This rural alpine house was completed in 2017.

The brief dictated a substantial and uncompromised family home that was to be entirely off-grid. The challenge to design such a large house in an extreme climate, with extensive glazing and a demanding list of appliances and equipment, without mains water, electricity, sewer or gas, was substantial.

The result is a mostly timber structure built to Passive House standards. The structure is air-tight and thoroughly insulated and an energy-recovery ventilation system ensures the controlled supply of fresh air year-round.

Windows are triple-glazed with thermally-broken aluminium frames.

Construction was flawlessly carried out by Rod & Monique from Baillie Building and their outstanding team of craftsmen.

Thermal modelling, energy recovery ventilation and Passive House design advice was provided by Harley Truong of H3 Space in Canberra.

Structural Engineering design: Paul Larkin of Grounded Engineering in Jindabyne.
Kitchen, bathroom vanities and joinery: Supplied by Rob Pointon of Trubuilt Joinery in Pambula.
Glazed windows and doors: Supplied by Viewco Glass.
Photography: Douglas Frost.