OUR BLOGS
Passive House Blog Australia — reimagined habitat’s expert articles on healthy, energy-efficient homes, certification, and sustainable design for Australians.
Skylights Without External Shading
Skylight overheating can make rooms uncomfortably hot and increase cooling costs. Learn how external shading and smarter skylight design can improve comfort and energy performance.
The $210,000-a-Box Answer to Sydney’s Missing Middle
Uncommon Living, the group behind reimagined habitat, is using European Prefab to build Sydney’s missing middle faster and for a fraction of the usual cost.
No Mudroom or Drop Zone
Mudroom design Australia can make everyday life easier by creating a dedicated place for shoes, bags, coats and clutter while keeping the rest of your home organised.
Wasted Hallways and Oversized Circulation
Wasted hallway space can take up valuable floor area in a home. Explore smarter circulation and layout strategies that create more functional, comfortable living spaces.
What’s Actually Involved in Getting a Passive House Certified?
Australian home energy efficiency can make a major difference to comfort and power bills. Explore why many homes use more energy than expected and what better design can change.
Are Passive Homes Really Worth the Extra Cost?
Australian home energy efficiency can make a major difference to comfort and power bills. Explore why many homes use more energy than expected and what better design can change.
Open Staircases and Sound Separation
Open staircase sound separation can be challenging in modern homes. Learn how thoughtful planning and building design can help reduce noise transfer between living spaces.
We Think of Australia as Hot. My Power Bill Says Otherwise.
Australian home energy efficiency can make a major difference to comfort and power bills. Explore why many homes use more energy than expected and what better design can change.
Open Rumpus Rooms: When “Open Plan” Stops Working
An open plan rumpus room can create flexibility, but too much openness can affect comfort, noise and everyday living. Explore smarter ways to design family spaces.
We Spend 90% of Our Lives Breathing Our Buildings. What Did We Build Them Out Of?
Healthy building materials can play a major role in indoor air quality and wellbeing. Explore how the materials we build with can shape the environments we breathe every day.
Floor-to-Ceiling Bedroom Windows
Floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows can bring in more natural light, connect bedrooms with the outdoors and enhance comfort when carefully considered in home design.
The KETO Project Wins Two Awards At The 2026 True Zero Carbon Challenge
Our KETO Project has won two awards at the 2026 True Zero Carbon Challenge, recognising its innovative approach to high-performance, sustainable prefab home design.
The Home That Pays Its Own Mortgage
Can a home that pays its mortgage become a reality? Explore how smarter design, energy efficiency and reduced running costs can help make homeownership more affordable.
Your Brain on Nature: The Neuroscience of Biophilia — and How We Design For It
Small bedroom design in Australia can still accommodate a queen bed. Explore smarter layouts, practical planning ideas and design solutions for comfortable bedrooms.
Bedrooms Too Small to Fit a Queen Bed
Small bedroom design in Australia can still accommodate a queen bed. Explore smarter layouts, practical planning ideas and design solutions for comfortable bedrooms.
Walk-In Robes With Nothing But a Rail: A Wasted Opportunity
Good walk-in robes design is about more than a clothes rail. Discover smarter storage solutions that make better use of space and improve everyday organisation.
Low-Cost, Midrise Modular Homes Pilot Targets Sydney’s Inner West
Michael Drage speaks with The Urban Developer about low-cost modular homes and the future of midrise housing in Sydney’s Inner West.
Powder Rooms Without a Hand Wash Basin
Explore powder rooms without hand wash basins, including the design considerations, practical drawbacks, and what to consider when planning a compact bathroom space.
A new chapter for reimagined habitat: Simone Schenkel appointed CEO
We’re excited to share that Simone Schenkel has been appointed CEO of Reimagined Habitat. It’s a new chapter for our team as we continue creating healthier, high-performance homes across Australia.
Freestanding Statement Baths: Used Twice a Year, In the Way Every Day
Freestanding statement baths can elevate a bathroom’s design, but are they practical? Explore the pros, cons, maintenance, and whether they’re the right choice for your home.
Passive House vs Net Zero: What’s the Difference, and Which One Do You Actually Want?
Compare Passive House vs Net Zero to understand the key differences in energy efficiency, renewable energy, comfort, and performance so you can choose the right approach for your home.
