Though not required, it is recommended that a certified Passivhaus Tradesperson is engaged to construct a Passivhaus building, as they have the specialist training and an in-depth understanding of the high standards they are working to.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery or MVHR is a system that provides the building with continual fresh filtered air. The stale air stream is passed through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat (or coolth) to the incoming fresh air stream so that energy loss is minimised. In a Passivhaus building,  30m3 of filtered fresh air [...]

For building code compliance, the National Construction Code (NCC) sets minimum energy efficiency requirements that need to be met using a NatHERS star-rating system (0–10 stars) based on thermal performance. Many certified Australian Passivhaus homes exceed 8–9 NatHERS stars, but the methodologies are fundamentally different, so they are not directly comparable.

Yes, the analysis software uses climate data specific to the region you are building in to ensure accurate weather modelling and relevant energy use results. Thousands of Passivhaus buildings of all types have been built across the world in all types of climates from Tropical to Arctic, all with outstanding energy savings and comfort levels.

It’s very quiet inside and the temperature is comfortable and consistent everywhere, all the time! There are no draughts, and no noisy air conditioning or heating systems running or blowing air around. The air quality is amazing, with filtered fresh air supplied continuously, and the air tightness ensures bugs and dust aren’t able to get [...]

Not at all, the mechanical system will ensure 30m3 of filtered fresh air is continually provided every hour, for every person in the building, and in the very unlikely event the system stops working for a time, you can rely on opening windows and doors just like a typical building. It is probably truer to [...]

Absolutely, but you don’t have to rely on this to bring in fresh air – especially when the weather isn’t favourable – as the energy efficient mechanical system will provide filtered, fresh, and tempered air continuously.

Yes, standard construction materials can be used, and you can build on a concrete slab or suspended timber framed floor. Often typical construction methods are simply refined and improved to bring them up to a higher performance level, and sometimes traditional materials and building methods are enhanced with new technologies to substantially improve performance without [...]

No, you can have practically any style building you like from Traditional to Contemporary!

Not necessarily – if you are using a high-quality bespoke home, designed above the bare minimum energy efficiency compliance standards as a fair comparison. Some studies have shown a 5-10% premium while others have shown a minimal cost difference. Some high-quality components aren’t as easy to source here as they are in Europe or America, [...]