Timber-eating termites can pose a threat to buildings in most parts of Australia. Veteran building designer Dick Clarke spins us a yarn about the tricky creatures and how to avoid termite woe in your home.

In this episode we talk sustainability, Passive House Australia, closed loop economies and global green tag, a valuable resource for learning about the products we’re using on site. Dick challenges us to change our mindset on conventional demolition to have a significant positive impact on sustainability.

“How good is democracy!?” someone may have said recently. It is both a basic human right and a rare privilege. And here we are at the pointy end of a Federal election which is both more interesting and more critical than any in the last 70 years.

Retrofitting for energy efficiency; a straw bale Passive House; design for bushfire & climate resilience; keeping backyard chickens

Late last year, a house designed by Dick Clarke of Envirotecture burnt to the ground in the Gospers Mountain bushfire. Dick investigates why the house burned, and what can be learned to help rebuild it and other houses in fire-prone areas so that it’s less likely to happen again.

What’s stopping us humans from achieving perfectly sustainable outcomes every time? We usually wilt in the face of difficulties.

Sustainable designer Dick Clarke explains some of the new developments reshaping the way we build in Australia and around the world, including composite materials that reduce carbon, interrupt waste streams and even re-assemble themselves

Almost a decade since Black Saturday and the subsequent introduction of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings, many people are still grappling with this aspect of the building regulations. Building designer Dick Clarke unpacks his experiences with the standard, and suggests ways to improve its workability.

Having a plan for a place without a plan for how it is to be used is like cooking dry toast and forgetting the butter and honey: it sticks in the throat and

Hemp masonry is gaining recognition as a high-performance, low-impact and contemporary building product. Building designer and hemp proponent Dick Clarke explains how it’s best used in housing and its role in regenerating local agriculture.

Wondering which glazing is most suitable for your house and climate? Lance Turner and Dick Clarke introduce you to the delicate art of window selection, and explain the key terms and concepts to get you started.

Many green roofs don’t get past being a ‘good idea’, but with some knowledge and planning you can follow through on your desire to green up high, writes Dick Clarke.