Renovation Collaborative

Across Australia numerous groups are taking meaningful climate action and working hard to develop inspiring solutions. Today, I speak with representatives from five different organisations from the built environment to find out what’s happening. These groups tackle climate change from various angles, employing different structures and methods. They include formal committees, research groups, informal support and information sharing, and grass roots action. Today we’ll hear from: 1. The Australian Institute of Architects, Climate Action and Sustainability Committee – Andrew Noonan2. The Retrofit Lab, from the University of Melbourne – Professor Sarah Bell3. Australian Architects Declare – Steffen Welsch4. Parlour Regenerative Designers Annexe – Anna Lindstad5. Architects Climate Action Network, Australia – Lucy HumphreyMost of the groups I speak with today welcome all built environment professionals. And most importantly, they all provide free environmental information on their websites. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts. MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCASTKey points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREERESOURCESTranscript edited into clear Q&A.CPDAustralian architects can find more information on CPD, andCOURSESEleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:43] AIA – Climate Action & Sustainability Committee – Andrew Noonan[00:02:19] What are the primary functions of the committee at State & National level?[00:05:24] What projects are you working on at the moment?[00:07:08] Can you tell us about the Embodied Carbon Curriculum?[00:09:43] How can architects get involved?[00:11:27] The Retrofit Lab, The University of Melbourne – Professor Sarah Bell[00:12:08] How did the Retrofit Lab get started?[00:14:13] Can you tell us about the Retrofit Lab and the work you do?[00:20:18] Tell us about your project investigating digital info for retrofit decisions?[00:23:53] Tell us about about your Climate Safe Rooms project?[00:26:42] How can we get involved and find out more?[00:28:29] Australian Architects Declare – Steffen Welsch[00:29:29] How did Architects Declare get started in Australia?[00:31:06] What are your primary aims?[00:31:44] How is it run?[00:33:49] How can architects get involved?[00:35:17] What campaigns are you working on?[00:39:35]...

Careful consideration of water is now a critical part of design as we confront increasing floods and droughts due to climate change. In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme - Water and Ecosystems. We'll investigate the design of a small extension to an old timber home located in suburban subtropical Brisbane. This project has a very challenging site with overland flow and stormwater flooding issues. I talk with architect Tim Bennetton, the director of Tim Bennetton Architects, who will share the inside story on his Yeronga House project. Tim has successfully transformed this problem site into a valuable asset that not only brings joy to the homeowners, but also provides much needed habitat for local flora and fauna. Today we'll learn about: The importance of retaining stormwater and rainwater on site and appreciating water as a very valuable resource.Ideas that improve the resilience of cities to heavy rainfall and flooding, while also improving water quality and biodiversity, andWe'll also cover a wealth of other insights from Tim's years of experience. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours the time they spend listening to the podcasts. MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCASTKey points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCESTranscript edited into clear Q&A.CPDAustralian architects can find more information on CPD, andCOURSESEleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. This site was affected by overland flow or water that runs or ponds on the site after rainfall. Overland flow may occur before the stormwater enters a creek, or when the stormwater leaves the creek as floodwater, or in some cases when stormwater rises to the surface naturally from underground. Overland flow typically occurs in natural low lying drainage paths. And as we discover today with good design, overland flow can become a positive asset because water is a valuable resource, particularly into the future as droughts increase. 2. Urban development in low lying stormwater flow channels leads to multiple problems such as: Increased flood levels, meaning that buildings take up space causing water to pile up, increasing flood depth and velocity,  Reduction of natural absorption processes, meaning that a natural soft landscape of grasses, trees and other vegetation absorbs water and slows its movement, whereas hard surfaces and buildings prevent this from occurring, andIncreased impervious surfaces, meaning that urban built surfaces like concrete, asphalt and roofs cause rapid and increased runoff. When it reaches the local waterways. The additional fast forward moving water causes erosion of banks and destruction of waterway ecosystems.3. Sponge cities are urban areas designed to absorb,...