Shower Doors: The Cleaning Nightmare Nobody Warns You About
Thinking about installing shower doors? Discover the hidden maintenance challenges, cleaning issues, and design considerations to help you choose the right shower doors for your bathroom.
Vessel and Sit-On-Top Basins
Vessel and sit-on-top basins are beautiful — I have them in my own home. But there are three things most people don’t get told about before they choose them. Plan for them and you’ll love yours too.
Are Passive Homes Really Worth the Extra Cost?
Discover whether passive house cost is worth the investment by comparing upfront expenses with long-term energy savings, comfort, durability, and healthier indoor living.
Black Basins and Dark Bathroom Fixtures: Beautiful Until You Clean Them
Discover the pros and cons of black bathroom basins and dark bathroom fixtures, from style and durability to maintenance, helping you choose the right look for your home.
Michael Featured in Built Offsite: Can a New Delivery Model Unlock Australia’s Missing Middle?
Michael Drage on unlocking Australia’s missing middle housing — integrating planning, finance, design and offsite construction into one new delivery model.
Servery Windows from Kitchen to Outside
Discover how kitchen servery windows improve entertaining, natural light, ventilation, and the connection between your kitchen and outdoor living spaces.
From Finance to Housing: How An Investment Mindset Is Reshaping Residential Construction
From Finance to Housing: How An Investment Mindset Is Reshaping Residential Construction Built Offsite — one of Australia’s leading publications covering prefabrication, modular and offsite
Sinks on Kitchen Islands: Pretty in Photos, Splashy in Life
Sinks on kitchen islands look great in renders, but it splashes everywhere, blocks the bench for homework or prep, and ruins the one space you actually need clear.
How Much Can a Passive House Really Save You on Energy Bills? (And When Does It Pay for Itself?)
Passive house energy savings explained: how much you’ll cut from power bills, what a passive home costs, and when it pays for itself. Honest Australian numbers.
Are Passive Homes Really Worth the Extra Cost?
Wondering if a Passive House is worth the extra cost? We break down the real build premium, energy savings, health benefits and resale value for Australian homes.
Gas Cooktop vs Induction: Why I’d Choose Induction Every Time
Gas Cooktop vs Induction. After cooking on both, I’d pick induction every time. Safer with kids, faster, far easier to clean — and better for indoor air quality.
Design Pitfalls in Australian Homes: When Beautiful Houses Don’t Function
A new blog series on common design pitfalls in Australian homes. Beautiful in theory, frustrating in real life. Energy efficiency, health and function matter as much as looks.
From Rice Fields to the World Stage: Celebrating Juven’s Presentation at the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026
Sustainable building research presented at WSBE26 explores rice husk ash masonry, thermal comfort, circular economy principles and climate resilience.
Prefab vs Traditional Building: What Really Matters When You’re Planning Your Home
Compare prefab vs traditional building to understand key differences in cost, speed, quality, and performance so you can make smarter decisions when planning your new home.
Beyond Carbon: Why Timber Is Changing the Way We Design and Build Homes
Explore how timber construction homes are reshaping modern architecture through lower embodied carbon, improved performance, and healthier, more sustainable building design approaches.
When Homes Make You Sick: The Hidden Danger of Mould (and What We Can Do About It)
Discover how mould in homes can impact your health, why it develops in Australian houses, and the practical design and building solutions that help create healthier living environments.
Podcast Feature: The Performance Gap and De-Risking Your Build with Michael Drage
Podcast Feature: The Performance Gap and De-Risking Your Build with Michael Drage We’re excited to share that Michael Drage recently joined Jess on The Building Sciology
What If The Biggest Health Risk Isn’t Outside — But Inside Our Homes?
Indoor air quality in homes can affect health, comfort and wellbeing more than many people realise. Learn why healthier homes matter.
Choosing the Right Builder in Today’s Market (What Really Matters)
Learn what to look for when choosing the right builder in today’s market, from experience and communication to quality, transparency, and long-term home performance.
Navigating the Current Building Market: What Homeowners Need to Know
Understand the current building market and discover what homeowners need to know about construction costs, builder selection, project timelines, and making informed building decisions.
