Passive House vs. Active House

Blog post description.

4/22/20253 min read

I’m convinced that sustainable design isn’t a trend—it’s our responsibility as architects to push the boundaries of comfort, energy efficiency, and community wellbeing.

When I first dug into Passive House principles back in 2018, I felt a mix of excitement and doubt. Could we really keep these rigorous German standards alive under our humid subtropical skies? Fast‑forward to 2025, and I’m thrilled to see both Passive and Active House approaches gaining traction here in Southeast Queensland. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned, the hurdles we’ve faced, and why I believe our industry is on the brink of a REAL game‑changer.

Passive House vs. Active House: What Sets Them Apart

  • Passive House (Passivhaus) grew out of Germany in 1996, led by Dr. Wolfgang Feist, and it’s ALL about minimizing demand. Think: super‑thick insulation, triple‑glazed windows, airtight construction, MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery), and eliminating thermal bridges. The payoff? Up to 90% less heating and cooling energy.

  • Active House takes it a step further: not just conservation, but PRODUCTION. Solar PV, smart façades, maximized daylighting, even adaptive shading systems become part of the toolkit. The goal shifts from “near zero” to “positive energy” while keeping occupants happy with fresh air and natural light.

Why Brisbane’s Climate Changes the Game

I’ll be honest—the first Passive House sketch I saw featured tiny windows and walls thicker than my car. GREAT for Bavaria in January, but here? We need north‑facing glazing for winter warmth, yes, but we also crave breezes and daylight. Our subtropical humidity demands:

  1. Smart shading—horizontal eaves, external blinds, even green screens.

  2. Ventilation zoning—opening vents at night to dump heat, locking things down during the day.

  3. Material selection—insulation that handles moisture without mold.

Active House shines here by DESIGN: its daylight‑first mindset and emphasis on natural ventilation resonate with our indoor‑outdoor culture. I’ve seen projects where photovoltaic canopies double as pergolas—same structure, two functions.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Are a MUST

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)—including prefabrication, modular systems, and panelized building techniques—are proving to be game-changers for Passive House delivery. These methods allow for greater quality control, improved airtightness, and reduced thermal bridging, all critical for meeting certification criteria.

For Brisbane’s climate and growing need for medium-density housing, MMC can help streamline on-site labour, reduce construction waste, and accelerate timelines. Factory-assembled wall systems and integrated ventilation units are simplifying Passive House construction even in challenging urban infill contexts. This consistency could be a key factor in scaling high-performance standards across social housing and aged care developments.

The Economics: Beyond the Upfront Premium

Yes, Passive and Active House elements can add 5–10% to initial costs. But with energy bills skyrocketing, clients are SOLD on the payback

  • Resale value climbs by as much as 15% when energy costs are baked into valuation.

  • Operational savings of 70–90% on heating/cooling utilities keep residents comfortable and wallets happy—critical for social and aged care housing.

One developer I spoke with financed rooftop solar via an “upgrade loan” at below‑market interest, buoyed by green finance incentives. It’s PROOF that capital markets are waking up to the VALUE of performance.

Case Studies Worth Bookmarking

  • Owl Woods Passive House (Vic): Triple glazing + thermal mass flooring = consistent indoor temps without AC.

  • Ferry Road House (NSW): A 3.8 m‑wide urban infill that harnesses northern light and green‑wall courtyards—proving Passive House can be sleek and modern.

These examples show us that, with creativity, Brisbane’s urban contexts—even narrow inner‑city blocks—can host world‑class, high‑performance buildings.

Where to Next? Trends on My Radar

  1. Australian‑Specific Certification: NCC’s Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) is integrating Passive design metrics—soon, local guidelines will reflect our heat, humidity, and sun angles.

  2. Community‑Scale Energy: Microgrids linking multi‑residential buildings, retirement villages, even adjacent schools—pooling solar, battery, and EV charging.

  3. Material Innovation: Breathable insulation boards, phase‑change materials, even bio‑composites that lock up carbon.

Resources

Looking for a Premium Architect in Brisbane who understands sustainable design? At Wigwam Architects, we design high-performance homes that are tailored to Brisbane’s unique climate. Whether you're planning a Passive House, an energy-efficient home, or a modern infill project, we focus on creating spaces that are both comfortable and environmentally responsible.

Start your journey with an architect who designs with purpose—get in touch with us today and let’s build something exceptional together.

© Wigwam Architects

Privacy policy