Designing a home is a complex journey involving design decisions, council approvals, specialist consultants and construction oversight.
At Sunpath Architects, we guide clients through every stage of that process:Ā from the first conversation and concept sketches through to construction completion and Passive House certification.
With nearly twenty years of architectural experience and a specialist focus on Passive House design and engineered timber construction, we create homes that are comfortable, durable and thoughtfully designed around how you want to live.
Whether you are planning a new home in inner Melbourne, a rural tree-change or sea-change residence, or a long-term retirement home designed for comfort and energy efficiency, our structured eight-stage process provides clarity and confidence from start to finish.
Some suitable projects may also begin with our High-Performance Home Collection, a more accessible pathway for adapting developed Sunpath designs to suburban, regional and dual-occupancy sites.
Experience You Can Rely On
āĀ 20 years professional architectural experience
āĀ Certified Passive House Designer (qualified and delivering PH projects in Victoria since 2012)
āĀ Registered Architect in Victoria (ARBV)
āĀ Registered Building Practitioner (BPC/VBA)
āĀ Specialist expertise in engineered timber construction (CLT and glulam)
āĀ Multiple certified Passive House Plus projects delivered
For clients seeking a more accessible pathway, we also offer adaptable Passive House and high-performance home designs through our High-Performance Home Collection.
Read more about our Practice, our full Architectural Services, or explore our High-Performance Home Collection.
Our Values
It is always a privilege to be entrusted with the design of someoneās home, often at a significant moment of change in their lives.
We value the opportunity to work closely with our clients, to understand their stories, priorities and aspirations.
We are also mindful of the trust placed in us to guide significant investment: balancing budget, ambition and long-term value with care and clarity.
The people and their projects shown here reflect that shared journey, and we are continually grateful for what we learn through each collaboration.
It is deeply rewarding to see these homes lived in; to watch clients move through spaces we have imagined together, and to know that the places created will support daily life, family moments and long-term memories.
There is a quiet joy in shaping spaces that become meaningful over time, places people grow up in, return to, settle into, and make their own.Ā Ā Read more about Our Philosophy.
High-Performance Residential Architecture
Sunpath Architects specialises in homes where architectural design, building performance and construction strategy are considered together from the outset.
Our work integrates Passive House design principles, PHPP energy modelling where appropriate, airtight low-energy building envelopes, heat-recovery ventilation, solar design, and carefully selected construction systems such as SIPs, CLT, glulam and prefabricated timber elements.
This approach allows each home to be designed as a complete system: form, structure, glazing, insulation, airtightness, ventilation, shading and renewable energy all working together to improve comfort, durability and long-term energy performance.
For projects pursuing formal certification, we coordinate the design and documentation process with the requirements of the independent Passive House certifier. For other projects, we can apply Passive House-informed principles to achieve a practical balance of comfort, healthy indoor air, low energy demand, construction cost and project scope.
Who We Typically Work With
Our clients are typically homeowners planning a significant long-term project rather than a short-term speculative build.
They may be preparing for a new family home, a substantial renovation or extension, a tree-change or sea-change residence, a future-ready downsizer home, or a rural property designed for comfort, resilience and low running costs.
We also work with clients exploring dual-occupancy, subdivision or townhouse projects where the aim is to make better use of a site, create long-term value, or design a more refined home for themselves while adding an additional dwelling for sale, rental or family use.
We often work with clients who value:
- healthy indoor air and stable year-round comfort;
- lower heating and cooling demand;
- careful use of space rather than unnecessary floor area;
- durable, low-maintenance construction;
- timber, prefabrication or lower-carbon construction methods;
- solar, battery or off-grid readiness;
- ageing-in-place and long-term liveability;
- independent architectural guidance through design, documentation and construction.
Many clients contact us early in the process, sometimes before purchasing land, to understand site potential, planning constraints, construction feasibility and the right performance pathway.
An early conversation is often the best way to determine whether your project is suited to a full bespoke architectural service, an adaptable high-performance design pathway, or a more focused feasibility study.Ā
To discuss whether your project is suited to a full bespoke architectural service, an adaptable high-performance design pathway or an initial feasibility study, start a project conversation with Sunpath Architects.
Our Architectural Design Process
We follow a structured eight-stage process that ensures clarity, accountability and quality from the first conversation through to handover and certification.
Each stage builds on the previous one, and you are involved throughout.
The following explains what happens at each stage, what you receive, and why it matters.
01
Brief & Site Analysis
Understanding your goals, budget, site and constraints.
