In 2019, Studio Trudeau was commissioned to design a new dwelling for a young family on the outskirts of Armidale, on an environmentally sensitive site that is also a koala habitat. The design – four major and four minor pavilions, interconnected around a central courtyard – is a considered response to the hot, dry summers and freezing cold winters. Built to Passive House standards, the floors, walls and roofs are all of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, allowing a quick build and tight seals. Heavy external insulation, fire-resistant cladding (hardwood timber and FC sheet), triple-glazing throughout, a carefully-designed heat recovery and ventilation (HRV) system and extensive solar panel system ensures that the house will have:

• a constant supply of fresh air (filtered of dust and particles);
• a comfortable temperature at all times, with no cold spots or drafts;
• a quiet internal environment; and
• a minimal energy bill!

And if the weather is pleasant, all the doors and windows can be opened. Key windows frame wide views of the landscape, while the inner courtyard allows abundant daylight to enter all areas, while retaining a sense of intimacy and warmth. The project has received DA approval.