Allow for mistakes and changes in the course of the design (and build) process. That, in a nutshell, is possibly the best piece of advice we can offer to Passive House designers. It’s based on the many projects we either design, advise on or certify. In a perfect world, you’ll never need to use the following tips. But as is …
The Fave Four according to Stuff
Stuff’s focus on certified Passive House homes continues with a great round up by journalist Colleen Hawkes. She profiles her personal four favourite Passive House projects from 2022. Two are multi-unit developments. I have to point out that the “biggest certified passive house in the Southern Hemisphere” isn’t correct–not yet. The Lee family’s home in Cockle Bay is still being …
Healthy Homes Standards: the amendment explained
I’ve been asked several times for information on the New Zealand Healthy Homes Standards and how it impacts high-performance buildings. Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) introduced the legislation to force the large number of minimally compliant landlords to improve their rentals to at least a minimum standard. This is a good focus; but …
Passive House award winners featured in online flipbook
Check this out: a lovely flipbook with in-depth case studies of the projects from the Passive House Architectural awards in 2021. Lavishly illustrated, illuminating text and lots of drawings: this is a feast of information bound to inspire. Projects from around the world feature and diverse typologies: multi-unit residential buildings, educational buildings, offices, retrofits and more. My own favourite is …
Hempcrete thermal modelling info
A residential project involving hemp as a building material is targeting Passive House certification in New Zealand. Hemp is a new material for the Sustainable Engineering team and it’s interesting to go diving into the techie details. As with other natural building materials, hemp is not a standardised product. The exact mix of the hempcrete and its reasonably expected thermal …
Mary James’ work influential
Mary James is the director of publications at Passive House Accelerator in the US. She’s written multiple books on aspects of Passive House and her work New York Passive House 2015 was my inspiration to write and publish Passive House for New Zealand: The warm healthy homes we need. I was quietly pleased to see myself and Arthur Lee of …
SEL provides PHPP support for PHINZ
Have you purchased the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) software from PHINZ and got stuck with some aspects of energy modelling using this tool? PHINZ now has a PHPP support service available. PHINZ has contracted the Sustainable Engineering team to answer questions via email on PHINZ’s behalf. The questions and answers will also be compiled as a FAQ, which will …
Passive House in the spotlight
Josefine Watterson’s Featherston home has just received certification but already it is doubtless the nation’s best known Passive House home, thanks to being featured on Grand Designs. Josefine is the owner, architect, Passive House designer, project manager and joiner, a noteworthy number of hats to wear. She deserves congratulations on a very high-performing build that came in on time and …
Jessica Eyers moving to Sustainable Engineering Ltd
Jessica Eyers is joining Sustainable Engineering Ltd in 2023. Jessica needs little introduction to New Zealand’s Passive House community as she has been a certified Passive House designer for nearly a decade. Jessica’s arrival will further increase the company’s capacity to carry out Passive House design and take on large and more complicated projects. Jessica will bring valuable insight as …