02
Concept Design
Early design ideas shaped by site, climate and orientation
03
Design Development, PHPP
Refining layout, materials and performance strategies
04
Planning & Approvals
Managing planning permits and regulatory requirements
05
Construction Documentation
Detailed drawings, specifications and Building Permit Approvals
06
Procurement & Tendering
Selecting, Pricing and Appointment of Contractor
07
Contract Administration
Independent Administration ofĀ Building Contracts and Payments
08
Completion, Handover & Passive House Certification
Defects & Contract Finalisations; Independent PH Certification
01 Brief & Site Analysis
Every project begins with understanding your site, your brief and your ambitions. We visit the site, to explore topography views, vegetation, watercourses, drainage; we review planning overlays and constraints; research climate, wind and solar directions
02 Concept Design
At this stage we are testing ideas: how the building might sit on the land, how rooms relate to each other, where natural light and views can be captured, and how the home responds to orientation, neighbours and landscape.
For Passive House projects, early consideration of solar access, shading and building form is critical ā it is much easier to optimise performance at concept stage than to retrofit it later.
What you receive: Preliminary concept plans, elevations and site analysis. An initial discussion of budget, programme and project feasibility.
03 Design Development and Passive House Planning
Once the concept direction is confirmed, we develop the design in detail. This stage involves three-dimensional modelling, material selection, and the integration of engineering, interiors, geotechnical, quantity surveying, energy and surveying consultants.
For certified Passive House projects, this is where we undertake detailed energy modelling using PHPP (Passive House Planning Package). PHPP modelling allows us to optimise insulation levels, glazing ratios, orientation, shading and ventilation rates before construction begins ā ensuring the design will meet certification thresholds.
We work through the design iteratively with you, refining plans, sections and elevations based on your feedback, consultant input and performance modelling.
What you receive: Developed plans, sections and elevations. 3D model visualisations. PHPP energy analysis (for Passive House projects). Coordinated consultant reports. Updated budget estimate.
04 Planning Permits and Regulatory Compliance
With the design resolved, we prepare the formal documentation required for planning approval. This includes finalised drawings, shadow diagrams, site context analysis and all supporting reports required by your local council.
We manage the planning application process on your behalf, respond to council queries or requests for further information, and liaise with planning officers as needed. If your site has heritage overlays, vegetation controls, or other specific planning requirements, we address these in the application.
For projects in bushfire-prone areas, we coordinate Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments and ensure the design meets the relevant construction standards.
What you receive: Planning permit application drawings and documentation. All required consultant reports and assessments. Council liaison and application management.
05Ā Construction Documentation
This is the most technically intensive stage. We prepare detailed construction drawings and written specifications that define every aspect of your project ā dimensions, materials, connections, finishes, fixtures and performance requirements.
These documents form the basis of your building contract and building permit application. They describe the scope and quality of the work precisely, so that builders can price accurately and construct to the standard we have designed.
For Passive House projects, construction documentation includes detailed airtightness strategies, thermal bridge-free junction details, HRV ductwork layouts, and specifications for triple-glazed windows and insulation systems. For engineered timber projects, this stage coordinates CLT panel layouts, glulam beam schedules and prefabrication drawings with the timber supplier.
What you receive: Fully dimensioned construction drawings. Written specifications of materials, finishes and inclusions. Coordination drawings for engineering, services and specialist systems. Building permit documentation.
06 Procurement and Contractor Selection
With complete documentation in hand, we manage the process of selecting a registered and insured building contractor. This typically involves a tender process where we issue construction documents to selected builders, receive and assess pricing submissions, and advise you on the most suitable appointment.
We assist with contract negotiations, ensuring that the scope, programme, pricing and quality expectations are clearly defined before construction begins. We also coordinate the building permit application and any other permits required.
For Passive House and engineered timber projects, we specifically assess each contractorās experience and capability with airtight construction, prefabricated systems and performance-critical detailing. Not every builder is equipped for this work, and selecting the right contractor is essential to achieving the performance we have designed.
What you receive: Tender documentation and builder shortlist. Tender assessment and recommendation. Contract negotiation support. Building permit coordination.
07 Contract AdministrationĀ
During construction, we act as your independent agent, administering the building contract on your behalf. This is one of the most important roles an architect plays,Ā and one that is often undervalued until something goes wrong.
We organise and attend regular site meetings with you and the contractor, and issue formal meeting minutes and instructions. We review the work on site against the construction documents, assess any variations to time, scope or cost, and certify progress payments and retention amounts in accordance with the contract.
For Passive House projects, site inspections include monitoring the integrity of the airtight layer, insulation continuity and thermal bridge-free detailing at critical construction stages. These are the moments where performance is built or lost, and experienced oversight makes a significant difference to the finished result.
