Behind the design: The Hütt 01 PassivHaus
Lilli Murphy
February 2025The Hütt 01 is more than a home; it is a statement. A PassivHaus Premium-certified residence, it produces more energy than it consumes, ensuring an ultra-efficient, carbon-neutral footprint.
The Hütt 01 PassivHaus is a beautiful example of homes of the future. What inspired the initial vision for this home?
We envisioned a family home where luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand proving that a house designed for both people and the planet can be vibrant, exciting, and deliver an unparalleled lifestyle: it's an eco luxe dream. Our goal was to inspire others by demonstrating that every single home has the power to make our world a better place.
How did the concept evolve during the design process for you as architect and homeowner?
It's funny you ask that—many people actually have asked this question, as it's quite a complex building! Interestingly, the concept began with a quick sketch on the back of an envelope. We wanted to see if we could design something that not only worked harmoniously with the site but also maximised northern sunlight and garden spaces while creating meaningful, inspiring interiors. Amazingly, that initial sketch closely resembles what you see here today. A eco luxe home with thermal comfort, fresh filtered air free from pollen and pollutants, a healthy indoor environment, and low energy bills—why wouldn’t that be the foundation of a luxury home? True luxury isn’t just about expensive materials and finishes; it’s also about a lifestyle that enhances your well-being and brings joy.
Wellness, Luxury, Sustainability.
What were the most significant eco-conscious materials or practices incorporated into the design?
A. Certified Passivhaus Premium - one of the most rigorous standards for sustainability and comfort in today’s world, which means it features exceptional insulation across the floors, walls, and roof, along with meticulous craftsmanship and detailing to ensure a draft-free construction. It also includes a 24/7 controlled ventilation system that supplies fresh, filtered and pre-tempered air to every room (free from pollen and typical air contaminants). This results in no heating needs in winter and reduced cooling needs in summer. It also meant we knew our son would feel much better during hay fever season, living in a pollen-free zone inside the home with no risk of Thunderstorm Asthma. A few years before we moved into Hütt 01, he was severely affected by the infamous Thunderstorm Asthma event and nearly lost his life.
B. Non-toxic, healthy material choices : We prioritized materials that are non-toxic and promote a healthier living environment, benefiting both the occupants and the planet. That includes a lot of natural materials like wood, which makes up a large part of the home. The house is built from solid timber prefab panels, rather than flimsy frames, it offers natural insulation made from wood pulp and blocking both heat and noise.
C. Ultra-Low Carbon Footprint: We’re proud to have surpassed carbon-neutral standards, achieving a footprint better than carbon-zero. This means we’ve not only offset the CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases associated with the home’s construction and operation but have actually contributed positively to our planet - leaving it just a little bit better than before.
D. Sustainable Specifications and Selections: Finally, the concept of inherent sustainability and regenerative design includes carefully selected systems and materials, including:
- Battery to solar photovoltaics,
- Smart car charger,
- Heat pump technology,
- Hot water and air conditioning,
- Heat recovery both in water and ventilation systems,
- Cradle-to-cradle certified products,
- Recycled building materials,
- Sustainably forested and certified timbers,
- High-performance triple glazed European timber windows,
- Integrated aquaponic system with
- Urban food production and pond,
- Detention tanks and rainwater recycling,
- Biophilic design,
- Green roof,
Rainwater garden,
And much much more.
The home seamlessly combines luxury and function. Can you walk us through the design of key spaces, such as the sunken lounge and chef’s kitchen?
This home was designed around the lifestyle of a family, setting the tone with a palette of organic materials and thoughtful layouts.
The downstairs area is the community hub, perfect for connecting and entertaining. While it’s an open-plan space linking the living, dining, and kitchen areas, each retains its own distinct atmosphere.
Designed as a conversation pit, the sunken lounge is ideal for gathering with friends and family. With the click of a button, a 3-meter-wide dropdown screen turns the lounge into a cinema room, perfect for amazing movie nights. Our kids loved it so much they preferred staying in over going out to the movies! Large glass doors frame views of the rainwater garden, where a magnificent Ginkgo tree stands as a serene backdrop.
