A Passive House Designed for Unparalleled Views and Comfort
Unlike many Coogee homes where the top floors become unbearably hot in summer and freezing in winter, this project was built to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and enhance thermal performance.
Our Process: From Knockdown to Completion
1. Tailored Passive House Design & Construction
After the original architect was not retained for the construction phase, BBS took over the design process, ensuring every decision prioritised high-performance insulation, airtightness, and energy efficiency while staying true to the client’s vision.
2. Overcoming Structural Challenges
This home required a complex steel structure, which posed significant thermal bridging risks. To maintain passive house principles, we meticulously insulated every steel beam and incorporated thermo washers and thermal breakers to prevent heat loss and condensation issues.
3. Carbon-Negative Materials for a Sustainable Build
The entire build used timber-based products, making the house carbon negative and significantly reducing its environmental footprint.
Wood-based insulation was implemented to enhance thermal efficiency while ensuring sustainability.
4. High-Performance Passive House Products
To achieve exceptional air tightness and energy efficiency, we integrated:
- -Pro Clima – Advanced airtightness membranes and tapes.
- -BINQ HRV – High-performance windows and doors.
- -Steico – Natural, high-performance insulation materials.
Thermal Performance & Airtightness
Achieved 0.91 ACH (Air Changes Per Hour)—a great result, particularly for a retrofit where parts of the original house were retained.
Maximising Views & Functionality
The top-floor design was reimagined with sliding doors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces and offering incredible views.
Sustainable & Passive House Certified Materials
- -Insulation and construction materials were carefully selected to ensure high thermal resistance, airtightness, and sustainability.
- -Thermal bridging mitigation techniques were applied to the steel frame, ensuring optimal energy efficiency.
Results: A Year-Round Comfortable Home
- -No more extreme seasonal discomfort: The home maintains a stable, comfortable indoor temperature in both summer and winter.
- -Significant energy savings: With a highly efficient thermal envelope, the need for artificial heating and cooling is dramatically reduced.
- -A seamless connection to nature: The breathtaking views of Gordon’s Bay are now a fully integrated part of the home’s living experience.
