Dr Baker-Laporte  was a keynote speaker at the Live Life Build Brisbane Fuel Session on 29 May 2025.

You can watch the recording from that session and view Paula’s slide presentation.

In her presentation, Dr Baker-Laporte shares how first-hand experience with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities in the 1980’s was the impetus behind her search for healthier ways to build that has resulted in her unique architectural practice with a specialty in construction for health based on the principles of Building Biology.

Learning Objectives: from this session, you will learn about:

1. The relationship between human health and the built environment
2. Some of the challenges faced
3. How using science can assist in healthier home outcomes

There is a Q+A at the end of Paula’s presentation, and provided below are the questions that were asked during that session:

• How did you know that it was the home that made you sick?
• What gave rise to the use of chemicals in buildings?
• In Australia, most builders use stick framing and light weight construction, getting a wrap on and getting the house to breathe is a good start isn’t it?
• I grew up in a house made with straw bales, and we were always concerned with moisture getting in
• What loads can be supported before steel tie downs are required
• What energy ratings are being achieved?
• How does the house ventilate?
• How do you find things go with the move towards clients wanting more and more technology built in that is “set and forget”

You can learn more about Paula on her website EcoNest Architecture.