SIPS, or structural insulated panels are a fast and efficient way to achieve very high thermal performance. In today's episode, we continue exploring prefabricated panel solutions. We investigate the design of a passive house built from SIPS on a very challenging site in the oceanic temperate climate of Wellington, in New Zealand. Architect Murray Robertson, the director of Robertson Architects, shares the inside story of his Bell House project. Today we'll explore the process, benefits and costs of SIPs and when they're an ideal solution.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCASTKey points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCESTranscript edited into clear Q&A.CPDAustralian architects can find more information on CPD, andCOURSESEleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. Structural insulated panels or SIPs are used in floors, walls and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural facings and in this case Murray used oriented strandboard (OSB). SIPS are manufactured off site and are custom designed for each project. 2. SIPs panels do have some timber framing in them, but much less than a standard timber stud wall. The reduced timber content plus the polyurethane insulation deliver better thermal performance than standard insulated timber frame construction. 3. The external wall composition of this project was as follows:The basic external shell was a 165 mm thick SIPS panel.Externally, the ProClima weathertight membrane was fixed directly to the SIPS board and a 45x45 timber structural cavity batten attached to the outside of the membrane for the external cladding, andInternally, 45 x 45 timber battens were fixed to the SIPs, creating space for services, additional insulation and attachment for internal plasterboard lining.4. Internally, the oriented strandboard lining can be exposed rather than covered with plasterboard to save costs, but this approach makes access to services much more challenging. Additionally, since the strandboard wall serves as the finished surface, it requires protection during construction. 5. SIPS are very airtight, making them very appealing for use in Passive House projects. Only the joints in the very large SIPS panels require taping. And finally, 6. Important design considerations when using SIPs include:Lintels above doors and windows cannot be concealed within the ceiling, meaning that floor to ceiling glazing is not possible, andSIPS roof panels stop at the wall line resulting in no eaves overhang. Therefore, a custom solution to attach eaves is...

Are you looking for a unique sustainable material with a low carbon footprint? In today's episode, we move on to our next sustainable design theme, Earth Building, and investigate rammed earth construction. Architect Steffen Welsch, director of Steffen Welsch Architects, shares the story behind his Butterfly House project, located on an off-grid site in Rutherglen in the hot, dry summer and cool winter climate of north-eastern Victoria. Today we'll learn about the process, benefits and costs of using rammed earth construction and a wealth of insights and practical information drawn from Steffen's extensive experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. Rammed earth was chosen for this project because it suits the local continental climate. It optimises energy efficiency by absorbing and releasing heat slowly throughout the day, stabilising internal temperatures. This means it helps maintain a moderate temperature range inside the house by absorbing heat in summer to take the edge off those high temperatures and releasing heat slowly in winter to take the edge off low temperatures. 2. The soil used for rammed earth must be laboratory tested to ensure it is structurally suitable. In Steffen's experience in regional Victoria, there are usually quarries with appropriate soil located within a reasonable distance from most sites. A rammed earth contractor can assist with this process. 3. The rammed earth construction process is relatively simple and dates back over 10,000 years. Plywood formwork boxes are constructed and a rammed earth mix, of dirt, cement, water and potentially other admixtures is poured in and compacted with specialised equipment. At the time the Butterfly House was constructed, rammed earth walls comprised a single solid wall with a thickness of around 500mm. Now, rammed earth walls must include insulation. Their current composition involves an internal layer of rammed earth, a core of thermal insulation and an outer layer of rammed earth, resulting in an overall wall thickness of around 450mm. Alternatively, rammed earth can be constructed as a 200mm thick reverse brick veneer wall. 4. Rammed Earth offers numerous benefits, including thermal mass to stabilise internal temperatures, excellent acoustic qualities, high flame resistance, low embodied carbon and durability and a long lifespan,...

