At reimagined habitat, we believe homes should do more than simply shelter us — they should support our health, comfort, and wellbeing. That’s why we were so proud to see our very own Simone share her passion and expertise at The Showroom Canberra, diving deep into a topic close to her heart: “Healthy Homes – Why Passive House is Not Just About Energy.”

Here’s a recap of the key highlights from her inspiring presentation.

🌿 What is Passive House?

Simone began by offering a practical introduction to the Passive House standard — a science-based approach to building design that prioritises exceptional thermal comfort, airtightness, insulation, and high-performance ventilation systems. It’s not just a trend — it’s a globally proven method to build healthier, more resilient and more sustainable homes.

And Passive House isn’t just for one type of building or climate. It’s a flexible standard that can be applied to:

• Single homes
• Apartment buildings
• Hospitals
• Offices
• Schools
• Embassies
• Even entire city districts around the world

🏡 Where It All Started

Simone then took us back to where it all began — the very first Passive House built in Darmstadt, Germany in 1991. Over 30 years later, this pioneering home still performs exactly as predicted. That consistency and reliability is what sets Passive House apart.

🌍 Passive House is Here to Stay

Across the globe, Passive House is no longer the exception — it’s becoming the norm. Cities and countries like Vancouver, New York City, Luxembourg, and Scotland have begun making Passive House mandatory for new builds and, in some cases, even for retrofit projects. The message is clear: this is the future of building.

In Australia, we’re still in the early stages — with just 88 certified Passive Houses so far (compared to over 80,000 globally). But momentum is building. There are hundreds of projects currently in design, construction, or going through certification. The wave is coming.

✨ Beyond Energy: What Passive House Really Means

Simone then shifted focus to what truly matters to her — the people who live in these homes. Energy efficiency is just one part of the story.

✅ Thermal Comfort

Passive House homes are calm and comfortable, no matter the weather outside. There are no cold spots, no drafts, and no overheating — just a consistent, pleasant indoor environment all year round.

✅ Humidity Control & Air Quality

The integrated ventilation system ensures continuous fresh air while regulating humidity — a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy home. This helps prevent condensation, mould, and the associated health risks.

✅ Durability & Structural Quality

Passive House requires robust materials, airtight detailing, and moisture control — all contributing to a longer-lasting, higher-quality home. These homes aren’t just comfortable — they’re built to last.

✅ Resilience in a Changing Climate

In a power outage, a Passive House remains remarkably comfortable. That means fewer disruptions in extreme weather events and a much greater level of resilience for occupants.

💚 A Personal Story: Health & Healing in a Passive House

Perhaps the most powerful moment of Simone’s talk was her personal story. She shared her long struggle with asthma — particularly the persistent cough that just wouldn’t go away.

Since moving into her own Passive House, that cough is gone. Her asthma has all but vanished. It was a heartfelt reminder that good design isn’t just about architecture — it can be life-changing. Healthy homes really do heal.

💸 What About Cost?

Simone didn’t shy away from the tough question: is Passive House affordable?

Her honest answer? Building is expensive — full stop. But the additional cost to reach Passive House standards is often smaller than people think. The sad reality is that many people can’t afford to build a home at all — and the poorest in our communities are often stuck in homes that are cold, damp, and unhealthy.

This is where we need systemic change.

We need to raise the bar for all homes — especially social housing, affordable housing, and volume builds. Everyone deserves a home that doesn’t make them sick. Everyone deserves warmth, comfort, and air they can breathe. And no one should have to choose between heating their home or feeding their family.

✊ A Call to Action

Simone closed with a passionate call: we can and must do better. We need to push for healthier, smarter, and more inclusive building practices — for everyone.

Because at the end of the day, Passive House is not just a building standard. It’s a movement — toward dignity, health, and sustainability in every home.

We’re so proud to have shared this message with so many of you at The Showroom Canberra. If you’d like to learn more, continue the conversation, or discover how we can support you in your own healthy home journey, reach out any time.

👉 Visit our website: [www.reimaginedhabitat.com.au]

👉 Download our Net Zero Habitat brochure or watch our walktrhough video: Net Zero Habitat Landing Page

👉 Explore our interactive 3D village walkthrough (EXE download): [go to our landing page]

👉 Book a one-on-one chat with us: [https://calendly.com/rh_free-design-consultation/free-30-min-design-consultation]

Let’s build a better future — one healthy home at a time.