The number of certified Passivhaus energy-efficient developments across Australia has quadrupled in less than four years, surging from 48 projects at the end of 2022 to 201 as of October.
To showcase the rapid growth, more than 40 certified Passivhaus buildings will open to the public free of charge from 13 to 15 November as part of the International Passivhaus Open Days 2026.
Organised by the Australian Passivhaus Association (APA), the event will feature over 95 guided tours across all Australian states and the ACT.
The open day portfolio spans residential homes, schools, offices, and major commercial facilities, including Victoria’s Glenroy Community Hub, New South Wales’ Eclipse Factory, and Queensland’s Bob Marshman Building.
For the first time at the event, visitors will also tour construction sites to inspect specialised insulation, airtightness details, and mechanical ventilation systems before they are sealed behind plasterboard.
Australian Passivhaus Association CEO Stalin Chakrabarty said the rapid uptake reflects a fundamental shift in buyer expectations toward health, indoor air quality, and climate performance.
“For too long the conversation about Australian housing has been about how many homes we build, not how well they perform,” Chakrabarty said.
“Healthier, more comfortable and energy-efficient buildings shouldn’t be a luxury. They should be the standard for every Australian.”
Passivhaus designs rely on strict performance metrics to maintain stable internal temperatures and filter out ambient moisture and mould, significantly lowering heating and cooling expenses.
Passivhaus certified buildings consume up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy compared to conventional buildings.
“You can read about energy efficiency and compare ratings, but there is nothing like standing in a finished Passivhaus home on a hot afternoon and realising how comfortable it is without the air conditioning running.
“Finished buildings show you the result. Construction sites show you how it’s done,” Chakrabarty said.