Between the Walls Podcast: Talking Passive Homes with Mark Anderson
The Comfort Revolution: Why Passive Houses Matter
I recently joined Janey on the Between the Walls podcast to talk about something I’m deeply passionate about—building homes that are not only beautiful, but also incredibly efficient, comfortable, and healthy to live in.
We dug into what a passive house really is, how it works, and why this movement is gaining momentum here in New Zealand. These homes maintain a consistent 18–25°C year-round, feel fresh and quiet inside, and drastically reduce the amount of energy needed to keep them that way.
From insulation to ventilation, we explored the holistic approach that makes it possible—and the challenges of shifting old-school building mindsets. We also covered the health benefits of a dry, mould-free, toxin-reduced environment, and how passive houses can play a real role in reducing national energy demands.
Whether you’re building new or renovating, there are practical steps you can take now to improve your home’s performance without blowing the budget. In this episode, you’ll hear why a passive house is not just a smart choice—it’s an investment in comfort, wellbeing, and the future.
In this episode, we cover:
The five key components that make a passive house different
How they keep homes between 18–25°C all year round
The health benefits of dry, mould-resistant, low-toxin living
Common misconceptions and why some builders resist change
The energy crisis—and why NZ needs to think differently now
Small, affordable wins for improving air tightness and insulation
How passive principles apply to renovations as well as new builds
Why fireplaces may no longer make sense in high-performance homes
Real stories from families living in passive homes—comfort and savings
Adapting designs for different climates and sites
The importance of energy modelling for smart design decisions
Where to find resources and experts to get started
A few reflections from our chat:
“Why wouldn’t you want to be in the most comfortable, healthy, warm environment possible?”
“We’re always emitting heat—losing it through gaps is just wasted energy.”
“Clients who live in passive houses report huge savings and incredible comfort.”
“Building differently means thinking five steps ahead.”
“This is your opportunity—find the experts and get excited about it.”
🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Between the Walls podcast, and explore more about passive and performance homes on our website.
