Can I afford to build a Passivhaus?

Passivhaus costs can be controlled through careful planning and analyzing expenses. Being proactive with budgeting and purchasing helps stakeholders have more control over Passivhaus project spending. This approach allows for better decisions to be made, making sure funds are used efficiently according to the project's budget goals.

In July 2024 construction costs are a hot topic in the industry. The current fluctuations in pricing are leaving many feeling like they cant be confident moving forward with their passivhaus project. We have brought together industry insights from professionals who have 1000’s of hours experience in Passivhaus design and construction. Here are the key points to help you gain control of your passivhaus budget :

1. Cost-Effective Building Forms

    The shape and form of your building can have a profound impact on construction costs, particularly in achieving PassivHaus standards. Boxier building forms are inherently more efficient and cost-effective because they minimize the surface area exposed to external conditions. Having less corners and less cantilevered overhangs means less labour to wrap and tape the membranes. Boxier form doesn’t mean your house needs to look like a box it can still have a gable or skillion roof. But the efficiency of simpler building shapes reduces the overall performance requirements for windows and insulation, resulting in lower construction and operational costs. In some cases, double-storey designs can be more cost-effective to build than single-storey alternatives due to their compact footprint and optimized energy performance. When designing your Passivhaus, consider the benefits of boxy forms to maximize efficiency while controlling construction costs.

2. Optimizing South-Facing Windows

   South-facing windows play a critical role in Passivhaus design, especially in colder months of the year. However, too much glazing on this side can lead to excessive heat loss during winter months. To balance efficiency and comfort, limit south-facing windows to 10% of the total wall area. This approach minimizes heat loss while still harnessing solar gain effectively. By strategically placing and sizing your windows, you can optimize natural light and thermal performance throughout the year, ensuring a more comfortable and energy-efficient living space.

3. Cost-Effective Window Choices

   When selecting windows for your Passivhaus, the choices can significantly impact both performance and budget. Aluminium clad timber windows are top tier in terms of performance and cost, followed by premium timber options. UPVC aluminium clad windows offer a balance of durability and low maintenance at a slightly lower cost. For the most economical option, UPVC windows with a film applied to the frame provide decent performance at a budget-friendly price. By understanding these choices, you can select windows that align with your budget while meeting Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency and comfort.

4. Reducing Installation Costs

   The installation of windows is a significant expense in Passivhaus construction. To optimize costs without compromising on performance, consider consolidating multiple small windows into larger, strategically placed openings. This approach reduces labor and material costs associated with installation, as fewer frames and less time taping up membranes is required. By focusing on quality fenestration over quantity, you can achieve a well-insulated and airtight building envelope while managing your budget effectively.

5. External Door Considerations

   External doors are not only a functional element but also a crucial part of your Passivhaus thermal envelope. The width of a door can impact structural requirements, potentially necessitating a steel beam for support. To minimize costs, explore designs that can be accommodated with a timber lintel instead, reducing the need for expensive structural modifications. Front doors designed specifically for Passivhaus can start at around $5,000 due to their high-performance requirements. Alternatively, glazed Passivhaus doors are a more budget-friendly option, starting at approximately $1,500. When planning your Passivhaus, consider adjusting your design to accommodate these cost-effective door solutions without compromising on energy efficiency or aesthetics.

6. Insulation Options

   Insulation is crucial for achieving the high energy efficiency standards of a Passivhaus In Australia, insulation options vary in cost and sustainability. Woodfibre insulation is recognized for its sustainability but comes at a higher cost as it is often imported. For a more economical choice, local options like Knauf Earthwool provide effective thermal performance at a lower price point. By evaluating the pros and cons of each insulation type, you can select one that meets both your budget and sustainability goals while ensuring your Passivhaus remains comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.

7. Skipping Internal Airtight Membranes

   This is a controversial one. Achieving airtightness is essential for the energy efficiency of a Passive House, but there are different methods to achieve it. Your designers choice can impact costs significantly. Traditionally internal airtight membranes are used to achieve this. This will often mean that you need a drop ceiling for the HRV ducting and a meticulous site supervision to ensure that the airtight membrane isnt compromised by different trades on-site. In some cases of Passivhauses in Sydney, NSW, are certified without using internal airtight membranes, relying instead on external wraps to achieve airtightness. This approach can result in substantial cost savings, reducing both material and labor expenses. For example, recent projects have shown potential savings of up to $25-35,000 by foregoing internal membranes. This does add some risk of moisture inside the building walls as Sydney has high humidity. Potential solutions include dedicated dehumidifiers and more moisture analysis of the building in design stage (WUFI) to ensure that the moisture will not create a bigger probelm later. By discussing these options with your Passivhaus designer, you can explore cost-effective strategies to achieve the required level of airtightness without exceeding your budget.

