Carland Constructions: Taking it a Step Further with Retrofit Expertise
While Passive House sets a high bar for new construction, EnerPHit offers a pathway to achieving significant energy efficiency in existing buildings through deep retrofits. This resonated deeply with our commitment to sustainability, recognising the vast potential in upgrading our existing building stock. Our Rifle Range Passive House is a great example of this, where we turned a volume-built/spec home constructed in 1993 into a Certified Passive House in Melbourne.
Our EnerPHit Approach
Our EnerPHit projects presented a new set of challenges and opportunities. Working with existing structures meant navigating unique constraints and finding innovative solutions. We honed our skills in:
Assessing Existing Buildings: Thorough energy audits and analysis became paramount to understand the specific weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in each building. We work with consultants to understand the existing performance of the home, then assist in making tweaks to the construction methods to improve the thermal performance of your potential Passive House in Melbourne.
Window and Door Replacement in Existing Openings: Carefully replacing old, inefficient windows and doors with high-performance alternatives while ensuring proper sealing and integration became a key skill. This is probably the biggest learning we've had from working on existing building structures. It’s the most complex issue to deal with, as the weather in Melbourne can quickly change – it can be really wet, windy, but then be very hot. That’s why installing a window correctly is so important.
Addressing Moisture and Condensation Risks: Retrofitting existing buildings requires careful consideration of moisture management to avoid potential issues.
Our EnerPHit experiences have shown us that even older, energy-guzzling buildings can be transformed into comfortable, efficient spaces with significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. Our Rifle Range Passive House in Williamstown required endless conversations about this topic, and learnings from overseas can be one of the most high-risk conversations we have around buildings.
The Benefits We've Witnessed
Across our EnerPHit and Passive House projects, the benefits have been undeniable. But hey, don't just ask us – you’re always welcome to chat to our clients!
Drastically Reduced Energy Bills: Clients consistently report significant savings on their heating and cooling costs, often by 75-90% compared to conventional buildings.
Unparalleled Comfort: The stable indoor temperatures, lack of drafts, and excellent air quality create incredibly comfortable and healthy living and working environments. Our clients constantly comment on how little effort they need to put into the home to maintain constant temperatures in Melbourne.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: MVHR systems ensure a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, reducing allergens and pollutants. This is a no-brainer – who wouldn’t want quality air?
Increased Building Durability: The focus on airtightness and moisture management contributes to the longevity and structural integrity of the buildings.
Enhanced Property Value: High-performance, certified buildings are increasingly recognised for their quality and sustainability, often commanding higher market values.
Significant Reduction in Carbon Footprint: By minimising energy demand, these buildings play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Looking to the Future
Our experiences with EnerPHit and Passive House have solidified our belief in their transformative power. We have built one of the hardest Passive House projects in Melbourne, doing something that has never been done before. We are passionate about continuing to apply these principles in our projects, pushing the boundaries of sustainable building, and helping our clients create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible and exceptionally comfortable. We also collaborate closely with leading passive house architects to bring these visions to life.
If you're considering building new or retrofitting your existing property to the highest standards of energy efficiency and comfort, we invite you to connect with us. As your dedicated passive house builder, we'd be delighted to share our experience and help you embark on your own journey towards a more sustainable and comfortable future. Let's breathe easier together.