Written by Simone Schenkel In a recent blog post, we shared research and commentary around Australia’s escalating heatwaves — including a stark warning from Professor Sebastian Pfautsch from Western Sydney University. In late January 2026,...

Insights from a conversation with Jo Taranto & Reimagined Habitat founder, Michael Drage I recently had the pleasure of tuning into Good for the Hood’s webinar, Save Money, Live Comfortably – The Sustainable Home Forum. Australia has some of the po...

Published: January 2026 Extreme heat is no longer a “once-in-a-generation” event. It’s becoming a regular feature of life in Australia — and one our homes are increasingly struggling to cope with. Across the country, heatwaves are lasting longer,...

What’s shaping healthier, smarter homes next year (and beyond) Sustainability isn’t something we’re waiting for anymore — 2026 is already here, and the shift is well underway. What we’re seeing right now is a move away from surface-level...

It’s hard to ignore the heat right now. Across Australia, heatwaves are becoming longer, more intense, and more frequent. Record-breaking temperatures, warm nights that never seem to cool down, and smoky air from bushfires are no longer rare events...

As we reach the final days of 2025, it’s hard not to pause, breathe, and reflect on just how much has happened in the world of reimagined habitat — and what an incredible community we are lucky to share it with. This year has been packed with...

Comfort is the predictable outcome of good building physics.

ACT Recognises Passivhaus as an Official Compliance Pathway — A Huge Step Forward for Better Homes

ABC Breakfast Radio – “Save Money, Live Comfortably” Earlier last week, Michael Drage — founder of reimagined habitat, efficient habitat and net zero plus — joined ABC Upper Hunter Breakfast Radio to talk about high-performance homes and how...

Climate change and housing are no longer two separate conversations. They are merging — quickly — into one of the most urgent issues facing Australian families, communities, and the national economy.

Energy Hardship in Australia: Why Renters and Low-Income Households Are Being Left Behind Insights from the Good for the Hood Podcast with Dr Jo Taranto & Carol Valente I had the absolute privilege of joining Good for the Hood’s webinar, “Save...

Insights from a conversation with Jo Taranto & Reimagined Habitat founder, Michael Drage.

How much does it presently cost to construct a PassivHaus or a high-performing home? It’s a somewhat taboo topic; discussing budgets can be delicate.

Big Changes for Victoria: Fast-Tracking Dual Occs and Townhouse Developments Could this be a game changer for housing supply and affordability? Victoria’s housing landscape is about to shift in a big way. From 16 October 2025, new planning reforms...

We’re excited to share that our team has been named a finalist in the Unbuilt Category at the 2025 BDAA National Design Awards. Our shortlisted entry represents our vision for thoughtful, sustainable design that responds to real community needs....

There’s a whole chapter in the National Construction Code dedicated to condensation management, ventilation, and airtightness—but most builders and designers still don’t understand it. Why? Because it’s written by building physicists for building...

This year alone, we’ve seen climate extremes wreak havoc globally. 2,300 lives lost in ten days of extreme heat in Europe 48,000 people stranded by flooding on the NSW coast 16,000 homes destroyed by wildfires in Los Angeles Following on from this...

When we talk about designing a high-performing home — whether you’re aiming for Passive House certification, a low-energy home, or even just a well-executed solar passive design — one thing makes a huge difference: running the numbers early....

When designing a high-performing home — or aiming for Passive House certification — windows matter more than most people realise. They’re not just about aesthetics or letting light in. Windows influence comfort, energy use, noise, ventilation, and...

When people start exploring energy-efficient homes, two terms often come up again and again: passive solar design and Passivhaus (Passive House). At first glance, they sound similar. Both aim to reduce energy use and create homes that are comfortable...

by Simone Schenkel, reimagined habitat We’re thrilled to share that our principal designer, Simone Schenkel, is once again contributing her voice as an Ambassador for Women in Construction and Sustainability in Construction at the Melbourne Build...

When it comes to designing your home, the real question isn't "how big should we build?" but rather "how much space will we actually use?" It's easy to fall into the mindset that more space equals a better home, but in reality, a compact and well-tho...

Smarter Living with Secondary Residences in the ACT Housing affordability continues to be a challenge across Australia, and the ACT is no exception. As demand for homes grows and property prices rise, more homeowners are turning to secondary residenc...

At reimagined habitat, our goal has always been clear: make high-performance, low-energy homes easier to deliver, easier to understand, and easier for clients to say yes to. Matthew Cutler-Welsh, the host from the famous Home Style Green Podcast...

In our recent blog post, What to Look for When Renovating a Home to Passivhaus Standard: Insights from Simone, we explored the key things to look for when buying a home you intend to retrofit. From solar access and moisture concerns to construction...

We’ve spoken before about how our principal designer, Simone, has asthma and is highly sensitive to mould. In fact, we sometimes joke that we could hire her out as a human mould detector! But on a more serious note, Simone’s sensitivities have made...

In a world filled with constant stimulation, true silence has become one of the most overlooked luxuries. But silence isn’t just the absence of sound — it’s the presence of calm, clarity, and wellbeing. And it’s something we consciously design...

