·E106

Learning from previous developments and designing sustainably

March 1

54 mins

Episode Description

“Success looks great on social media. The reality is usually messier.”

In this episode, we sit down with Liam Wallis, Founder and Managing Director of HIP V. HYPE, to talk about what sustainable development really looks like behind the highlight reel. Not just pretty renders and big announcements, but pressure, responsibility, and the constant work of improving systems so each project is better than the last.

Liam shares why sustainable success is built through iteration, not perfection. Using ParkLife 2 as an example, we unpack how strategic planning, process improvement, and a long-term mindset help create high performance apartments that can scale without losing the values that matter. This is sustainable building that is practical, repeatable, and designed for real people.

We also explore how lived experience shapes better design. From simple moves like bike storage on apartment levels to bigger performance goals like an eight and a half star NatHERS rating, Liam explains how energy efficiency, comfort, and lower running costs become tangible outcomes when you design for the long game. Better thermal performance. Smarter energy decisions. Homes that support people to live well.

Finally, we talk about why experience is belief through the HV Hotel, and why community does not happen by accident. Liam breaks down the importance of community-centric design, feedback loops, and building places where residents feel connected and invested. We also touch on construction mental health, and why building better buildings means building better support systems for the people doing the work.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction

01:38 Park Life Two Intro

10:13 Building In House Engineering

12:11 What Park Life Two Is

13:39 Lived Experience Design

16:44 Solar And Regulations

18:21 Electrification And Hot Water

23:03 NatHERS And Passive House

27:22 Design Versus Performance

29:18 HV Hotel Experience

33:59 Park Life Two Sales