What is Passive House?

At ThermoBuild, we specialise in building and renovating homes to Passive House standards—a world-leading design approach that ensures unmatched energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality.

Principles of Passive House

Bulk-Insulation & Continuous Thermal Envelope

Keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer—dramatically reducing energy use.

Airtight Construction

Prevents unwanted drafts and heat loss, ensuring consistent comfort and performance.

High Performance Windows

Triple-glazed and strategically placed to maximise light, views and thermal efficiency.

Heat Recovery Ventilation

Delivers fresh, filtered air year-round without sacrificing warmth or energy.

Thermal Bridge Free

Eliminates cold spots and condensation risks - improving durability and comfort.

A Passive House (or PassivHaus, as it originated in Germany) is a high-performance building designed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round with very little energy input. It achieves this through a combination of:

Super-insulation
Airtight construction
High-performance windows and doors
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
Elimination of thermal bridges

Passive House is a performance-based standard, which means it sets measurable energy efficiency and comfort targets without prescribing specific materials or construction methods. It’s flexible, effective, and proven—especially in Australia’s variable climate.

Why build to Passive House standards?

Ultra-low energy use

Heating and cooling demands are reduced by up to 90% compared to standard homes.

Consistent indoor comfort

Passive Houses remain cool in summer and warm in winter—without relying on big HVAC systems.

Superior air quality

Filtered ventilation systems provide a constant supply of fresh air, reducing allergens, mould, and humidity issues.

Environmentally responsible

Passive Houses drastically reduce carbon emissions and energy dependence, making them a top choice for sustainable living.

Long-term value

While Passive House construction may require upfront investment, it delivers ongoing savings in energy bills and maintenance—plus increasing appeal in the eco-conscious housing market.

More peaceful living

Thanks to airtight construction and high-performance windows, Passive Houses offer exceptional acoustic insulation, reducing outside noise for a more tranquil home environment.

Passive House Certification

ThermoBuild follows globally recognised standards set by the Passive House Institute (PHI). To be certified, a Passive House must meet specific criteria, including:

Heating demand ≤ 15 kWh/m²/year
Airtightness ≤ 0.6 ACH at 50 Pa pressure
Temperature comfort: at least 20°C in winter and not more than 10% of hours >25°C in summer
Humidity control: <12g/kg for more than 80% of the year
Renewable primary energy demand ≤ 60 kWh/m²/year

ThermoBuild's Passive House Projects

Whether you're building a new home or looking to retrofit an existing property, we apply Passive House principles to deliver high-performance results tailored to your lifestyle and local climate. We’re proud to be leading the movement in Victoria, particularly in the Surf Coast and Southwest regions.

View our Portfolio

Is Passive House Right for You?

If you're looking for a home that:

Offers superior comfort and air quality
Saves you money for decades to come
Supports your sustainable living goals

…then Passive House is the gold standard. And ThermoBuild is your expert partner.

Want to Learn More or Start Your Project?

Let’s explore how Passive House design can transform your living experience.