Sanctuary Magazine Issue 73:

This Perth residence combines prefab efficiency with flexible dual occupancy, all on a budget.

In this episode of That Backyard Property Pod, we dive deep into the intricacies of home construction with award-winning architect Ben Caine, founder of Leanhaus Architecture. Ben shares his thoughts on the current construction industry, key pain points like cost, time, and quality, and his approach to better building standards through the concept of passive houses. He talks about the importance of adaptability in home design, discusses the pitfalls of the traditional architectural process, and emphasizes the significant shifts required in architectural education. Ben also provides personal insights from his diverse career journey and sheds light on the crucial role of family and personal satisfaction in his professional life.

This Perth family threw out their original oversized volume builder plans and opted instead for a compact, healthy, sun-filled home with a big garden.

SANCTUARY ISSUE 70 March 2025

Podcaster Stephanie Skyring talks to Passive House designer Ben Caine, the director of the award-winning practice Leanhaus Architecture in Perth. Ben’s architectural mission is to deliver well-thought-out, mindful, architectural homes to the passive house standard, at less cost than a typical architecturally designed home. Ben explains the Passive House design specifics for Warm Temperate, plus he shares ideas on cost savings and heaps of other information and insights from his years of experience to help you better understand Passive House.

This cutting-edge residence redefines modern living through unparalleled energy efficiency and superior craftsmanship.

The Property Tribune. By Ben Caine 15 December 2023

A series of affordable housing thoughts and ideas by Perth’s leading architects continues with this piece by Leanhaus architect and director, Ben Caine.

Forbes.com
Nov 9,2023

Christine Ro Contributor

Leanhaus Architect Ben Caine offers Forbes Magazine his strategies on staying cool in a Passive House as temperatures rise.

Habitus LIving: Design Hunters
by Aleesha Callahan 4 August, 2023

Founder of WA-based studio Leanhaus, architect Ben Caine took a roundabout way into finding his niche as an expert in Passivhaus – an approach to building that he says “scientifically nothing else compares to”.

Opinion: Ben Caine writes for The Fifth Estate, March 8 2023

Some owners of new architect designed houses consider selling up to start again because they are so disappointed in the thermal performance and efficiency. “How can this situation arise, when there is so much building science knowledge available in the industry today?” Architect and sustainable housing specialist Ben Caine cautions homeowners about pitfalls to consider when they commission an architect or designer to deliver their new home or renovation.

Leanhaus Architect Ben Caine offers his insights for Domain.com.au

“There is a growing sense that a life lived sustainably is a sophisticated one,” says architect Ben Caine from Leanhaus. “It’s in bad taste now to be seen inefficiently using the Earth’s resources. A carefully curated quality home built using sustainable products that is effortlessly comfy and low-energy is the new luxury.”

By Elizabeth Clarke

July 8, 2022

You would be lucky to secure an entry level apartment in leafy Claremont for the cost of this stunning architect-designed home.

The West Australian

Friday, June 24, 2022

Raquel de Brito

Claremont Haus by Leanhaus has been shortlisted in the 2022 Houses Awards.

Sustainability Category.

Click to visit the Awards gallery

Leanhaus Architect Ben Caine profiled in Sanctuary Magazine.

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Ben Caine, an Architect and Passive House Designer based in Perth, Western Australia. As Matthew discovered in this interview, Ben has a passion and knack for making good design look simple.

Simple, prefabricated construction and careful design enabled a spacious-feeling and high-performing home on a seriously tiny Perth site – all on a budget.

Published: March 2022

Words: Rebecca Gross

Photography: Jody D’Arcy