2022 National Award for Sustainable Architecture

Jury citation

With humans already occupying more than their fair share of the earth’s biosystems, it is time for us to use our projects to help remediate and improve damaged land in locations already well-serviced by transport, shops and communal facilities. The Hütt 01 Passivhaus does this, using its clever design and high-performing building envelope to enable great amenity.

Considerable care and enthusiasm have been applied to every aspect of this project. The house, built from lime-washed, exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT), with triple-glazed windows and doors, incorporates beautiful courtyards and roof gardens along with fun and joyful nooks for all family members. The garden, enclosed from the laneway with recycled bricks (sources all logged), encompasses water tanks, a natural pool with fish, aquaponic and standard food gardens, fruit trees, and places to sit and enjoy the northerly aspect.

Aiming to create a lighthouse for the future, the architect/client hope that the cost of similar projects will decrease as this approach is normalized. By inspiring others with their design, they’re surely aiding this process.

Project credits

Architect Melbourne Design Studios (MDS); Project team Marc Bernstein-Hussmann, Felicity Bernstein; Builder Home by Hütt in collaboration with G-Lux Builders and owner-builder; Structural engineer Global Consulting Engineers; Building surveyor Conti Group; Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) Marci Webster-Mannison (MDS) in conjunction with Marc Noyce; ESD, thermal performance assessor and Passivhaus consultant MDS; Fire engineer Dobbs Doherty; Life cycle assessment, PassivHaus specialist and certifier Clare Parry; Landscape consultant Eckersley Garden Architecture

The Hütt 01 Passivhaus is located in Coburg, Victoria on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.