What you receive: Regular site inspections and meeting attendance. Formal meeting minutes and site instructions. Variation assessment and cost management. Progress payment certification. Independent quality oversight throughout construction.
08 Completion and Passive House Certification
As construction nears completion, we prepare and manage the defects inspection process ā identifying items that need to be rectified or completed before handover. We certify when the works and any retention periods are complete and funds can be released to the contractor.
For certified Passive House projects, this stage includes coordination of the final blower door airtightness test and submission of all required documentation and performance data to the independent Passive House certifier. Achieving certification confirms that your home performs as designed and meets the internationally recognised Passive House standard.
Handover includes a thorough briefing on how your home operates, particularly the ventilation system, heating, solar PV and battery systems. A well-designed Passive House is simple to live in, but understanding how the systems work together ensures you get the full benefit from day one.
What you receive: Defects list preparation and management. Practical completion certification. Blower door airtightness testing coordination. Passive House certification submission and approval (where pursued). Operational briefing and handover.Ā See examples of completed projects.
What Sets Our Process Apart
Several aspects of our process distinguish it from a conventional architectural practice:
Passive House integration from the outset.
PHPP energy modelling begins at design development, not as an afterthought. Performance is designed in, not bolted on.
Engineered timber coordination.
For CLT, glulam and SIPs projects, we coordinate structural design, prefabrication and envelope performance as a single integrated process as described here.
Independent contract administration.
We administer the building contract as your agent, protecting your interests, managing quality and certifying payments independently of the builder.Ā Note that a building design practice cannot offer this service.Ā
Certification to completion.
We see projects through to Passive House certification and handover, not just to the end of construction documentation.
Lived experience.
We believe in this so genuinely that our own home is designed to meet Passive House Plus, built from prefabricated Glu-lam Posts & Beam Construction.Ā
We understand the practical realities of living in a high-performance home, and this informs every design decision we make for our clients.Ā See examples of our projects.
A More Efficient Pathway for Suitable Projects
Making Passive Houses Available to More Clients
Not every high-performance home needs to begin with a completely bespoke design process.
For some clients, particularly those with a clear brief, a standard suburban or regional site, and a budget that needs to be carefully managed, Sunpathās High-Performance Home Collection may provide a more efficient starting point.
This pathway draws on completed Sunpath projects and developed design systems to test whether an existing design approach can be adapted to your site, brief, budget and preferred construction method. Where suitable, this may reduce the amount of early design exploration required and allow the project to move more quickly toward design development, approvals, builder pricing and a costed construction pathway.
The first step is usually a Design Selection & Site-Fit Study. This is a defined early-stage service that assesses whether an adaptable design can work for your property before you commit to a larger architectural commission.
Affordable Passive House & Low-Energy Home Designs
This pathway may suit clients considering:
- a compact suburban family home;
- a rural or regional low-energy home;
- a future-ready downsizer home;
- a dual-occupancy or subdivision project;
- a townhouse or small multi-residential development.
It is not a catalogue plan service. Each project still requires site-specific assessment, adaptation, documentation and consultant input. The difference is that, where a developed design fits well, professional effort can be focused on the site-specific decisions that matter most.
Explore Adaptable Designs
View the High-Performance Home Collection
Discuss Your Site
Find out if this pathway suits your project
Project Costs and Fees
Indicative Construction Costs
Construction costs vary significantly according to site conditions, building size, planning requirements, level of finish, structural system, procurement method, builder availability and the selected performance target.
Recent custom architectural homes involving high-performance building envelopes, prefabricated or engineered timber construction, specialist glazing, airtightness detailing and Passive House certification requirements may involve construction costs in the order of $5,000ā$7,500 per square metre + GST.
This is not a fixed rule for every low-energy home. Simpler, more compact Passive House or Passive House-informed homes may be achievable at a lower cost where the design uses an efficient form, rational structure, disciplined specification and a clear focus on the building envelope.
For clients with a carefully managed budget, we may also discuss whether our adaptable High-Performance Home Collection or a reduced-scope performance pathway is more appropriate than a fully bespoke certified Passive House project.
The purpose of early feasibility work is to test the relationship between your brief, site, budget, performance goals and likely construction pathway before larger design and documentation fees are incurred.
How Our Fees Work
We provide full architectural services across all eight stages, with fees calculated as a percentage of the construction cost. This is the standard fee model used across the Australian architectural profession and offers several advantages:
Proportional:
Fees scale with the scope and complexity of the project, so you are never overpaying for a simple project or underpaying for a complex one.
Flexible:
As the project evolves and costs are refined through each stage, fees adjust accordingly. This avoids the need to renegotiate fixed fees whenever the scope changes.
