Talking Architecture & Design Podcast (Episode 197) - Metricon CEO Brad Duggan shares his views on our housing, skills and interest rate woes and how to fix them Listen Now
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    Working from home is producing economic benefits return-to-office rules would quash
    Working from home is producing economic benefits return-to-office rules would quash

    More of us have been in paid work this past year than ever before. A big part of that is because more of us have been able to work from home than ever before.


    Fire is a chemical reaction. Here’s why Australia is supremely suited to it
    Fire is a chemical reaction. Here’s why Australia is supremely suited to it

    Over the last 15 million years, Australia has slowly dried out. After humans arrived more than 65,000 years ago, they learned to use fire to their advantage. Today, fire weather is getting more frequent – and fires are following as the world heats up. This month, fires have flared in Victoria, destroying 46 houses, while Western Australia endures a heatwave and braces for potential fires.


    Asbestos in mulch? Here’s the risk if you’ve been exposed
    Asbestos in mulch? Here’s the risk if you’ve been exposed

    Mulch containing asbestos has now been found at 41 locations in New South Wales, including Sydney parks, schools, hospitals, a supermarket and at least one regional site. Tests are under way at other sites.


    The shifting surface: Residential laminates and surfaces
    The shifting surface: Residential laminates and surfaces

    When choosing solid surfaces for residential builds, many customers are looking for surfaces that are sustainably produced and reflect some aspect of the natural world. This ranges from surfaces such as natural stone through to high-pressure laminates that look and feel like wood or stone.


    ‘Green’ or ‘blue’ hydrogen – what difference does it make? Not much for most Australians
    ‘Green’ or ‘blue’ hydrogen – what difference does it make? Not much for most Australians

    Hydrogen can play a key role in Australia’s energy transition by giving us additional ways of storing and moving energy around. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy production, there’s a push to make hydrogen production cleaner as well. In Australia, low-emission hydrogen is produced in two main ways.


    As the world heats up, solar panels will degrade faster – especially in hot, humid areas. What can we do?
    As the world heats up, solar panels will degrade faster – especially in hot, humid areas. What can we do?

    To reach the goal of 82% renewable energy in Australia’s grid by 2030, we’ll need to build a lot more solar.


    Bringing fun & functionality back into the kitchen
    Bringing fun & functionality back into the kitchen

    Whether you’re working on a new build or renovating an existing residence, the kitchen is a room that can truly make or break a home. When designing a residential structure, there tends to be a lot of emphasis on form, materials, general aesthetic and (more recently) sustainability goals.


    Climate change is forcing Australians to weigh up relocating. How do they make that difficult decision?
    Climate change is forcing Australians to weigh up relocating. How do they make that difficult decision?

    Big environmental changes mean ever more Australians will confront the tough choice of whether to move home or risk staying put.


    First Nations people must be at the forefront of Australia’s renewable energy revolution
    First Nations people must be at the forefront of Australia’s renewable energy revolution

    Australia’s plentiful solar and wind resources and proximity to Asia means it can become a renewable energy superpower. But as the renewable energy rollout continues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must benefit.


    Green roofs can cool cities and save energy: Modelling
    Green roofs can cool cities and save energy: Modelling

    New research shows rooftop greenery coverage can help cool down a major city while reducing energy demand.


    Population can’t be ignored. It has to be part of the policy solution to our world’s problems
    Population can’t be ignored. It has to be part of the policy solution to our world’s problems

    There is a growing consensus that environmental problems, particularly the effects of climate change, pose a grave challenge to humanity. Pollution, habitat destruction, intractable waste issues and, for many, deteriorating quality of life should be added to the list.


    E-scooters are linked with injuries and hospital visits – but we can’t say they are riskier than bikes yet
    E-scooters are linked with injuries and hospital visits – but we can’t say they are riskier than bikes yet

    More than 600 cities globally have embraced e-scooter sharing programs, yet reactions to these micro-mobility vehicles vary, making them a contentious urban planning issue.


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