The Property Couch TPC Gold | What Is a Passive House—and Why More Aussies Are Building Them
Sep 23, 2025
Discover the innovative world of passive homes and why they're gaining traction in Australia. Learn about the benefits of energy efficiency, reduced pests, and superior indoor air quality. Explore the five key principles that make these homes stand out, including solar orientation and high-performance windows. Insights from a passive house owner and an architecture expert shed light on the growing trend toward healthier living environments. Get ready to rethink sustainable building!
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Passive Design Cuts Energy And Boosts Comfort
- Passive houses dramatically reduce heating and cooling needs by combining solar orientation and heavy insulation.
- They deliver quiet, comfortable interiors with very low ongoing energy input compared to typical homes.
Install Heat-Recovery Ventilation
- Use a heat-recovery ventilation system to exhaust moist air and bring in filtered fresh air continuously.
- Keep recovered heat in the house with an exchanger to avoid losing energy while ventilating.
Sealed Homes Kept Pests Out
- After sealing their passive house, Raphael's family stopped seeing pests like cockroaches and spiders inside.
- The tight envelope eliminated the need for pesticides and reduced creepy-crawly intrusions except when doors open.