When 17°C Outside Turned Into 28°C Inside: A Real Story About Why Our Homes Still Fail Us
When 17°C Outside Turned Into 28°C Inside: A Real Story About Why Our Homes Still Fail Us Home overheating in Australia is no longer just
Podcast Session: “Ask the Expert: Smart Home Design for Builders and Renovators.”
Podcast Session: “Ask the Expert: Smart Home Design for Builders and Renovators.” Smart Home Design: Why High-Performance Homes Start with the Basics Recently, Michael Drage
Autumn in Australia: Why Your Home Shouldn’t Be Hot by Day and Cold by Night
Autumn in Australia: Why Your Home Shouldn’t Be Hot by Day and Cold by Night Autumn has arrived across Australia — and with it, that
Affordable Housing Starts with the Envelope: Why Windows Matter More Than You Think
Affordable Housing Starts with the Envelope: Why Windows Matter More Than You Think When people talk about affordable housing, the conversation usually focuses on land
Snowy Mountains Opportunity — Designed, Ready, and About to Launch
Snowy Mountains Opportunity — Designed, Ready, and About to Launch Snowy Mountains Opportunity — Designed, Ready, and About to Launch This is a project that’s
Why “Building to Passive House Principles” Isn’t Enough
Why “Building to Passive House Principles” Isn’t Enough We often hear the phrase: “We built it to Passive House principles.” And while that sounds reassuring,
Is Privacy Overrated? What Germany Taught Me About Community and Belonging
Is Privacy Overrated? What Germany Taught Me About Community and Belonging Written by Simone Schenkel I’ve had the privilege of spending time in Germany twice
Shading Your Home Properly: One of the Most Powerful (and Overlooked) Design Tools
Shading Your Home Properly: One of the Most Powerful (and Overlooked) Design Tools If you’ve read Simone’s recent post about returning to the rental market
Why Australian Homes Are So Cold, Hot, and Expensive to Run It
Why Australia’s Homes Are Still Failing Us — and What We Can Do About It Insights from a conversation with Jo Taranto and reimagined habitat
When Climate Research Becomes Personal: Heat, Health and Rental Housing in Australia
When Climate Research Becomes Personal: Lessons on Heat, Health and Housing Written by Simone Schenkel Australia’s Heatwave Reality Heat, health and rental housing in Australia
Extreme Heat Is No Longer an Exception — It’s a Design Reality
Extreme Heat Is No Longer an Exception — It’s a Design Reality Published: January 2026 Extreme heat is no longer a “once-in-a-generation” event. It’s becoming
Sustainability Trends for 2026
Sustainability Trends for 2026 What’s shaping healthier, smarter homes next year (and beyond) Sustainability isn’t something we’re waiting for anymore — 2026 is already here,
How to Keep a House Cool in Summer | Healthy Home Design for Australia
How to Keep a House Cool in Summer | Healthy Home Design for Australia Knowing how to keep a house cool in summer is becoming
End-of-Year Wrap-Up: 2025 -What a Year It Has Been!
End-of-Year Wrap-Up: 2025 -What a Year It Has Been! As We Reach the Final Days of 2025 It’s hard not to pause, breathe, and reflect
Comfort isn’t a mystery — it’s the predictable outcome of good building physics
The comfort isn’t a mystery – it’s the predictable outcome of good builind physics When people walk into a truly comfortable home, they often struggle
ACT Recognises Passivhaus as an Official Compliance Pathway
ACT Recognises Passivhaus as an Official Compliance Pathway At reimagined habitat, we are always watching for policy shifts that move Australia toward healthier, more comfortable,
Already Have Plans? Here’s Why Prefab Could Be Your Best Move
Already Have Plans? Here’s Why Prefab Could Be Your Best Move Building Your Home Should Feel Exciting. Hopeful. Full of Possibility. But for many people,
Save Money, Live Comfortably: Talking Passive House on ABC’s “Breakfast with Sean Murphy
Save Money, Live Comfortably: Talking Passive House on ABC’s “Breakfast with Sean Murphy ABC Breakfast Radio – “Save Money, Live Comfortably” Earlier last week, Michael
The Unpriced Climate Risk: What It Means for Australian Homes — and How We Can Reduce It
The Unpriced Climate Risk: What It Means for Australian Homes — and How We Can Reduce It The Unpriced Climate Risk: What It Means for
Energy Hardship in Australia: Why Renters and Low-Income Households Are Being Left Behind
Energy Hardship in Australia: Why Renters and Low-Income Households Are Being Left Behind Energy Hardship in Australia: Why Renters and Low-Income Households Are Being Left
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Passive House?
