Ben Adam-Smith
@benadamsmith.bsky.social
I help people build better homes. #Passivhaus #PassiveHouse #NaturalMaterials #SelfBuild
https://www.houseplanninghelp.com/
https://www.houseplanninghelp.com/
Looking for inspiration for a new build or retrofit?
Well there are plenty of great projects to flick through in our archive.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #Passivhaus
Well there are plenty of great projects to flick through in our archive.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #Passivhaus
November 10, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Looking for inspiration for a new build or retrofit?
Well there are plenty of great projects to flick through in our archive.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #Passivhaus
Well there are plenty of great projects to flick through in our archive.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #Passivhaus
What should you be thinking about when looking for land for a house build? It's what I'm talking about in my latest podcast.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/390
#SelfBuild #DreamHome #FindingLand
www.houseplanninghelp.com/390
#SelfBuild #DreamHome #FindingLand
November 6, 2025 at 8:33 PM
What should you be thinking about when looking for land for a house build? It's what I'm talking about in my latest podcast.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/390
#SelfBuild #DreamHome #FindingLand
www.houseplanninghelp.com/390
#SelfBuild #DreamHome #FindingLand
I'm looking forward to returning to the National Self Build and Renovation Centre tomorrow.
They're launching a new #retrofit zone.
www.nsbrc.co.uk
They're launching a new #retrofit zone.
www.nsbrc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:17 AM
I'm looking forward to returning to the National Self Build and Renovation Centre tomorrow.
They're launching a new #retrofit zone.
www.nsbrc.co.uk
They're launching a new #retrofit zone.
www.nsbrc.co.uk
In tomorrow's podcast I'm running through some key considerations for finding a building plot.
November 4, 2025 at 7:40 PM
In tomorrow's podcast I'm running through some key considerations for finding a building plot.
How do we put a stop to this? It just feels so wrong. Bless all of those affected.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Tracking the ICE tactics used in Trump's mass deportation drive
BBC Verify has gathered more than 70 videos to track how President Trump's illegal immigration crackdown has unfolded so far.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 7:21 AM
How do we put a stop to this? It just feels so wrong. Bless all of those affected.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Reposted by Ben Adam-Smith
Your 'moment of doom' for Oct. 31, 2025 ~ The illusion of being eternal.
"Last year was ... likely the hottest in at least 125,000 years. An international team of scientists warns that the world is sliding toward what they call 'climate-driven chaos.'"
www.earth.com/news/study-s...
"Last year was ... likely the hottest in at least 125,000 years. An international team of scientists warns that the world is sliding toward what they call 'climate-driven chaos.'"
www.earth.com/news/study-s...
Study shows 2024 was the hottest in at least the previous 125,000 years
2024 was the hottest year on record, with scientists warning the planet is on a fast track to “climate-driven chaos” without rapid action.
www.earth.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Your 'moment of doom' for Oct. 31, 2025 ~ The illusion of being eternal.
"Last year was ... likely the hottest in at least 125,000 years. An international team of scientists warns that the world is sliding toward what they call 'climate-driven chaos.'"
www.earth.com/news/study-s...
"Last year was ... likely the hottest in at least 125,000 years. An international team of scientists warns that the world is sliding toward what they call 'climate-driven chaos.'"
www.earth.com/news/study-s...
I've been on climate action marches before, not loads, but I think it's important to vote with your feet sometimes.
I see this is coming up on 15th November. Is anyone else going?
actionnetwork.org/events/londo...
#ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency
I see this is coming up on 15th November. Is anyone else going?
actionnetwork.org/events/londo...
#ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency
London: this world is ours!
Join us on the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice!
actionnetwork.org
October 31, 2025 at 11:01 AM
I've been on climate action marches before, not loads, but I think it's important to vote with your feet sometimes.
I see this is coming up on 15th November. Is anyone else going?
actionnetwork.org/events/londo...
#ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency
I see this is coming up on 15th November. Is anyone else going?
actionnetwork.org/events/londo...
#ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency
Nobody likes talking about things that go wrong but it can be incredibly valuable when they do. Es Tresidder faced thousands of pounds worth of damage when he took the roof off his house and couldn't keep the site dry. So how does he reflect on it today?
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
October 31, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Nobody likes talking about things that go wrong but it can be incredibly valuable when they do. Es Tresidder faced thousands of pounds worth of damage when he took the roof off his house and couldn't keep the site dry. So how does he reflect on it today?
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
Will South's home is in a Conservation Area. So how did that impact his #insulation strategy at the front of the building?
Check out my conversation with him here:
www.houseplanninghelp.com/387
#Retrofit #Victorian
Check out my conversation with him here:
www.houseplanninghelp.com/387
#Retrofit #Victorian
HPH387: How do you make a Victorian terrace home more comfortable? – with Will South - House Planning Help
Will South from Etude takes us step-by-step through the retrofit of his Victorian terrace house in Brighton, which has improved the health, comfort and energy efficiency of the property. Interview wit...
www.houseplanninghelp.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Will South's home is in a Conservation Area. So how did that impact his #insulation strategy at the front of the building?
Check out my conversation with him here:
www.houseplanninghelp.com/387
#Retrofit #Victorian
Check out my conversation with him here:
www.houseplanninghelp.com/387
#Retrofit #Victorian
Quick question - does anyone know of a #Passivhaus development that has been sold to property investors?
October 30, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Quick question - does anyone know of a #Passivhaus development that has been sold to property investors?
Reposted by Ben Adam-Smith
Good episode, it's always worth listening to what @estresidder.bsky.social has to say
It's interesting to see which podcasts land well and I've had some good feedback on my chat with Es Tresidder which covers:
- Powering a house with an electric car
- Coming to terms with water damage
- Heating a #Passivhaus with an air-to-air mini split
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
- Powering a house with an electric car
- Coming to terms with water damage
- Heating a #Passivhaus with an air-to-air mini split
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
HPH389: Air-to-air mini split heat pumps – with Es Tresidder - House Planning Help
Es Tresidder from Highland Passive explains what an air-to-air mini split heat pump is, why he believes it's a good choice for heating a high performance home and the various pros and cons of going do...
www.houseplanninghelp.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Good episode, it's always worth listening to what @estresidder.bsky.social has to say
Reposted by Ben Adam-Smith
Question for heat geeks! Who makes a 5-unit, Air-to-Air mini-split with an external unit smaller than 9kW?
I am getting quotes for 9 or 12 kW because they need so many internal units but my peak heat load just isn't that high.
Does anyone make a 6 or 7kW ext. unit that can feed 5 internal units?
I am getting quotes for 9 or 12 kW because they need so many internal units but my peak heat load just isn't that high.
Does anyone make a 6 or 7kW ext. unit that can feed 5 internal units?
October 29, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Question for heat geeks! Who makes a 5-unit, Air-to-Air mini-split with an external unit smaller than 9kW?
I am getting quotes for 9 or 12 kW because they need so many internal units but my peak heat load just isn't that high.
Does anyone make a 6 or 7kW ext. unit that can feed 5 internal units?
I am getting quotes for 9 or 12 kW because they need so many internal units but my peak heat load just isn't that high.
Does anyone make a 6 or 7kW ext. unit that can feed 5 internal units?
One of the best ways to learn is to chat to people who have been there and done it. That's why we love catching up with self-builders at the end of the process. Here's how Colin and Janice Gardiner reflect on Hazel Tree House.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/ten-things-w...
#Passivhaus #EnergyEfficiency
www.houseplanninghelp.com/ten-things-w...
#Passivhaus #EnergyEfficiency
October 29, 2025 at 5:49 AM
One of the best ways to learn is to chat to people who have been there and done it. That's why we love catching up with self-builders at the end of the process. Here's how Colin and Janice Gardiner reflect on Hazel Tree House.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/ten-things-w...
#Passivhaus #EnergyEfficiency
www.houseplanninghelp.com/ten-things-w...
#Passivhaus #EnergyEfficiency
If you've built a home in the last five years, can I ask how you found your site?
