A Healthy, Sustainable Home Designed for Family Living
We built this innovative home to meet passive house principles without certification, prioritising healthy indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and mould prevention. The clients wanted a sustainable, comfortable home that would support their family’s well-being while ensuring long-term durability and performance.
As a pioneering project, this build also featured Australia’s first rooftop garden on a passive house, presenting both unique technical challenges.
Our Process
1. High-Performance Passive House Construction
- BBS was responsible for the entire structural build, including:
- – Slab-to-cladding construction ensuring airtightness and insulation.
- – Weather-resistant barriers (WRB) & air-sealing to prevent moisture intrusion.
- – High-performance BINQ windows and HRV system for optimal ventilation and thermal efficiency.
- – Custom cabinetry and interior work, designed for durability and function.
2. Engineering Australia’s First Rooftop Garden Passive House
- – Designing a rooftop garden on a passive house required reinforcing the structure, as the original engineering design was too light.
- – We had to ensure structural integrity while maintaining passive house principles such as airtightness and thermal insulation.
- – The chimney effect airflow system was implemented to regulate temperature beneath the garden, without compromising the passive house benefits.
- – A PVC waterproof membrane was carefully preserved, preventing leaks while supporting the weight of the rooftop garden.
3. Passive House-Approved Products for Maximum Efficiency
- To achieve a high level of energy efficiency and airtightness, we integrated:
- – Pro Clima: Leading airtightness and moisture management solutions.
- – BINQ HRV: High-performance windows and mechanical ventilation for superior air quality.
Airtightness & Energy Efficiency
Achieved 0.9 ACH (Air Changes Per Hour), ensuring an ultra-low energy home.
Advanced Thermal & Moisture Management
- The rooftop garden airflow system was designed to maintain ventilation without affecting insulation or energy performance.
- We installed Airtight WRB and membranes to protect the home from condensation and heat loss.
Sustainability & Passive House Standards
Natural materials and high-performance insulation were used throughout the build to reduce environmental impact.
Results: A Healthy & Sustainable Home for Generations
- – Mould-free, healthy living environment thanks to airtight construction and an advanced HRV system.
- – Year-round thermal comfort with minimal heating and cooling requirements.
- – Australia’s first rooftop garden on a passive house, successfully integrating green living with high-performance energy efficiency.
What the Clients Say About Us
“We wanted a home that would be healthy for our family and truly energy-efficient. BBS helped us achieve that while also creating an incredible rooftop garden that we love. It’s the perfect balance of sustainability and functionality.”