The Specification

This week Joe and Laurence a 65 room hotel which is built every year only to be destroyed a few months later, and see how Melbourne's urban density compares to a range of international hubs (spoiler alert, it's not great news). Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.     For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links:   Ice Hotel: https://www.icehotel.com Urban Density Paper: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/30672832.pdf

This week Joe and Laurence discuss an engineering marvel and icon of South East Asian architecture and dig deeper into Victoria's freshly released 10 year housing statement. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.     For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links:   CTBUH article: https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/26-case-study-marina-bay-sands-singapore.pdf Victorian Housing Statement market response: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/20/short-stay-levy-and-800000-homes-how-victoria-plans-to-ease-the-housing-crisis

This week Joe and Laurence discuss a well known project in the centre of Manhattan which almost collapsed under wind loads, and cover the launch of a new safety reporting tool from the Australian Government. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.     For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links:   Citicorp Centre Engineering Crisis: https://onlineethics.org/cases/engineers-and-scientists-behaving-well/william-lemessurier-fifty-nine-story-crisis-lesson Safe Work Australia : https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/interactive-data/industry/construction

This week Joe and Laurence discuss some of the projects receiving funding from Australia's defence budget, give an update on the infamous 'Death Star' bill preventing construction workers from taking drink breaks in Texas, and discuss what could be the next global ACP disaster. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.     For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links:   Defence investment: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2020-09-07/11-billion-investment-commences-raaf-base-tindal   US Military projects in Australia: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2022-09-08/australia-military-construction-projects-china-7251762.html   Texas update: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/texas-judge-strikes-down-law-water-breaks-Greg-Abbott/692681/   Crumbling concrete: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/05/raac-and-ruin-what-the-concrete-crisis-means-for-uk-politics  

This week Joe and Laurence discuss ‘The Line', a 170km long, 500m tall structure currently under construction in Saudi Arabia, and dig deeper into the concept of ‘green concrete'. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.     For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links: The Line video: https://youtu.be/0kz5vEqdaSc?si=ACFzc-urlp2KO8rK AFR article: https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/industry-finance-unearth-cost-of-embodied-carbon-20230821-p5dy52  Green Concrete chart: https://nwcement.org/the-road-to-low-carbon-concrete/

This week Joe and Laurence discuss one of the world's oldest and most expensive structures, reveal the freshly appointed builder for Australia's next super tall tower, and compare how Australia's construction industry shapes up against the USA in the world of embodied carbon. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au. 

This week Joe and Laurence discuss one of the few projects to receive full Living Building Challenge Certification in the Southern Hemisphere - Frasers Property's Burwood Brickworks, review some of the biggest infrastructure spending blowouts (and hypothesise why these may occur), and Joe gets hot under the collar on the topic of footpath paving. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au. 

This week Joe and Laurence discuss Japan's tsunami walls, review China's recently built ‘City of the Future', and consider the electrification of construction sites amidst the news of Sweden's first all-electric trial. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links: Japan's Tsunami Walls: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/29/tsunami-wall-japan-divides-villagers City of the Future: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-tech-innovations-to-assist-xiongan-to-march-toward-a-futuristic-city-301836532.html Electrified Construction Site: https://fossilfrittsverige.se/2023/04/27/forsta-elektrifierade-byggarbetsplatsen-i-eu-en-forskola-i-ostersund/

This week Joe and Laurence discuss Australia's newest physics laboratory which is located 1km below the earth's surface, a recent law in Texas which eliminates water breaks for construction workers, and mining on the moon. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links:   Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory: https://www.supl.org.au/ Water breaks in constructions: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/backlash-brews-texas-law-eliminates-mandatory-water-breaks-rcna92961 Moon Express: https://moonexpress.com/

This week Joe and Laurence discuss the national asset but regional concern that is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the effort to rebuild Ukraine, and thermal conductivity in building envelopes. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.   Links:   Grand Ethiopean Renaissance Dam: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/23/itll-cause-a-water-war-divisions-run-deep-as-filling-of-nile-dam-nears   Rebuilding Ukraine: https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/meet-the-canadian-architect-on-a-mission-to-rebuild-ukraine-module-by-module/  

