Passivhaus (Passive House)

Live Green Homes are a Certified Passivhaus Builder with an in-house team of Certified Passivhaus Tradespeople and Consultants. This 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:

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.
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.
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.
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, all while maintaining airtightness.
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.