Imagine a home where the ambient temperature is consistently comfortable and the air that you breathe is clean – then imagine a design that allows you to achieve this without racking up a huge power bill.
Passivhaus (or passive house) is a performance-based standard that uses energy efficient design to create liveable, healthy homes. Originally developed in Germany, this approach is now widely accepted worldwide.
In this edition of REIWA’s Architectural Exploration, we look at the sustainable design features of Passivhaus, and share five homes currently available on reiwa.com where you can see these principles in action.
What’s great about a Passivhaus design?
Passivhaus design benefits both property owners and the environment, by:
- Reducing energy consumption and costs
- Reducing environmental impact
- Improving air quality by minimising exposure to allergens, pollutants, and mould
- Achieving a more consistent temperature for maximum indoor comfort
What design features should you look for in Passivhaus design?
Highly insulated: To reduce heat loss in Winter and heat gain in Summer, Passivhaus design typically features high grade insulation in the roof, walls and often in the floor.
Airtight construction: Considerable heat transfer happens when air leaks through gaps and cracks around doors, windows and ventilation systems. Well-sealed doors and windows (often double or triple-glazed) help to prevent uncontrolled airflow and is an important feature of Passivhaus design.
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV): Because Passivhaus design creates an airtight and highly insulated environment, HRV systems are often used to control air movement, temperature and humidity. HRV systems also improve air quality by filtering out pollutants.
If you’re in the market for a more energy efficient home, check out these WA properties that boast a range of Passivhaus and other sustainable design features.
Eco living at its finest
27 Yornitj Grove, Witchcliffe WA 6286
Offers in the range of $1.1 million
Nestled in the award winning Witchcliffe Ecovillage, 10 minutes south of Margaret River, this exceptional property offers buyers a truly sustainable lifestyle. Enhanced with double glazing and wool insulation, the home remains comfortable year round, minimising energy consumption. Powered by solar energy and supported by ample rainwater collection, your costs here are minimal. A meticulously designed 200 sqm permaculture garden, cultivated by one of Australia's leading organic grape growers and farmers, is another focal point for this property.
Period personality, architectural influence
9 Gill Street, Mosman Park WA 6012
Price on application
The current property owners fell in love with the location and character of this stunning home but undertook a substantial renovation and extension in 2018 to achieve better family functionality. The immaculately renovated period home is built using passive house design techniques to optimise environmental efficiency and minimise heating and cooling requirements. Key features include double glazing throughout new extension; 6.6kw panels and 5kw inverter; and a heated salt pool with heat pump on a timer to coincide with peak solar generation.
Eco living meets modern comfort
9/20 Wattle Way, Denmark WA 6333
From $575,000
This unique three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse is located in Deco Village – a showcase strata-titled eco-village in the heart of Denmark, Western Australia. Thoughtfully designed, this light-filled property with north-facing courtyard effortlessly combines style, comfort and practicality, perfect for families, professionals or investors seeking a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle.
Sustainable inner-city living
58/29 Roydhouse Street, Subiaco WA 6008
From $949,000
If inner-city community living is your goal, Halcyon Subiaco is the destination for you. Averaging a 7.22-star NatHERS energy rating, each apartment features natural lighting; waste management systems for recycling; increased natural ventilation rates; an allocated rooftop drying area; high thermal comfort levels; building management motion sensors; high efficiency LED lighting; and energy and water metering systems. An extensive rooftop solar power generation system offsets power consumed in common areas.
A high functioning architectural wonderland
15 Jenkins Place, Wembley Downs WA 6019
By Negotiation From High $2M's
The term “once in a lifetime opportunity” holds very true for this unique, architecturally designed property, where soaring high ceilings, fantastic indoor-outdoor interaction, abundant natural light and magnificent floor plan separation ensure the home's function performs at a level on par with its exciting form. Key features include double glazing / louvres; polished concrete floors; efficient gas fireplace; PV solar cells; LED lighting; natural ventilation and an outdoor space sheltered from the westerly winds.
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