Set in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, this Certified Passivhaus sits on an elevated allotment with views to the tree canopy of a neighbouring park. The east-west site orientation simplified the passive solar design that underpins the Passivhaus performance standard, allowing most rooms to receive winter solar gains, whilst providing a sun drenched private oasis for the family towards the rear of the block.

The low embodied energy, low toxicity, and durable materials throughout this home compliment the fresh filtered air provided by the heat recovery ventilation system. Living in this house will not only be energy efficient, but it will also be healthy. The high performance, triple glazed windows provide an abundance of natural light throughout, and strategic shading has been adopted for the warmer months, including motorised retractable shade blinds.

With all of the usual trimmings of a modern family home, including an entertainers kitchen with walk in pantry, a kids retreat on the upper level, and a generous study with views to the garden, the efficient use of internal space has resulted in generous garden areas and a large outdoor entertaining zone complete with outdoor kitchen including a wood fired pizza oven, perfect for large family gatherings.

Winner, Excellence in the use of Timber, 2024, Design Matters Awards.

This remarkable certified Passive House (Passivhaus) encompasses self-sufficiency, spaciousness, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

Our clients were retired individuals who are actively engaged and enthusiastic about Passive House (Passivhaus) design and its benefits. Their vision was for the home to seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment while offering breathtaking mountain views. Sustainability was a top priority, with the goal of ensuring long-term viability and ease of maintenance. 

The standout feature of this project lies in its orientation, designed to maximise passive solar access and capture breathtaking views from many aspects including the Cathedral Ranges and nearby creek. The clients also created an outlook to the North by incorporating a native landscape and including a series of sculptures. 

True to the Passive House (Passivhaus) philosophy, the home provides excellent opportunities for solar gain during winter and natural cooling through cross ventilation during summer. Additionally, the home operates solely on electricity, achieving energy neutrality (which even extends to the use of an electric ride-on mower!). The selection of low-toxicity materials contributes to a healthier indoor environment, while the compact and lightweight design reduces the overall embodied energy of the home. 

Winner, New House $500k-$1M, 2024, Design Matters Awards