AIA Awards Shortlist – “Passivhaus in Australia”

The Australian Passive House Association (APHA) are proud to announce that our publication, “Passivhaus in Australia” has been shortlisted for an Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Victoria Architecture Awards 2021 (Bates Smart Award for Architecture in the Media)!
“Passivhaus in Australia” aims to accelerate the uptake of the Certified Passivhaus standard in Australia as a direct response to the climate and biodiversity emergency.

Through the publication of this architecture book, electronic and in print, we aim to equip architects, built-environment professionals, policy makers, advocates, and the public, with the information they need to take action.

Instead of a sole author, or editor/contributor publication model, “Passivhaus in Australia” is a collective publication. A small team of Australian Passive House Association (APHA) directors/members volunteered their time to bring this book to life. Both through the number of authors/collaborators and their varying disciplines spanning across the construction industry – the production itself showcases the collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach needed to make meaningful and urgent change.

To appeal to both architects and the public alike, language is accessible, with quality visual imagery drawing readers into each project. We answer questions like “how much extra will it cost?” and “Is this just another name for passive solar?” up front to break down barriers and foster engagement. We illustrate building case studies from Victoria and around Australia to evidence our claims and demonstrate applicability of Passivhaus to all climates and all regions.

Perhaps most critically, our provocation as activist architects is for our profession and our readers to “expect more”. We want to inform Australians that we are missing out; that we have the knowledge and materials to design and construct extraordinarily beautiful, comfortable and healthy architecture that uses up to 90% less energy than that built to the minimum legal standard. This could be our new normal. We just need to do it.

“Passivhaus in Australia” is a call to action for a new movement in architecture practice, challenging public and peer perceptions about not only the work architects do, but the role of architects themselves.

Thanks to all involved in making this book happen!
Congratulations to all who have been shortlisted for these awards!
Winners of the 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards will be announced in a livestream on the Australian Institute of Architects’ Youtube channel on Friday 18 June.
Find out more about the book launch here.
Get your free copy of the book here!