Client Spotlight | Truewood Constructions
We had a chat with our client Paul Jenkins from Truewood Constructions about his achievements and insights with Passivhaus’s.
What inspired you to specialise in constructing Passivhaus?
I have worked with sustainable housing since starting in the industry as I believed in sustainability and contributing to environmental preservation. From very early on, I could see that rules and regulations would evolve to support high-performance housing practices that benefit the environment.
What certifications or training have you completed to become a certified Passivhaus builder?
The Australian Passivhaus Association offers three comprehensive courses: Certified Passivhaus Designer, Passivhaus Certifiers, and Certified Tradesperson. These courses, which span 4-5 weeks each, provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for designing and constructing Passivhaus.
What is something that most people don’t know about Passivhaus?
Many people are unaware that Passivhaus are primarily concerned with managing the internal environment rather than the external climate. This focus on internal environment control means that Passivhaus provide consistent comfort and air quality regardless of outside weather conditions, making them highly resilient and comfortable homes.
What is the technical difference between a Passivhaus and a High-Performance House?
A Passivhaus requires an air pressure test to achieve certification, ensuring an exceptionally airtight building envelope that minimises energy loss. In contrast, a High-Performance House, while also focusing on energy efficiency and high standards of construction, does not necessitate such stringent air sealing. Hi Performance Houses incorporate many principles of Passivhaus design, such as high levels of insulation, energy-efficient windows, and ventilation systems, but they might not achieve the same level of airtightness and may be more adaptable to a wider range of budgets and design preferences.
What criteria do you have to ensure your design covers? For example, solar, specific ventilation, and water efficiency?
Our primary focus is on sealing the building envelope to maintain controlled indoor temperatures. This involves using special membranes to achieve airtightness and incorporating a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system to ensure fresh air supply and optimal indoor air quality. Additionally, we consider solar orientation to maximise passive solar gain, utilise energy-efficient windows and insulation materials, and implement water-saving technologies to enhance overall sustainability.
Tell us about a challenging project you’ve worked on and how you overcame specific Passivhaus requirements.
One particularly challenging project was in Elfington, inner-city Melbourne. We constructed a brand-new timber frame house built upon existing blockwork. We used a new material, a fibrous sheet, 50mm thick, applied to the stud wall under the cladding. This product managed moisture allowing it to escape while preventing drafts and improved insulation and thermal performance.
What benefits do your clients experience in terms of health, comfort, and energy savings with a Passivhaus?
Balancing energy efficiency and comfort involves controlling indoor temperatures to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Clients in Passivhaus benefit from superior indoor air quality due to the continuous ventilation provided by the HRV system, which reduces allergens and pollutants. The airtight construction and high insulation levels result in stable indoor temperatures, ensuring comfort year-round. Additionally, the energy-efficient design significantly lowers energy bills, making Passivhaus cost-effective in the long run.
What excites you most about the future of energy-efficient construction in Australia?
The future of energy-efficient construction in Australia is promising, with the potential to create beautiful, comfortable, and sustainable homes. Advances in materials and technologies, such as high-quality double-glazed windows and optimised passive solar design, allow for better energy performance and indoor comfort. Additionally, the growing awareness and adoption of Passivhaus principles in Australia pave the way for more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient housing solutions, contributing to a sustainable future for the building industry.
Our conversation with Paul Jenkins from Truewood Constructions highlights the significant benefits and future potential of Passivhaus construction in Australia. With a strong foundation in sustainability and environmental preservation, Paul has utilised his training to deliver homes that offer higher indoor air quality, consistent comfort, and remarkable energy efficiency.
The solutions implemented underscore the practicality and adaptability of Passivhaus principles. As advancements in materials and technologies continue, and as more people recognise the value of energy-efficient homes, the future of sustainable construction in Australia looks incredibly promising.
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