Nestled into the garden, the kitchen is a chef’s dream. It features stunning natural quartzite marble, renowned for its heat resistance and backed by a 15-year stain warranty. With its soft, sand-poured hues, it’s truly one of the most beautiful stones on earth. Top-of-the-line V-Zug appliances from Switzerland make cooking feel effortless, and takes cooking to the next level. We’ve whipped up incredible dishes on the Teppanyaki plate and impressed guests with hot-batter ice cream straight from the steam oven. It was so easy, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. The all-electric appliances are a breeze to clean, and the Billi tap, with its refreshing sparkling water, made it easy to keep the kids hydrated—it tastes so good and is fun to use! The kitchen offers offers breathtaking views through 3-meter-high glass walls that bring the lush outdoors inside. The north garden features an entertaining area with a built-in wood BBQ, a fishpond with a tranquil waterfall, and a daybed that overhangs the pond—perfect for dipping your toes in the pure water or going for a quick plunge.
The upper floors offer a quieter retreat, housing the bedrooms. Each child’s room functions like a mini-apartment, with a daytime area at ground level and a loft with an integrated bunk bed. A gigantic net spans over the void, offering a fun hangout space for kids, teens and adults alike. Every room offers stunning views of the various lush green gardens, making it hard to believe you're so centrally located and close to everything.
With unique features like loft beds, green walls, and a natural swimming pond, how did you ensure the home catered to both comfort and playfulness for families?
Thermal comfort and a strong connection to nature were essential in shaping the design. These elements profoundly influence how people feel, enabling them to let go and recharge. The home’s loft beds and giant nets are perfect examples of this balance—they add playful, functional spaces that remain open, airy, and encourage creativity. And really, who wouldn’t love lounging in an oversized hammock suspended in the heart of their home?
We also designed with the future in mind, ensuring the home evolves with our kids as they grow into teens and adults. The lofts and nets offer versatile spaces that adapt to different stages of life while keeping the atmosphere light and inviting.
The patterned recycled brick façade, Castlemaine sandstone, and FSC-certified timber are striking features. How did you select these materials, and what role do they play in achieving the home’s aesthetic and sustainable goals?
We wanted to use materials that felt inherently organic, materials that foster a deep connection to nature and have a calming - almost therapeutic - effect on people. We wanted the home to truly be rejuvenating, making us feel like we are in a Resort in Byron Bay.
As a little fun element the brinks display their ‘insides’ in a decorative strip, giving an insight into Melbourne’s history of brick-making - including two very special bricks from the 1950’s Olympics here in Melbourne at either end of the wall.
Using FSC-certified timber was a no-brainer for us. It comes from well-managed forests where the rate of replanting exceeds harvesting, ensuring the forest continues to thrive. Timber is a fantastic material—it absorbs carbon throughout its life, acting like a natural carbon sponge.
The rooftop garden is a showstopper. What was the inspiration behind its creation and how does it enhance your living experience?
It truly is an incredible space. The inspiration behind the rooftop garden was rooted in our desire to give back to the earth as much as we take. When we build, we often cover the ground, reducing space for biodiversity and a healthy planet. By transforming the roof into a thriving green space, we’re able to return that land to nature, welcoming wildlife and fostering biodiversity.
It provides excellent insulation for the rooms below, helps capture carbon, produces oxygen, and contributes to cooling the environment around us. Best of all it offers a breath taking view from our bedroom and is our favourite space to enjoy reading a book in peace and quiet, all you hear is the birds tweeting.
The Hütt 01 has received numerous awards and even been featured on Grand Designs Australia. How has this recognition influenced your perspective on sustainable architecture?
We feel incredibly humbled and excited that sustainability, which is so close to our hearts, resonates so strongly with others and has garnered such positive attention. We hope it inspires more people to seek out alternatives that leave them off with a better home for them and the planet.
Above all, we hope that this home brings as much joy, wellness and happiness to its next owner as it has to us, and continues to inspire future generations to prioritize sustainability in their own lives.
What three words would you use to describe The Hütt 01?
Wellness, Luxury, Sustainability.
The Hütt 01 Coburg address on request.
Contact Sam Rig for more information.