#SelfBuild #DreamHome
#SelfBuild #DreamHome
October 28, 2025 at 4:42 PM
If you've built a home in the last five years, can I ask how you found your site?
#SelfBuild #DreamHome
#SelfBuild #DreamHome
Reposted by Ben Adam-Smith
UK wind power benefits and costs 2010-2023 :
Lower energy bills through avoided gas: £14.2bn
Avoided infra & new gas generation: £133.3bn
Subsidies paid to wind power: - £43.2bn
Overall benefit to UK economy **£104bn**
Don't believe the wind power haters
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Lower energy bills through avoided gas: £14.2bn
Avoided infra & new gas generation: £133.3bn
Subsidies paid to wind power: - £43.2bn
Overall benefit to UK economy **£104bn**
Don't believe the wind power haters
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Wind power has cut £104bn from UK energy costs since 2010, study finds
Reduction comes from energy generated from windfarms and lower cost of gas owing to lower demand
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:17 AM
UK wind power benefits and costs 2010-2023 :
Lower energy bills through avoided gas: £14.2bn
Avoided infra & new gas generation: £133.3bn
Subsidies paid to wind power: - £43.2bn
Overall benefit to UK economy **£104bn**
Don't believe the wind power haters
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Lower energy bills through avoided gas: £14.2bn
Avoided infra & new gas generation: £133.3bn
Subsidies paid to wind power: - £43.2bn
Overall benefit to UK economy **£104bn**
Don't believe the wind power haters
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
It's interesting to see which podcasts land well and I've had some good feedback on my chat with Es Tresidder which covers:
- Powering a house with an electric car
- Coming to terms with water damage
- Heating a #Passivhaus with an air-to-air mini split
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
- Powering a house with an electric car
- Coming to terms with water damage
- Heating a #Passivhaus with an air-to-air mini split
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
HPH389: Air-to-air mini split heat pumps – with Es Tresidder - House Planning Help
Es Tresidder from Highland Passive explains what an air-to-air mini split heat pump is, why he believes it's a good choice for heating a high performance home and the various pros and cons of going do...
www.houseplanninghelp.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:42 PM
It's interesting to see which podcasts land well and I've had some good feedback on my chat with Es Tresidder which covers:
- Powering a house with an electric car
- Coming to terms with water damage
- Heating a #Passivhaus with an air-to-air mini split
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
- Powering a house with an electric car
- Coming to terms with water damage
- Heating a #Passivhaus with an air-to-air mini split
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
I went to see 'Fake News' yesterday, which is a stand-up show about Trump that is blended with history.
Three points I've remembered:
- Trump has a German ancestor.
- The family wealth came from his dad who built garages when cars were just emerging.
- Two of his wives barely spoke English!
Three points I've remembered:
- Trump has a German ancestor.
- The family wealth came from his dad who built garages when cars were just emerging.
- Two of his wives barely spoke English!
October 26, 2025 at 5:46 AM
I went to see 'Fake News' yesterday, which is a stand-up show about Trump that is blended with history.
Three points I've remembered:
- Trump has a German ancestor.
- The family wealth came from his dad who built garages when cars were just emerging.
- Two of his wives barely spoke English!
Three points I've remembered:
- Trump has a German ancestor.
- The family wealth came from his dad who built garages when cars were just emerging.
- Two of his wives barely spoke English!
It's October and I've just clocked up 7 years in my #Passivhaus. I can't believe it. And Chris has long since retired!
N.B. Here's a podcast I made after 5 years, reflecting on the whole house-building experience - www.houseplanninghelp.com/336.
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #PassiveHouse
N.B. Here's a podcast I made after 5 years, reflecting on the whole house-building experience - www.houseplanninghelp.com/336.
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #PassiveHouse
October 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
It's October and I've just clocked up 7 years in my #Passivhaus. I can't believe it. And Chris has long since retired!
N.B. Here's a podcast I made after 5 years, reflecting on the whole house-building experience - www.houseplanninghelp.com/336.
