Sustainable Builders Yak

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Episode Description
Simon Clark and Brian Guinan sit down with Andrew Smith from Weathertex to explore carbon-negative timber cladding and sustainable manufacturing. From their unique fibre-processing method to innovative product ranges like Weather Groove, Prime Board, and Natural Boards, this episode unpacks how low-carbon materials are shaping the future of construction.
Episode Covers
 Weathertex’s manufacturing process and Mason gun technology 
 How fibre processing improves durability and termite resistance 
 Overview of Weather Groove, Prime Board, and Natural Boards 
 Carbon-negative certification and Global GreenTag recognition 
 Water recycling and sustainable production practices 
 The role of education in promoting circular construction 
Episode Highlights
 Weathertex’s unique timber fibre process 
 Prime Board’s 25-year warranty 
 Natural Board’s raw, untreated finish 
 Recycling over 1 million litres of water daily 
 Driving innovation in low-carbon building materials 
Perfect For
 Builders and construction professionals 
 Architects and designers 
 Sustainability-focused industry leaders 
 Anyone interested in low-carbon and circular building 
Learn more:
Sustainable Builders Alliance

Weathertex

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Episode Description
What happens when experienced builders speak openly about the industry? 
In this episode Brian & Simon sit down with Dean Backman and Luke Callery of Build Insite bringing real insight from real people on a pursuit to build better homes.
With decades of hands-on experience, they share honest insights on the National Construction Code, labour shortages, sustainable building, and how collaboration and social media are reshaping the construction industry.
Episode Covers
• How Building Site started and why builders are sharing knowledge instead of competing
 • The challenge of working with the National Construction Code in real projects
 • The reality behind the labour and apprenticeship shortage
 • Why sustainability and client education matter more than ever
 • How social media is helping builders connect and improve the industry
Episode Highlights
05:20 – The idea behind Build Insite
12:45 – Changing the industry’s negative reputation
22:10 – Apprenticeships and attracting new talent
35:15 – Different building regulations across states
48:00 – Final thoughts and what’s next
Perfect For
• Builders and tradies wanting practical industry insights
• Apprentices entering the construction industry
• Homeowners curious about how building really works
• Industry professionals interested in collaboration and innovation
To learn more about the Sustainable Builders Alliance head to our website: https://www.thesba.com.au/

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Episode Description
Cathy Inglis, industry expert in masonry and brickwork, joins Brian Guinan and Simon Clark from SBA to explore the future of brick, block, and masonry in Australian construction. She discusses innovative construction materials, bespoke and architectural brick options, labor challenges, robotics in bricklaying, and strategies to support apprentices and small bricklaying businesses. Cathy also shares her views on the volatility of brick pricing, the complexity of the NCC, and practical solutions to make construction more efficient and sustainable.
Episode Covers
Innovative brick and block systems for speed and design flexibility
Bespoke and architectural bricks, breeze blocks, and custom manufacturing
Labor challenges and support for small bricklaying businesses and apprentices
Robotics and automation in brick and block laying for commercial builds
Managing bricklaying costs and industry price volatility
National Construction Code simplification and practical interpretation
Sustainability and resilience in masonry applications
Personal insights: preferred materials, design approaches, and cultural influences
Episode Highlights
Alternative brick systems allow interior work while exteriors progress, reducing project timelines
Double-story inset projects explore structural efficiencies using advanced materials
Bespoke bricks and breeze blocks enable unique architectural features while meeting structural and safety standards
Most bricks in Australia are extruded; dry press manufacturing is limited
Brickies Network and ABBTF provide training, education, and support for apprentices and small business operators
Robotics like the FBR Fast Brick Robot show potential for repetitive commercial builds but still require human input
Brick pricing reflects labor supply and demand; larger companies stabilize costs by employing bricklayers directly
NCC simplification would reduce misinterpretation, with clearer performance requirements preferred
Cathy shares personal insights: traditional brick, passive solar design, Wallabies supporter, and classic rock music fan
Perfect For
Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultants
Masonry contractors and bricklayers
Architects and designers exploring innovative brick and block solutions
Urban planners and residential construction professionals
Anyone interested in construction efficiency, sustainable materials, and industry trends

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Episode Description
Melissa Neighbour, Founder and Principal Director of Sky Planning, takes us inside Australian council planning and residential development. She explains how state policies, council approvals, and incentive-based strategies shape projects, explores the shift from quarter-acre blocks to apartments and low-rise infill, and shares insights on sustainability, community-focused design, and navigating bureaucracy.
Episode Covers
The evolving Australian dream: apartments, terraces, dual occupancies
State vs council planning and non-discretionary standards
Incentive-based planning: FSR and height bonuses for sustainable, high-quality design
Affordable housing integrated into luxury developments
Planning complexity and how expert planners help navigate approvals
Sustainability, environmental resilience, and community-focused urban design
Propinion: knowledge-sharing platform for planning professionals
Episode Highlights
State laws override restrictive council controls, easing approvals
Low-rise mixed-use and dual occupancy developments are increasingly feasible
Incentives encourage sustainable design and higher-quality outcomes
Affordable housing bonuses improve supply in high-value areas
Well-designed communal spaces and public transport critical for density
Green facades and Nightingale-style apartments show functional, vibrant communities
Engaging a planner streamlines approvals and maximizes property potential
Propinion platform enables industry-wide knowledge-sharing
Melissa advocates better integration between planning and the NCC, with AI as a future tool
Perfect For
Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultants
Urban planners and residential designers
Anyone interested in sustainable, community-focused housing

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Episode Description
John, Managing Director of Bowens, shares the story of a family-owned business founded in 1894 and his leadership journey since becoming Managing Director in 2005. We discuss how Bowens has grown through innovation, automation, and a focus on quality, speed, and ease of doing business.
The episode explores timber and building supplies, expansion into claddings and linings, the importance of local manufacturing, supply chain reliability, and Bowens’ commitment to sustainable building and high-performance homes

Episode Covers
Bowens’ history and family legacy
Leadership, innovation, and automation
Timber and expanding product ranges
Local manufacturing and supply chains
Sustainable building and collaboration

Episode Highlights
Bowens’ evolution from 1894 to today
Investment in automation and innovation
Supporting sustainable, high-performance homes
Industry challenges and future opportunities
 Perfect For
Builders and construction professionals
Sustainable building and timber advocates
Industry leaders and innovators