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Passivhaus / Passive House? The cost to build a passive house in Australia varies significantly depending on
Victoria’s Fast-Track Planning Reforms: A Game Changer for Dual Occs?
Victoria’s Fast-Track Planning Reforms: A Game Changer for Dual Occs? Big Changes for Victoria: Fast-Tracking Dual Occs and Townhouse Developments Could this be a game
We’re Finalists in the 2025 BDAA National Design Awards
We’re Finalists in the 2025 BDAA National Design Awards We’re excited to share that our team has been named a finalist in the Unbuilt Category
Why Condensation, Ventilation and Thermal Bridging Still Aren’t Taken Seriously Enough in Australian Homes
Why Condensation, Ventilation & Thermal Bridging Still Aren’t Taken Seriously Enough Condensation, ventilation and thermal bridging are some of the most important — and most
Heat, Air Quality, Insurance Costs: How Climate Change is Affecting Our Homes – and Health
Heat, Air Quality, Insurance Costs: How Climate Change is Affecting Our Homes – and Health This year alone, we’ve seen climate extremes wreak havoc globally.
Why Passive House Calculations Should Start Early in the Design Process
Why Passive House Calculations Should Start Early in the Design Process Passive House calculations performed during the early design stage can dramatically improve the comfort,
What Are the Best Windows for a High-Performing Home or Passive House?
Passive Solar Design vs. Passivhaus: What’s the Difference? When designing a high-performing home — or aiming for Passive House certification — windows matter more than
Passive Solar Design vs. Passivhaus: What’s the Difference?
Passive Solar Design vs. Passivhaus: What’s the Difference? When people start exploring energy-efficient homes, two terms often come up again and again: passive solar design and Passivhaus (Passive
Designing for What You Truly Need: Smarter Home Planning
Designing for What You Truly Need: Smarter Home Planning When it comes to designing your home, the real question isn’t “how big should we build?”
Smarter Living with Secondary Residences in the ACT
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
Healthy Homes: Why Passive House is About So Much More Than Just Energy
Healthy Homes: Why Passive House is About So Much More Than Just Energy by Simone Schenkel, reimagined habitat Our very own Simone Schenkel is proud
Healthy Homes: Why Passive House is About So Much More Than Just Energy
Healthy Homes: Why Passive House is About So Much More Than Just Energy At reimagined habitat, we believe homes should do more than simply shelter
Building Better Homes: Michael Drage on the Home Style Green Podcast
Building Better Homes: Michael Drage on the Home Style Green Podcast At reimagined habitat, our goal has always been clear: make high-performance, low-energy homes easier
Where to Begin: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Retrofit for Existing Homes
Where to Begin: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Retrofit for Existing Homes In our recent blog post, What to Look for When Renovating a Home
When Homes Make You Sick: The Hidden Dangers of Mould — and How Passive House Can Help
When Homes Make You Sick: The Hidden Dangers of Mould — and How Passive House Can Help We’ve spoken before about how our principal designer,
Silence as Sanctuary — Why Acoustic Calm Matters
Silence as Sanctuary — Why Acoustic Calm Matters In a world filled with constant stimulation, true silence has become one of the most overlooked luxuries.
Behind the Scenes of Performance: How PHPP Powers Passive House (and Beyond)
Behind the Scenes of Performance: How PHPP Powers Passive House (and Beyond) As we recently explored on the blog, Passive House design depends not only
Why Passive House Isn’t Just Energy Efficient — It’s Cost-Optimal Too
Why Passive House Isn’t Just Energy Efficient — It’s Cost-Optimal Too Committing to a building project is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can
What Is Passivhaus — And Why Do We Love It So Much?
