passive house

A healthier, more comfortable home that costs far less to run.​

Fresh, clean air. No mould or damp. Steady comfort all year, and far lower energy bills. That's what a Passive House delivers.

We're Tasmanian registered architects and certified Passive House designers. Our CEO is co-chair of the Australian Passivhaus Association (Tasmania)

Align team member showing a client through a finished Passive House home, Tasmania

Most people think a Passive House is about saving energy. It is, but that's only part of the story.

A Passive House, or Passivhaus, is one of the healthiest, most comfortable, and most durable ways to build. Yes, it stays warm in winter and cool in summer with very little heating or cooling. But it also gives you continuous fresh, filtered air, far fewer allergens, and a home that controls moisture instead of growing mould. And because the whole building is designed to manage heat and moisture properly, the structure itself is protected from condensation and rot, so the home lasts longer and costs less to maintain.

THE REAL BENEFITS OF A PASSIVE HOUSE

Comfort, all year

Even temperatures in every room, no cold corners or draughts, through a Tasmanian winter and a warm summer with very little heating or cooling. The home stays stable and comfortable even through heatwaves, cold snaps and smoky days. It's noticeably quieter inside too, thanks to the sealed, well-insulated build.

Healthier air to breathe

A Passive House continuously supplies fresh, filtered air. That means fewer allergens like pollen and dust, which makes a real difference for anyone with asthma or hay fever. The air is cleaner, and it's constant, not stale.

A drier home that lasts longer

Condensation and mould are some of the most common problems in Tasmanian homes. A Passive House manages moisture properly, keeping the air healthy and keeping that moisture out of the walls and roof, so the structure is protected from rot and the home lasts longer with less maintenance. Homes built to this level are also increasingly sought after.

Lower, predictable energy bills

A Passive House is modelled before it's built, so its energy use is calculated and designed to a target, not guessed at. The result is a home that needs very little heating or cooling, with running costs that stay low for the life of the building.

Five building-science principles, designed in early and tested on site. Get them right and the comfort, health, and durability follow.

1. Continuous insulation

A thick, continuous layer of insulation wraps the whole building. It keeps indoor temperatures stable and helps prevent condensation forming on cold surfaces.

2. Airtight construction

A continuous airtight layer stops uncontrolled draughts and stops moist air leaking into the structure where it can cause damage. Airtightness is verified on site with a blower-door test.

3. Thermal bridge-free design

Thermal bridges are points (steel, concrete, junctions) where heat escapes and cold gets in, creating cold spots and condensation risk. A Passive House is detailed to eliminate them.