Take a walkthrough of this beautiful Passive House Plus in Kyneton, Victoria — a contemporary rural home designed by Niall O Healaithe of Sunpath Architects, Melbourne.

This all-electric, sustainable home was designed for Deb and Gavin, who made a tree-change from Melbourne to this rural property. Their vision: to live simply and sustainably — restoring the land through native planting, permaculture, and thoughtful environmental choices.

The home supports this lifestyle with exceptional energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s bushfire-resistant, durable, low-maintenance, and designed to be comfortable for decades to come, with accessibility and ageing in place front of mind.

🏡 Project Highlights
Certified Passive House Plus

All-electric with 14kW of rooftop solar PV and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connection

Highly insulated, airtight timber-framed construction

Triple-glazed alu-clad windows, heat recovery ventilation, and reverse cycle heating/cooling

Rainwater harvesting, septic system, and off-grid capability

Low embodied energy, low-VOC materials, reclaimed timber and fittings

Bushfire-resistant, climate-resilient and low maintenance

🌿 Design Features
Entry via a reclaimed timber pergola and ramp, designed for level access

Three sheltered porches for practical rural living: boots, dogs, coats, and guests

Exposed timber trusses create dramatic ceilings and gently define kitchen, dining, and living zones

Open-plan layout centres on a large, functional kitchen — perfect for home-cooked meals with family and friends

Seamless flow to both a north-facing deck (via lift-and-slide doors) and a sheltered southern garden

Pergola vines, distant hill views, and a majestic manna gum tree frame outdoor living

A private guest wing, open laundry, and generous mudroom offer everyday practicality

A quiet study/library space provides an ideal home office

Thoughtful touches like a reading porch, flat-pack walk-in robe, accessible ensuite, and outlooks from every bathroom window

Integrated services cloakroom housing the heat recovery ventilation system and hot water heat pump

This home isn’t just a house — it’s a future-focused sanctuary grounded in sustainable values and rural comfort.

👷‍♂️ Designed by:
Niall O Healaithe, Architect and Certified Passive House Designer
Sunpath Architects, Melbourne
Website: https://www.sunpath.com.au

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