Originating in Germany in the early 1990s, Passive House has since become a world-leading approach to delivering healthier living environments. It intentionally reduces heating and cooling requirements by incorporating exceptional levels of energy efficiency, thermal insulation, air quality, and comfort at all times. The implementation of internationally recognized performance criteria ensures the best possible outcomes and is summarized into 5 principles of Passive House design.

• Highly insulated thermal envelope
• Air-tight construction
• High-performance glazing (windows)
• Thermal bridge-free construction
• Heat (energy) recovery ventilation

One only needs to look at the ever-evolving world to see that Passive House is where the future industry is aligned. Lower energy use, higher health benefits, longevity in structural elements, and elimination of mould risk are just a few of the very important benefits of Passive House. The use of innovation and the implementation of physics into the industry are so groundbreaking that National Construction Codes all over the world are adopting the principles of Passive House. In short, lowering your bills, reducing your energy consumption, living in a healthy environment, and reducing our impact on the environment are all deliverables of Passive House.

While we believe Passive House is the solution for a sustainable industry in the future, we also acknowledge that currently, it is not necessarily affordable to all. Our end goal is to assist in changing the industry so that one day everyone has the opportunity to live and work in a healthy environment.
In addition to Passive House projects, we also offer High-Performance Timber Frame homes. These homes are loosely based on the principles of Passive House, focusing on glazing and thermal insulation, but with a greater emphasis on Passive Solar Design. Essentially, we are value engineering the process to ensure the best possible outcomes based on budget constraints.

While the majority of our projects are timber-framed, and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in high-performance lightweight construction alternatives, we are always open to new and exciting industry alternatives. We have built a project in Hemp block and are open to the option of alternative materials but will insist on quality, high performance, and end-user health benefits first and foremost.

Yes, we do offer a tender process, but this is presented through a PAC (paid as consultant) process. The inclusion of all professionals in the process of design right through to the build process itself ensures the best possible outcomes for all parties involved. Under special project circumstances, we will consider a tender process for feasibility, but this would be by appointment and internal review only.

No, we prefer a collaborative process through design and consultation from project inception if possible. This facilitates all professionals involved the opportunity to work towards the best possible outcomes of the client’s vision. This is best served through collaboration from design brief right through to handover and occupation. This also ensures a transparent costing process, collaborative communication, and efficiency in both construction and decision-making throughout the entire process.