Grosvenor Passivhaus
Residential: Single Dwelling
Passivhaus Plus Certification
Lindfield, NSW, 2025
Grosvenor Passivhaus envisions a safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient home that sits harmoniously with its bushland surroundings while addressing the challenges of building in a bushfire-affected area.
Combining resilient construction and thoughtful design with the Passivhaus Standard, the project delivers a safe and comfortable sanctuary that celebrates its unique setting.
-
AIRTIGHTNESS n50 ACH@50pascals: 0.6
HEATING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 12
COOLING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 16
HEATING LOAD (W/m²): 12
COOLING LOAD (W/m²): 19.4
PRIMARY ENERGY DEMAND (PE) (kWh/m².yr): 91
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE DEMAND (PER): 40
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE GENERATION (PER): 67 -
LOCATION: Lindfield, NSW
NCC CLIMATE ZONE: 5 – Warm temperate
NATHERS CLIMATE ZONE: 56
YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2025
TREATED FLOOR AREA (PHPP sqm): 195.3
PROJECT TYPE: New Build
SECTOR: Residential: Single Dwelling
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Timber Frame
CERTIFICATION LEVEL/ ENERGY STANDARD: Passivhaus Plus -
MHRV SYSTEM: Dantherm – HCV460-P2
DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM: Rinnai – GR Series Heat Pump
EXTERIOR WALL TYPE, U-VALUE: Timber Framed – Knauf Earthwool Batts, 0.264
FLOOR SLAB TYPE, U-VALUE: Slab on ground with underslab insulation, 0.405
ROOF INSULATION TYPE, MANUFACTURER: Knauf Earthwool Batts
ROOF CONSTRUCTION: Timber Framed
ROOF ENVELOPE U-VALUE: 0.206
WALL FRAME TYPE, U-VALUE: Timber Framed,
0.264
GLAZING TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U W-VALUE, G-VALUE, U G-VALUE: Double Glazing, Australian Glass Group AGG, 1.49, 0.39, 1.10
EXTERNAL DOOR TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U D-VALUE: uPVC, BINQ, 1.49 -
NUMBER OF MODULES: 40
HEIGHT, WIDTH OF ONE MODULE (m, m): 1.762x1.134
HEIGHT OF ARRAY: 3524
EFFICIENCY (%): 98%
-
The living spaces are designed around an angular internal glulam portal frame that incorporates gently twisting geometry. This creates an ever-changing form that conforms to the slope of the site and offers unique internal space.
The frames allow uninterrupted sightlines, drawing the eye toward the tranquil bushland setting of the Sir Philip Game Reserve and Blue Gum Creek, providing the occupants with a serene living experience.
The exterior of the building includes CoreTen steel shade screens to protect the glazing from the harsh summer sun.
-
Building a Passivhaus in a bushfire zone meant working within the strict limitations of AS3959 and its narrow palette of compliant, fire-resistant materials. Exceeding BAL 40 requirements, the design also incorporates defensible landscaping with low-flammability natives and carefully positions the home to balance bushfire protection whilst making the most of the views and maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding bushland.
A lot can be taken away from this project to be put to use on other resilient homes, whilst aiming to minimise embodied carbons in the materials used:
- Designing to exceed the site-specific BAL 40 requirements, using fire-resistant materials and construction methods
- Landscaping to emphasise defensible zones and low-flammability native plants to enhance bushfire protection
- Strategic site positioning to minimise fire risk while maximising safety and views
Project Members
PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIER: Marcus Strang - HIP v HYPE
PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER / PROJECT MANAGER: Dieppe Design
ARCHITECT/ ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: Dieppe Design
CONTRACTOR / BUILDER: iConstruct Building Solutions
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: HYVE DESIGNS
QUANTITY SURVEYOR: IAN SMITH PARTNERSHIP
WINDOW SUPPLIER: BINQ
HRV SUPPLIERS: Dantherm/Zenith ventilation
AIRTIGHTNESS MEMBRANE SUPPLIER: ProClima
INSULATION SUPPLIERS: Knauff / DCTech XPS / Kingspan
ROOFING SUPPLIER: Colorbond
BLOWER DOOR TESTER: Stefan Perumal - Sydney Blower Door
PHOTOGRAPHER: Edward Dieppe