Winner of the Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge

Congratulations to the winner of the Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge, APHA Member Michael Tolhurst’s stunning Passive House home Narrabundahaus!

The jury highlighted the sustainable features, well-considered floor plan, and innovative design of the net-zero home, commenting:

"Narrabundahaus presents an innovative and well-considered floor plan as a model for contemporary and sustainable living and working. The long-life-loose-fit approach to planning provides home office and multipurpose spaces that also function as guest bedrooms. A conservatory provides a warm biophilic sanctuary that supplements heating in the winter months, enables home grown produce year-round and extends living spaces in a seasonably responsive way.

The house achieves its Passivhaus airtightness standard with a heat exchange system that recovers up to 96% of heat. Combined with 6.6kW of rooftop solar with battery and rainwater collection, it is net-zero (or more than 100% improved) when compared to the average Canberra house carbon footprint. The reuse of recycled ‘Canberra Red’ bricks from the original cottage helps lower the carbon footprint, as well as delivering a contemporary design response to its inner south history and context. Narrabundahaus sets a high bar for design quality, sustainability and low carbon living that that meets both the customised requirements of its current occupants and is flexible enough to suit a myriad of other families for years to come."

ABC Canberra Mornings presenter Adam Shirley interviewed Michael this week alongside Dr Melinda Dodson, the founder of the Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge, and Rob Henry, the jury chair.

Take a listen here and read the coverage from the Canberra Times here.