8. Efficient Mechanical Systems

   Mechanical systems, such as Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV), are essential components of a Passivhauses energy-efficient design. The cost of these systems can vary widely, ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 for a single storey and $20,000 to $25,000 for a double storey residential Passivhaus. To manage costs effectively, it's crucial to design a system that is appropriately sized for your building's specific requirements. Oversized systems not only increase upfront costs but also lead to unnecessary energy consumption over time. By shopping around and obtaining multiple quotes, you can identify cost-effective HVAC solutions that meet the performance criteria of your Passivhaus while staying within your budget.

9. Consultant Fee Comparison

   When planning your Passivhaus project, consulting fees can be a significant factor in your overall budget. Fees charged by Passivhaus consultants can vary greatly, even for similar projects. Recently, quotes for consultations for the same house had a $7,000 difference. To manage costs effectively, it's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different consultants. By doing so, you can identify consultants who offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality or expertise needed to achieve Passivhaus certification. Taking the time to research and negotiate fees upfront can lead to substantial savings throughout your project.

10. Window Design Efficiency

   Choosing the right windows for your Passivhaus is crucial for both performance and cost. Traditional square and rectangle-shaped windows when compared with triangular windows are more cost-effective. Basically, the less frame you have compared to glass the better the performance. Less frame minimizes thermal bridges, which helps maintain the building's energy efficiency. By reducing heat loss through the frame, square and rectangle windows contribute to lower heating and cooling costs over time. When planning your Passivhaus, consider opting for square windows to maximize efficiency without compromising on comfort or style.

11. Roof Design Impact

    The design of your roof structure plays a crucial role in the cost and efficiency of a Passivhaus. Depending on your builders process it could be that truss roof systems is more cost effective. Whereas for other builders it is cheaper to use a SIPS roof cassette system. However the takeaway point is that complicated roof forms make both options more expensive. By opting for a simpler roof design, you can reduce material and labour costs associated with achieving Passivhaus standards. This approach not only lowers upfront construction expenses but also enhances long-term energy efficiency and comfort within your home. When planning your roof structure, prioritize cost-effective solutions that align with the overall goals of your Passivhaus project.

12. Streamlining External Finishes

    The selection of external finishes for your Passive House can impact both aesthetic appeal and construction costs. Choosing a variety of finishes often requires multiple trades to work on-site, which can increase labour costs significantly. To streamline construction expenses, consider simplifying your external finishes to minimize the number of trades involved. By reducing complexity, you can optimize construction timelines and reduce the overall cost of your Passivhaus project. Discussing your options with your builder or Passivhaus designer can help identify cost-effective external finishes that enhance the visual appeal and efficiency of your home.

13. Avoiding Costly Basements

    Including a basement in your Passivhaus design can substantially increase construction costs due to excavation, foundation work, and additional structural requirements. To maintain control over your budget, evaluate whether a basement is necessary for your lifestyle or can be replaced with alternative storage or living space solutions. By considering alternative designs during the planning stages, you can avoid unnecessary expenses associated with basement construction while achieving the energy efficiency and comfort standards of a Passivhaus. Prioritizing cost-effective design choices will help you maximize value without exceeding your budget.

14. Strategic Site Selection

    When selecting a site for your Passivhaus, consider how site characteristics can impact construction costs. Steep sites, for example, require additional labour and logistical challenges, such as manual handling of materials and equipment. These factors can increase construction expenses significantly, affecting your overall budget. To manage costs effectively, evaluate site conditions early in the planning process and seek expert advice to mitigate potential challenges. By choosing a site that minimizes construction complexities and labour-intensive tasks, you can optimize construction efficiency and control costs while achieving your Passivhaus goals.

15. Considering Site Access

    Effective site management is essential for controlling construction costs during your Passivhaus project. Poor site storage and limited access can lead to increased labour costs as workers navigate logistical challenges and delays. To streamline construction expenses, prioritize site access and storage solutions that support efficient workflows and minimize downtime. By planning for adequate space and accessibility early in the project, you can reduce labour costs associated with site logistics and ensure timely completion of your Passivhaus. Investing in efficient site management practices will contribute to overall cost savings and project success.

16. Get your Passivhaus consultant involved early

Passivhaus is all about front-loading the work to the design and planning stage to prevent any onsite changes which can be costly and impact thermal performance. Better planning means less variations.

17 Select an experienced Passivhaus builder

Passivhaus can be a lot for you to learn and the more you surround yourself with experts who know their craft the better they will help you understand the build process. They will understand the additional processes required for PH certification (documentation, airtightness, thermal breaks) and be able to cost the project realistically.

