Straw Bale Construction 101 | Build Show Podcast Ep 212
Matt Risinger sits down with Jacob Racusin of New Frameworks to unpack how straw-based construction fits into modern high-performance building. Racusin reframes “straw bale” as a panelized wall system using straw and wood fiber as insulation within airtight assemblies, emphasizing durability, moisture management, and prefabrication. The conversation moves from the history of straw construction to its evolution into factory-built panels that meet passive house–level performance. They discuss cost, scalability, and shifting from custom design-build to standardized housing solutions, positioning bio-based materials as part of a broader strategy for energy efficiency, resilience, and streamlined construction.
A big thank you to episode sponsor Huber Engineered Woods for supporting the Build Show podcast.
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Episodes
The Science Behind Air Leakage Testing | Build Show Podcast Ep 214
Matt Risinger explores how diagnostic testing with The Energy Conservatory informs high-performance construction, focusing on blower door testing, pressure mapping, and airflow measurement for airtightness and leakage identification.
Rethinking Insulation for Modern Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 215
Episode 215
Matt Risinger Talks Wood Fiber Insulation with Jason Todd of TimberHP </h2> <p style="margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 16px;"> Matt Risinger talks with Jason Todd of TimberHP about the growing role of wood fiber insulation in high-performance construction. Todd explains how wood-based insulation products fit into modern wall assemblies, offering vapor-open performance, thermal control, and compatibility with airtight building strategies. </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 16px;"> The discussion covers manufacturing, supply chain challenges, and how these materials compare to foam and mineral wool in durability and environmental impact. They also touch on prefabrication, evolving building codes, and the shift toward low-carbon materials in residential construction. </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 16px;"> <strong>Episode Sponsors:</strong><br><br> <strong>Huber</strong> — <a href="https://www.huberwood.com/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.huberwood.com/</a> | <strong>Pella</strong> — <a href="https://www.pella.com/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.pella.com/</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 16px;"> Watch full episodes of Matt on: </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 16px;"> Facebook<br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 16px;"> Instagram<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 16px;"> Build Show Network<br> <a href="https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger</a> </p> <p style="margin-top: 24px; font-size: 16px;"> <strong>Don’t miss a single episode of Build Show content.</strong><br> Sign up for our newsletter.
The Tools Behind High-Performance Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 213
Episode 213
Matt Risinger talks with Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser of Tru Tech Tools about how testing, diagnostics, and data-driven tools are transforming modern building performance, from airtightness and airflow to HVAC optimization and construction standards, with support from episode sponsor Pella.
How Builders Use Blower Door Testing to Improve Airtightness | Build Show Podcast Ep 211
Episode 211
Matt Risinger and Building Scientist Sam Myers discuss blower door testing for measuring and improving air tightness in residential construction, emphasizing the value of ownership and operation by builders.
The Truth About Tough Clients and How to Spot Them Early | Build Show Podcast Ep 210
Episode 210
Matt Risinger shares how managing client relationships is key to success in custom home building, highlighting the importance of clear communication, setting expectations early, and recognizing red flags to avoid costly conflicts.
The Origin Series with Bernie Calcote | Build Show Podcast Ep 209
Episode 209
Matt Risinger interviews Bernie Calcote of Melde Construction about his unconventional journey from musician to CEO, the power of company culture, and building high-end custom homes in Austin’s collaborative construction community.
The Origin Series with Matt Shoberg | Build Show Podcast Ep. 203
Episode 203
Matthew Shoberg, founder of Shoberg Homes, shares his journey as a leading luxury custom home builder in Austin, Texas, highlighting craftsmanship, architectural partnerships, and high-end residential construction excellence.
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