger, warmer homes in the Australian market.
Rohan Madathanapalli, Bondor Metecno
As Principal Sponsor of THRIVE 25, Rohan outlines Bondor’s role in advanced panel technology and how one product can serve multiple functions, speeding up products and helping to reduce overall cost.
Klaus Herrmann, Alpine Passive House
Klaus highlights the benefits of Australian-made prefabricated panels design with European experience.
Thomas Paarhammer, Paarhammer Windows & Doors
Thomas shares insights from over 30 years of crafting high-quality windows and doors tailored for Australian conditions and Passive House requirements.
Villy Yordanov – Technical Manager, Pro Clima Australia
Villy explains some of the new products available from long-time Passive House support, pro clima.
Rachael Sparnon-Freeman, Pacific Ventilation
Rachael discusses mechanical ventilation solutions, indoor air quality, and how Pacific Ventilation can support both commercial and residential projects.
Joel Seagren, Fantech
Joel speaks about fan technologies and their application in Passive House ventilation systems and energy recovery solutions.
Michael Drage, Reimagined Habitat, Net Zero Plus, Efficient Habitat
Michael talks about communicating passive house in the language of clients, drawing on his experience from the financial sector.