



Jodie Dang ARCHITECTS
Low Energy Extension

Sustainable Design and Eco Features
🌱 Built to Passive House Standards
🌱 Above Australian standards of insulation to avoid excessive cold and heat in the terrace
🌱 Design allows cross ventilation in every room of the terrace to allow the rooms to naturally cool down in summer
🌱 Heat Recovery ventilation unit in replace of air condition to allow filtered air into house

Low Energy House Featured on Channel 9 - Renovate or Rebuild
Client Brief: The family came to us with a specific set of challenges that needed addressing in their home. The husband and children all suffer from asthma, and as a result, their primary concern was creating a healthier living environment that would help improve their respiratory conditions. The current house, a dark and mouldy terrace, was contributing to their discomfort, and they wanted a significant change. Alongside the health considerations, they also sought a space that would be filled with natural light—a stark contrast to their existing, gloomy home.
Design Solution: In response to the brief, we designed a thoughtfully planned extension that would both improve air quality and enhance the overall living experience. To combat the lack of light and ventilation in the existing home, we focused on bringing in as much natural light as possible. The extension was designed with high ceilings and large windows facing the north to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. This design also helped to create an open, airy feel, breaking away from the dark and cramped atmosphere of the old terrace.
A key feature of the design was the introduction of an internal deck that connects the new extension to the existing part of the house. This central space functions as a buffer zone that facilitates cross-ventilation throughout the home, ensuring fresh air circulates naturally. By placing windows and openings strategically, each room in the house now benefits from direct access to natural light and improved airflow, which were both critical elements in improving the overall quality of the living spaces.
The extension was built to Passive House standards, which are some of the highest sustainability and energy-efficiency benchmarks in the world. This meant that the house would operate at optimal energy performance with minimal environmental impact. To further enhance the home's air quality, we installed a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) unit. This system filters and circulates fresh, tempered air throughout the house, ensuring that the family has a continuous supply of clean, healthy air without the need for mechanical air conditioning. The HRV system also works in tandem with the high insulation standards of a Passive House, allowing the house to stay comfortable year-round without relying on excessive heating or cooling.
In line with Passive House principles, the extension also boasts an extremely low energy consumption profile. By incorporating high-performance insulation, triple-glazed windows, and airtight construction, the new extension minimizes heat loss and maximizes energy efficiency. This results in a low-energy build that not only improves the health and comfort of the family but also reduces their environmental footprint.
The newly redesigned home represents a perfect balance of health, comfort, and sustainability. The family now enjoys a brighter, healthier living environment that directly responds to their needs, from improved indoor air quality to an abundance of natural light. With its energy-efficient systems and careful attention to sustainability, this low-energy house sets a new standard for what a modern, environmentally conscious home can achieve. It was a privilege to help the family create a home that will enhance their quality of life for years to come.









Client Feedback & Benefits
🌱 Heritage terraces do not allow condenser units on the facade house - which means no air conditioning units. With ample insulation the new extension can be lived in comfortably without air conditioning
🌱 Reduction in energy bills to 1/5th of existing consumption
🌱 Can become a self sustaining house

Inquire - How To Start?
To find out more on how to get started on your project, or understand what you can achieve on your site, and your budget we can send you a free process booklet which outlines all the consultants required for your project and expected timelines.

Jodie Dang ARCHITECTS
Sustainable Design | Public | Residential | Commercial