News / Views

Murray recently joined the Australian-based Renovation Collaborative podcast to talk about our Passivhaus Certified Bell House project. He explained how prefabrication, structurally insulated panels, and Passivhaus principles played a role in the project's success. Check out the episode here - https://renovationcollaborative.com.au/podcast/sips-passivhaus-murray-robertson-robertson-architects/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOm9lpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1YUdleERENXNGckxIUU4xc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMj

We're thrilled to receive a Wellington Architecture Award for Mission House. We loved the citation highlighting the focus on student wellbeing - "the architects have delivered a high-performing, low-impact building that places student wellbeing at its heart". "Mission House proves that thoughtful architecture can be both pragmatic and poetic." The full citation reads, Mission House is an inspiring example of how sustainability and innovation can thrive within constraint. Work

Schools create communities. Becoming more human with AI and user participation.   Murray Robertson’s Reflections on the Learning Environments Australasia regional conference in Brisbane, LEA 3001: A Learning Space Odyssey, 7 – 9 May 2025   Last week, Hannah and I went to the LEA conference in Brisbane. This was my 10th conference and Hannah’s second. These conferences are important to me as I believe that the design of good learning spaces requires a base of experience and re

Yesterday marked the opening of Te Kōrari at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito. It was an honour to collaborate with this incredible community, as part of the team. It's wonderful to see it finally handed over and utilized.

The second Learning Spaces Aotearoa was recently held in Wellington. This was organised by the Learning Environments New Zealand Wellington.

Following on from Kara's first blog on her involvement in The Mayfield Project 2023 just before the LEA regional conference - re:...

The initial modelling gives a proof of concept. It should give an idea of what type of construction, and insulation levels you need. It will tell you what performance level you need for your windows. This allows you to go shopping for windows . New Lift and Slide PVC Sliding Doors will be a significant improvement from the previous bifold doors which had visible gaps at the top Windows are the weakest link. They are the key purchase. They do not have the same insulation leve

When I was at architecture school, (a few years ago), I remember going on a tour of a recently completed building with the architect. It...

Retrofits are a bit like belly buttons. Are you an Innie or an Outie? This is the key decision you need to make at the beginning of your...

If it's good information in, and good information out, the first step is playing detective and finding as much information as possible...

International Passive House Open Days are on 23 - 25 June 2023. This is an opportunity to visit Passive House projects throughout the country (and the world). This gives you an opportunity to find out and experience what a Passive House is all about. You can find out more about the houses you can visit, including our Navigation Drive project in Whitby on the Passive House Institute New Zealand website, https://passivehouse.nz/events/upcoming-events/phod23/

We are thrilled that our Navigation Drive project is now officially a Certified Passive House. Certification is awarded for Passive House projects once documents covering the construction are submitted to the certifier, Sustainable Engineering, and checked by PHI in Germany. A comprehensive collection of photos during construction had to be provided along with the blower door test results, ventilation commissioning along with signed statements from the builder and owner. Thi

How should you go about a deep retrofit of an existing house? These are our 10 steps. Coincidently, the excellent Reimagine Buildings...

We are honored that our work at Silverstream School has been recognised as the winner of the Small Projects Under $2m catagory. This follows previously receiving the Education Colour Maestro Award in the Resene Total Colour Awards and a commendation in the Learning Environments New Zealand Awards. The Learning Environments Australasia Design Awards are a special programme that recognises briefing, colaboration, and the design reflecting the school learning approach. You can r

How are we celebrating Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Learning Environments? In early March I joined 20 other Mayfielders, a group of architects, teachers and designers, in Sydney for a whirlwind weekend workshop facilitated by NoTosh. The focus: How can we create Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for all in both physical and educational design? Investigate the role of learning spaces within communities and how we can embrace and celebrate aspects of JEDI

1. Compact Form or Surface Area to Volume Ratio or Form Factor Sketch of the house's thermal envelope The compactness of the...

I had told myself that I would never again refurbish an old house. What went wrong? Apart from living in a construction site with babies?...

The best quick description of Passive House we have seen. Great clear summary. Its not crazy hard. There is no wackadoodle (good, we...

This is the first in a series on the retrofit of a 1940’s ex-state house. Through the next few months and maybe longer we will use this...

We are honored to receive two awards for our work at Silverstream School. A commendation in the Learning Environments New Zealand awards...