Hi
We have decided to install an HRV system in our new build. We are NOT building a passive house but like the benefits of the HRV system. This…

IMHO insulation is pretty cheap compared to the return, so I would always err on the side of saying yes. However, given that most of a waffle slab has a…

I am interested in using Durra panels for my internal walls instead of plasterboard. Durra panels (from http://www.ortech.com.au/durra-panel ) are 5cm thick compressed straw panels. Compared…

For various reasons I put the project on hold during 2020, but am hoping to push ahead early this year.
I put the same question to the Australian Passive House discussion…

Geeeez, whatever happened to good neighborliness these days??
How exactly does their clothesline impact you??

Agree he should have asked first but my view is that when you build on the boundary the neighbour should be able to what they want with that wall, provided…

We have a surfmist roof, precisely for energy efficient reasons and not wanting to contribute to the Urban heat island effect.
I’m not sure why home owners don’t have light roofs.…

Thanks so much. This is great. I'll have a proper read a little later.

Its such a beautiful plan - I have been having plan envy and facade regret for a while - because we settled on conventional - this is making me GREEN…

Thanks everybody for your help. We are in Victoria.
Discussions continue with the council!

Thanks ddarroch. I did look into a hrv unit but the fully ducted system was around 50k which is outside of my budget. I've never heard of these lunos units…

You cant do an attached granny flat?
That’s what weve done, no issues. We have had to do a complete seperate accomodation that’s not accessible, through the house, but easily accessible…

I don't get why Passivhaus advocates get so worked up about the whole 'passive solar' thing. There are now loads of companies out there who are achieving high performance homes…

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
In defence of our architect, he really met the design and layout requests of our brief. The garage really doesn't work positioned on the western…

As someone has already mentioned - go for an all electric home with heat pumps for space heating and cooling and also heat pump hot water system. Install solar panels…

Answer: Cost
If the house is made airtight and control airflow is allowed (i.e. ERV or HRV) then heating and cooling the space becomes quite easy.
Sure but it comes at…

There would be very few houses that rely 100% on solar passive design - i.e. they have no heating or cooling in the house. It could be achieved in most…

I agree that in terms of a passive solar the current design does not work well. And I agree NW is not a good orientation. I also am not a…

Ddaroch has said it in much more detail - but you have a large block so take the time to make as much as you can of north and also…

Hi, I also agree with ddarroch in that if you want to build fairly big but do it on a budget....well you…