Have you ever heard of building biology? It’s the crucial understanding of environmental triggers that may be affecting the health of a home and the people living within it. From electromagnetic fields to chemicals released from building materials. Ensuring that Blairgowrie House promoted well-being inside as well as having a low impact on the external environment was hugely important for Dan and Dani. The guys are joined by building biologist and founder of Ecolibria, Raphael Siket, to discuss how we too can have a healthier home.

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(01:00) Recapping one of the biggest days on site.

(02:31) Welcome building biologist, Raphael Siket from Ecolibria.

(02:50) What is a building biologist?

(05:31) Understanding the extent and sources of indoor pollution.

(08:00) Using nature as the benchmark for air quality and a home's healthiness.

(15:45) Saying goodbye to fabric softeners and chemically engineered fragrances.

(21:40) Why is Australia late to the party on heat recovery ventilation systems?

(29:00) Explaining EMFs (electromagnetic fields).

For more visit Manna Made.

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We’re rounding off this chapter with the building designer behind Blairgowrie House, Sam from Bellhaus Design Office. What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer? And what about a draftsperson? Building is an incredible experience, but it can also be a major headache and an epic beast! Sam gives us a full low down of who and what you may need if you’re thinking of building in Australia, and the expert help that can take a load off your mind. As Dan and Dani settle into Blairgowrie House, they wrap up the series by reflecting on what makes it feel like a home.

Want to see more? Now check out the web series here!

This Episode was brought to you by Sleepmaker.

(01:10) Welcome building designer, Sam from Bellhaus Design Office.

(01:37) What’s the difference between an architect, a building designer, and a draftsperson?

(06:10) Unpacking the Bellhaus Design Office process and the stages of working with a building designer.

(07:55) The restrictions and planning control factored into the Blairgowrie House project.

(13:38) Getting a sense of scale with a life-size walk-through of your plans.

(15:20) The realities and complexities of town planning and expert tips to speed the process along.

(23:00) The role of a building surveyor, why we need them, and how to choose the right one for you.

(27:45) The challenging brief elements for Blairgowrie House.

(33:25) Containing costs with a simple form and material selection.

(35:15) Sam’s take on the most successful element of the home.

For more, visit Manna Made.

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We’re cracking on with the Landscaping! Dan and Dani are joined by an old mate from the Block, Dave Franklin from Franklin Landscape and Design. Dave explains the realities of landscape design, how you can get the most value out of your design budget and the unfortunate fate of many clients; a budget maxed out that generally means the landscaping is the first thing foregone! Dan and Dani talk us through the landscape concept for Blairgowrie house and the process of executing the design on their own.

Want to see more? Now check out the web series here!

(02:10) Welcome Dave Franklin from Franklin Landscape and Design.

(02:40) Reminiscing about friendship origins on The Block Australia.

(05:30) The easy decision to bring Dave on board the Blairgowrie project.

(06:22) Stepping through the process of appointing a landscaper to your build.

(11:00) How much money should you reserve for landscaping?

(15:00) Saving money with plants and patience.

(16:09) The importance of flexibility in your concept design.

(17:30) Making use of online marketplaces for cheap buys.

(20:50) Critical design features in every landscaping job.

(25:40) Sustainable landscaping and Franklin Landscape and Design’s environmental practices.

For more visit Manna Made.

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