THE CHALLENGE
Building to passive house standards demands precision – an airtight envelope, minimal thermal bridging and integrated ventilation systems. Add BAL FZ bushfire compliance to the brief and the complexity increases significantly. The design’s curved external walls added another layer of difficulty, particularly where they met the raked rooflines above.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
The build required attention to airtightness throughout, achieving a rating of 0.5ACH50. We installed Paarhammer BAL FZ-rated hardwood windows with fire-rated double glazing, and lined the external walls with TBA Firefly sarking behind the Celestian metallic Colorbond cladding. Heka window hoods complete the exterior.
The insulated polished concrete slab incorporates hydronic heating, with Foamglas blocks between the slab and walls to eliminate thermal bridges. A heat-recovery ventilation system – fitted with smoke filtration to protect air quality during bushfire events.
THE RESULT
A home that is comfortable year-round with minimal energy input and protected against bushfire. The owners enjoy the home so much that they’re building another passive house in New Zealand.