Transparent: Monthly invoicing is aligned with each design stage, so you always know where you are financially. There are no hidden costs or unexpected lump sums.
We discuss fees openly at the outset and provide a clear estimate before any work begins. If you would like an indicative fee estimate for your project, we are happy to provide one during an initial consultation.
Where We Work
We design from our studio in Albert Park, Melbourne and take on projects exclusively within Victoria. Our work spans inner Melbourne and the Bayside suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley, Surf Coast and Geelong, Gippsland, and the High Country.
Focusing on Victoria allows us to maintain close involvement throughout construction,Ā particularly during the critical stages of airtight detailing, envelope completion and certification testing. Every project benefits from regular site presence, and we do not delegate site inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the architectural process take?
The timeframe depends on the site, project complexity, planning requirements, consultant input, client decision-making and builder availability.
A straightforward project with a clear brief, no planning permit requirement and timely decisions can move more quickly through design and documentation. Projects requiring town planning approval, specialist reports, significant design development or detailed Passive House certification work will usually take longer.
As a broad guide, the pre-construction process may range from several months for a relatively straightforward project to 6ā12 months or more for complex sites, planning applications or highly detailed custom homes.
During the early stages, we identify the likely approval pathway and programme so you understand what is realistic for your project.
How long will the construction process take?
Construction duration varies with project size and methodology:Ā prefabricated and/or engineered timber projects can be significantly faster on site than conventional construction.
Do I need to pursue Passive House certification?
No. Certification is optional and depends on your priorities, budget and selected service pathway. However we typically design all our projects to meet Passive House performance levels, because we believe this produces the best outcome in terms of comfort, energy efficiency and durability. Certification adds formal verification and an internationally recognised quality mark.
For clients pursuing full Certified Passive House, Passive House Plus or EnerPHit, the project requires detailed PHPP modelling, independent certification, construction evidence and airtightness testing.
Other clients may choose a Passive House-informed low-energy pathway, using many of the same principles such as: efficient form, good orientation, improved insulation, airtightness detailing, heat-recovery ventilation and testing where agreed, without pursuing formal certification.
The appropriate performance target is discussed early so the design, consultant scope and budget are aligned from the outset.
Can I engage you for only some of the stages?
We offer full architectural services across all eight stages and strongly recommend engaging us through to completion. Clients who engage an architect only for design and documentation often find that construction quality and cost control suffer without independent contract administration. That said, we are happy to discuss your specific circumstances.
What size projects do you take on?
We design custom residential projects of all sizes: from considered additions and renovations through to large new homes and rural properties. The common thread is a commitment to quality, performance and thoughtful design.
For suitable sites and briefs, we also offer adaptable Passive House and low-energy designs through our High-Performance Home Collection
How much does it cost to engage an architect?
Our fees are calculated as a percentage of construction cost and are discussed openly before any work begins. For a personalised estimate based on your project scope and site, we invite you to arrange an initial consultation.
What is the difference between an architect and a building designer?
Architects are university-qualified, registered professionals with specific legal responsibilities around public safety, professional indemnity insurance and ongoing professional development. In Victoria, the title āarchitectā is protected by law under the Architects Act.Ā
A registered architect brings design training, technical knowledge, contract administration capability and independent oversight that protects your interests throughout the project.Ā Ā Only architects can administer building contracts and certify payment stages.Ā Ā
Architects undergo extensive training in Design and Aesthetics so your building will be more beautiful, more comfortable and will be a better long-term investment.Ā Ā
Whether you are considering a tree-change in regional Victoria, a refined coastal residence, or a certified Passive House in Melbourne, an early conversation allows us to explore feasibility, site potential and performance ambitions together.
begin the conversation
tell us about your project
or view our projects
passive house inspiration
Featured Projects
Leongatha Winery Passive House Off-Grid
Cross Laminated Timber Farmhouse
Camberwell Passive House Plus Certified
Future Proofed Retirement Living
McKinnon Passive House Plus
Certified PH+ in Prefab SIPs Panels
Albert Park – New Passive House PlusĀ
Prefab Glulam Timber Frame with Structural Insulated Panels
Kyneton – Certified Passive House PlusĀ
Off-Grid Tree Change Retirement Residence
Geelong West – Heritage House
Enerphit Passive House Extension and Renovations
A certified Passive House or engineered timber home is a considered investment in comfort, health and long-term resilience.
We welcome early conversations with clients from across Melbourne and Victoria who value clarity, craft and performance.
Initial consultations by appointment in our Albert Park studio or via video call.
Arrange a Consultation
tell us about your project
or see our designs
certified passive homes