This week Joe and Laurence discuss the Svalbard "Doomsday" Seed Vault – humanity's back up plan in the event of an agricultural disaster, and delve deeper into Australia's Long Term Emissions Plan. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au.    Links:   Australia's Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/australias-long-term-emissions-reduction-plan   Svalbard Seed Vault: https://www.seedvault.no/  

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is Australia's national system for rating the energy performance of homes. Referred to in our National Construction Code, NatHERS considers a wide range of inputs to generate standardised energy ratings, helping consumers to understand the performance of their homes.   NatHERS gives a ‘thermal' rating based on how much heating and cooling is needed to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. It now also gives a ‘whole of home' rating based on the cost of energy to run the home and its appliances, which includes the estimated cost of the energy for the household, the estimated cost to the energy network and the cost of emissions resulting from the home's energy use.   In this episode the guys are thrilled to be joined by Claire Lewis, Assistant Director at NatHERS, and absolute expert on sustainable home solutions. Claire introduces us to NatHERS, explains how the scheme works, brings us up to speed on some exciting new initiatives, and offers valuable tips and tricks for those looking to improve the efficiency of their homes without breaking the bank.   To learn more about NatHERS you can visit https://www.nathers.gov.au/.   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au    

This week Joe and Laurence discuss what could be the World's tallest single residence (if not for one pesky technicality), and take a specialists dive into cross laminated timber, and the ideal approach for designers and builders looking to reduce the environmental impact of their projects through mass timber. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au. 

This week Joe and Laurence discuss Australia's largest wind farm which is under construction in Victoria's West, and shine a light on Australia's plans for hydrogen production and export, with special consideration of what this means for our current built environment. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at podcast@laurello.au   Links: National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone expansions: https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/national-electricity-market-renewable-energy-zone-expansions Enabling infrastructure for hydrogen production: https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/enabling-infrastructure-hydrogen-production Australia's hydrogen potential: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/australias-hydrogen-potential-a-message-from-the-chief-scientist

This week Joe and Laurence discuss the $30 billion solar array slated for Australia's Northern Territory, simplify the science behind fire, and review a new practical guide to upfront carbon reductions authored by the Green Building Council of Australia, Lendlease, the NSW Government, Sustainability Victoria, and Mott Macdonald. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Links: Twin burner wood heaters (not sponsored): https://www.pellet.com.au/products/xeoos-twinfire-wood-heater/ Fire science basics: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/747-what-is-fire#:~:text=Heated%20molecules%20are%20loosened%2C%20moving,remaining%20fuel%20at%20ignition%20temperature.

This week Joe and Laurence discuss the future location of Sydney's massive produce markets (and the potential usage of their current site), delve deeper into the recent voluntary administration announcements of residential builders, and consider Australia's potential as a solar power juggernaut. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

This week Joe and Laurence discuss Mies Van Der Rohe and Lilly Reich's iconic Barcelona Pavilion, break down the festival of art and design that is the Venice Biennale, and take a closer look at a strong, highly sustainable building product growing right under our noses. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Links:   Geometry of Light at the Barcelona Pavilion: https://youtu.be/hr9KR6t_mEM

This week Joe and Laurence discuss Western Sydney's new international airport, take a closer look at earthquake design requirements, and review a recent report which quantifies the cost of defects and re-work in construction projects. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Links:     Western Sydney Airport: https://www.coxarchitecture.com.au/project/western-sydney-airport/  10 Storey Shake Table Test: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/videos/san-diego-scientists-build-10-story-building-on-a-quake-shake-table/3224725/ FMI x Plangrid Report on Re-work: http://pg.plangrid.com/rs/572-JSV-775/images/Construction_Disconnected.pdf 