What Is Passivhaus — And Why Do We Love It So Much? We’ve been talking a lot lately about the incredible THRIVE Passivhaus Conference. It
Reflections from THRIVE: Powerful Lessons from This Year’s Passivhaus Conference
Reflections from THRIVE: Powerful Lessons from This Year’s Passivhaus Conference By Simone, Principal Designer at Reimagined Habitat I’m still on a high after this year’s
Extreme Heat and Our Environment: Why Better Homes Are Now a Public Health Imperative
Extreme Heat and Our Environment: Why Better Homes Are Now a Public Health Imperative As parts of eastern North America swelter through their first major
Healthy Home Design for a Changing Climate
Healthy Home Design for a Changing Climate Healthy home design is becoming increasingly important as Australians face rising temperatures, poor indoor air quality, increasing energy
Biophilia in the Home: Reconnecting with Nature Through Thoughtful Design
Biophilia in the Home: Reconnecting with Nature Through Thoughtful Design At reimagined habitat, we believe homes should do more than just shelter us—they should nurture
What to Look for When Renovating a Home to Passivhaus Standard: Insights from Simone
What to Look for When Renovating a Home to Passivhaus Standard: Insights from Simone By Simone, Principal Designer at Reimagined Habitat Last weekend, I spent
Mainstream Media Is Catching On: Energy Efficient Homes in the Spotlight
Mainstream Media Is Catching On: Energy Efficient Homes in the Spotlight We’ve known this for years — but it’s always exciting to see the mainstream
What the Victorian Healthy Homes Program Taught Us About Health and Energy Efficiency
What the Victorian Healthy Homes Program Taught Us About Health and Energy Efficiency At Reimagined Habitat, we talk a lot about the connection between healthy
Why We Choose Salamander: High-Performance uPVC Windows That Support a Greener Future
Why We Choose Salamander: High-Performance uPVC Windows That Support a Greener Future At Net Zero Plus, every decision we make is guided by our commitment
Is Your Site Ready for a Net Zero Habitat?
Is Your Site Ready for a Net Zero Habitat? Dreaming of a sustainable prefab home? It’s easy to get caught up in the exciting parts
Thinking About a Second Dwelling in Canberra? Here’s What the New Zoning Changes Mean for
Thinking About a Second Dwelling in Canberra? Here’s What the New Zoning Changes Mean for Thinking About a Second Dwelling in Canberra? Here’s What the
Can You Really Trust a 7-Star Energy Rating? Here’s What You Need to Know
Can You Really Trust a 7-Star Energy Rating? Here’s What You Need to Know How exciting to see our director and founder Michael Drage featured
Understanding the True Costs: High-Performing Homes vs. Standard Homes
Understanding the True Costs: High-Performing Homes vs. Standard Homes When comparing homes, it’s easy to focus on upfront costs. But much like choosing between a
Granny Flats & Beyond: Why Secondary Dwellings Are on the Rise in NSW
Granny Flats & Beyond: Why Secondary Dwellings Are on the Rise in NSW Housing affordability and availability are major challenges across NSW, with rising property
Small Homes, Big Benefits: Secondary Dwelling in ACT
Small Homes, Big Benefits: Secondary Dwelling in ACT Like many parts of Australia, the ACT is facing a housing crisis, with demand outpacing supply and
Secondary Dwellings in Victoria: What’s All the Fuss & Should You Build One?
Secondary Dwellings in Victoria: What’s All the Fuss & Should You Build One? Finding affordable housing in the right location is becoming increasingly difficult. With
Energy-Efficient & Healthy Homes: Taking the Guesswork Out of Future-Proofing Your Home
Energy-Efficient & Healthy Homes: Taking the Guesswork Out of Future-Proofing Your Home Simone had the pleasure of supporting Sonja from Evitat at two events for
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving a 10-Star Energy Efficiency Rating! (April Fools!)
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving a 10-Star Energy Efficiency Rating! (April Fools!) If you’re serious about designing a home that’s guaranteed to be ultra-efficient, comfortable,
Unpacking the Myths About Prefab Homes
Unpacking the Myths About Prefab Homes Unpacking the Myths About Prefab and Panelised Homes – reimagined habitat x Net Zero Plus x Net Zero Habitat
Passive House 101 – Part 6
passive house 101 – part 6 In our past anecdotes about Passive Houses, we have emphasised the importance of implementing the concept as a process and
Is Prefabrication the Answer to Our Building Issues?
Is Prefabrication the Answer to Our Building Issues? At this year’s Showroom Canberra Expo, our very own Michael took the stage to explore one of