Rodway Passive House

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Land,
Yarralumla,
ACT
This home will be open for in-person tours on the 17th May 2026

About this home

This multigenerational home, designed for seven occupants aged 16 to 88, demonstrates that larger houses can be built sustainably. With step-free access, accessible bathrooms, and separate living areas, the design adapts to its residents' needs at every stage of life.

The home makes extensive use of wood-based products: timber-framed walls, Steico wood fibre insulation, Weathertex cladding, spruce triple-glazed windows, and reclaimed hardwood timber floors and ceilings.

Completed in 2025, Yarralumla Passive House is targeting the Passivhaus Plus Standard, ensuring year-round comfort, excellent air quality, and energy efficiency.

Q & A

What motivated you to build or retrofit sustainably?
Back to 2026 Homes
Type: Passive House or EnerPHit, Standalone house/townhouse
Project: New build
Architect: Michael Tolhurst - Envelope Architecture
Builder: Kieran Mansfield - Craft Building
Size: 340m²
Energy Rating: NatHERS 8.4, targeting Passivhaus Plus certified
Bedrooms: 5+
Bathrooms: 4

Sustainability Features

Building Materials & Envelope

Draught-proofing/air sealing
High-performance insulation
Double or triple-glazed windows
Recycled or reused materials

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

Passive heating/cooling (north-facing glazing, cross ventilation, thermal mass, shading, etc.)
Heat pump (reverse-cycle) heating/cooling
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system

Energy and Appliances

Rooftop solar PV
Dedicated wall-mounted EV charging
Efficient lighting (LED, daylighting, solar skylights)
Heat pump hot water
Electric cooktop - induction/ceramic

Water & Waste Systems

Water-efficient fixtures
Rainwater tanks

Landscape & Biodiversity

Edible garden

Climate Resilience

Heatwave

Accessible & Flexible Design Features

Design for multigenerational living or dual occupancy
Universal design for accessibility
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