The concept of passive house construction has emerged as a beacon of sustainable living. We have now built three passive house projects and a number of others on the cards coming up. It's fair to say we are now the experts in this field, with many looking to us for advice. Passive houses are growing, with builders like us and clients dedicated to creating homes that not only embrace green living but also prioritise energy efficiency and comfort.

An open letter to architects and building designers.

Be better!

Too many people are shouting from the rooftop, and more people should be walking the walk when talking about sustainable buildings.

I love learning like I really love it. I always want to know more about building and become a better builder. Why? Because it's the only way our industry will change. Unfortunately, continued improvement in the industry is not mandated, but this does not stop us from wanting to learn more. So why is this important for builders in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, where sustainable construction practices are gaining momentum, Passive House design principles are becoming increasingly prominent. There are a few key considerations for Passive House architects that need to be taken into account when designing a home. Passive House design represents a transformative approach to building construction that equips us with the tools to master the elements. It allows us to seamlessly control moisture, thermal transfer, airflow, and sunlight, forging the path toward the creation of buildings that are not just efficient but truly exceptional. So, whilst we usually stay in our lane and talk about building, we thought we would get stuck into a few key things that need to be considered in the design phase.

Being a Passive House builder, we feel that this is the ultimate form of sustainability. To be honest, we think it's the only way you can be a sustainable builder. For us, it's all about the data, and numbers never lie. We know these homes can be tested and stand the test of time. Passive House is known for it's efficiency, but we believe theres more important features people need to know about.

Passive House construction in Australia is gaining traction due to the nation's growing awareness of energy efficiency, the need to address climate challenges, and the increasing recognition of Passive House as a superior building approach. As Australians seek to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy bills, and enjoy year-round comfort, the demand for Passive House homes continues to soar.

The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, accounting for around 40% of global energy consumption and 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are a number of ways that builders can start to be more sustainable, even if it means changing some of their habits.

Passive House certification is an intricate and comprehensive framework that places accountability at the forefront of sustainable construction practices. In the context of a Passive House in Melbourne, architects, builders, and homeowners all play pivotal roles in upholding the stringent standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and superior indoor air quality. Let's explore how each of these stakeholders contributes to the accountability process.

In the pursuit of sustainable construction, the importance of certification using Passive House Design principles cannot be overstated. A Passive House is not just another buzzword in the construction industry; it represents a paradigm shift towards energy-efficient and eco-conscious housing. We want to delve into why certification is vital for ensuring that homes are built in accordance with their sustainable design, and we will explore the link between Australia's current housing stock and the pervasive issue of mould.

Passive House construction has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to sustainable building that offers several advantages over traditional construction methods. We thought it's probably about time that we started to explain in greater detail the differences between the two types of construction. With sustainable homes becoming a key focus in our industry, it's important that you start to understand the importance of building correctly for your forever home. We want to keep it short and sweet, but we will look to give you a quick overview of the key benefits of choosing Passive House construction, the durability differences between the two methods, the rigorous certification process, and how Passive House outshines traditional homes in terms of sustainability.

In the ever-evolving world of sustainable construction and design, our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to constantly explore new opportunities. We are excited to announce that we are extending our work area to include the picturesque Macedon Ranges area, encompassing Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton, and Sunbury. This expansion allows us to bring our expertise in Certified Passive House projects to a broader audience, emphasising our dedication to sustainable building practices.

As a dedicated passive house builder with a passion for ushering in a sustainable construction revolution, I am compelled to guide you beyond the buzzwords. In a world where greenwashing prevails, our mission is to lead you toward true sustainability, armed with knowledge that empowers you to distinguish authenticity from superficial claims. Today, let's embark on a journey that encompasses advanced framing techniques, the power of Passive House design, and the significance of certified sustainability in construction.

As we become more conscious of our environmental footprint, we are also becoming more aware of our homes' impact on our health. That's why I wanted to share some thoughts on the topic of passive houses, or "Passivhaus", and why they are a healthier place to live when compared to a traditional home.

Building a new home in Melbourne is an exciting prospect, but estimating the cost for builders and developing a budget can also be overwhelming. A myriad of factors need to be considered when estimating the cost of building a sustainable home in Melbourne, and each one can significantly impact the final price. In this blog, we'll look at the aspects that need to be considered when estimating the cost of building a high-performance home or passive house.

As someone who has worked in the building industry for many years, I have seen first-hand how confusing the term "sustainability" can be. Every company and product claims to be sustainable, yet there are still so many buildings still being built that are not energy efficient and not built to last.

More and more clients are contacting us before they engage an architect. Through social media, clients can scope out potential builders and get a clear idea of how they operate, providing a certain level of comfort that we will build their homes correctly and to a high-performing level. Those who are now engaging architects to begin their adventure of designing their homes are at least 12 months away before starting onsite. We find that the average project takes 18 months from when an architect is engaged to when demolition begins. The reality is that good things take time, and this process shouldn't be rushed.

Energy modelling is crucial in designing sustainable buildings that consume less energy and produce fewer carbon emissions. In Melbourne, there are two popular methods for energy modelling: NatHERS and PHPP. While both ways aim to achieve energy efficiency, there are significant differences in their approach and accuracy. This blog will explore these differences and explain why PHPP is a better option than NatHERS.

Australia is currently facing a cost of living crisis, with a significant proportion of the population struggling to keep up with the increasing costs of housing, energy, and other essential expenses. This issue affects people from all walks of life, including low-income earners, retirees, and even middle-class families. Unfortunately, the average house being built will still cost a small fortune to run, but building or renovating your new home to Passive House standards could be a potential solution.

How many times in the next few weeks will we hear the phrase, "oh, this year went so quickly"? It's that time of year when everyone goes crazy trying to beat the Christmas rush. Several years ago, we decided not to hurry clients into their homes before Christmas as we felt that Christmas had become more of a deadline than a holiday.

It's no secret that we have shifted our business to building only high-performance homes or Passive House projects. It's a decision we made nearly two years ago, jumping into it head first (probably a little too quickly), but one that we do not regret for one second.