Gab Learns

This is our final episode of 2022 and we are talking about the elements. First thing Gab thought about is Captain Planet, first thing Peter thinks about is periodic table, so we chat about them both! Want to learn more or stay in touch? Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @pink.moose or on LinkedIn: Oculus Architectural Engineering Ltd Check out our website for free resources, blog articles and other fun things. https://oculusltd.co.nz/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/oculus-architectural-engineering https://www.instagram.com/pink.moose/

In this episode Peter & Gab talk about moving and shaking: Seismic Design. What do we do to earthquake prove our buildings? From pendulum stabilisers, base isolators and seismic window frames, they talk about it all! Want to learn more or stay in touch? Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @pink.moose or on LinkedIn: Oculus Architectural Engineering Ltd Check out our website for free resources, blog articles and other fun things. https://oculusltd.co.nz/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/oculus-architectural-engineering https://www.instagram.com/pink.moose/

It's mould awareness month! Time to talk mouldy. Peter and Gab are diving back into humidity and mould. They discuss what it is and what we can do about to ensure we are comfortable in our homes. Join us for this years' mould awareness - 2 weeks worth of mould content, lots of eye opening images and a giveaway - head over to our Instagram @pink.mooose (https://www.instagram.com/pink.moose) Want to learn more or stay in touch? Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @pink.moose (https://www.instagram.com/pink.moose) or on LinkedIn: Oculus Architectural Engineering Ltd (https://www.linkedin.com/company/oculus-architectural-engineering) Check out our website for free resources, blog articles and other fun things: https://oculusltd.co.nz/

In this episode Gab & Peter talk about real winter. Not the rainy, grey, could Auckland winter, but -45 degree C temperatures and what actually happens when these temperatures hit. Want to learn more or stay in touch? Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @pink.moose (https://www.instagram.com/pink.moose) or on LinkedIn: Oculus Architectural Engineering Ltd (https://www.linkedin.com/company/oculus-architectural-engineering) Check out our website for free resources, blog articles and other fun things: https://oculusltd.co.nz/

On this episode Gab asks Peter about Homestar version 5. What are the changes, what are the ratings and what it all means. Want to learn more or stay in touch? Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @pink.moose or on LinkedIn: Oculus Architectural Engineering Ltd Check out our website for free resources, blog articles and other fun things.

On this episode Peter & Gab discuss shortages and supply chain issues. Including some tips and tricks on how to be creative and work around the problem.

In this episode Peter asks Gab about new builds. What we need to know, what we need to ask about and how to push builders to build better.

In this episode Peter and Gab talk about all sorts. Peter is back from Canada, what did he see, what did he feel and how do New Zealand homes compare to the rest of the world.

The world is a changing place, and we are seeing this in our climate and weather patterns. The change isn't consistent, floods and temperature extremes are becoming more frequent, and often we are unprepared for these events. When it comes to our house, even though the weather in NZ is pretty comfortable for 2/3 of the year, we should be able to fully shut all of the doors and windows and still be healthy, comfortable, and well ventilated inside when the weather outside is not cooperating.

Houses That Work Houses, buildings, whatever – we are talking about those that work (and those that don't)! It's the devil's advocate argument when we talk about improving your home performance – “Oh I've never had that, and it's always worked before.” However, there's a reason why there is a whole science behind why we do the things we do as building engineers – it's a holistic approach which considers the whole building as one altogether.

Let's talk about the Healthy Home Standards! It's been a buzz for quite some time (years in fact) in the industry, and we tenants are ready for change. The standards were bought about to help renters live in more warm, dry and comfortable homes which also affects the landlords. But we are going to dive into the renter's perspective – as that's why these standards were introduced!

We are here, it was inevitable and now it is here. Winter. And we are desperate to know what the best heating options are for winter! We dive in to some options on the market – fires, heat pumps, electrical heaters, the good, the bad, and our favourite in the list of warm hugs.

Ok, it's cold outside – like 5 degrees, but the inside of the house isn't any better, and we are all looking for those magical winter fixes! You know the ones that are sold to us through repetitive advertising claiming to fix all the problems – no more mould, goodbye condensation and hello heat! Let's check out our favourite four… This episode: Magical Winter Fixes

On this episode, Gab learns about Starblock Retrofits. What a starblock is, how this one was improved, and whether the retrofit went far enough.  This episode: Starblock Retrofits.

On this episode, Gab learns about air movement. What's the difference between ventilation and infiltration, how to stop drafts to keep warm during the winter, and how to properly move air to keep cool during the summer. Episode 12, Air Movement.

On this episode, Gab learns about shading. Why it's important to keep up cool, and why exterior shading is what we should be asking our landlords for. Episode 10, Shading.

On this episode, Gab learns about allergies. What flares them up, how to reduce allergens, and how to keep them out of her house. Episode 11, Allergies

On this episode, Gab learns about how she should set up and use her house during the spring. How to keep it warm, how to keep it cool, and small, easy, low hanging improvements to keep her house happy and healthy as it starts to warm up. Episode 9, spring has sprung.

On this episode, Gab learns about designing a house properly. We're talking from flaws to floors to doors. Well, probably a lot more than that, but we just liked the rhyme. Which things are important, which things just make it look pretty, and how to make sure your new home is warm, dry, and comfortable. Episode 8, Designing a Home.

On this episode, Gab learns about buying a house. Who to talk to, what to ask, what to worry about, and where to spend money on upgrades. Episode 7, Buying a Home.

On this episode, Gab learns about Renting. What to look at when searching, important red or green flags, and how to get the most out of your current rental. Episode 6, Renting a Home.

On this episode, Gab learns about mould. What it is, where it comes from, and how to get rid of it. Episode 5, Mould

On this episode, Gab learns about The Building Envelope. How to keep the inside in, the outside out, and all the different parts that make up the enclosure. Episode 4, The Building Envelope.

On this episode, Gab learns about Windows and condensation. Which ones are good, which ones are bad, and how to avoid having to mop up water every morning. Episode 3, Windows and Condensation.

On this episode, Gab learns about energy leakage, insulation, and drafts. How to keep the heat in, how to reduce her energy bills, and whether or not her house is working well. Episode 2, Energy Leakage.

On this episode, Gab learns about Heating. What the different types are, how to properly heat her home, and whether or not she's doing it the right way right now. Episode 1, Heating.