Sustainable homes are increasing in popularity and have become a main point of focus for builders and renovators. Buxton Passivhaus, lovingly built by two retirees, is no exception.

After splitting their time between their Melbourne apartment and country holiday home, this couple decided it was time to take the plunge and build a home which could see them through retirement. Being actively passionate about Passivhaus (Passive House) living and design, they sought architects and builders who could support their vision of long-term sustainability, viability, and maintenance.

In hearing the brief, Maxa Design specified CUTEK® Extreme CD50 as a sustainable brand and product which would provide powerful protection for the home’s timber cladding. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 is a powerful protection system which combats cupping, warping and splitting and greatly improves the dimensional stability of timber as each maintenance coat is applied. To further embrace the natural look and feel of the home, the oil was applied clear, which will allow the timber to naturally weather and silver over time.

With the help of the team at Maxa Design, Buxton Passivhaus was designed to accommodate the surrounding landscape which is prone to both flooding and fire. Features which address these environmental concerns and meet Passivhaus standards were included in the build. To combat the flooding risk, the floor slab was built on a bed of compacted fill; to address potential fire risks, an extra water tank which holds up to 10,000 litres of water was installed on the property, in addition to a roof sprinkler system. Further to the goal of achieving Passivhaus certification, the home was oriented to maximise solar access and cross ventilation during the summer and winter, allowing natural cooling and heating across the seasons.

At CUTEK®, sustainability is in our DNA. We are champions for the ecological use and long-term protection of timber and are committed to partnering with architects, builders and homeowners to deliver homes like Buxton Passivhaus that share our passion for sustainability.

Contact CUTEK® to discuss your personal project needs today.

• Architect: Maxa Design
• Builder: Inline Construction Group
• Photographer: Marnie Hawson
• Landscaping: Kim Pammer Garden Design