In this episode, I continue my coverage of the THRIVE 25 Conference with a series of interviews from the trade show floor. I spoke with leading suppliers whose products and innovations are helping shape the future of Passive House construction in Australasia. From high-performance windows to advanced ventilation systems, each guest shares their unique contribution to better building.

https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/

1. Scott Hogan – DEHUM

Scott discusses DEHUM’s advanced humidity control systems and their role in maintaining optimal indoor environments for Passive House projects.

https://dehum.com.au

2. Mark Ristevski – XTour3D

Mark introduces XTour3D’s cutting-edge 3D scanning solutions for construction, bringing ‘digital twin’ technology to the residential market.

https://xtour.com.au/

3. Mike Ward – Australian Glass Group

Mike shares insights into high-performance glazing solutions and the importance of energy-efficient glass in Passive House design.

https://agg.com.au/

4. Mark Heyman – Rotho Blaas

Mark highlights Rotho Blaas’ construction systems, including airtightness and waterproofing.

https://www.rothoblaas.com/

5. Ashley Griffs – BINQ Windows

Ashley showcases BINQ’s locally manufactured timber, alu-clad, and uPVC windows that meet Passive House standards for thermal performance and security.

https://www.binq.com.au/

6. Adam Socha – Kinzel Industries & Aluplast

Adam talks about Kinzel’s partnership with Aluplast, delivering innovative uPVC window systems with exceptional energy efficiency and design flexibility.

https://www.aluplast.net/eng-int/company/

7. James Hazelwood – Hygge Windows

James presents Hygge Windows’ approach to combining aesthetics and performance in window design, tailored for sustainable living.

https://hyggewindows.com.au/

8. Harley Truong – Logikhaus

Harley explains Logikhaus’ commitment to Passive House certified windows and doors, and their role in delivering high-performance building envelopes. Plus a summary of Harley’s conference presentation, proposing how we might report and communicate better about Passive House benefits.

https://www.logikhaus.com.au/

Once again, a big thank you to Andy Marlow and Taline Edwards at Envirotecture for making this possible.

https://www.envirotecture.com.au/

I chatted with the wide range of exhibitors at the 2025 Australian Passivhaus Conference, THRIVE 25 in Melbourne. This year saw a growing contingent of panel suppliers along with a variety of window manufacturers, membrane suppliers and more.

Special thanks to Environtecture and the Australian Passivhaus Association for supporting the Passive House Accelerator to be there and bring you these highlights.

Featured Guests and Exhibitors

Peter Sullivan, Smart SIPs

Peter introduces us to his structural insulated panel system designed to simplify construction while delivering high performance for Passive House and other energy-efficient builds.

Annettee Braagaard, Nordic Blinds

Annettee shares how intelligent Danish blind systems support shading and comfort in Passive House projects across Australia.

Ben Mitchell, SIP Solid and Solcraft

Ben explains how their Solcraft panels can help deliver stronger, warmer homes in the Australian market.

Rohan Madathanapalli, Bondor Metecno

As Principal Sponsor of THRIVE 25, Rohan outlines Bondor’s role in advanced panel technology and how one product can serve multiple functions, speeding up products and helping to reduce overall cost.

Klaus Herrmann, Alpine Passive House

Klaus highlights the benefits of Australian-made prefabricated panels design with European experience.

Thomas Paarhammer, Paarhammer Windows & Doors

Thomas shares insights from over 30 years of crafting high-quality windows and doors tailored for Australian conditions and Passive House requirements.

Villy Yordanov – Technical Manager, Pro Clima Australia

Villy explains some of the new products available from long-time Passive House support, pro clima.

Rachael Sparnon-Freeman, Pacific Ventilation

Rachael discusses mechanical ventilation solutions, indoor air quality, and how Pacific Ventilation can support both commercial and residential projects.

Joel Seagren, Fantech

Joel speaks about fan technologies and their application in Passive House ventilation systems and energy recovery solutions.

Michael Drage, Reimagined Habitat, Net Zero Plus, Efficient Habitat

Michael talks about communicating passive house in the language of clients, drawing on his experience from the financial sector.

https://homestylegreen.com/build-aotearoa-december-2024/

The government has released New Zealand's second emission reduction plan and it does mention building and construction.

Elrond Burrell shared his thoughts.

View the ERP2 at https://environment.govt.nz/publications/second-emissions-reduction-plan-at-a-glance/

Follow Elrond on LinkedIn and read his review of ERP at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/erp2-building-construction-what-impact-have-elrond-burrell-6ztjc/

I'm now on Bluesky @kakarikicastle.bsky.social

Wao Summit 2024 is happening next week, 29th October - 2nd November.

Speakers include John Bell, Monique Kelly, Dr Jim Salinger, Alec Tang, Jane Lloyd, Dr Greg Bodeker, Sam Gibson, Paul Spoonley and more!

Tickets and information https://www.wao.co.nz/summit2024

Smart Living Spaces Courses

https://mailchi.mp/d8da871e6018/freecourse

https://www.smartlivingspaces.nz/healthy-homes-for-home-owners-1

Airtightness and Energy Efficiency

https://mailchi.mp/55993a8ce34e/guideline-august_2024-328287#mctoc2

Overheating and Carbon

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/middayreport/audio/2018957722/green-building-council-supports

Building Consents

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nathanspeir_acts-cameron-luxton-wants-builders-to-be-activity-7246579587780861954-wGPc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Oil and Gas - Evidence

https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/09/30/anne-salmond-are-they-listening/

Multiproof

MultiProof resources | Building Performance

Minor variations guidance | Building Performance

Wao

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wao-nz_with-just-over-four-weeks-until-wao-summit-activity-7246334252701663232-tLOB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

For more information see https://passivehouse.nz/events/passive-house-conference-2024/passive-house-conference-2024-trade-suppliers/

I caught up with Glenn Harley and Joseph Lyth to discuss the recent Passive House conference in Wellington and recent events related to building in Aotearoa.

Resilienz is an independent consultancy that engages with scientific and technical thinking on climate change, translates that into formats to suit real-world applications, and offers a range of specialist services, from strategic planning and professional development to research and advocacy.

I caught up with founder, Lindsay Wood to find out why he does what he does.

Notes from the Registered Master Builders' Association, Constructive 2024