The ‘look’ of a home tells you nothing about its quality Envirotecture Director Andy Marlow was interviewed for the House Planning Help Podcast earlier this year – which was an interesting and informative

Envirotecture’s director Andy Marlow had the privilege of sharing details about the relationship between airtightness and thermal comfort with Gabrielle from Home Organization Science Lab. During this conversation Andy and Gabriella intricate connection

After three wet summers in Australia, the forecast has shifted to hot and dry. Jacinta Cleary reports on how to save money, stay comfortable and keep cool at home and in the community this summer.

Off-grid and eco-friendly, the Huff'n'Puff Haus is a strawbale home in Australia's Strathbogie Ranges, designed for sustainability and aging in place.

in this episode, Matthew Cutler Welsh dives into the highlights of the 2024 Thrive Passivhaus Conference, in Melbourne Australia.

Andy Marlow joins the Passive House podcast to discuss the unique challenges of designing Passivhaus buildings in Australia's increasingly hot and varied climate.

Climate change poses unprecedented challenges for our built environment and society. How can architecture help us adapt and thrive in these uncertain times?

This innovative, sustainable build in Ruffy, VIC, gave two empty-nesters their longed-for rural setting.

Thanks so much to the good folk at ‘Builders Declare’ for hosting a recent webinar we we could present our keynote (again!) from the recent Passivhaus conference.

Our directors Talina Edwards + Andy Marlow were recent guests on the international Passive House Podcast with host Matthew Cutler-Welsh.

Passive Houses tick a lot of boxes, but what are they actually like to live in? The team at the Australian Passivhaus Association surveyed Passive House residents for some answers.

Timber-eating termites can pose a threat to buildings in most parts of Australia. Veteran building designer Dick Clarke spins us a yarn about the tricky creatures and how to avoid termite woe in your home.

During the interview, Talina and Andy discuss their recent success in a carbon focused design competition, shedding light on the complex relationship between operational and embodied carbon. Their primary focus lies in creating net-zero homes that are equitable, affordable, and conducive to a healthy lifestyle while shaping a future where sustainable homes are accessible to all.

Sustainability and the building industry might seem strange bedfellows, but they aren't as estranged as you might think

In a quiet street in Sydney's northern suburbs stands New South Wales' first Passivhaus Premium certified building. The residential home is the result of more than five years of painstaking research and planning by a family determined to future-proof its investment against climate change. By Sean McGowan

This episode features Andy Marlow from Envirotecture, a Sydney sustainable design firm. Andy is also involved in Passivhaus Design & Construct, and joins Adam for a conversation about the Passive House (also known as Passivhaus) concept, how it works, and what it means.

This high-performing Sydney home employs a site-specific design that breaks out of the typical Passivhaus box while still achieving the energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements.

BASIX now recognises the passivhaus standard as a pathway to meeting the thermal comfort requirements of the State Environmental Planning Policy.

Building a new normal

A “passive house” design means you can step back and let your home do the work to keep you comfortable. This type of build is gaining momentum in Australia, favoured for its energy efficiency and consistent interior temperature. Come heatwave or wintry blast, it’ll be remarkably pleasant inside

This home takes its connection and responsibility to the environment very seriously

Australian schools are underperforming in terms of energy efficiency and indoor environment quality. We talk to some architects who believe that the rigorous Passive House standard could help turn that around.

The NSW Government has initiated an inquiry into the horrendous summer of 2019-20. This is a good move, provided it asks the right questions. The federal government has initiated a Royal Commission into the same things, yet it has effectively excluded climate change form its terms of reference. That is a bad move (and we are being kind).

Late last year, a house designed by Dick Clarke of Envirotecture burnt to the ground in the Gospers Mountain bushfire. Dick investigates why the house burned, and what can be learned to help rebuild it and other houses in fire-prone areas so that it’s less likely to happen again.

Sadly, a building designed by Envirotecture, and owned and built by one of our close friends, succumbed to the eastern flank of the massive Gospers Mountain fire in early December. The only building to be lost in this part of Laguna, near Wollembi, there are some lessons to be learned.

Often poor performing and riddled with asbestos, is Australia’s ubiquitous fibro shack worth keeping? These two families on opposite sides of the country said yes, opting for renovations and extensions that vastly improved the liveability of their humble homes.

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.

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?

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.

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.