This week Joe and Laurence discuss the incredible and iconic Habitat67, take a closer look at ETFE facades and roofing, and review a recent report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute looking at the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability at a neighbourhood scale. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Links:      Habitat 67: https://www.habitat67.com/en/  Habitat 67 Unreal Engine: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/hillside Eden Project: https://www.edenproject.com/  Sustainable Housing at a Neighbourhood Scale (Report): https://www.ahuri.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/2023-04/AHURI-Final-Report-396-Sustainable-housing-at-a-neighbourhood-scale.pdf

This week join Joe and Laurence as they review the range of projects so far announced in preparation for Victoria's $2.6b commonwealth games, get into the nitty gritty of sub surface tanks, and dissect the Federal Government's announced $1.6b policy targeted at improving residential energy efficiency without feeding the inflation dragon.   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Links:   See examples of drainage cells and subsurface tanks here (not a sponsored link): https://globalsynthetics.com.au/drainage-systems/

Your Home (or www.yourhome.gov.au) is a free and independent initiative of the Australian Government which provides valuable resources and information for designers, builders, and others involved in designing and building residential homes. Almost 20 years old, the site is regularly visited by consumers and professionals looking for unbiased and reliable information about sustainable design, building materials, and more.    This week Joe and Laurence are thrilled to be joined by Felicity Woodhams - Assistant Director at Your Home, and passionate advocate for better residential design and construction.    To learn more or get in touch with Your Home you can visit https://www.yourhome.gov.au/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

This week the Joe and Laurence explore the huge network of underwater tunnels connecting islands and communities at the Faroe Islands, laminated veneer lumber, and discuss what Australia's electrificition means for our built environment. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Links:   Underwater Tunnels Revolutionize the Faroes (maritime-executive.com): https://maritime-executive.com/features/underwater-tunnels-revolutionize-the-faroes  How It's Made: Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): https://youtu.be/EhzyhkLmLoo Australia's National Electric Vehicle Strategy (2023): https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-electric-vehicle-strategy.pdf Report prepared by Property Council of Australia and Green Building Council of Australia: Every Building Counts (2023 Edition): https://everybuildingcounts.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2023/04/Every-Building-Counts-2023-Edition.pdf  

This week the guys discuss the incredible Metropol Parasol in Seville, BubbleDeck concrete, and some significant new updates to the City of Melbourne's planning requirements for sustainable building design. Join in to hear more on the interesting stories behind these topics.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

This episode join Joe and Laurence as they introduce an exciting new segment based approach to The Specification. As discussed this week, moving forward our regular conversations with building product experts will be complemented by solo sessions, allowing the guys to delve deeper into projects, products, news, and events than historically possible.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

That's a wrap for The Specification's mini series on product certifications! In this final episode of the mini-series Laurence and Joe discuss their takeways from the last four episodes of this series, and the series as a whole.     Check in with the guys next week for more news and commentary from the world of building products.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

Like all good things, the mini-series focusing on product certification must come to an end. In this episode Laurence and Joe discuss their takeways from the first five episodes of this series, and compare their notes on the product certifications featured. Together with Episode 37 this episode neatly wraps up the mini-series in building product certification - we hope it has been as interesting for you as it has been for us! For any questions about the podcast, or suggestions for future guests and topics of discussion please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.     

Almost 7 out of 10 Australian consumers recognise the WELS label, seen on taps, showers, flow controllers, toilets, urinals, dishwashers and washing machines. One glance and consumers can quickly tell how water efficient that product is.     Starting off as a water management program, WELS is now an Australian Government mandatory regulatory scheme. This protects water as a resource and also promotes confidence in consumers when purchasing products for their homes or projects.     Teresa McMaugh, manager of the WELS scheme, joins Joe and Laurence in this episode of The Specification to discuss how the scheme affects consumers, the built industry and the unique role the government plays in this sector.     To learn more or get in touch with WELS, you can visit www.waterrating.gov.au    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.    Post-recording corrections: 09:23 The star range for toilets extends to 6 stars rather than 5. 30:54 The total Court penalty was $2.195 million rather than $1.6 million.

