Passive Homes In Burwood

A passive home is a high-performance, energy-efficient home that stays warm in winter and cool in summer using insulation, airtight construction, double/triple glazing, and MVHR fresh-air ventilation. In Burwood & Burwood East (City of Whitehorse), that means lower energy bills, quieter interiors and a healthier home.

A 7-Star NatHERS home is efficient, but a Passive House (or near-passive) targets airtightness, thermal-bridge-free detailing, superior glazing and continuous ventilation. It typically outperforms standard builds on comfort and running costs.

Most new homes, extensions and knockdown rebuilds need a building permit, and many need a planning permit depending on overlays. A local passive home builder Burwood can assess this early and manage approvals for you.

Upfront costs are higher for high-performance windows, membranes, MVHR and detailing, but ongoing energy savings and comfort are significant. Good builders give itemised quotes so you can weigh payback and options.

Yes passive retrofit work focuses on the envelope: add insulation, improve airtightness with membranes and tapes, upgrade to double or triple glazing, and install MVHR. Even without full certification, you’ll feel major comfort gains.

MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) supplies filtered fresh air 24/7 while recovering heat from outgoing air. It controls condensation and mould, keeps indoor air clean (great for allergies), and boosts energy efficiency.

Yes, but far less. Most use small split systems or hydronic with minimal runtime due to the airtight, super-insulated envelope. That’s how passive homes achieve low energy bills and stable temperatures.

High-performance double glazing with thermally broken frames suits most homes; triple glazing can be ideal for acoustic control (near busy roads) or to push performance even higher. Your builder can model the best value.

Passive design reduces demand first; solar PV and a battery can then drive you toward net zero. Pair with heat-pump hot water and induction cooking for an efficient, future-ready home.

Timelines vary by scope and approvals. Expect design + permits, then a clearly scheduled construction program with milestones. A local custom home builder Burwood can give realistic dates early.

Yes, blower-door testing measures airtightness (ACH50) and is key to passive performance, confirming the quality of membranes, tapes and detailing.

Durable, low-tox finishes, high-R insulation, airtight membranes, thermally broken frames, and quality building tapes. The goal is a healthy home with long life-cycle performance.

Absolutely. Sensitive energy-efficient renovations can upgrade insulation, windows and ventilation while preserving character, improving comfort without compromising the façade.

Victoria often offers incentives for heat-pump hot water, efficient appliances and solar. Your builder can point you to current programs as part of your energy-efficient home plan.

It depends on your site, budget and goals. For many Burwood families, a knockdown rebuild delivers the best long-term value; others gain huge benefits from a targeted passive retrofit. Start with a site consultation and feasibility.

No. Passive homes can be architecturally flexible; the performance layer (envelope, glazing, MVHR) sits behind the design. You can have the style you want with passive performance.

Quite the opposite. Airtightness prevents drafts and moisture issues, while MVHR provides a constant supply of fresh, filtered air. The result is noticeably cleaner air and even temperatures.

Look for experience with airtight detailing, blower-door test results, transparent pricing, and local knowledge of Burwood/Burwood East planning. Ask to see recent high-performance projects and inclusions.