Behind the design: The Hütt 01 PassivHaus
Teleisha Thomas
October 2024Welcome to The Hütt 01 PassivHaus, a visionary property that redefines modern living. The 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. Our goal was to inspire others by demonstrating that every single home has the power to make our world a better place one house at the time. And of course we wanted a beautiful family home for our kids to grow and and for us as a family spend quality time and fun experiences together.
What were the most significant eco-conscious materials or practices incorporated into the design?
It's funny you ask that—many people actually have asked this questions, 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. The idea of merging luxury with sustainability was a passion we’d nurtured for years because they naturally complement each other. A 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 about a lifestyle that enhances your well-being and brings joy. Traditionally, luxury homes have been defined by expansive spaces and high-end finishes, but while those are important, to us, it’s about much more. It’s a state of comfort, elegance, and thoughtful design. We also believe we have a responsibility to build in ways that minimise harm to our planet. Creating homes that are good for people—healthy, comfortable, and high-quality —naturally leads to designs that nearly naturally become energy-efficient, low in carbon footprint, and inherently sustainable.
Were there any unique challenges?
When we first decided to renovate we wanted to go up a level at the front (as we were already up at the back) but we were quick to find out that we needed to knock the whole front down if we were to achieve our dream vison. This in itself was quite major, not to mention this build was right in the middle of covid with many restrictions and delays. However, due to the high-level of design details, the extra time gave us the ability to stop and get the finer details right.
Did you integrate any eco-conscious materials or practices in the construction?
Yes, there are multiple things that we considered within the build. We utilised as much roof space as possible for our solar, which feeds into a Tesla battery which rotates power through the house.
Innovative, Sustainable, Inspiring.
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.
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 from finishes to the solid (rather than framed) timber construction and even the insulation is made from wood pulp.
C. Ultra-Low Carbon Footprint: We’re proud to have surpassed carbon-neutral standards, achieving a footprint better than zero. This means we’ve not only offset the carbon 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, from battery to solar photovoltaics and smart car charger, from heat pump technology for hot water and air conditioning to heat recovery both in water and ventilation systems, from cradle-to-cradle certified products to recycled building materials, from the integrated acuaponic system with urban food production and pond to detention tanks and rainwater recycling, from biophilic design to green roof and rainwater garden, and much much more.
PassivHaus certification is a rigorous standard. What were the biggest challenges in meeting these criteria?
Passivhaus requirements are indeed very stringent and require a high performance building construction. Surprisingly, for us on this project he biggest challenge wasn’t achieving airtight construction or excellent insulation—it was designing the details in a way that made it easy for builders who might not have worked on a PassivHaus project before. Using prefabricated CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels, which fit together like giant Lego blocks with millimeter precision, made this much simpler. These panels are inherently airtight by design and provide outstanding thermal and acoustic performance, resulting in a high-quality build that meets expectations and PassivHaus standard effortlessly. We easily meet the rigorous requirements on all fronts, from insulation with our 140mm wood fiber insulation, super high performing tripleglazed windows, and an airtightness level of around 0.4 air changes per hour—far exceeding the 0.6 required and vastly outperforming the typical Australian new-built home, which has a much leakier figure of around 8-16 (that means our home is around 20 times less drafty than most new-built homes here) .
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. At the heart of the design process, we asked ourselves: *How do we want to feel in each space?* Energized? Relaxed? These feelings guided our decisions, ensuring both functionality and a sense of purpose. Sculpted furniture with ample storage adds to the home’s practicality without compromising its aesthetic appeal.
Ground Floor: The Community Hub
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.
Sunken Lounge: Designed as a conversation pit, this space is ideal for gathering with friends and family. Large glass doors frame views of the rainwater garden, where a magnificent Ginkgo tree stands as a serene backdrop. Whether enjoying quiet moments or lively conversations, the space is effortlessly versatile. With the touch of a button, a drop-down screen transforms the lounge into an intimate cinema room, complete with a 3-meter screen and built-in audio for immersive movie nights.
The Dining Area: The dining area is a celebration of togetherness. Anchored by a round dining table that invites conversation embracing connecting with friends and family. This space is bathed in natural light and seamlessly connected to the lush north garden. Imagine dining with loved ones as the soft glow of an ethanol fireplace enhances the atmosphere, creating an irresistible spot to linger long after the meal is over. A built-in coffee machine and bar add a touch of convenience, ensuring a perfect cup is always within reach to accompany moments of connection or quiet reflection. This one has been a real favourite.
