The modest site area was maximised by building to both side boundaries, with its ideal orientation allowing desirable Northern sunlight to be welcomed and tuned through backyard-facing windows. These factors, along with a compact building form, made the Passive House standard easily achieved.

The house presents to the street in a contemporary gable form, reflecting the neighbourhood character with a nod to the house that formerly stood on the site. Timber battens, light brick, and metal sheet provide a soft natural palette, balancing well with the preserved front garden. The entry space is well proportioned for coats and school bags and sits adjacent the master bedroom with expressed ceiling and view to the front garden. The living and dining area is oriented North at the ground level, with a large sliding doorway connecting the outdoor entertaining space and back garden.

The central stairway acts as a spine connecting ground to the first-floor secondary living area, linking through to the front facing study/guest bedroom. This space enjoys a generous cathedral ceiling expressing the external gable form made possible by a panelised construction approach. Two bedrooms sit at the rear of the first floor, positioned perfectly for Winter warmth.

The Passive House standard means this house requires very little active heating or cooling, with a rooftop solar system plus highly efficient appliances making the house effectively net-zero. Project value: $1,400,000 including GST, factory and site-based construction, excluding design, consultant, and authority fees.