A familiar mark for many, the FSC tick represents the well known and highly trusted Forest Stewardship Council. Created in 1993, the FSC is an international forest certification scheme established to nurture responsible forestry so both forests, and the communities they support can thrive.    In this episode of the Specification Joe and Laurence are joined by Melanie Robertson (CEO, FSC Aus/NZ) and Stefan Jensen (Policy and Standards Manager, FSC Aus/NZ) to learn more about FSC certification, and what it means when you see their logo on a wood product.    To learn more or get in touch with FSC Aus/NZ you can visit https://anz.fsc.org/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

Dr Andrew Wheeler, the Executive Director at ARCS (Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels), joins Joe and Laurence on The Specification to explore the topic of steel certification for structural steel products.     Being such a crucial building element of any construction project, Andrew touches on the importance of third-party certification in steel products. Together Andrew, Joe and Laurence delve into the details of the certification process and how designers and builders can ensure that the steel used on site meets the required codes and standards.     Learn more about ACRS at https://www.steelcertification.com/.   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au

How much do you know about the aluminium products being installed in your project?    Aluminium plays an important role in many modern buildings, providing a strong and lightweight solution for window and door frames, ceiling grids, and other fixtures. While many of us take this material for granted, there's a long supply chain (and interesting recycling story) behind piece that turns up on site. Guiding Joe and Laurence through this space today is Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, and all-round expert on sustainability in the extraction industry.    There's so much more to aluminium than you might first think – make sure to listen in to find out more.    To get find out more about the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) you can visit https://aluminium-stewardship.org/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.       

Forest and wood products can be found in every aspect of our lives, from the tissues on your desk to the packaging of your groceries, and of course in various forms throughout the built environment. As we leverage the sustainability benefits of wood fibre in the transition to a more environmentally friendly future it is going to be become more and more important that the growth and harvesting of this wood fibre is done in an ethical, sustainable, and responsible way.    Enter Responsible Wood, the organisation managing the PEFC certification in Australia.   This week Joe and Laurence catch up with Matt DeJongh from Responsible Wood who expertly explains what Responsible Wood and PEFC do, what sustainable forestry actually looks like, and what designers and specifiers need to know to make sure you're specifying nature's ultimate renewable in a responsible way.     To get in touch with Responsible Wood you can visit https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au.   

The Living Future Institute of Australia is the Australian manager for the well-known Declare Label and Living Building Challenge, amongst other initiatives. While each of these programs stands alone in its benefits and utility for the industry, in this episode we were thrilled to be joined by Laura Hamilton O'Hara (LFIA CEO) who explains how the initiatives complement each other.    Join Joe, Laurence, and Laura as they delve deeper into these widely known product labelling and building certification schemes, and discuss how the Living Future Institute is supporting the design and construction industry through its transition to a more sustainable future.    To get in touch with Laura or find out more about The Living Future Institute of Australia and its programs you can visit https://living-future.org.au/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

Sensitive Choice is a program run by the National Asthma Council Australia that helps people with allergies, asthma, and other sensitivities by identifying less irritating products, often featuring reduced allergens, fragrance and chemical content. This is an important consideration when designing the buildings in which people spend the majority of their time.    Joe and Laurence were excited to welcome Adele Taylor (Program Manager of Sensitive Choice) onto the show to learn more about Sensitive Choice, and what designers need to know in order to deliver environments which are successful for all users.     To get in touch with Adele or find out more about Sensitive Choice you can visit https://www.sensitivechoice.com/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

It's week two of the mini-series on product certifications and the guys are back with another great episode, this time featuring Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA).    Join in as Joe and Laurence welcome Michelle Thomas, CEO of GECA. GECA promotes and manages the GECA Ecolabel Product Certification, and also offers a range of other services which support product suppliers on their journey toward higher levels of sustainability.    To get in touch with Michelle or find out more about GECA you can visit https://geca.eco/.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

It's finally here!    Season Two of The Specification starts today, and what better way to get down to work than with a mini-series on product certifications.     Over the next 8 episodes Joe and Laurence will be joined by special guests from major product certifications to discuss what their certifications do, and why designers and builders should be considering them when specifying products and materials on projects.     To kick things off we're thrilled to welcome Ren DeCherney from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. While Ren now leads the team in the North American and Asia Pacific regions in promoting and managing Cradle to Cradle Certified®, her background in interior design makes for an interesting and highly relevant episode.    To get in touch with Ren or find out more about Cradle to Cradle Certified® you can visit https://www.c2ccertified.org.    For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.au. 