Hemp has been used in construction for thousands of years, but it's only recently that it’s incredible environmental benefits have crept into mainstream awareness. In today's episode, we continue exploring renewable materials. We'll investigate the design of a hempcrete extension to an existing Federation House located in the heritage listed suburb of Ashbury in inner suburban warm temperate Sydney. Architect Emily Knight, the director of Emily Knight Design shares the inside story on her AL House.  Today we'll learn about;the process, costs and benefits of using hempcrete in custom architectural construction, how upgrading the thermal efficiency of your existing home is critical for creating environmental change, and a wealth of other insights and practical information drawn from Emily's extensive experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. The biggest environmental change can be effected through improving existing buildings. Currently in Australia, there is no requirement to upgrade your existing home as part of your renovation. However, Emily always encourages her clients to set aside some budget for this important work to ensure long term comfort and energy efficiency. 2. Hemp is used in construction in a range of formats. Hempcrete, as covered in this episode, also hemp blocks, hemp sprayed onto a frame and hemp panels. 3. Hempcrete walls are non-structural. They're formed up around a timber stud frame.4. Hempcrete walls can be finished in a number of ways. They can be left unfinished, coated with natural breathing lime render, or a clear, penetrating, breathable sealer coat. Externally, it usually requires extended roof overhangs to prevent weathering. 5. In Emily's experience, the cost of Hempcrete construction in Sydney by a subcontractor was approximately on par with cavity brickwork. Historically, hemp buildings have been constructed by a community of unskilled friends and family, enabling much lower labour costs.6. Hemp offers a multitude of benefits: It delivers very healthy indoor air quality. It's very durable and has a long lifespan. It offers excellent acoustic and thermal insulative performance. It's very fire resistant, It can be made airtight, and It sequesters carbon and is biodegradable at end of life.  INTERVIEW...

Building less is without doubt the most cost effective and environmental solution. If you have an old home with good bones, a few strategic and creative moves may be all you need to create something very special. In today's episode, we continue exploring the importance of reusing existing buildings and look at ways to renovate and add value and joy with minimal work. We'll investigate the renovation of a mid-century modern home located in Stafford Heights in subtropical Brisbane. Architect Paul Butterworth, director of Paul Butterworth Architect, shares the inside story on his Stafford Heights Modern project. Today we'll learn about the opportunities and challenges of reusing existing homes and materials. And we have a very interesting conversation about the financial challenges architects and builders face when working on low budget renovations and some real solutions to create better outcomes for everyone.Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. It's important for architects to educate their clients about the world of opportunity that design and particularly sustainable design offers. And if you're a client of an architect, it will require trust, sometimes bravery and working collaboratively to achieve a unique and environmental home. 2. If an existing house has character and good bones, think very carefully before demolishing it. Older homes contribute to the character we value in our streets and enhance property value, pride and delight in our suburbs. This character is rarely matched in new low budget homes. 3. It's easier to salvage and recycle items from demolition if you are living on site. Builders work within tight time frames and usually don't have the resources or time to stockpile materials and determine how to pass them on to a new owner. 4. An ordinary mid-century home may be cost effectively renovated into something very special through enhancing its existing motifs and design elements. Look for inspiration in the surrounding older homes.Paul shared some very wise advice about architectural practice. 5. Architects must be transparent about their commitment to projects and build trust with clients by itemising non-chargeable time and tasks....

