Set at 1240 m in the Snowy Mountains, this home is designed to become one of the first certified Passive Houses in Australia’s NCC Climate Zone 8 (alpine). It serves both as a private multi-generational residence and as a demonstration of Alpine PassivHaus’ prefabrication capability, with wall, floor and roof panels manufactured in the on-site factory. Both the house and factory operate fully off-grid using solar power and batteries, with a future small wind turbine planned.
The home is composed as three distinct pavilions with 45° pitched roofs that reflect the surrounding alpine landscape and manage heavy snow loads. The layout separates functions into a living pavilion, a sleeping pavilion with dedicated accessible areas for grandparents, and a garage pavilion with an independent apartment. A flat green-roof link connects the buildings, blending them into the terrain while improving thermal performance and bushfire resilience.
Designed for accessibility and family life, the house features step-free transitions, extra-wide doors and hallways, a children’s playroom adjoining the living space, and strong indoor–outdoor connections.
Large north-facing glazing maximises winter solar gain, while automated external blinds prevent summer overheating. The property is fully electric, with rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, heat-recovery ventilation, heat-pump hot water, and hydronic heating.
Bushfire resilience is enhanced through airtight construction, ember-protected openings, roof sprinklers, and low-flammability landscaping including a succulent green roof.
The structure uses predominantly timber, wood-fibre insulation and glulam elements, prioritising renewable, low-carbon materials sourced locally or from democratic countries.
