The Hütt 01 Passivhaus is inspiring contemporary architecture that sets a positive example for regenerative urban densification, reconnecting a forgotten piece of land with its environment. Regenerative design, Passivhaus & biophilic design are core values of this project, together with being energy-efficient, carbon-neutral/negative and an easily maintainable near-net-zero-energy approach.

The house combines functional playfulness & attention to detail with highly sustainable construction techniques and materials. The resulting home showcases new technologies like CLT with low VOC finishes, natural wood-fibre insulation, thermal-bridge-free high-performance windows, heat-recovery ventilation, a super-airtight building envelope, green walls and planters, and aquaponics. It obtains “Passivhaus Premium” certification (the highest possible category), utilising high-efficiency appliances with heat pump technology, solar photovoltaic and battery, integrated active shading, and recycled and/or natural materials throughout. A green roof and a raingarden assist with stormwater retention as part of the WSUD concept, that calculates to keep and use over 90% of stormwater on site. Showcasing prefabricated structural CLT panels with finished interior surfaces not only provides carbon footprint reduction and time & cost savings, but also a reduction/removal of additional finishing trades and materials like plastering.

Timber is featured in raw and finished forms, as well as natural stone and clay render. In addition to E0 boards and low VOC finishes, the built-in planters and green wall further cleanse the internal air from remaining (low-level) emissions. Product selections are based on sustainability, longevity and embodied energy, e.g. recycled bricks (carbon-zero), natural wood fibre and mass-timber structure (carbon-negative), recyclable timber floors with natural oil finishes and cradle to grave/cradle certification.

Passive House design just works. Once you’ve done it, and once you’ve lived in one, you can’t go back and tell people to not build a passive house. It makes a huge difference, it is easy to manage and maintain if designed correctly, and it is just comfortable and healthy all year around. This is how we can achieve carbon zero and zero energy homes on a large scale easily.

Photography by Marnie Hawson, Maitreya Chandorka, Immanuel Bosse

Dissections
Furniture: Jensen & Row, Ethnicraft, Trit House, Armadillo. Lighting: Mint Lighting, Artefact Melbourne & Lightcore Brisbane. Finishes: Woca, Bauwerk Paint, Osmo Polywax. Fittings & Fixtures: Blum, Billi, V-Zug, Rogerseller.