Collaroy Passivhaus Plus

This two-storey new home in Sydney’s northern beaches draws on Envirotecture’s deep expertise in passive solar design. Sun is invited in for winter warmth but shading protects from the heat of the summer sun. 

The monopitch rooflines constructed with Bondor structural insulated panels (SIP) create a striking silhouette. A living roof of 60m2 stretches over the ground floor apartment, offering multiple benefits. It’s a lovely sight from the upstairs windows and the plantings mitigate the glare that would otherwise reflect from a metal roof. It buffers stormwater and the density of the roof aids in keeping temperatures stable in the apartment.

The project made use of Carbonlite prefabricated panels and imported high-performance windows. Weathertex cladding also features. This is a timber product manufactured by a NSW family-owned company, created from waste wood from Australia PEFC-certified forests. Hardwood pulp is blended with three per cent paraffin wax; there’s no need for artificial glues, binders or chemicals. The sheets are quick to fix compared to weatherboards, are durable and virtually maintenance-free.

This home was built by Logikhaus, who Envirotecture has collaborated with on a number of other successful Passivhaus projects.