18 Ask to see a set of drawings for a previous passive house from your Passivhaus designer

Passivhaus costs can increase exponentially when there is inadequate detailing. This leads to delays on-site as the builder is left to figure out how to balance competing priorities of airtightness, ventilation and cost. It is better to do the forward planning in design stage by having robust discussions between your Passivhaus designer and builder about the best sequencing of the details designed into the build. For example, will the builder have to figure out how the venting at the eaves and top of cladding themselves?  By consulting during the design process a lot of these details can be worked out and time saved on-site. It is always cheaper to work things out on paper instead of on-site when there are multiple trades being delayed waiting for a decision.

These valuable insights can give you the confidence to gain control over your passiv house project budget. If you have any questions about how these suggestions could be applied in your project feel free to reach to us.

Building for Resilience: Insights from the 2023 Bushfire Conference

In September 2023, the annual Building Bushfire Conference brought together survivors, experts, and advocates to share vital information on building resilience in the face of bushfires. The conference featured innovative solutions and practical advice for retrofitting homes, enhancing personal safety, and reducing environmental impact. Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. A Resilience App for Safer Homes

A game-changer for those in bushfire-prone areas, the "Bushfire Resilience Rating Home Self-Assessment" app offers recommendations on retrofitting options. The app's impact goes beyond safety—it's backed by National Australia Bank (NAB), which is willing to offer loan discounts to those with higher ratings. Lower interest rates and insurance premiums are enticing incentives. Download the app to start fortifying your home.

2. The Power of Bushfire Shutters

Imagine a media room with the ability to block out natural light, offering the perfect cinematic experience. Bushfire shutters not only enhance safety but also provide everyday benefits like light control and privacy. They're a valuable addition to any home.

3. Remembering the 2019 Bushfires

The motivation to retrofit your home is clear: protecting your property, lowering interest rates, reducing insurance premiums, and preventing the spread of fires to your neighbors' homes. The memories of the 2019 bushfires are a compelling reminder of the importance of preparedness.

4. Understanding Human Behavior in Bushfires

Duncan Scott Lawson shed light on the human behavior side of living through a fire experience. People often need a trigger to act, which might involve seeing, hearing, or smelling fire. Surprisingly, many individuals tend to trust their neighbors over expert Rural Fire Service (RFS) advice. Understanding the basics, such as the fact that fires run faster uphill and that grass fuels fire more than forests, is crucial. The Flame Zone BAL rating signifies ember risk, not just flame contact. Importantly, while many focus on protecting their assets, adequate evacuation route planning is often overlooked.

5. The Value of Non-Combustible Paths

Graham Douglas, an industry expert and veteran, delivered a blunt but crucial piece of advice: "STOP the urge to plant a garden bed next to your house." Instead, plan a non-combustible path around your home. This simple change can significantly enhance your property's safety.

6. Retrofitting for Bushfire and Energy Efficiency

Dr. Green emphasized the correlation between retrofitting for bushfires and energy efficiency. Remarkably, bushfire retrofits can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The top three energy efficiency upgrades with the most impact on carbon emissions are replacing your hot water system with a heat pump, upgrading aging windows to high-performance double or triple glazed ones, and considering significant insulation upgrades when replacing cladding on your house.

7. Effective Sprinkler Design

Research conducted at the University of Wollongong highlighted the most effective sprinkler design for achieving bushfire protection for external walls—flat fan sprinklers mounted on eaves facing towards the wall. This efficient design can enhance your home's fire resilience.

The 2023 Building Bushfire Conference provided valuable insights and practical solutions for homeowners looking to build resilient properties, enhance safety, and reduce their environmental impact. These lessons are not just for surviving bushfires but also for creating more sustainable and efficient homes. By taking these recommendations to heart, you can better protect your loved ones and your property, all while making environmentally conscious choices.

Steps to rebuilding after a bushfire

The design phase is crucial to lock in your budget and ensure bushfire legislation compliance.

Bushfire Appropriate Design Steps

Step 1 - Engage a certified Bushfire Planning & Design Practitioner (Did you know that a level 3 practitioner is the best qualified person to assess your property and provide design guidance if you live in a BAL-40 and BAL-Flame zone area?)

o   Find a certified Bushfire consultant here:

Fire Protection Association Australia http://www.fpaa.com.au/bpad.aspx

Step 2 – Research whether your Building Designer has knowledge and experience in designing in bush fire zones? (Ask “How many houses have you designed and were built in bushfire prone areas?”)

o   Find a local building designer here:

Building Designers Association of Australia  

https://findadesigner.com.au/

Step 3 – Do you want to rebuild better? Often people are scared to design sustainably as they think it will be more expensive. You will be surprised that it is often more economical to build back sustainably as the initial construction cost soon pales into insignificance to the decades of maintenance, cost of running and disposal costs afterwards. If you want the best for your family’s health long term sustainable design also reduces the likelihood of asthma and will give you a thermally comfortable house all year round. If you engage an architect or building designer experienced in sustainable design you will be able to control your initial construction costs, reduce your house’s ongoing maintenance and running costs and contribute towards a better future. (Ask your designer how to economically include passive solar design principles or passive house design principles in your new house.)

o   Learn more about reducing your ongoing costs https://www.yourhome.gov.au/housing/affordability

o   Learn more about the additional construction costs for each BAL rating here: https://www.aami.com.au/home-insurance/bushfire-prevention.html

Step 4 – Request a section 10.7 certificate from your local council or with your title deed documents to see if you can apply for a Complying Development (CDC) or a Development Application (DA).

