Wattle Bank Passivhaus
Residential: Single Dwelling
Passivhaus Plus Certification
Wattle Bank, VIC, 2025
This stunning 2-storey Passivhaus home is positioned on an expansive rural acreage in Wattle Bank. As one of the builder’s highest performing homes to date, it showcases modern finishes with exposed internal steel work and custom-crafted cabinetry.
The combination of advanced building techniques and stylish details creates an elegant and comfortable living environment year-round.
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AIRTIGHTNESS n50 ACH@50pascals: 0.14
HEATING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 8
COOLING DEMAND (kWh/m².yr): 2
HEATING LOAD (W/m²): 6
COOLING LOAD (W/m²): 13
PRIMARY ENERGY DEMAND (PE) (kWh/m².yr): 70
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE DEMAND (PER): 31
PRIMARY ENERGY RENEWABLE GENERATION (PER): 112 -
LOCATION: Wattle Bank, VIC
NCC CLIMATE ZONE: 6 – Mild temperate
NATHERS CLIMATE ZONE: 64
YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2025
TREATED FLOOR AREA (PHPP sqm): 188
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 air-to-water heat pump
EXTERIOR WALL TYPE, U-VALUE: 140 mm timber framing with R4 glasswool insulation, 0.269
FLOOR SLAB TYPE, U-VALUE: Suspended timber floor with 2xR2.5 polyester roll insulation, 0.242
ROOF INSULATION TYPE, MANUFACTURER: Knauf Earthwool R6.0
ROOF CONSTRUCTION: Timber frame
ROOF ENVELOPE U-VALUE: 0.181
WALL FRAME TYPE, U-VALUE: Logikhaus, 0.98
GLAZING TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U W-VALUE, G-VALUE, U G-VALUE: Triple glazing, PressGlass, 0.98, 0.53, 0.58
EXTERNAL DOOR TYPE, MANUFACTURER, U D-VALUE: Aluclad timber with triple glazing, Logikhaus, 1 -
NUMBER OF MODULES: 30
HEIGHT, WIDTH OF ONE MODULE (m, m): 1.13 x 1.762
EFFICIENCY (%): 97
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This Passivhaus is an exceptional example of high-performance sustainable design, having achieved an airtightness rating of just 0.14 ACH50, significantly surpassing standard requirements and demonstrating meticulous attention to building envelope integrity.
This extraordinary level of airtightness helps minimise heat loss and eliminates drafts, contributing to outstanding energy efficiency, superior thermal comfort, and reduced heating and cooling demands for residents.
Combined with thoughtful orientation, high-quality insulation, and efficient mechanical systems, the Wattle Bank Passivhaus embodies the principles of comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for low-energy homes.
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Building the Wattle Bank Passivhaus came with several challenges. Achieving the strict airtightness required careful attention to detail, while coordinating high-performance windows, insulation, and the ventilation system demanded close collaboration between involved parties.
Sourcing certified materials, addressing potential thermal bridges, and adapting the design to site-specific conditions added complexity, all while ensuring the final home met the rigorous Passivhaus standards.
Project Members
PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIER: Detail Green
PASSIVHAUS CONSULTANT/ DESIGNER: Passive Analytics
ARCHITECT/ BUILDING DESIGNER: Sunbeat Studio
CONTRACTOR/BUILDER/PROJECT MANAGER: North South Homes
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Hade Consulting
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Fantech
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: JMC Electrics
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: Energy Lab
QUANTITY SURVEYOR: North South Homes
WINDOW SUPPLIER: Logikhaus
HRV SUPPLIER: Fantech
AIRTIGHTNESS MEMBRANE SUPPLIER: Performance Membranes
INSULATION SUPPLIER: Thermaluxe
ROOFING SUPPLIER: HJB Plumbing
BLOWER DOOR TESTER: Passivetech
OTHER NOTABLE SUPPLIERS: Chenery Joinery, JMC Electrics, BMC Plaster, HJB Plumbing, Matthew Johnson Painting & Decorating, BMC Plaster
PHOTOGRAPHER: Susan Carmody