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 […]
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, here’s the honest truth: Simply applying the five Passive House building principles does not guarantee good performance. You can add more insulation. You can specify triple glazing. You can tape […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, and the shift is well underway. What we’re seeing right now is a move away from surface-level “green” gestures and towards decisions that genuinely improve how homes perform, feel, 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 […]
Comfort isn’t a mystery — it’s the predictable outcome of good building physics
The Unpriced Climate Risk: What It Means for Australian Homes — and How We Can Reduce It When people walk into a truly comfortable home, they often struggle to explain why it feels so good. It’s quiet. The temperature feels just right. The air feels fresh — not dry, not stuffy. There are no cold […]
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 […]