TERRA! is a sustainable architecture and certified Passivhaus design practice based in Naarm - Melbourne, driven by the belief that great design can and should tread lightly on the planet. For us, being green goes far beyond the colour of our logo: it is about creating homes and spaces that are in harmony with nature, while elevating the way people live every day.
We see every building as an opportunity to contribute positively to its environment. That means prioritising energy efficiency, minimising waste, and embracing materials that are natural, healthy, and enduring. By combining the rigour of Passivhaus design with the creativity of bespoke architecture, we deliver projects that are both environmentally responsible and beautifully crafted.
Our work spans new houses, extensions, and renovations, each one tailored to reflect the lives of the people who inhabit them and the landscapes they sit within. Whether it is reimagining a heritage home or designing a contemporary residence from the ground up, our focus is always on creating spaces that feel warm, timeless, and deeply connected to their surroundings.
At TERRA!, we are passionate about shaping a new era of Australian architecture, one where sustainability is not an add on, but the foundation. By designing with care for both people and planet, we aim to leave a legacy of homes that support wellbeing, conserve resources, and protect the environment for future generations.
Architects Registration Board of Victoria, Australian Passivhaus Association, Architeam, Green Building Institute
"Renovate, don’t detonate" was the guiding motto for this project, where the clients sought to transform their old 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 115 sqm brick veneer house into a space they could live in comfortably for at least another 25 years.
The home has been thoughtfully extended to 205 sqm, now featuring 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, but with no increase in energy consumption compared to the original house—thanks to the sustainable design elements. All windows are double-glazed, and both the existing and new sections have been fully insulated, ensuring optimal temperature regulation year-round. A new heat pump system provides efficient ducted heating and cooling, keeping the house comfortable without relying on gas, further reducing its carbon footprint.
Designed to grow with the family, the home accommodates their teenage children as they transition into adulthood, and offers ample space for hosting friends and extended family. The layout includes two connected apartments, ideal for intergenerational living, with private and shared spaces for flexibility.
The project also challenges traditional home extensions with a "Back to Front" design. Instead of the typical backyard extension, a striking double-storey addition was added to the front, changing the home’s appearance and enhancing its street appeal while maximizing usable space.
With a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and future-proofing, this modern home not only stands out in its neighborhood but is also energy-efficient, offering the same energy consumption as the original house—without the gas component—making it a comfortable, low-impact living space for many years to come.
Watch our testimonial interview with the owner here
It is a small house for a family of 2-3 people built on the hills of the Valpolicella region in Italy next to an existing pool and with a wonderful view of the valley and its vineyards. The house consists of an open-plan living area and kitchen with a large window overlooking the pool, a master bedroom, a single bedroom and a bathroom, as well as a storage room that also serves as an entrance compass on the north side. The layout of the rooms has been designed to maximize winter solar heating and summer ventilation.
The chosen construction technique is characterized by a wooden frame modular structure filled with straw bales. This material was chosen for its characteristics of environmental sustainability combined with the high insulating power with the result of a minimum amount of energy required for heating.
The coatings and foundations are entirely made with natural materials: stone, lime and clay, reducing to zero the use of concrete and minimal use of iron and plastic materials. The double-pitched roof, also isolated with straw bales, is covered by photovoltaic panels on the south-facing side and covered with a layer of vegetation (sedum) on the north-facing side.
