Passivhaus (Passive House)
At Live Green Homes, we are a Certified Passivhaus Builder with an in-house team of Certified Passivhaus Tradespeople and Consultants. That means we can take you from concept to completion—whether you're looking to build a fully Certified Passivhaus or a high-performance (non-certified) energy-efficient home.
Originally developed in Germany, the Passivhaus or Passive House concept is based on building science and smart design. Passivhaus homes use up to 90% less energy than conventional buildings—without compromising on comfort or style.
With consistent indoor temperatures, no draughts, and a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, a Passivhaus maintains a comfortable, healthy environment all year round—while slashing energy bills and environmental impact.
What is a Passivhaus?
Passivhaus design principles
According to the Australian Passivhaus Association, five core principles define Passivhaus construction:
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A truly airtight building envelope prevents uncontrolled airflow, which improves temperature control and comfort. This eliminates draughts, enhances energy efficiency, and gives you full control over indoor air quality.
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Continuous, high-performance insulation wraps the entire home—walls, roof, and floor—reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Proper design is key to avoiding overheating and maintaining comfort.
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Mechanical ventilation systems ensure a constant supply of fresh, filtered air—without losing heat. These systems recover warmth from outgoing air, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality, all while allowing you to open your windows whenever you like.
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Windows are a vital part of the building envelope. We use double or triple-glazed units with thermally broken (non-metal) frames. These are tailored to your home’s orientation to optimise solar gain in winter and block it in summer—while maintaining airtightness.
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Weak points in insulation, called thermal bridges, cause heat loss and cold spots that can lead to condensation and mould. Our expert construction techniques eliminate these, ensuring a healthier, more resilient building.
Why choose a Passivhaus?
Up to 90% less energy use than conventional homes
Consistent temperatures year-round (20–25°C)
Built to last with durable, breathable materials
Sustainable design and ethical construction practices
Exceptional building performance
Constant filtered fresh air
Elimination of condensation and mould
Protection from external air pollutants
Supports long-term health and well-being
Healthier Living
Peace and quiet
Superior insulation and airtight construction block out external noise
Enjoy a calm, serene indoor environment—day and night
Huge reductions in heating and cooling costs
Lower peak energy demand and carbon emissions
Ideal for time-of-day energy tariffs
Future-ready for net-zero living
Energy & cost savings
Social & economic impact
Reduces strain on healthcare services through better indoor air quality
Enhances construction industry skills
Lowers long-term maintenance costs
Builds healthier, more resilient communities
Our Torquay Passivhaus
In this video, client and interior designer, Sarah Fiess, details her experience with building passive.
At Live Green Homes, we design and build energy-efficient homes that deliver exceptional performance and elevated design. Our in-house team applies proven construction methods to create Passivhaus and high-performance homes that are not only comfortable and cost-effective but built for long-term value.
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