Our approach
What is Passivhaus?
Passivhaus (also known as Passive House) is a rigorous, performance-based building standard that delivers ultra-low energy use, exceptional thermal comfort, and consistently high indoor air quality. The Passivhaus standard was developed in Germany and has become one of the most widely recognised building performance standards worldwide.
The standard is achieved through an integrated set of principles that work together as a system:
-
Airtight construction to minimise uncontrolled heat loss and drafts
-
High-performance windows and doors to reduce heat transfer and improve comfort
-
Continuous insulation to maintain stable internal temperatures year-round
-
Thermal-bridge-free detailing to protect performance and long-term durability
-
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to supply fresh, filtered air efficiently
When designed and built correctly, Passivhaus homes require very little energy to heat or cool, maintain consistent internal temperatures and provide a quiet, healthy indoor environment.
Benefits of Passivhaus
Calm
High-performance windows and airtight insulation dramatically reduce external noise, creating a quiet, peaceful indoor environment.
Comfort
Superior insulation and window performance maintain stable indoor temperatures and eliminate cold drafts or overheating—year-round.
Efficiency
Passivhaus buildings use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to typical homes, significantly cutting energy costs.
Indoor Air Quality
Continuous fresh air through mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) ensures clean, filtered air—removing pollutants, allergens and moisture.
Quality
Built to exacting standards with independent verification, Passivhaus homes are durable, resilient and delivered as designed.
Security
The airtight, triple-glazed building envelope enhances thermal control and physical protection, offering greater privacy and peace of mind.
HONE's Passivhaus Rating System
Honing in on positive change
We have created a system to show the Passivhaus credentials of our projects at a quick glance. The closer the rings move to the centre, the greater the Passivhaus performance.
An airtight building envelope controls air movement, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Passivhaus limits air leakage to ≤0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa, compared to the Australian average of 15.4 ACH—minimising pollutants, moisture, and heat loss.
Insulation must be consistent and uninterrupted around the entire building envelope. In Melbourne, achieving Passivhaus typically requires higher insulation levels than the National Construction Code (NCC), ensuring stable indoor temperatures.
Passivhaus requires double or triple-glazed, thermally broken windows and well-sealed doors. These reduce unwanted heat transfer, prevent condensation and optimise passive solar gains through thoughtful placement and shading.
Airtight homes need controlled ventilation. MVHR systems supply fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from outgoing air—ensuring comfort, health, and low energy use year-round.
Thermal bridges are weak points where heat escapes and condensation can form. Passivhaus design eliminates or significantly reduces these, protecting the structure and preventing mould and cold spots.
The original standard for high-performance new builds and retrofits (EnerPHit):
- ≤0.6 ACH50 (≤1.0 for EnerPHit)
- Heating demand: ≤15 kWh/m²·a (≤20 EnerPHit)
- Cooling demand: ≈ heating demand
- Primary energy: ≤60 kWh/m²·a
- No renewable generation required.
Adds renewable energy generation to Classic-level efficiency:
- Same airtightness and heating/cooling thresholds
- Lower primary energy: ≤45 kWh/m²·a
- Renewable generation: ≥60 kWh/m²·a.
The most advanced certification, achieving net-positive energy:
- Same airtightness and heating/cooling thresholds
- Primary energy: ≤30 kWh/m²·a
- Renewable generation: ≥120 kWh/m²·a
Beyond Passivhaus
While Passivhaus sets the benchmark for performance, truly sustainable homes go further. At HONE, we consider 11 elements that shape how a home contributes to people, place and planet.
We collaborate with talented architects to create timeless, well-crafted homes that enrich their surroundings and age gracefully.
We consider the impact of our material choices, site practices and landscaping on ecosystems—aiming to support, not degrade, local biodiversity.
By embracing biophilic design—natural light, greenery and connection to the outdoors—we promote mental wellbeing and emotional comfort.
We assess the emissions tied to the extraction, manufacture and transport of materials (embodied carbon), aiming to reduce carbon before a home is even lived in.
We encourage clients to maximise solar PV systems for clean energy generation, reducing reliance on the grid and future-proofing against rising costs.
From indoor air quality to daylight access and thermal comfort, our homes are built to support both physical and psychological wellbeing.
We support passive solar strategies, like orientation, glazing and shading, that allow homes to harness natural warmth in winter and stay cool in summer.
We build for durability. Airtight construction, moisture control and high-quality detailing protect homes for generations to come.
Homes should enhance community. Through thoughtful design, we support passive surveillance, social interaction and green public realms.
We provide every client with a tailored user manual—helping them operate their home for optimal comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance.
With water scarcity a national challenge, we prioritise efficient fixtures, stormwater capture and permeable surfaces to protect our local waterways.