As we recently explored on the blog, Passive House design depends not only on intelligent layouts and reliable high-quality components but on something less visible: energy modelling. At the heart of this performance process is the Passive House...

Committing to a building project is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can also be daunting, especially once the budget realities set in. But what if your dream home didn’t just meet your vision for comfort and sustainability… but also rewarded...

We’ve been talking a lot lately about the incredible THRIVE Passivhaus Conference. It was inspiring to connect with so many others in the space and see how far the movement has come. So we thought it might be a good time to go back to basics and...

By Simone, Principal Designer at Reimagined Habitat I’m still on a high after this year’s THRIVE Passivhaus conference in Melbourne. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by such a passionate community, all pushing to make better, healthier, and...

As parts of eastern North America swelter through their first major heatwave of the season, we’re reminded—yet again—just how critical our homes are in protecting us from extreme weather. In a recent BBC article, dozens of people were hospitalised...

Why better homes are better for everyone At reimagined habitat, we believe a home should do more than just look good — it should support your health, reduce your environmental footprint, and feel great to live in. And it turns out the science...

At reimagined habitat, we believe homes should do more than just shelter us—they should nurture our wellbeing. That’s why biophilia is a core part of our design philosophy, seamlessly woven into every home we create. But what exactly is...

By Simone, Principal Designer at Reimagined Habitat Last weekend, I spent an afternoon volunteering with Clean Energy Nillumbik as part of their "Ask an Expert" eco chats. It’s something I’ve done a few times over the years—people can book a chat...

We’ve known this for years — but it’s always exciting to see the mainstream media catching up. ABC News reported on the growing demand for energy efficient homes across Australia, highlighting new findings from Domain showing just how valuable...

When it comes to creating homes that are truly comfortable, energy-efficient, and future-ready, there’s one element that makes a bigger difference than many people realise: the windows. New research from RMIT University, prepared for Sustainability...

At Reimagined Habitat, we talk a lot about the connection between healthy homes and sustainable design. But research like the Victorian Healthy Homes Program brings this conversation to life, proving that improving the thermal performance of a home...

At Net Zero Plus, every decision we make is guided by our commitment to performance, sustainability, and future-focused building practices. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Salamander, a European leader in premium uPVC window technology and...

Dreaming of a sustainable prefab home? It’s easy to get caught up in the exciting parts — great design, energy savings, and low bills. But before anything else, there’s one key question: is your site actually suitable? At Reimagined Habitat, we...

As of 27 September 2024, the new Territory Plan allows properties in RZ1 residential zones (that’s most standard suburban blocks) over 800 square metres to now add a second dwelling of up to 120m².

You might assume you're buying into year-round comfort, lower bills, and a smaller footprint. But here’s the truth: those stars might not always shine as bright as they claim.

When comparing homes, it’s easy to focus on upfront costs. But much like choosing between a loaf of homemade sourdough bread and store-bought white toast, price alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

As the housing crisis continues, secondary dwellings offer a flexible and cost-effective way to create more housing options without needing to buy new land.

Secondary dwelling, or secondary residence as they are known in the ACT, offer a smart way to maximise existing space, provide additional housing, and create a more adaptable home for changing family needs.

Finding affordable housing in the right location is becoming increasingly difficult —and secondary dwellings are emerging as a practical answer.

Simone had the pleasure of supporting Sonja from Evitat at two events for The City of Casey, where they explored what it truly means to create energy-efficient and healthy homes.

We’ve compiled the top expert-approved design strategies to ensure your home reaches the highest possible energy rating. So grab a pen and start taking notes—your dream sustainable home awaits!

We’re here to debunk the most common myths and highlight the true potential of modern prefabricated construction.

At this year’s Showroom Canberra Expo, our very own Michael took the stage to explore one of the most important conversations in the construction world today.

Insights from Simone’s Talk at The Showroom Canberra

The CBA has announced its commitment to supporting off-site construction, marking a significant step towards making prefabricated homes more accessible

The elephant in the room is that there are no real compliance checks when it comes to energy efficiency.

Why Working with a Designer Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress

It’s not always a straightforward choice.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Thinking About Going Owner-Builder? Here's What You Need to Know

Bringing a builder into the process early on is one of the best decisions you can make when designing and building your home.

When designing your home, the real question isn’t “how big should it be?” but rather, “how much space do we actually need?”

Really think about what you need—what will work for your family and not just what’s popular or advised by other.

Passive House principles can make a home more resilient to bushfires, while also improving your family’s health and wellbeing.

To achieve a successful Passivhaus project it’s essential to assemble a diverse and experienced team early on.

Stay Focused on What Matters

How Much Room Do We Really Need To Live A Good Life?

How to Stay Cool this Summer Without Breaking the Bank

How Living in a Passive House Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being

Breathing Space and Other Targets

Your Postcode Matters And So Does Your Class

Simple, efficient, cost effective

The House With Principles

Everyone can build a passive house

What is Passive House

Launching February 2023