Build better. Live healthier. Save every day.
At The Passive House Way, we guide homeowners, designers, and builders to create homes that are healthier, more comfortable, and future-ready. Whether you’re planning a new build or a deep retrofit, our certified Passive House consulting ensures superior comfort, proven performance, and long-term value — for your family and the environment.
Choose your passive house package:
Passive House
Classic
Your entry point into world-class comfort and efficiency. Ideal for families wanting steady temperatures, healthier air, and lower bills—without overcomplicating the build.
Passive House
Plus
The sweet spot of comfort, energy savings, and on-site power. A future-ready choice that produces part of its own energy.
Passive House
Premium
Maximum independence and the lowest running costs possible. For clients who want complete comfort while relying little or not at all on the grid.
EnerPHit
Retrofits
Turn your current home into a healthy, energy-saving sanctuary. Cuts energy use while improving comfort in every season.
Tailored for comfort, health, savings, simplicity, and sustainability.
Designing Beyond Minimums
experience the Difference Between Building to Code and Building for Life
Most Australian homes are designed to meet the minimum – minimum standards, minimum comfort, and often, minimum lifespan. At The Passive House Way, we go far beyond compliance. We design homes that are scientifically modelled, tested, and certified to deliver measurable results — radically lower energy use, whisper-quiet comfort year-round, and a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. The Passive House design process integrates performance at every step, from insulation to airtightness to high-quality components like windows and ventilation. The result? A home that breathes better, feels better, and performs for decades — not just in theory, but in reality. You don’t have to settle for “standard.” We help you build smart from the start.
What is included
A clear, science-based scope that protects your comfort, health, savings, simplicity, and sustainability.
Feasibility Study
We review your site, climate, and goals to show what’s achievable—comfort outcomes, likely savings, and sustainability benefits.
- ✔Site & climate check
- ✔High-level energy & cost outlook
- ✔Pathway recommendation
Performance Modelling
A test-drive for your home. We predict comfort, air quality, and energy use before you build—so there are no surprises.
- ✔Seasonal temperature & IAQ forecasts
- ✔Window/shading optimisation
- ✔Thermal-bridge risk checks
Design Integration
We collaborate with your architect to weave Passive House principles into the look you love—beauty without compromise.
- ✔Envelope & glazing guidance
- ✔Ventilation & airtightness detailing
- ✔Specification notes for tender
Construction Support & Testing
On-site checks and airtightness testing help your builder nail the details—for lasting comfort, efficiency, and durability.
- ✔Key stage site visits
- ✔Blower-door testing
- ✔Issue logs & fixes
Certification Support
We guide the paperwork and process so your home meets the Passive House standard—and proves its performance.
- ✔Documentation & evidence
- ✔Coordination with certifier
- ✔Final verification
Living Guide & Check-ins
Handover support and simple guidance for living in a Passive House—plus optional performance check-ins.
- ✔Owner’s quick-start guide
- ✔Seasonal tune-up tips
- ✔Optional monitoring
Passive House vs Standard Homes:
See how Passive House pathways outperform standard homes across comfort, health, energy use, and long-term value.
| Category | Standard Australian Home | EnerPHit Retrofit | Classic | Plus | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Heating & Cooling Demand (kWh/m²·yr) | 100–180 | ≤ 25 | ≤ 15 | ≤ 15 | ≤ 15 |
| Total Primary Energy Demand (kWh/m²·yr) | 180–250+ | ≤ 120 | ≤ 60 | ≤ 45 | ≤ 30 |
| Solar Energy Generation | None | Optional | Optional | ≥ 60 | ≥ 120 |
| Ventilation System | Natural / basic extract | Heat Recovery Ventilation (≥75%) | |||
| Indoor Temperature Fluctuation | 8–15°C | 2–3°C | ≤ 2°C | ||
| Thermal Comfort | Low–Medium | High | Very High | ||
| Indoor Air Quality | Variable, often poor | Excellent | Excellent | ||
| Energy Bills (annual est.) | $2,500–$4,000+ | $800–$1,500 | $300–$800 | $0–$500 | Net-positive |
| Carbon Emissions (kg CO₂ annual est.) | 5,000–8,000 | 1,500–2,500 | ~1,000 | Near-zero | Net-negative |
| Resilience to Heatwaves | Poor | High | Excellent | ||
| Green Loan Eligibility | Rare | High | |||
| Health Benefits | Condensation, mould, stale air, VOCs | Reduced allergens, VOCs, CO₂, bushfire pollution. Eliminates mould. | |||
| Property Value Retention | Moderate | High | High | Very High | Exceptional |
| Design / Upgrade Cost Premium | — | 10–20% upgrade | 10–15% | 10–15% | 10–20% |
| Long-Term Savings (25 yrs) | Minimal | $30k–70k+ | $50k–100k+ | Higher | Highest + income |
Costs vary by location, supplier, and material choice — higher upfront investment typically offsets in energy savings and value gain.