Chef’s Kitchen: Nestled into the garden, the kitchen is a chef’s dream. It 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. The garden becomes an extension of the kitchen. Here, the lines between indoors and outdoors blur beautifully, inviting you to entertain, cook, and relax in harmony with nature. Inside, the kitchen’s exquisite quartzite stone finishes and top-of-the-line V-Zug appliances elevate the cooking experience. Every element, from the induction cooktop with a teppanyaki plate over the chef’s dream steam oven to the plumbed-in herb planter and the Billi tap for instant cold, sparkling or hot water , the kitchen is designed to make this space both practical and inspiring —a true gathering place for family and friends. We’ve been spending so many hours in this space preparing food for friends and entertaining around the large kitchen island, that’s one thing we will sure miss.
Middle Floor: Flexible Family Living
This level is home to the children’s rooms and the main bedroom, designed with flexibility and creativity in mind.
Top Floor: A Versatile Attic Space
Perched at the very top of the home, the attic is a serene, light-filled space with soaring cathedral ceilings and panoramic views of the surrounding rooftops. At sunset, this space comes alive with golden hues, making it the perfect spot to watch the day melt into evening. Being more secluded from the rest of the house, it is the most serene part of the house. It can be transformed into a master suite with its own bathroom or used as a second living space. This quiet, tranquil area is ideal for meditating, reading, playing the piano, or simply unwinding.
Bathrooms: Resort-Inspired Retreats
Ground Floor: Featuring curved walls and bespoke Italian glass mosaic tiles, the downstairs bathroom evokes the feel of a grotto and is one of the most popular spaces in the house.
Middle Floor: A living green wall with automatic irrigation creates a calming atmosphere. The centerpiece is a circular bathtub, perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine.
Top Floor: The sculptural golden vanity in this bathroom is a true showstopper, offering both
functionality and artistic flair.
Garage: More Than Just Parking
Dubbed the “club lounge,” the garage doubles as an entertainment area with a wine fridge, table tennis setup, and workout space. A smart car charger uses surplus solar power generated during the day to keep the Tesla charged and running on green free energy. From the sunken lounge to the chef’s kitchen, every corner of our home blends luxury with thoughtful design, creating a space that’s as functional as it is breathtaking. The home has been crafted to enrich daily life and create moments of joy, comfort, and connection.
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?
For us, a home is so much more than just a physical structure or shelter—it’s a sanctuary where you can truly unwind and reconnect after the daily hustle and bustle. Comfort and playfulness go hand in hand, and we wanted to create a space that allows the entire family to relax, rejuvenate, thrive and have fun. 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. Another important aspect was “ playfulness ." The home’s loft beds and giant nets are perfect examples of this balance—they add playful, functional spaces that remain open and airy, encouraging creativity and fun for kids, teens or young adults alike. 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. This home was designed with family life in mind—practical, healthy, and supportive of both the lifestyle and mental/emotional well-being of its inhabitants. provides spaces that encourage connection, foster growth, and create an environment where memories are made, laughter is shared, and every stage of life is celebrated.
The breeze block 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. I have a personal obsession with natural materials—they have such a fundamental impact on how we feel, and I simply love working with them. Not only do these materials support the well-being of those living in the home, but they’re also non-toxic, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, we carefully selected materials that are ethically sourced and have minimal impact on the earth. Their carbon footprint is low, and they’re recyclable, so we know we won’t be left with the challenge of disposing of harmful, non-native materials in the future. The recycled bricks, many of which we hand-collected and cleaned from demolition sites, have a unique story to tell. Though it was a tough job, the reward of seeing them in the home made it all worth it. As a little fun element they 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. Castlemaine sandstone is also local to the area, and we couldn’t imagine a better stone for the garden—it feels like it’s truly part of the landscape.
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. Beyond its environmental benefits, it’s versatile, soft to the touch, and offers excellent moisture and acoustic properties. Plus, its biophilic qualities contribute to a sense of well-being that’s hard to beat.
146R Bell Street, Coburg is currently on the market with Jellis Craig Inner North
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