Taungurung Passivhaus

Architect: Maxa Design

Builder: Sanctum Homes

Interior design: Hè Hè Design

Landscape design: Blade by Design

Location: Taungurung country (Kyneton VIC)

Stylist: Belle Hemming

Taungurung Passivhaus (certification pending) is a house that uses up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling. 

This house is a bit like a roasted chestnut – hard wearing and tough on the outside, but so warm and earthy on the inside.

The design challenge was to navigate the existing vegetation and topography to maximise the views to the lake, while providing privacy from passers-by. Melding that with passive solar design principles was a significant challenge. It was a complex climate to work with due to the hot summers, and occasional snow in winter. This project required carefully considered room sizes to deliver a functionally efficient plan without wasted space.

Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria.
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria.
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a light green and timber kitchen
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with an internal curved wall and triple glazing
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a curved wall and triple glazing
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a timber cladding exterior
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a light green and timber kitchen
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a light green and timber kitchen
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a boot room in salmon pink and brown
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a blue green bedroom
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a curved entryway
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a living room with a view of a lake
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with triple glazing and solar panels
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with a green tiled bathroom
Tuangurung Passivhaus - sustainable and high performing house in country Victoria with triple glazing and solar panels

As seen in Country Style (February 2023), The Design Files sustainable series and The Local Project.

Country Style article written by: Lyn Justice

Photographer: Marnie Hawson

Stylist: Belle Hemming