Passive House Plus and Premium require solar PV system to qualify.
Ready to Build for Your Health, Comfort, and the Future?
Design That Respects the Planet — and Future Generations
At The Passive House Way, we believe your home should be a solution — not part of the problem.
Passive House design radically reduces energy demand, often by up to 90% less heating and cooling energy than a standard Australian home. That means lower carbon emissions, fewer fossil fuels burned, and less pressure on our overburdened energy grid.
We use building science — not greenwashing — to deliver real results. Every detail, from airtight construction to high-performance ventilation, is designed to create a home that’s future-proof and climate-responsible.
– Dramatically smaller carbon footprint
– Reduced embodied energy through smart material choices
– Ideal for net-zero and all-electric living
– Compatible with solar, batteries, and green energy solutions
Your home can be a quiet act of resistance — a living commitment to sustainability, health, and long-term value.
How does Passive House design differ from standard Australian building practices?
Standard Australian homes are typically built to meet minimum code requirements, often resulting in higher energy consumption, inconsistent indoor temperatures, and potential issues like drafts and moisture. In contrast, Passive House design focuses on creating a well-insulated, airtight building envelope, incorporating high-performance windows and a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. This approach ensures consistent indoor comfort, superior air quality, and significantly reduced energy usage.
Is Passive House suitable for Gippsland's climate?
Absolutely. Passive House principles are adaptable to various climates, including Gippsland’s temperate conditions. The design emphasizes thermal efficiency, ensuring homes remain warm during winter and cool in summer with minimal energy input. This adaptability makes Passive House an excellent choice for enhancing comfort and reducing energy bills in Gippsland.
Will I need to source special materials for a Passive House build?
While Passive House construction requires specific performance criteria, many suitable materials and components are readily available in Australia. The growing local market offers high-quality insulation, windows, and ventilation systems that meet Passive House standards, eliminating the need for extensive imports.
Can I open windows in a Passive House?
Yes. Passive Houses are designed to provide excellent indoor air quality through mechanical ventilation systems, but occupants can still open windows as desired. The design ensures that even when windows are closed, the indoor environment remains fresh and comfortable, offering flexibility and control to homeowners.
What is the cost difference between Passive House and standard construction?
Building a Passive House may involve a higher initial investment, typically around 10-20% more than standard construction. However, the eligibility for green loan, long-term savings on energy bills, reduced maintenance costs, and increased property value often offset this initial premium. Additionally, the enhanced comfort and health benefits provide added value to homeowners.
How does Passive House design impact indoor air quality?
Passive Houses utilize a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) that continuously supplies fresh, filtered air while removing stale air. This system effectively reduces indoor pollutants, allergens, and moisture, resulting in a healthier living environment compared to conventional homes.
Is Passive House design only for new builds, or can existing homes be retrofitted?
Passive House principles can be applied to both new constructions and existing buildings. The EnerPHit standard is specifically designed for retrofitting existing homes, allowing homeowners to achieve significant energy efficiency and comfort improvements without starting from scratch.
What services does The Passive House Way offer to support my project?
At The Passive House Way, we provide comprehensive consulting services, including:
Feasibility assessments to determine the suitability of Passive House principles for your project.
Design collaboration to integrate Passive House standards into your building plans.
PHPP modeling to simulate and optimize building performance.
Guidance through the certification process to ensure compliance with Passive House standards.
Support during construction to maintain quality and performance objectives.
Our goal is to make your journey toward a healthier, more energy-efficient home and more comfortable lifestyle all while reducing enviromental footprint.