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February 20, 2019
The annual South Pacific Passive House Conference recently wrapped in Wellington New Zealand as part of the annual gathering of the Passive House community. As always it was a huge event packed with great speakers, inspirational stories and lots of useful (and slightly geeky) technical nuggets of gold.
February 18, 2019
Two boxes. One to Code. One the Passive House standard. 720kg of ice. Guess what happens next for a chance to win…
January 23, 2019
Join us at Narara Ecovillage on Sun 3 Feb at 10am to blow up a house….
Dick and Andy explores the pros and cons of Passive House for an Australian climate as Certified Passive Houses take off as a reliable solution for health, comfort and climatic challenges
November 1, 2018
Almost a decade since Black Saturday and the subsequent introduction of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings, many people are still grappling with this aspect of the building regulations. Building designer Dick Clarke unpacks his experiences with the standard, and suggests ways to improve its workability.
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Sanctuary
Certified Passive House is gaining traction in Australia, especially with sustainable designers and builders. But why are people embracing a voluntary building standard, and what does it offer that passive solar design does not?
October 31, 2018
Having a plan for a place without a plan for how it is to be used is like cooking dry toast and forgetting the butter and honey: it sticks in the throat and
October 26, 2018
At this year’s BDA National Design Awards, our Mudgee Hempcrete House won the prestigious Paul Dass Memorial Prize, took out the Residential Buildings 251-350m2 and over $2000/m2 Category and won a Commendation from
June 1, 2018
Hemp masonry is gaining recognition as a high-performance, low-impact and contemporary building product. Building designer and hemp proponent Dick Clarke explains how it’s best used in housing and its role in regenerating local agriculture.
May 1, 2018
Dion and Amy Zappacosta’s reno included some interesting material choices, including a raised timber fl oor rather than a concrete slab, recycled materials and eco-fi nishes. They describe how they went about it, and the results.
Renew
April 20, 2018
Here's a clear and accurate explanation from someone who's expert in both approaches. We offer definitions and pros and cons of each.
February 14, 2018
A highly mobile tiny house.
November 11, 2017
Glazing and buildings are about so much more than just energy and while energy is important and can be easily valued, comfort is priceless!
October 21, 2017
Andy Marlow has been elected to the eight member of APHA for a two year term.
September 13, 2017
Director Andy Marlow has recently become a certified Passive House Designer, one of only six in NSW. A tough three-hour exam including designing an entire Passive House, followed an intense two week course.
September 1, 2017
Wondering which glazing is most suitable for your house and climate? Lance Turner and Dick Clarke introduce you to the delicate art of window selection, and explain the key terms and concepts to get you started.
August 4, 2017
Sunday 17 September is Sustainable House Day, and lovely high performance low impact houses await your inspection across Australia, including some of Envirotecture’s finest.
June 1, 2017
Many green roofs don’t get past being a ‘good idea’, but with some knowledge and planning you can follow through on your desire to green up high, writes Dick Clarke.
In this edition, we explore how home size affects energy ratings, concerns over formaldehyde emissions in MDF bathroom vanities, and the role of thermal mass in home design for Victoria’s Wimmera region
In this edition, we explore topics such as installing a green roof on a Sydney shed, retrofitting insulation in a Melbourne home, and selecting efficient electric cooking appliances for an off-grid solar system.
April 28, 2017
Envirotecture recently undertook a blower door test on an Inner West terrace house. The retrofit project intends to use the Passive House EnerPHit Step-by-Step system
April 9, 2017
For those of you with an interest in seeing the mechanics of how a blower door test is undertaken, this is an invite to witness it in the flesh. As Australia moves (slowly)
March 30, 2017
Passive House or PassivHaus as it is known in Europe is often derided as an esky-approach to building that prevent people from opening windows, results in ugly boxes and is generally un-Australian. I disagree.
February 8, 2017
The federal Government’s proposed carbon tax threatens to become yet another divisive issue, when we should be working together on tackling climate change. The usual personalisation of issues – “Gillard’s new tax” etc,
February 1, 2017
Insulating under slabs has become commonplace, but slab-edge insulation can be just as important. But how do you do it and still provide good termite protection? Dick Clarke explains the physics and a simple design solution.
ReNew
November 23, 2016
For the 146,00 people in NSW and many more nationally about to lose their FeedIn Tariff at the end of 2016 “what to do next?” is the big question. Invest in batteries and
November 15, 2016
Concrete floor slabs are a standard way to embed thermal mass in passive design, but is it always the right approach? Dick Clarke explains the benefits and design considerations for using concrete, and
November 1, 2016
Concrete floor slabs are a standard way to embed thermal mass in passive design, but is it always the right approach? Dick Clarke explains the benefits and design considerations for using concrete, and some alternatives.
July 18, 2016
Envirotecture directors Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow recently went on an intensive study tour to Singapore, to look at the latest green buildings.
June 27, 2016
“I recently visited HUF-Haus in Germany, made famous on Grand Designs – arguably the best modular builders in the world – with high expectations. I was not disappointed.”
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