• Airtightness

• Heating demand

• Cooling demand

• Fresh air system

The design responds directly to the client’s brief, balancing performance, practicality and long-term durability. From the outset, the layout was carefully planned to create a functional home with efficient circulation, strong passive solar orientation and well-considered living spaces that support everyday use.

A compact 187m² footprint minimises environmental impact while maintaining comfort and usability. Material selections were guided by performance — prioritising durability, low maintenance and proven building science principles to ensure the home performs as intended over time.

Construction detailing focused on airtightness, insulation continuity and moisture management to protect the structure and improve longevity. All work was delivered in accordance with regulatory and safety requirements, ensuring the home is not only high-performing, but safe and robust.

The result is a practical, comfortable home that translates the client’s vision into a well-built, future-ready outcome.

The works involved the design and construction of a three-bedroom, certified Passivhaus residence located on an elevated rural coastal site, oriented to optimise solar access and capture uninterrupted views towards Wilsons Promontory National Park. The project was delivered in accordance with stringent Passivhaus performance standards, prioritising thermal comfort, reduced operational energy demand, and long-term building durability.

The building envelope incorporates a high-performance, airtight construction system, continuous insulation, and thermally efficient Logikhaus windows to minimise heat loss and uncontrolled air infiltration. These measures significantly reduce heating and cooling loads while maintaining consistent internal comfort levels year-round.

External materials were selected for durability, low maintenance, and suitability to the rural coastal environment. Galvanised corrugated steel cladding provides long-term corrosion resistance and robustness. A bespoke, hand-painted mural was applied across both the roof and external wall surfaces, forming a continuous external finish that integrates artistic expression without compromising the thermal, weatherproofing, or longevity performance of the envelope.

This project demonstrates a rigorous, performance-driven approach to environmental sustainability, guided by certified Passivhaus principles and detailed PHPP modelling. From concept through construction, the home was designed to minimise environmental impact while delivering exceptional comfort, durability and long-term efficiency.

A design-for-performance framework underpinned all key decisions. Thermal modelling informed insulation levels, airtightness detailing, glazing specification and passive solar optimisation to significantly reduce heating, cooling and ventilation demand. The result is a high-performing building envelope that lowers operational energy use and ongoing utility costs.

Energy Efficiency & Emissions Reduction

The home achieves an airtightness result of 0.3 ACH@50Pa, verified through blower door testing. This significantly reduces uncontrolled air leakage and energy loss.

High-performance insulation levels include:

R4 wall insulation

R7 roof insulation

R7 floor insulation

The building envelope is wrapped in a vapour-permeable waterproof membrane (Soltex ‘Dry As A Bone’ by Pro Clima) with an internal airtightness membrane (Intello by Pro Clima), ensuring moisture management, durability and long-term performance.

Triple-glazed timber/aluminium windows and doors by Logikhaus provide excellent thermal performance, minimising heat transfer while maximising passive solar gains and natural light.

Mechanical ventilation is delivered via a Zehnder ComfoAir Q350 heat recovery system, supplying continuous filtered fresh air while reclaiming heat from exhaust air. This maintains superior indoor air quality with minimal energy loss.

Renewable energy generation further reduces emissions, with a 20-panel solar system (8.8kW rated output) and battery backup supplying household energy and supporting electric vehicle charging.

Water Management

Water resilience was a key consideration. The home incorporates:

A 52,000-litre concrete rainwater tank supplying all household water

A 20,000-litre Colourbond CFA water tank

Water efficiency is supported through 4- and 5-star WELS-rated tapware throughout.

Material Selection & Resource Efficiency

Sustainability extends beyond operational performance to material choices and construction practices.

All timbers are FSC-certified and selected for longevity and weather durability

Low VOC paints improve indoor air quality

Durable, low-maintenance materials reduce lifecycle replacement and waste

A compact 187m² footprint minimises embodied energy and site impact

The envelope-first strategy reduces reliance on mechanical systems, lowering long-term energy demand and associated emissions.

Site & Landscape Response

The home integrates native landscaping to minimise impact on surrounding vegetation and support local biodiversity. The modest footprint and careful site planning reduce disturbance while enhancing passive solar orientation.

Overall, this project reflects a comprehensive sustainability framework that integrates energy performance, water management, material responsibility and long-term resilience. The outcome is a low-impact, future-ready home that demonstrates how thoughtful design and disciplined construction practices can significantly reduce environmental impact without compromising comfort or liveability.

Designer - Environmental Homes & Landscapes

Engineering – Hade Consulting

Energy Report – EcoClimate

Passivhaus Consultant/Designer – Passive Analytics

Passivhaus Certifier – Detail Green

Site Preparation - B & L Peacock Pty Ltd

Joinery - Chenery Joinery

Plumbing/Roofing - HJB Plumbing

Electrical - JMC Electrics

Painting - Matthew Johnson Painting and Decorating

Mechanical Engineer - Fantech & Passivetech

Windows/Doors - Logikhaus Windows

Weather resistant barriers - Performance Membranes

Structural Steel - Strzelecki Engineering Pty Ltd

Glazing - Taranto Window & Glass

Plaster - BMC Plaster

Water tanks - Waterline Tanks