To be sustainable, buildings must be adaptable and flexible. They must meet the current occupants’ needs efficiently and enable rearrangement or repurposing to accommodate future needs with minimal work and material waste. In today's episode we continue our exploration of the sustainable design fundamentals. We investigate the design of a new house on a standard 600m2 suburban site in Yuggera Country, Samford in subtropical Brisbane. This house contains three different parts; a four bedroom home, a self-contained office and a self-contained secondary dwelling. Architect Chris Bligh, a director at Bligh Graham Architects, shares the inside story on his Live Work Share project Today we'll learn: ideas for creating a flexible floor plan that can accommodate multiple functions and adapt to changing needs, design strategies to optimise cross ventilation and passive cooling, and the process for using recycled hardwood from demolition yards. And loads of other insights and practical information from Chris’, years of experience. Australian Architects can earn formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.   MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. The design brief for the average Australian home is not what it used to be, and it keeps changing. More people are working from home, children are staying at home longer or they leave only to return with their partners and young children. There is a serious shortage of smaller affordable housing suitable for couples, young families or single parent families. For anyone looking for a source of income, incorporating secondary accommodation into your house plans can often provide much needed housing options for others and offer additional flexibility for the future. 2. Reducing your building footprint to maximise green space is critical and provides multiple benefits, such as improved access to passive ventilation, areas for productive food gardening and support for nature and natural processes. 3. Ideas to maximise cooling through passive ventilation included providing openings to at least two, if not three sides of every room. Chris used internal courtyards to achieve this. And security solutions that allow the house to remain open and ventilated while locked up. 4. Ideas to control access to sun in winter and shade in summer included retractable awnings over courtyards, using windows with solid infill instead of glass to provide shade and privacy while allowing ventilation, and adding retractable outdoor curtains to...

Reducing carbon emissions, both embodied and operational, is now a design priority. But carbon cannot be considered in isolation. Today we continue with the latest science and investigate the importance of holistic decision making and regenerative design. We'll explore the renovation and extension of a 150-year-old timber cottage on a small inner city suburban site in Turrbal Country, subtropical Brisbane. Architect Andrew Noonan, director of Andrew Noonan Architect, shares the inside story on renovating his own home. Andrew conducted extensive research on his design, material and product choices to ensure they achieved optimal regenerative outcomes and he shares his very interesting findings. Today we'll learn about:the importance of regenerative design and circular economy thinking, specifying timber from environmental sources, the long term problems with using dark colours in hot climates, why plasterboard wall linings are actually a very environmental solution, andloads of other insights and practical information from Andrew's extensive research and years of experience. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours by listening to these podcasts and completing an online quiz.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. Reducing carbon emissions through design is critical, but we must think holistically and find regenerative design solutions that do not focus on carbon at the expense of everything else. Regenerative design aims to integrate the building into a broader system, emphasising ways to give back and create a positive impact rather than merely reducing negative impacts. As an example, Andrew could have achieved 10 star NatHERS but chose not to because achieving it would have required upgrading from single to double glazing. This change would have significantly increased his embodied carbon due to the added glass. NatHERS modelling proved that his house design would be comfortable in a subtropical climate without mechanical heating and cooling, and so double glazed windows were not essential. 2. Relying on rooftop solar power to offset large household energy consumption is not a balanced regenerative approach. It's crucial to prioritise reduction over production. Always explore ways to reduce energy demand first. 3. Getting the fundamentals of climate responsive design right is a vital starting point for all designs and will significantly enhance energy efficiency. 4. Choosing light coloured exterior paint in hot climates can minimise heat gain and prolong the life of...

Are you renovating or building and striving to make more sustainable and affordable decisions? Whether you're an architect, designer or homeowner, juggling the current challenges of rising construction costs and the need to rethink design to be resilient and sustainable is very difficult …to say the least! So, I created this podcast season to find answers that we all need and help inspire change. Over 15 episodes, leading architects from across Australia and New Zealand will share their insights on the latest environmental design and construction, products and materials.  In this first episode, we'll cover: the upcoming episode topics, the three critical takeaway messages from the entire season, and for anyone new to sustainability, an introduction to the basics.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  SEASON 3 PROGRAMMETHE LATEST SCIENCEE02 Design for a changing climate Dr Paul Matthew – University of Queensland, School of Architecture, Design & PlanningE03 Regenerative Design and Circularity Andrew Noonan –Andrew Noonan Architect - Project Case Study: 39s House Renovation, Turrbal Country / Brisbane, QLD THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FUNDAMENTALSE04 Sustainable Design Fundamentals - Space Efficient Belinda Allwood and Allison Stout – People Oriented Design - Project Case Study: Big Small House, Yirriganydji Country / Palm Cove, North QLDE05 Sustainable Design Fundamentals - AdaptableChris Bligh – Bligh Graham Architects - Project Case Study: Live Work Share House, Yuggera Counry / Samford, QLDRENOVATION AND REUSEE06 Renovation - Material reuseRob Norman - Symbiosphere Architects- Project Case Study: Bambury Bungalow, Bundjalung Country / Fingal Head, NSWE07 Renovation - Minimal WorkPaul Butterworth - Paul Butterworth Architects - Project Case Study: Stafford Heights Modern, Turrbal Country / Brisbane, QLDRENEWABLE MATERIALSE08 Strawbale Panels & Biophilic...

