Introducing Our Fitzroy Passivhaus Project: A Vision for Ultra-Low Energy Living

We are thrilled to unveil our Fitzroy Passivhaus project, currently under construction, marking another step toward our commitment to ultra-low energy living. This home is designed to push the boundaries of energy efficiency and sustainability, with the five key principles of Passivhaus design seamlessly integrated to ensure outstanding comfort, energy savings, and a healthier environment. 

Building on the success of our Surrey Hills project, we’ve once again teamed up with Hone Built, a team known for its dedication to crafting high-quality, energy-efficient homes. Together, we’re bringing this sustainable vision to life with the precision and expertise it deserves. 

1. Air Tightness: A Seal of Comfort and Efficiency 

At the heart of Passivhaus design is impeccable air tightness, crucial to preventing draughts, cold spots, and energy waste. Achieving an air change rate of no more than 0.60 ACH is essential to ensure a cozy, well-regulated indoor environment. Think of it like wrapping your home in a high-performance jacket that keeps warmth in and the cold out, significantly reducing heating and cooling needs. 

For our Fitzroy project, we’ve turned to Proclima’s Weather Resistive Barrier & airtightness systems. These top-tier materials ensure that every seam, joint, and connection is sealed with precision. From the pitched roof with Solitex Extasana and Mento Plus to the flat roof with Solitex Extasana Adhero, and Intello Plus for airtight management, this system works to preserve the home’s thermal envelope for maximum energy efficiency. 

2. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): Fresh Air, Constant Comfort 

While airtight homes are incredibly energy-efficient, they can make natural ventilation less effective. Enter the MVHR system—an essential component for maintaining a fresh indoor climate. The MVHR system expels stale air and brings in fresh, filtered air, all while recovering heat from the outgoing air to warm the incoming air. It’s like a breath of fresh air that doesn’t waste energy! 

For this project, we’ve selected the highly efficient Zehnder ComforAir Q350 unit, tucked away in the laundry cupboard. This compact unit ensures the air remains fresh throughout the home, maintaining an optimal indoor climate in Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, while also keeping the air quality and humidity in check. 

3. Insulation: The Heart of Thermal Comfort 

Effective insulation is the backbone of Passivhaus design, helping regulate temperature without the need for excessive heating or cooling. Our insulation strategy focuses on creating a continuous thermal envelope, preventing both heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. 

For our Fitzroy project, we have primarily used glasswool insulation. In areas with limited space, we’ve opted for PIR (Polyisocyanurate) insulation, which offers a higher R-value. However, we’ve kept its use to a minimum due to its higher embodied energy. 

The ground floor subfloor is insulated to R4—double the R2 typically found in a new Melbourne home. The external walls are similarly insulated to R4, compared to the standard R2.5 to R2.7 in new homes. To top it off, the ceiling is insulated to R7, a significant step up from the usual R5 to R6 range. 

4. Thermal Bridge-Free Construction: Eliminating Heat Loss at Every Corner 

Thermal bridges—those sneaky areas where heat escapes through conductive materials—are a challenge in energy-efficient design. Passivhaus homes eliminate thermal bridges by ensuring continuous insulation and carefully managing how structural elements meet the building envelope. 

Working with structural engineers from Oranik and Passivhaus consultant Paul Gray from Detail Green, we’ve minimized the use of steel beams, a common source of thermal bridges. The result is a perfectly balanced, energy-efficient home that maintains a consistent indoor temperature all year round. 

5. High-Performance Windows & Glazing: Energy Efficiency Meets Elegance 

Windows and external doors are often the weak points when it comes to heat retention and air leakage in a home. That’s why in a Passivhaus, they must be top-tier. We’ve chosen Logikhaus aluminium-clad oak timber-framed windows, which combine durability and low maintenance. These triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings not only reduce heat transfer but also provide excellent soundproofing, making the home quieter and more comfortable. 

The timber frames are designed with sustainability in mind, offering a lower embodied carbon than thermally broken aluminium or UPVC alternatives. These windows complement the modern design of the home while enhancing its thermal and acoustic performance. 

Other Interesting Facts: Sustainability and Heritage in Harmony 

• Heritage: The existing house is part of a row of eight two-story homes built in the 1950s by the Housing Commission as part of the St Lawrence Housing Estate. The original timber frame of the house wasn’t optimal, so we’ve retained the façade to preserve the heritage overlay and street integrity, while dismantling the rest of the structure. 


• Recycled Materials: In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, bricks and roof tiles from the previous structure have been re-used, helping reduce the embodied carbon and contributing to a circular economy. 


• Construction Method: The home is timber-framed with a timber sub-floor and brick and timber cladding, while the garage is a separate structure built with a concrete slab. 


• Heating and Cooling: In addition to the MVHR system, we have installed three small split air conditioning bulkhead units to provide extra climate control during Melbourne’s extreme temperature fluctuations. 


• Kitchen Exhaust: Instead of the typical recirculating model, we’ve opted for an exhausted kitchen rangehood with make-up air, a key feature for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. 


• Permits: The project required eight permits, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and standards.

We are incredibly excited to see this Passivhaus project come to life with Hone Built leading the charge. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to share the journey of this ultra-low energy home! 

Project Team/Suppliers

• Architect & Interior Designer: Jane Cameron Architects 


• Builder: Hone Built 


• Building Surveyor: TWC Group 


• Civil Engineer: ORANIK Consulting Engineers 


• Consulting Arborist: Arbor Survey 


• Garden Designer: Lucy Draffin 


• Geotechnical: Melbourne Geotechnics 


• Land Surveyor: Land Dimensions 


• Lighting Designers/Suppliers: George Stavridis, Lights Lights Lights 


• Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) Designer & Supplier: Fan Tech 


• Passivhaus & ESD Consultant: Paul Grey, Detail Grey 


• Passivhaus Certifier: Marcus Strang, TIP V. HYPE 


• Quantity Surveyor: Geoffrey Moyle, Cost Planner 


• Storm Report Consultant: Designing Energy 


• Structural Engineer: ORANIK Consulting Engineers 


• Traffic Consultant: Barleys Traffic Management 


• Weathertight & Airtight Membranes: Pro Clima 


• Window Supplier: Logikhaus