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #PassiveHouse
N.B. Here's a podcast I made after 5 years, reflecting on the whole house-building experience - www.houseplanninghelp.com/336.
#SelfBuild #EcoHome #PassiveHouse
Es Tresidder from Highland Passive is my latest podcast guest. We've got some interesting topics to discuss, including how he dealt with a severe blow in construction when his site got waterlogged and thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
October 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Es Tresidder from Highland Passive is my latest podcast guest. We've got some interesting topics to discuss, including how he dealt with a severe blow in construction when his site got waterlogged and thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
www.houseplanninghelp.com/389
#Retrofit
Es Tresidder returns to the podcast tomorrow.
In the meantime check out his first appearance, when we talked about how a #retrofit could be an opportunity to upskill.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/327
#Renovation #EnergyEfficiency #Housing
In the meantime check out his first appearance, when we talked about how a #retrofit could be an opportunity to upskill.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/327
#Renovation #EnergyEfficiency #Housing
October 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Es Tresidder returns to the podcast tomorrow.
In the meantime check out his first appearance, when we talked about how a #retrofit could be an opportunity to upskill.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/327
#Renovation #EnergyEfficiency #Housing
In the meantime check out his first appearance, when we talked about how a #retrofit could be an opportunity to upskill.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/327
#Renovation #EnergyEfficiency #Housing
If the Buildings Regulations primary concern is for life safety, should we be aiming for the 'regs target' for energy efficiency for new homes? I catch up with John Palmer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in my latest podcast.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/388
#Housing
www.houseplanninghelp.com/388
#Housing
HPH388: How are building regulations made? – with John Palmer - House Planning Help
Having spent the last few years working within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, John Palmer explains how building regulations are made and what their role is within the const...
www.houseplanninghelp.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:02 PM
If the Buildings Regulations primary concern is for life safety, should we be aiming for the 'regs target' for energy efficiency for new homes? I catch up with John Palmer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in my latest podcast.
www.houseplanninghelp.com/388
#Housing
www.houseplanninghelp.com/388
#Housing
We always like to mix it up on the podcast! Here's what we've been up to recently.
And you can delve into the archive here - www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#Passivhaus #Retrofit #SelfBuild
And you can delve into the archive here - www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#Passivhaus #Retrofit #SelfBuild
October 15, 2025 at 11:21 AM
We always like to mix it up on the podcast! Here's what we've been up to recently.
And you can delve into the archive here - www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#Passivhaus #Retrofit #SelfBuild
And you can delve into the archive here - www.houseplanninghelp.com/podcast/
#Passivhaus #Retrofit #SelfBuild
Reposted by Ben Adam-Smith
Morning, #journorequest.. have you lost your job/work to AI? And is it doing a rubbish job? I'm looking for case studies for a broadsheet piece, who have been 'replaced' by AI, or find their work has dwindled. If you know anyone/that's you, please message me! Thanks very much. fliceverett@icloud.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Morning, #journorequest.. have you lost your job/work to AI? And is it doing a rubbish job? I'm looking for case studies for a broadsheet piece, who have been 'replaced' by AI, or find their work has dwindled. If you know anyone/that's you, please message me! Thanks very much. fliceverett@icloud.com
When I think back to my own project I played it pretty safe so I'm always impressed by people who get ambitious! Phil Neve definitely falls into that category - www.houseplanninghelp.com/381.
#PassiveHouse #Passivhaus #SelfBuild
#PassiveHouse #Passivhaus #SelfBuild
HPH381: What is Passivhaus Premium? – with Phil Neve - House Planning Help
Phil Neve explains what Passivhaus Premium is and why he chose to target the standard for his own self build in Somerset. He also talks through his biggest project challenge, which was obtaining plann...
www.houseplanninghelp.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
When I think back to my own project I played it pretty safe so I'm always impressed by people who get ambitious! Phil Neve definitely falls into that category - www.houseplanninghelp.com/381.
#PassiveHouse #Passivhaus #SelfBuild
#PassiveHouse #Passivhaus #SelfBuild