Rocky Rises Passivhaus is the culmination of extensive research by the owners, who collectively possess backgrounds in trades, Passive house design, thermal assessment, and education. As owner-builders, they seized a unique opportunity to apply their research, implement theories, and gain practical on-the-job experience.
The project began with traditional building methods and passive solar design principles, eventually evolving to meet the rigorous Passivhaus Plus Standard. Attention to design metrics, including form factors such as area-to-volume ratios, glazing percentages, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, targeted high-performance insulation, and super airtight construction methods, optimized the design. Remarkably, the home still features a brick veneer wall with 90mm studs.
Rocky Rises also addressed site-specific challenges, such as complying with a BAL 29 rating within a forested area, navigating planning overlay restrictions, and operating off-grid.
Overall the Passivhaus Standard is meeting our client brief to be "comfortable, healthy, low maintenance, energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Project team:
Event Details:
There will be three sessions held for this site tour:
Please note, the address will be sent the evening prior to the scheduled site tour.
10:00 - 11:00
12:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 15:00