In this final episode of 2022 Joe and Laurence revisit some of the best tips and lessons learnt from Season One. Tune in to this episode as the guys count down the top 5 tips from the season.    While these tips are important for anyone involved in the specification of building products, there's a long list of equally valuable pointers from a broad range of brands throughout the season. Listen to the first 24 episode season now, and see if you agree with the top 10 list!    The Specification Podcast will be back with more great guests in early 2023.   The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au. 

As 2022 comes to a close, Joe and Laurence revisit some of the best tips and lessons learnt from Season One. Tune in to this episode as the guys start to count down their list of the top ten tips from the season.    The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au. 

Building envelope design is one area to receive special attention in the recent updates to Australia's National Construction Code (NCC). The updates have brought in some significant consequences for those delivering poor designs, so what do designers need to know?    This week we're thrilled to be joined by Jesse Clarke, Innovation and R&D Manager at Pro Clima. While Laurence was unavailable for this episode (touring the timber industry of North America – check out our Instagram to see more), Jesse brings Joe up to speed on what envelope design is, why it matters, and some of the fundamentals you need to know to design effective systems. They also touch on the 2022 updates to the NCC and discuss what these mean for building designs moving forward.    To get in touch with Jesse or find out more about Pro Clima you can visit https://www.proclima.com.au   The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

We've got a particularly interesting one for you this week.    Based in Newcastle, Weathertex have been producing their unique cladding and lining products for over 50 years. Utilising a highly specialised and sustainable process, they use a local resource of timber to create highly durable timber products suitable for either internal or external use.    In this episode of The Specification Joe and Laurence welcome Andrew Savage from Weathertex to learn more about how their products are made, and why this matters for designers. Their conversation spans the production process, discussion of the timber resource they utilise, what you need to know for success when designing with their products, maintenance requirements, and much more.    To get in touch with Andrew or find out more about Weathertex you can visit https://www.weathertex.com.au/.    Next week we're taking a closer look at the 2022 updates to the NCC with Jesse from Pro Clima. Jesse is a true expert in his field, so make sure to tune in for what is no-doubt going to be another valuable episode.     The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

The building envelope plays an important role in the comfort of building inhabitants, and is a significant contributor to both healthy indoor environments and building durability as a whole.    In this episode Joe and Laurence welcome guests Health Based Building and McCormacks Australia, who respectively manufacture and supply Magnum Board to the Australian market.     With vapour permeability a major drawcard of the product, Robin, Glenn, Joe, and Laurence discuss how this impacts the design of a building, and what designers need to know if they are considering specifying these products in a project.    To get in touch with Glenn or find out more about Magnum Board you can visit https://www.mccormacksaustralia.com.au/.    Next week we're excited to be talking with Weathertex about the very interesting way their timber products are made (it's not how you think!), so make sure to tune in again then.     The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Whether indoors or outdoors, there's so much to know when it comes to protecting timber finishes. While it is often ok for designers to leave timber in indoor settings uncoated, timber used externally is often exposed to the weather and ground moisture, rendering treatment and/or coating necessary for a durable and aesthetic outcome.    So how do we know what products to specify and where? How are these products even made? Are there different protection requirements in different parts of Australia? How should they be applied, and how many coats do we need to specify? Well, in this episode of The Specification we are joined by Greg from CUTEK® who explains all.    CUTEK® is well known in the timber coatings and protection world, and as Greg explains, it utilises a really interesting (and natural) process to bond with and protect timber finishes, whether indoors or out.    To get in touch with Greg or find out more about timber protection you can visit https://www.cutek.com.au/.    Next week we're taking a closer look at Magnumboard (a Magnesium Oxide board product) with McCormacks Australia so make sure to keep an eye out for us!     The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Design for acoustics and acoustic separation comes down to two main areas – airborne noise, and impact noise.     While airborne noise and its best management strategies were expertly explained by Rob Jones from Autex way back in Episode No. 9, until now there has been relatively little discussion of impact noise, and how we can design it out of projects.    With this in mind, Laurence and Joe were thrilled to be joined by Evan Hong from Embelton, a leading manufacturer of vibration isolation mounts. As a senior engineer, Evan has a wealth of experience in designing for vibration isolation under pools, gyms, around plant, and in many of the circumstances.     Listen to this podcast to understand the easy changes you can make to design for better acoustics in projects.    To get in touch with Evan or find out more about vibration isolation you can visit https://embeltonengineering.com/.    Join us again next week for an eye opening discussion around timber coatings with CUTEK®.     The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au  