Here we are at the end of Season 2 and if you'd like to know more about Passive House, today you'll learn some ideas that will get you started: If you just want to dip your toe in, and experience the air quality, temperature and quietness, you'll find out about Passive House holiday accommodation you can visit in Australia and New Zealand, orIf you want to get down to business, you'll find out about the indepth information, courses and support available. I'm joined by two guests who will show you the way forward. The Australian Passivhaus Association CEO, Alexia Lidas, and the Managing editor of Sanctuary magazine at Renew, Anna Cumming.  Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY I'll start with the information about the Australian Passive House Association. The association have been advocating for the adoption of the Passive House standard in Australia since 2013. One of the primary barriers to Passive House worldwide is the lack of education. So the association provide everything you need to know in a range of learning formats. Following is a quick snapshot of what they offer and you can find further info on their website. They offer free information including: A searchable project database, consultant database and general info blog on their website. Free information sessions in your office to introduce the Passive House basics and benefits. Free one-on-one support for large organisations and government through their Passive House Incubator and this service is designed to help integrate Passive House into building procurement policies, and Free open days to visit Passive House buildings all around Australia. Their paid information options include:Association membership, providing access to online forums where you can ask for support and advice, plus local chapter meetings in each state to discuss local issues. Online courses including the Certified Passive House Designer course and the Certified Passive House Tradesperson course.Plus they offer a hands on construction training course in all states and that's open to anybody, and Their annual conference.The next key points relate to Sanctuary Magazine at Renew: Renew has been advocating, researching and providing independent practical advice to Australians wanting to live more...

How do you design a Passive House in Warm Temperate climates like Perth, Adelaide or Sydney?In today's episode, I continue to investigate the design specifics for each of the four climate zones around Australia, where most of our population lives. I talk to very experienced Passive House designer Ben Caine, the director of the award-winning practice Leanhaus Architecture in Perth. Ben’s architectural mission is to deliver well-thought-out, mindful, architectural homes to the passive house standard, at less cost than a typical architecturally designed home. Ben explains the Passive House design specifics for Warm Temperate, plus he shares ideas on cost savings and heaps of other information and insights from his years of experience to help you better understand Passive House. Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINT SUMMARY1. Through his practice, Leanhaus Architecture, Ben delivers well-thought-out, mindful architectural homes to the passive house standard for a lower cost than a typical architecturally designed home. His practice proves that if you are open to finding efficiencies across design and construction, you can have a passive house or high-performance home without the additional cost. 2. Ben generally designs to the Passive House standard without going as far as certification for the simple reason that Passive House certification adds cost. However, it’s essential to note that during the first four years of Leanhaus Architecture, Ben and his team went to great lengths to model, test and optimize every design and understand the exact formula for success. They can now confidently deliver to the passive house standard without the extra cost. 3. The 5 Passive House design components for a Warm temperate climate are as follows:Windows are double-glazed and always operable. Windows should enable cross ventilation, purging any excess heat build-up, and connection to the outdoors to enjoy comfortable external temperatures during spring and autumn. The fresh air circulation system is an HRV Wall insulation can fit within a typical 90mm timber stud framed wall thickness. No under-slab insulation is required, but sometimes slab edges may require insulation. Only one layer of external wrapping is required; the vapour-permeable weatherproof membrane on the outside of the home is taped, sealed and made...

