In this episode I am joined by the architect Clinton Cole, founder of CplusC. We discuss Welcome to the Jungle, a home for Clinton and his family, in Sydney Australia

Described by Clinton as a direct response to the climate emergency facing our planet, the project wears its principles on its sleeve. A whole wall facing the street is made from solar panels, plants cascade out of every other window opening suggesting an overgrown jungle inside, and the building is topped with its own vegetable garden. But this is no normal garden, set on a flat roof. In this design, the metal soil filled planters form the actual roof itself and the produce allows its occupants to be as self-sufficient as possible.

In the interview we discuss the double skin façade that creates space for all the wildlife and functions as a passive thermal layer for the building. We also talk about Clinton’s mantra, that ‘a house is a machine for sustaining life’ and I found out what it is like to live in such a unique home.

At the end of the episode, I ask Clinton the three questions I ask all my podcast guests;
– what really annoys him about his home?
– what house has he visited that has really inspired him?
– and, if he could choose anyone to design him a new house, who would he choose?

I hope you enjoy listening!