More or less a default flooring covering in cooler climates around the country (and the world), carpet has long been a great way to keep your feet warm and rooms cosy during the winter months.   As the way we design and build has evolved so has the carpet product offering. Do you need tiles, planks, or rolls? Cut, twist, or loop? Wool, synthetic or a mix? The combinations are seemingly endless!    Never fear though – the podcast explains all. Featuring special guest Julian O'Dowd from GH Commercial, this entertaining and insightful 30 minutes will give you everything you need to know about specifying carpet.    To get in touch with Julian or find our more about carpet you can visit www.ghcommercial.com.au.    Next week Joe and Laurence are getting into vibration control with the experts at Embelton, so make sure to subscribe and keep an eye on that feed!     The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Specified for decades to display unique and exotic timber finishes for an affordable price, timber veneers are now commonplace throughout our built environment. While initially utilised to create exquisite joinery and panelling, recent decades have seen the use case for veneers also grow into the engineered flooring world.    There's a lot to know about veneers if you want to use them properly. Whether talking about species, finishes, bending radii, or sustainability, we knew we would need to find a guest with a background in timber and a passion for veneers to do this one justice.     Enter Will James from George Fethers, a supplier of a range of finishes with roots in the timber industry. Our discussion with Will provides valuable insight to listeners looking to use veneer products in their projects, and highlights some of the important factors that you need to know for the best outcome.    To get in touch with Will or the experts at George Fethers, you can visit www.gfethers.com.au.    World class carpet manufacturer, Godfrey Hirst Commerical, joins Laurence and Joe on the next episode.  This is bound to be yet another great episode so make sure to check your feed for valuable insights from one of the industry's leading brands.      The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Although not the most aesthetically exciting product, timber connectors literally hold a timber structure together. Despite being an established product range in daily construction work, Adam Dawson from Pryda highlights just how deceptively complex these 'simple' connectors can be.     As the Technical Manager, Adam applies his engineering experience and shares his knowledge and tips for anyone interested in timber construction.     To get in touch with Adam or the experts at Pryda you can visit https://pryda.com.au, or find Adam directly on LinkedIn.     Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Will James from George Fethers to discuss timber veneer products. This is bound to be yet another great episode so make sure to check your feed for valuable insights from one of the industry's leading brands.      The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

A symbol of luxury and class around the world, natural stone has long been the star feature of kitchens, bathrooms, and special spaces. Every slab of this beautiful material is truly unique, bearing the colours and markings of the earth from which it is sourced.     To learn more about stone and what designers need to know when specifying it, Joe and Laurence caught up with Leonora Tregambe, Director at Surface Spectrum. Leonora clearly really knows her stuff, and shared some really interesting insights into the world of stone supply, as well as some valuable tips for design and specification.    If you're interested to find out more about Surface Spectrum, and the natural stone slabs they stock you can visit https://surfacespectrum.com.au/    Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Adam Dawson from Pryda to learn about lightweight timber construction. This is bound to be yet another great episode so make sure to check your feed for valuable insights from one of the industry's leading brands.      The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

