Here is the truth about the type of homes we build in Australia.

This is one of our Instagram posts from earlier on in 2024, with part of it making it an extract for a sustainable building book. So we thought we would reshare it to try encourage everyone in our industry to be better.

At Carland Constructions, we're passionate about building high-performance homes that are healthy, comfortable, and sustainable. And that passion is amplified when we collaborate with architects who share our vision. That's why we love working with passive house architects – those who truly understand the principles of passive house construction and bring their expertise to the table.

The question we hear all the time: "

“Is passive house construction more expensive?"

My answer? "It depends on what you're comparing it to." Usually followed by, "Most likely, yes, but you're getting a premium product."

We get it. "What's this going to cost me?" is the first question on everyone's mind when they dream of building their own home, especially a high-performance one like a passive house. It's the most common question we get asked, and it often feels like the hardest one to answer. But the truth is, it can also be the easiest if you follow a simple, collaborative process.

Sustainability has become the most popular and environmentally conscious way of life. It's really no secret that we only take on sustainable building projects in Melbourne, but unfortnatly, sustainability and passive housing are still seen as an expensive building option when that couldn't be further from the truth. There are still so many misconceptions about this topic, and so often, we see sustainability being blamed for the increase in building costs.

As we grapple with climate change and escalating energy costs, retrofitting our existing buildings to meet higher performance standards has emerged as a key strategy. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), there were approximately 10.8 million dwellings in Australia as of 2021, which means that there is a ton of work to do to bring these homes up to the current energy efficiency standards.

How did we end up in this mess? A mess that could be totally prevented if we understood sustainable construction methods and adopted passive house construction. It's a mistake that cost Canada more than $4 billion dollars to fix in 1980 One that is now costing New Zealand $23b (with some estimates as high as $47b) due to decisions made in the early 2000s.

You know our Forrest Street Passivhaus?

Well, it's now officially certified!

A Passive House Builders guide to finding your Passive House Architect

Building sustainably isn't just a buzzword for us; it's a core principle that guides everything we do. We believe that a sustainable home is not only better for the environment but also creates a healthier and more comfortable living space for you and your family. That's why we're committed to incorporating cutting-edge techniques like passive house design into our projects.

Everyone is apparently on a mission to build and design a sustainable home, right? But as sustainable living gains momentum, it's here in Melbourne standing at the forefront of embracing sustainable construction. Now, there are many ways to do this, but we champion passive house design, as we believe this is the best way to build a home. So we thought we would shed some light on the significance of sustainable living and the challenges faced by homeowners, and use our expertise as one of the best Passive House builders in Melbourne is shaping the future of residential building architecture.

One of the major reasons we love building Passive House projects in Melbourne is because we are held accountable to make sure we build the home as designed. Verifying a Passive House involves a combination of tools and methods to ensure that the building meets the rigorous energy efficiency and comfort standards set by the Passive House Institute, and let me tell you, it's a tough ask. There is constant back and forth making sure everything lines up, and it takes roughly a year after you have moved in to get that plaque on the wall. Everything is scrutinised and verfied, but we would have it any other way. 

The concept of passive house construction has emerged as a beacon of sustainable living. We have now built three passive house projects and a number of others on the cards coming up. It's fair to say we are now the experts in this field, with many looking to us for advice. Passive houses are growing, with builders like us and clients dedicated to creating homes that not only embrace green living but also prioritise energy efficiency and comfort.

An open letter to architects and building designers.

Be better!

Too many people are shouting from the rooftop, and more people should be walking the walk when talking about sustainable buildings.

I love learning like I really love it. I always want to know more about building and become a better builder. Why? Because it's the only way our industry will change. Unfortunately, continued improvement in the industry is not mandated, but this does not stop us from wanting to learn more. So why is this important for builders in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, where sustainable construction practices are gaining momentum, Passive House design principles are becoming increasingly prominent. There are a few key considerations for Passive House architects that need to be taken into account when designing a home. Passive House design represents a transformative approach to building construction that equips us with the tools to master the elements. It allows us to seamlessly control moisture, thermal transfer, airflow, and sunlight, forging the path toward the creation of buildings that are not just efficient but truly exceptional. So, whilst we usually stay in our lane and talk about building, we thought we would get stuck into a few key things that need to be considered in the design phase.

Being a Passive House builder, we feel that this is the ultimate form of sustainability. To be honest, we think it's the only way you can be a sustainable builder. For us, it's all about the data, and numbers never lie. We know these homes can be tested and stand the test of time. Passive House is known for it's efficiency, but we believe theres more important features people need to know about.

Passive House construction in Australia is gaining traction due to the nation's growing awareness of energy efficiency, the need to address climate challenges, and the increasing recognition of Passive House as a superior building approach. As Australians seek to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy bills, and enjoy year-round comfort, the demand for Passive House homes continues to soar.