Surrey Hills Passivhaus
Residential: Single Dwelling
Passivhaus Plus Certification
Surrey Hills, VIC, 2023
Set in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, this certified Passivhaus sits on an elevated allotment with views to the tree canopy of a neighbouring park. The east-west site orientation simplified the Passive solar design that underpins the Passivhaus performance standard, allowing most rooms to receive winter solar gains, whilst providing a sun-drenched private oasis for the family towards the rear of the block.
The low embodied energy, low toxicity, and durable materials throughout this home complement the fresh filtered air provided by the heat recovery ventilation system. Living in this house will not only be energy efficient, but it will also be healthy. The high-performance, triple-glazed windows provide an abundance of natural light throughout, and strategic shading has been adopted for the warmer months, including motorised retractable shade blinds.
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AIRTIGHTNESS n50 ACH@50pascals: 0.37
HEATING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 11.45
COOLING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 7.66
HEATING LOAD (W/m²): 10.51
COOLING LOAD (W/m²): 14.32
PRIMARY ENERGY DEMAND (PE) (kWh/m².yr): 47.55
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE DEMAND (PER): 20.86
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE GENERATION (PER): 44.44 -
LOCATION: Surrey Hills, VIC
NCC CLIMATE ZONE: 6 - Mild temperate
NATHERS CLIMATE ZONE: 62
YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2023
TREATED FLOOR AREA (PHPP sqm): 275.4
PROJECT TYPE: New Build
RESIDENTIAL: Single Dwelling
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Timber Frame
CERTIFICATION LEVEL/ ENERGY STANDARD: Passivhaus Plus
THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATIONS: Nathers -
MHRV SYSTEM: Zehnder, ComfoAir350
DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM: Sanden Ecoplus air source heat pump and 315l storage tank
EXTERIOR WALL TYPE, U-VALUE:140mm studs with R4.0 insulation, 0.256
FLOOR SLAB TYPE, U-VALUE: Slab on ground with R2.5 batts over the top (between 90mm joists), 0.387
ROOF INSULATION TYPE, MANUFACTURER: 2 x R4.0 Knauf Earthwool (R8.0 total)
ROOF CONSTRUCTION: Timber Frame construction
ROOF ENVELOPE U-VALUE:
0.144
WALL FRAME TYPE, U-VALUE: Timber frame construction , 0.256
GLAZING TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U W-VALUE, G-VALUE, U G-VALUE: Double, Logikhaus, 1.15, 0.39, 1.1
EXTERNAL DOOR TYPE, MANUFACTURER, : Solid Passivhaus door, Logikhaus -
NUMBER OF MODULES: 25
HEIGHT, WIDTH OF ONE MODULE (m, m) : 1.879, 1.045
HEIGHT OF ARRAY: 0.8
EFFICIENCY (%): 98
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Visual connection at entry towards large angled window at rear (east) of the house is one of the main attractions of this project.
The long passage transitions to upper level split; at this transition the ceiling steps up and rakes up towards the north, the change in height is accentuated by a change in material – plasterboard to timber lining boards – the timber boards further draw the eye towards the window at the rear which looks onto the landscaped area.
This same feature – the raked ceiling – also directs the gaze up to the high, north-facing windows with views to the sky.
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Dealing with the significant site slope; drainage easement to north prohibiting structures including footings – posed challenges to the construction of carport in this zone.
The client’s desire for inclusion of fire-place posed challenges to achieving Passivhaus and airtightness, and thermal calculations showed that the home would over-heat.
Project Members
PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIER: Hip V Hype
PASSIVHAUS CONSULTANT/ DESIGNER: Detail Green
ARCHITECT/ BUILDING DESIGNER: Maxa Design
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Hunter and Richards
BUILDER: MVH Constructions
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Oranik Consulting
WINDOW SUPPLIER: Logikhaus
HRV SUPPLIER: Fantech/ Zehnder
AIRTIGHTNESS MEMBRANE SUPPLIER: Pro clima
INSULATION SUPPLIER: Knauf
LANDSCAPING: McNuttendorf Landscapes
BLOWER DOOR TESTER: Passive Tech
PHOTOGRAPHER: Marnie Hawson
Awards and Shortlists
2024 Design Matters awards - Excellence in the use of timber