As building owners around Australia deal with the replacement of combustible façade elements we're seeing a variety of non-combustible façade systems taking their place.    In this episode Joe and Laurence catch up with Rob Gray at Fairview Architectural, supplier of a variety of cladding products including the well known (and often specified) Vitradual and Vitracore.    In a conversation spanning nature-inspired design, recycling, inspirational projects and valuable design tips, Rob shares his extensive experience of working with Fairview's cladding products.    If you're interested to find out more about either Fairview Architectural or their cladding ranges you can visit https://fv.com.au/.    Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Leonora Tregambe from Surface Specturm to learn more about specifying natural stone.    The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Glazing is one of the key building elements for arguably all projects in the commercial construction space. Although one of the last elements to be installed, it completes the building envelope, insulating the inside from the elements.     Edward Zhao (General Manager of ASG International) joins Joe and Laurence in this episode to discuss the intricacies of designing and building with glass. This includes maximizing performance to streamlining works on site.    If you're interested to find out more about either ASG International or their product ranges make sure to check out their website at www.asginternational.com.au.     Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Rob Gray from Fairview to learn more about their cladding ranges with a focus on aluminium cladding products. This is bound to be yet another great episode so make sure to check your feed for valuable insights from one of the industry's leading brands.     The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps.   Find out more at www.nwmedia.au   For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Alongside timber, bricks are perhaps one of human civilisation's oldest and most versatile building products. While still used to provide the most basic of human needs in many societies, major projects throughout the last decade have demonstrated the incredible breadth of shapes and aesthetics made possible by this humble product.    In this episode Laurence and Joe are joined by Brett Ward (General Manager of International Marketing at Brickworks) to learn more about bricks, review some industry-leading brick projects, and discuss the future of bricks in design and construction.     If you're interested to find out more about either Brickworks or their product ranges make sure to check out their website at www.brickworks.com.au.    Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Edward Zhao from ASG International to learn more about glass and specifying glazing. This is bound to be yet another great episode so make sure to check your feed for valuable insights from one of the industry's leading brands.      The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

Paint is one of the few staple finishes on almost every specification. Used liberally throughout practically every residential and commercial project, we often take paint for granted. However, there's a complex school of paint formulation behind every tin. The process of developing these delicately balanced combinations of ingredients was once considered an art, but with the help of Bruce Gascoigne from Dulux we're seeing this evolve into a science, creating high performing, more consistent products than previously thought possible.    In this context, Joe and Laurence were thrilled to welcome Bruce onto the podcast for this week's episode. Holding the title of 'Technical Manger' Bruce is both an inventor and scientist, and provides an engaging overview of how we now make paint, and what designers need to know for the best possible paint outcomes on their projects.  If you're interested to find out more about either Dulux or their paint ranges you can visit https://www.dulux.com.au/.     Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Brett Ward from Brickworks to learn more about bricks. This is bound to be yet another great episode so make sure to check your feed for valuable insights from one of the industry's leading brands.      The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au

With a range of beautiful cladding and batten products combined with a unique concealed fixing system, Sculptform has become a regular feature in Australia's various design publications. In this episode of The Specification, Joe and Laurence welcome Jeremy (MD) and Andrew (BDM) from Sculptform to discuss their products and find out what designers need to know for a successful Sculptform project.    Sculptform has been used in some amazing ways on award winning projects.  If you're interested to find out more and see some of these incredible structures make sure to visit https://www.sculptform.com/.    Next week Laurence and Joe look forward to welcoming Bruce Gascoigne from Dulux for an eye opening dive into the world of paint. As Laurence and Joe discover there's more to paint than you might think – this one is not to be missed!    The Specification is brought to you by Northwest Media, an Australian digital agency specialising in creation and delivery of custom web apps. Find out more at www.nwmedia.au For any questions or suggestions please contact Joe and Laurence at hello@nwmedia.com.au