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 prices, construction costs or planning approvals. All important topics. But there is another factor that quietly shapes how affordable a home truly is — not just on the day it’s […]
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 in recent years — first in 2019, and again in 2023. Both trips were deeply memorable. Of course, it was wonderful to visit family and friends and to immerse myself […]
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 after living in a Passive House, you’ll already know how confronting that experience has been — particularly during summer. Despite being a relatively new home, my current rental struggles badly […]
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 are becoming increasingly connected as our climate changes and more homes struggle to remain safe, comfortable and liveable during extreme weather. In a recent blog post, we shared research and […]
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 a regular feature of life in Australia — and one our homes are increasingly struggling to cope with. Across the country, heatwaves are lasting longer, nights are staying hotter, and […]
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 increasingly important as Australia faces longer heatwaves, rising temperatures, and growing energy costs. Many homes across the country struggle with overheating, poor insulation, inadequate shading, and uncomfortable indoor temperatures, leaving […]
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 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 […]
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, more energy-efficient homes. And this week, the Australian Passivhaus Association (APA) shared a milestone worth celebrating — one that genuinely feels like a turning point. The ACT Government has now […]
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 Australian Homes — and How We Can Reduce It A deep-dive conversation with Dr Michael Molitor and Michael Drage Climate change and housing are no longer two separate conversations. They […]
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 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 under Amendment VC288 will come into […]