Australian Building Standards Criticised as “Stuck in the 1970s” – But Solutions Exist
Matt Risinger, U.S. builder and YouTube host, whose critique of Australian building standards has sparked industry debate.
A prominent U.S. builder has sparked debate about the quality of Australian housing after declaring local building methods resemble American practices from half a century ago.
Matt Risinger, a Texan builder and YouTube host with more than a million subscribers, visited Brisbane in May and released a video highlighting what he sees as serious shortcomings in Australian construction. His concerns centred on energy efficiency, condensation control, and reliance on steel framing without sufficient insulation.
Steel frame construction without continuous insulation - a common practice that building experts say needs updating to meet modern performance standards.
Concerns Raised
Air leakage: Risinger noted that homes often rely on a basic house wrap with poorly fitted insulation, leaving ductwork exposed in hot attic spaces. This, he warned, increases air leakage and long-term risks for indoor air quality.
Steel framing: He also flagged that Australia’s widespread use of steel poses challenges. Without exterior insulation, steel transfers heat easily, creating condensation that can lead to corrosion, mould growth, and structural problems.
Industry Reactions
His video prompted over 1,600 comments, with many Australian engineers and builders agreeing that cost-driven decisions often outweigh durability and performance. Others defended local practices, pointing out that designs like the Queenslander are tailored for airflow in hot climates.
Still, the critique adds to mounting pressure on Australia’s housing sector, which has already faced criticism for poor thermal performance, widespread building defects, and rising health concerns linked to dampness and mould.
Steel framing demonstrates the thermal bridging issues highlighted by critics. Without exterior insulation, steel conducts heat and can create condensation problems that Passivhaus design principles are specifically engineered to prevent.
A Proven Alternative: Passivhaus
One solution gaining attention worldwide is the Passivhaus standard—a science-based approach to construction that delivers comfortable, resilient, and low-energy homes.
Passivhaus buildings are designed to be:
• Airtight – preventing energy loss while maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
• Thermally efficient – using high-performance insulation and double or triple glazing.
• Resilient against condensation – through continuous insulation and thermal bridge-free design.
• Energy-saving – reducing heating and cooling demand by up to 90% compared to standard builds.
The standard has already been widely adopted across Europe and North America, where it has proven effective in both cold and hot climates. Advocates argue that its application in Australia could directly address Risinger’s concerns, while also reducing household energy bills and improving resilience to extreme weather.
While traditional Australian designs prioritise airflow, industry experts say this can be combined with modern performance standards. With growing awareness of climate resilience, energy costs, and occupant health, many see Passivhaus as a future-ready framework that could finally move Australian construction practices beyond “1970s standards.”
To read more, check out the Australian Passivhaus Association news section.