Binowee Passivhaus – Australia’s First Certified Hempcrete Passive House

Winner of a Commendation in the 2023 Sustainability Awards, Binowee Passivhaus stands as a pioneering example of what truly healthy, low-carbon living can look like in Australia. Nestled in the leafy suburb of Viewbank, the home cascades gently down the site, reflecting both the natural landscape and the unwavering commitment of its owners to sustainable, future-focused living.

From the street, the home presents a modest, grounded presence. Yet behind this gentle façade lies a remarkable technical achievement: the first certified hempcrete Passive House in the Southern Hemisphere — and quite possibly the first in the world.

Constructed with 300mm carbon-absorbing hempcrete walls, the building envelope breathes naturally while maintaining exceptional thermal stability year-round. Internal temperatures sit comfortably around 22°C with minimal reliance on heating or cooling, delivering extraordinary everyday comfort.

The roof is formed using SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) — a prefabricated system valued for its superior insulation, airtightness, and construction efficiency. Integrated highlight windows bring warm northern light deep into the home, ensuring bright, sun-filled living spaces across the seasons.

Designed as a sanctuary for a young family, the home comprises four bedrooms, two living areas, an expansive deck, and a beautifully enclosed pool house. The interiors challenge preconceived ideas of hempcrete homes, embracing a fresh, modern aesthetic with warmth, simplicity, and gentle sophistication.

A commitment to health underpins every detail.

A Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system ensures a continuous supply of filtered, clean air within a carefully airtight building envelope — a key aspect of Passive House certification. This delivers a consistently dry, mould-free, and beautifully fresh indoor environment.

Environmental responsibility is expressed through a thoughtful collection of material choices and landscape decisions:

EcoPact low-carbon concrete

Wood-fibre insulation

Triple-glazed high-performance windows

Recycled and reclaimed materials (including bridge beams and recycled plastics)

Native, drought-tolerant landscaping that supports biodiversity

Despite the challenges of building through the pandemic, the project team remained dedicated to achieving an exceptional performance outcome. The result is a home that not only meets Passive House requirements but also achieves an impressive 8.3-star NatHERS rating, far surpassing typical Australian standards.

Binowee Passivhaus is more than a certified Passive House — it is a landmark project for Australia. A home that demonstrates what is possible when comfort, health, material responsibility, and climate-conscious design come together with absolute purpose.

It is a warm, sunlit, enduring sanctuary for the family who calls it home — and a meaningful step towards a healthier, more resilient built future.

Builder: @sanctumhomes

Photography: @marniehawson

Photography Styling: @bellebrightproject

Landscaping: @laurielandscapes