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

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...

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...

How we investigated creating a certified Passive House school building, how we failed, what we learnt and how it was still the right...

Murray recently sat down for a podcast with Matthew Cutler-Welsh of Home Style Green to discuss his career searching for more sustainable solutions and asking why New Zealand is so far behind. You can hear it here https://homestylegreen.com/224-why-are-we-so-far-behind/