'Passive house' study reveals key energy savings

A comparative ‘passive house’ study has been used to underpin design decisions at Frasers Property Australia’s Bradmill community at Yarraville.

Frasers Property undertook the study at its Life, Point Cook community, constructing two identical houses, one a 6-Star ‘business as usual’ (BAU) home and the other adhering to international gold standard ‘Passivhaus’ standards.

The pilot study found that after one year of occupancy, the passive house consumed approximately half the energy of the BAU house. In addition, indoor air quality relating to dust particles and CO₂ levels within the passive house was better, humidity was lower and noise levels were also significantly lower.

Having been assessed by global consultancy Arup, the findings from the study are now being embedded across Frasers Property development projects, including Bradmill.

While the townhomes at Bradmill are not designated passive homes, the passive house elements which delivered the most energy savings without being cost-prohibitive have been incorporated into the Yarraville homes.

“We essentially looked at which aspects of passive house design delivered the best bang-for-buck for customers, and the result is an all-electric community where solar panels, double glazing, better airtightness and top-of-the-range insulation are standard,” said Kate Nason, Sustainability Manager, Development for Frasers Property.

Solar batteries, EV chargers and balanced air filtration systems are upgrade options. The balanced filtration system inclusion as a standalone customer upgrade package is a first for a volume builder.

The filtration system removes dust, pollen and pollution from the air outside before it enters the home and filters allergens within the home. It also allows air in the home to be ‘turned over’ regularly without the need to open windows and lose the home’s heat or coolness.

“Providing customers with energy bill savings was the main priority, but the improved quality of living is another benefit that becomes very obvious the moment you step into the townhomes,” Nason said. “They’re extremely quiet and maintain a pleasant and liveable temperature with much reduced reliance on heating and cooling systems.”

Bradmill, located on the site of the former textiles factory of the same name, welcomed its first residents late last year when the Stage 1 Pioneer townhomes were completed. The next stage of Montfort townhomes is well underway and on track for completion later in 2026.

As well as the sustainability measures included in the built form at Bradmill, the site’s proximity to green spaces, commuter bike paths and public transport adds to the community’s eco credentials.

On completion, the 26 ha Bradmill site will comprise approximately 680 townhomes and 760 apartments across five or more buildings accommodating approximately 3500 residents.

Image: Supplied