The Wao Podcast
The Wao Podcast
High performance homes accessible to all
0:00
-49:04

High performance homes accessible to all

Reshaping how we think about building design and wellbeing in Aotearoa

If you’re contemplating building or renovating a home right now, this is a podcast episode for you.

Matthew Cutler-Welsh is a passionate advocate for sustainable building practices, working tirelessly to improve the health and efficiency of homes in New Zealand. With a background in natural resources engineering, Matthew has dedicated his career to addressing critical issues like ventilation, air tightness, and overheating in buildings. Matthew’s insights into energy efficiency and the importance of continuous ventilation are helping to reshape how we think about building design, making a significant impact on both the industry and the wellbeing of residents.

Matthew has obvious enthusiasm for Passive House principles and making high-performance homes accessible to all. He believes that by simplifying design and focusing on key elements like ventilation and insulation, we can create homes that are not only energy-efficient but also truly enhance the quality of life for their occupants. He also has plenty of other great ideas which you can follow up on with your specific building project.

It’s clear that Matthew’s work is not just about buildings; it’s about making a positive difference in people’s lives.

See Matthew this month at the Wao Summit

Matthew will be speaking at the Better Building Day in Wānaka, part of the Wao Summit programme. With decades of experience driving healthier, energy-efficient homes, his keynote will challenge the status quo of “good enough” housing and highlight practical pathways toward warmer, drier, and more sustainable living.

Don’t miss the chance to see him live and join the momentum toward greener, healthier homes.

Useful links

Sign up for alerts, and share

Enjoying this podcast episode? Please take a moment to sign up for alerts when the next one comes out.

Please also help us to spread the word by sharing this episode (or our Substack site) with anyone else you think might benefit from these podcasts.

You’re listening to The Wao Podcast! Episodes like this one are free, and always will be. Please subscribe, and share with anyone you think may find this interesting.

Wao Summit 2025 passes on sale NOW

28th October - 2nd November: “2125 - our journey to the future”

Climate action, system change, and stronger communities - This year’s Wao Summit is looking 100 years ahead to shape how we live, lead, and thrive in 2125. Tickets and festival programme online now at wao.co.nz

Wao Aotearoa

If you’re reading this page, you’re probably already heavily engaged with Wao, and you may well have attended the Wao Summit in Wānaka and Queenstown in October each year. But just in case …

yBC.tv

This podcast was produced by yBC.tv, with Mark Sinclair as interviewer. Mark is a publisher, professional interviewer and produces a number of other podcasts. He is also a mediator, helping people to resolve disputes collaboratively, with reduced cost, reduced stress and greater control - website here.

Discussion about this episode

User's avatar

Ready for more?