Beat the heat without relying on AC. See the passive cooling strategies we use at Leanhaus, from shading and insulation to natural ventilation and landscaping.
New research shows Passivhaus homes cut carbon emissions by 86% and energy bills by 30%, plus major health and comfort benefits.
Bricklayer shortages have pushed double brick costs sharply higher in Perth. See why timber framing now costs less and performs better for a new build.
Most stalled home builds fail before construction even starts, and usually for the same avoidable reasons. Here are 10 honest truths every prospective client needs to hear.
See how Passive House design principles were applied to a Steiner school in Nollamara, WA, balancing energy performance with organic, daylight-filled learning spaces.
New data shows energy-efficient homes with solar, double glazing and north-facing design sell for 14.5% more than comparable listings. Here's why the premium holds.
Three recent clients share what it was really like building a Passive House home with Leanhaus, from first brief to move-in day.
The destruction of entire upscale neighborhoods in Los Angeles highlights a critical truth: status-driven luxury becomes meaningless if a home can't endure the climate extremes we're facing more frequently.
I toured Venice, LA and Palm Springs, from William Krisel's Mid-Century Modern homes to US timber construction, comparing it all to Passive House standards back home.
A Perth Passive House owner shares real summer performance data: energy use, indoor temperatures, and the strategy used to stay cool with minimal air conditioning.
A real Perth Passive House delivered for under $500k in 7 months. See the design strategies that keep costs down without compromising performance.
Selecting a site to build a new Passive House standard in suburban Perth requires careful consideration of a range of factors, including walkability, site orientation and cost of the lot. By selecting a site that is highly walkable, well-oriented towards the sun, and reasonably priced, it is possible to create a highly energy-efficient building that is both sustainable and affordable.
Your choice of architect can play a huge role in the outcome of your home - here’s what you’re paying for with a Leanhaus.
Practical Passive House knowledge, tour completed homes, construction and design insights and more.
Passivhaus premiums have fallen to 4-8% and are still dropping. Here are 10 practical ways to design and build a Passivhaus without blowing your budget.
Lean construction principles cut waste, cost and build time on a new home. This is the thinking behind the Leanhaus name, and how it applies to residential design.
Unfortunately, the architectural homes you see published in magazines and awards programs are often a far cry from what’s practical, cost effective, energy efficient or even fit for purpose. Here are some of the most impractical design choices that can be found in these homes, and why you’ll never see them in a Leanhaus.
Perth's premium suburbs are trading McMansions for modest single-storey homes. See why smaller, single-level builds cost less and live better.
A Passive House needs just 6kW of cooling vs 12-15kW for a typical Perth home. See real sizing data and split vs ducted system pros and cons.
As you heard in our previous blog, we’ve recently moved into our very own Leanhaus and couldn’t be happer. But the result wouldn’t have been nearly as good without the help of some impressive products - here are a few of our favourites!
What does a Perth winter really feel like in a Passive House? Real comfort, health and lifestyle observations from a family's first winter at home.
Construction costs have increased again this year, and it seems Perth has been hit the hardest. But to help you get more long-term value, we’ll build your home with your health, sustainability and wallet in mind.
It’s becoming more and more common to add a self-contained unit onto a property, and for very good reason! From a new income source to added security, they offer many benefits to the homeowner. Here’s why you should consider one, and what you need to keep in mind if you’re ready to commit!
A sustainable home isn’t just about the architectural design, it’s also about everything that’s inside it. So, we’re now offering sustainable interior design as a stand-alone service. If you’re looking for a sustainable interior designer in Perth, get in touch!
Weighing up master bedroom placement in a two-storey home? Here's why a ground-floor master wins for ageing in place, resale value and summer comfort.
Real clients on choosing a sustainable Passive House architect: what it's like working with Leanhaus, from budget honesty to communication and advice.
Meet Ben Caine, Passive House architect and founder of Leanhaus in Perth. From his award-winning Toyota WA project to his philosophy on lean, sustainable design.
Before hiring a designer, learn the warning signs of poor home design, from useless spaces to weathertightness and missing passive design principles.
Here at Leanhaus, we get many requests about upgrading existing homes to a higher standard of performance. But is renovating really better than building new? Deciding which option is best for you is entirely dependent on your needs and circumstances, but there are a few things you can consider to make the decision a bit easer.
Working with an architect on your new home? Here's how trust, clear communication and sharing inspiration early can get you the best possible result.