Growing up in a damp and draughty housing, builder Adam Souter suffered severe asthma attacks. A generation later, when his young son developed asthma, too, he realised that poorly ventilated Australian homes where mould and bacteria flourished were making his family sicker.
The temperature in Souter’s Pepper Tree – a standalone dwelling close to the old house – stays a steady 20 to 25 degrees year-round without heating or cooling. That eliminates mould and damp. Architect Knut Menden and David Hellier built an addition to a 1920s Californian bungalow to comply with passive housing standards.Tents to Castles, a report released last month by the Climate Council, found low-energy efficiency standards had left too many Australians living in poorly made homes equated to “glorified tents”.
He envisaged his three children would sleep in the original part of the house and the adults would have the master bedroom and study in the addition.Menden said the use of Cross Laminated Timber made building fast, sustainable, and resulted in an airtight seal that prevented temperature swings and mould.
“It’s ruined me. There are going to be more people building a passive house. And there’s no turning back. It’s like an electric car once you’ve driven one. You never want to get back in a diesel.”Only 40 passive houses and buildings are certified in Australia, hundreds are under construction and many are attracting awards.
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Source: dailytelegraph - 🏆 21. / 51 Read more »