Step 5- Work with your building designer and certified bushfire consultant to design your house according to the relevant planning rules. Learn more by calling your local council and asking them what rules apply to your property.

Step 6 – Interview builders with bushfire appropriate experience. Engage the builder that has a reputation among previous clients and suppliers as someone who values a good relationship. They will provide you with accurate estimates before submitting the drawings for DA or CDC approval. (Beware of builders who are known for dodgy pricing tactics, swapping out for inferior products or that don’t provide an itemised estimate)

Step 7 – Once ready submit your house plans to your local council or PCA. Your building designer will be able to advise you whether you need to go through council or a PCA (Did you know that if your house was destroyed in the recent bushfires you will be eligible for a fee waiver for your BASIX certificate?) During the DA assessment Council and possibly the RFS will assess the design and give feedback as required.

Step 8 – If you had to go through the Council for planning approval you now need to work with your building designer or architect to complete your house plans to get legal permission to build. This is called a construction certificate. Otherwise if you have applied for a CDC once it is approved your builder can start construction.

Step 9 – Construction implementation phase. Time to bring to life the bushfire appropriate design.

Step 10 – Once your certifier is satisfied that your house is complete in accordance with the approved plans, the building code (NCC) and bushfire legislation they will issue you with a Occupation certificate. This is a very important document that ensures that you can legally inhabit the building and can sell it in the future if required.

Find out more about bushfire appropriate design here:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/building-in-a-bush-fire-area/building-after-bush-fire

https://www.architecture.com.au/about/national-bushfire-response

and

https://bdaa.com.au/?s=bushfire

NSW government planning changes to facilitate rebuilding houses: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Bushfires-recovery

RFS rebuilding BAL-capping

https://bdaa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BAL_40_Capping.pdf

https://hia.com.au/Publications/InformationSheets/plan-20-41-streamlining-the-bushfire-effort-nsw#

Behind the design trend: Shou Sugi Ban

Have you ever wondered where the design trend of vertical cladding using burnt or charred timber originated from? Why did it become so popular? Have modern interpretations of the trend strayed too far from the original?

THE ORIGIN of this trend comes from japan where traditional builders have for years burnt the top layer of Japanese cedar or Japanese red cedar. Walking around my wife’s village on the outskirts of Okayama most buildings use this type of cladding.

Why did it become popular among the Japanese?

BURNING the outer face of the timber closes the cells of the timber which makes it more resistant to termites, more resistant to fire (If you’ve ever tried to rekindle a campfire using burnt logs, you get the idea.) and effectively extending the longevity of the cladding to last up to 80 years.

How did it become popular among architects?

ALTHOUGH THESE practical aspects appeal to contemporary builders, the deeper roots of the trend no doubt lie in our current collective hunger for all things artisanal — for creations that aren’t sleek and mass-produced but contain the visible, sometimes-raw, but always original touch of the human hand. Like industrial lighting or reclaimed wood, shou sugi ban has a certain rustic, homemade appeal. The desire for this aesthetic has led, over the past decade, to a general return to treating materials in traditional ways and, more specifically, to an adoption of principles that have long been fundamental to Japanese architecture: simplicity, the use of natural materials and a sensitivity to the surrounding environment.

Have modern adaptions of the trend strayed too far from the original?

AS WITH many design trends that get copied and copied many trends lose the authenticity of the original design concept like a bad photocopy.

Today you will see people trying to achieve the aesthetic of shou sugi ban with aluminium and fibre cement cladding.

The traditional detail was similar to a ship lap cladding where the carpenter would use a smaller piece of timber to seal the cladding.

La Roche emerges from a hillside in Montreal.  Photo by Adrien Williams via Dezeen

Will I still be thermally comfortable in my home if it is clad in shou sugi ban?

All designers know that black attracts and retains heat better than any other colour.

Therefore the use of shou sugi ban in hot dry climates should be carefully considered to avoid heat issues for the occupants.

Siting of the building within the solar context of the site, review of the overshadowing elements, vegetation, climate and localized winds should all be considered before specifying Shou Sugi Ban.

Want to know if it is well suited to your climate? Reach out to us to have your questions answered.