Passive House design is different in every climate zone. Over the next four podcast episodes, I talk to Passive House designers in the four Australian climate zones where most of our population lives, to discover the key differences. Today I start with Passive House design for cool temperate climates like Canberra and Hobart. I talk to Michael Tolhurst, the director of award winning practice Envelope Architecture in Canberra. Michael clearly explains the Passive House design specifics for cool temperate. Plus he shares heaps of other information and insights to help you better understand Passive House designAustralian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.   MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.   KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. Passive House design for cool temperate climates has a focus on warming. Of the four Australian climate zones accommodating most of our population, cool temperate is the most extreme. In Canberra, winters regularly go down to less than -5 degrees Celsius and in summer can reach the 40s. 2. Using a compact building form makes the Passive House standard much easier to achieve in more extreme climates like cool temperate. However, if you want a more linear form because of your site or to capture views etc. The PHPP tool can be used to determine building form alternatives and compensate for heat loss in other ways. 3. Windows are generally triple glazed. The window glass area reduces as the climate becomes colder to reduce heat loss. However, it's still critical to have opening windows in all habitable rooms to get cross ventilation when needed. And shading is still very important to prevent too much heat gain. 4. The fresh air circulation system is a HRV, which stands for Heat Recovery Ventilation System. The HRV provides a constant supply of filtered fresh air and incorporates a highly efficient heat exchanger to retain heat from inside the house. Some additional mechanical heating, usually from a reverse cycle air conditioner, is generally required. As a side note, Michael clearly explains how Passive House heating is generated from three sources:i) Solar heat gain, ii) Internal gains from occupants, showering, cooking and equipment, etc. iii) Mechanical heating. The air tightness and insulation in a Passive House very efficiently retains the heat inside the house. 5. An internal air barrier is required in a cool temperate climate zone and this is in addition to the vapour permeable external membrane used for weatherproofing. Heat energy

Passive House windows are not like the typical windows that we are used to in Australia. They require double glazing and sometimes triple glazing, and they open and close in different ways. Glass windows and doors are an integral part of building design, functionality and energy efficiency and they always take a large portion of the budget. So it's critical to know what you're working with before you get started.In today's episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, the owner of Energy Efficient Windows, about the uPVC windows he manufactures for Passive Houses and high performance homes all around Australia. You'll learn:The different window and door types that can be used in a Passive House, The answers to your questions about UPVC window frames, Plus heaps of other practical info to help you understand how windows work in a Passive House.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.  MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.  KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. Passive House windows are different to the typical windows that we're used to in Australia. The main Passive House options are tilt and turn windows, lift and slide doors and hinged swing doors. These opening types comply with the airtight requirements. They lock the entire perimeter of the window and really compress the seals. 2. Passive House windows need to be double or triple glazed. The option that's correct for your climate zone will be determined through your PHPP calculations. 3. The window frame material is also part of the window energy equation, not just the window glass. It needs to be insulated and airtight and thermal bridge free, meaning that the heat energy can't transfer through the window frame from inside to out, or outside to in. 4. uPVC windows are the most cost effective Passive House window option. Other options include timber thermally broken aluminium and timber aluminium composite. 5. The window brand and type you choose doesn't need to be a certified component through the German Passive House Institute. As long as the required data on the window glass and the frames is available, the PHPP calculations can be balanced with everything else in the house to achieve the Passive House standard. 6. A few facts about uPVC windows: uPVC doesn't off gas like a vinyl floor. It has a very long lifespan. It won't break down in the sun because it contains a special tropical mix for the hot Australian climate. It's 100% recyclable in bushfire areas, It can go up to BAL40 in bushfire zones and...