1. Superior Insulation: Passive Houses have high-quality insulation in the walls, roof, and floor, which helps to retain heat during winter and keep the building cool during summer. This reduces the need for artificial heating or cooling and ensures year-round comfort.
2. Airtight Construction: The building envelope of a Passive House is sealed to prevent unwanted air leaks, to prevent changes to the indoor climate. A Passive House must meet strict airtightness standards, ensuring that any fresh air comes through a controlled ventilation system.
3. High-Performance Windows: Passive Houses typically incorporate double if not triple glazed windows. These windows are carefully positioned to capture the sun’s warmth during winter while minimising heat gain during summer. This contributes to maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
4. Thermal Bridge-Free Design: A thermal bridge occurs when heat escapes through parts of the building’s structure, like joins or steel. Passive House design eliminates these thermal bridges, ensuring consistent insulation and reducing heat loss, which helps maintain energy efficiency.
5. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): A Passive House uses an advanced ventilation system that supplies fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from the outgoing air. This system improves indoor air quality, reduces humidity, and keeps the home at a comfortable temperature without losing energy.

• Energy efficiency: They use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional homes.
• Comfort: With consistent indoor temperatures and superior air quality, passive houses provide a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
• Sustainability: They reduce carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability by minimising reliance on fossil fuels.
• Cost savings: Although the upfront cost may be higher, Passive Houses reduce long-term energy bills.

The cost of building a Passive House in Australia varies based on factors like size, location, and design complexity. On average, it costs about 10-15% more than a conventional home build. However, the energy savings and increased comfort typically offset the initial investment over time.

Yes, Passive House design works very well in Australia, adapting to both warm and cool climates.

During the Passive House design process they will outline appropriate materials and strategies tailored to the houses position and local conditions, Passive Houses maintain energy efficiency and comfort, regardless of external temperatures. They are particularly effective in areas with extreme weather variations, offering a sustainable solution for both city and rural settings.