Mural Haus
Residential: Single Dwelling
Passivhaus Plus Certification
Foster, VIC, 2025
The project is a three-bedroom certified Passivhaus, designed and built on a high site to take full advantage of uninterrupted views of Wilsons Promontory National Park. It combines a high-performance, energy-efficient build with a strong presence within its landscape.
Durable galvanised corrugated iron cladding was chosen for its longevity and resilience. A custom hand-painted mural wraps the roof and exterior walls, adding a real ‘wow’ factor and making the home visually striking, without affecting performance or durability.
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AIRTIGHTNESS n50 ACH@50pascals: 0.3
HEATING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 17
COOLING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 6
HEATING LOAD (W/m²): 8
COOLING LOAD (W/m²): 14
PRIMARY ENERGY DEMAND (PE) (kWh/m².yr): 95
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE DEMAND (PER): 41
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE GENERATION (PER): 66 -
LOCATION: Foster, VIC
NCC CLIMATE ZONE: 6 – Mild temperate
NATHERS CLIMATE ZONE: 64
YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2025
TREATED FLOOR AREA (PHPP sqm): 159.5
PROJECT TYPE: New Build
SECTOR: Residential: Single Dwelling
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Timber Frame
CERTIFICATION LEVEL/ ENERGY STANDARD: Passivhaus Plus
THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATIONS: Nathers -
MHRV SYSTEM: Zehnder Q350
DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM: Reclaim Energy REHP-CO2-315SST split heat pump with 315L storage tank
EXTERIOR WALL TYPE, U-VALUE: 140 mm timber framing @600cc with R4.0 glasswool insulation and 35 mm uninsulated services cavity, 0.219
FLOOR SLAB TYPE, U-VALUE: Waffle pod slab overinsulated with 50 mm XPS between timber battens, 0.429
ROOF INSULATION TYPE, MANUFACTURER: Bradford Gold R7.0HP glasswool insulation
ROOF CONSTRUCTION: 290 mm timber rafters @600cc
ROOF ENVELOPE U-VALUE: 0.164
WALL FRAME TYPE, U-VALUE: Logikhaus LogikWin 68, 0.98
GLAZING TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U W-VALUE, G-VALUE, U G-VALUE: Silverstar 6/4/4 (48) triple glazing, PressGlass, 0.98, 0.51, 0.61
EXTERNAL DOOR TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U D-VALUE: Aluclad timber with triple glazing, Logikhaus, 1.13 -
NUMBER OF MODULES: 20
HEIGHT, WIDTH OF ONE MODULE (m, m): 1762x1134
EFFICIENCY (%): 97%
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The project shows a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, using design-for-performance strategies and efficient building systems to create a home that’s both environmentally responsible and comfortable to live in. A certified Passivhaus approach, guided by PHPP modelling, was used to optimise insulation, airtightness, and passive solar gains, cutting energy demand for heating, cooling, and ventilation and keeping long-term utility costs low.
The home features a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system for fresh, healthy indoor air with minimal energy loss, along with triple-glazed Logikhaus windows for excellent thermal performance. High-quality insulation throughout the envelope further boosts energy efficiency and comfort.
Sustainability was also considered with rainwater collection and durable, low-maintenance materials suited to the location.
Sustainable features:
• R4 wall insulation, R7 roof and floor insulation
• Vapour permeable waterproof membrane wrapping the house (Gortex like : Soltex Dry As A Bone by Pro Clima)
• Interior wall wrap (Intello by Proclima)
• Airtight seal 0.3 ACH@50Pa
• Air Ventilation System (HRV Zehnder Comfoair Q350)
• Concrete 52,000 litre water tank rainwater collection for all water supply
• Colourbond CFA water tank 20,000 litres
• Complete solar panel with battery backup system to supply energy for house and charge electric car – 20 panels, 8.8Kw rated power output
• Triple Glazed timber/aluminium windows and doors (Logikhaus)
• Small footprint of 187 m2 home
• Low VOC paints throughout
• All timbers chosen from FSC sources and for their longevity and weather durability
• Tapware with WELS rating of 4 and 5 stars throughout the home.
• Low energy lighting, abundant natural light in the design.
• Native Landscaping to minimise impact to surrounding vegetation -
The location of the project and exposure to the elements, access to the site was difficult and weather in this area is notoriously windy and which was the reason why they chose to build Passivhaus.
Project Members
PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIER: Detail Green
PASSIVHAUS CONSULTANT/ DESIGNER: Passive Analytics
ARCHITECT/ BUILDING DESIGNER: Environmental Homes & Landscapes
CONTRACTOR/ BUILDER: North South Homes
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Hade Consulting
PROJECT MANAGER: North South Homes
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Passivetech
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: JMC Electrics
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: EcoClimate
QUANTITY SURVEYOR: North South Homes
WINDOW SUPPLIER: Logikhaus
HRV SUPPLIER: Fantech
AIRTIGHTNESS MEMBRANE SUPPLIER: Performance Membranes
INSULATION SUPPLIER: Foamex Group & Bowens
ROOFING SUPPLIER: HJB Plumbing
BLOWER DOOR TESTER: Passivetech
PHOTOGRAPHER: Susan Carmody
OTHER SUPPLIERS: Chenery Joinery, BMC Plaster, Matthew Johnson Painting & Decorating