Warrnambool’s first certified Passive House hits the market

Located at 68 Merrivale Drive, Warrnambool, in Victoria, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home will go to auction on 14 November, with a price guide between $1.25 million and $1.35 million.

Ray White Warrnambool sales executive Harry Ponting said the home sets a new benchmark in sustainable design and construction.

“The property has been designed and built with sustainability, durability, and efficiency in mind. It offers the best in modern quality and style - ensuring lasting comfort and verified performance,” Mr Ponting said.

Owner-builder Dylan Mahony said his journey began several years ago when he first discovered the Passive House standard.

“It’s one of those things where once you know, you can’t unknow,” Mr Mahony said.

“I couldn’t understand why we were continuing to build houses the way we are, especially when there’s a proven standard with real-world results.”

Working alongside James Lane from Lane Architects in Warrnambool, Mahony turned that knowledge into action.

The pair designed a home that blends performance, comfort, and modern coastal living - a vision that Mr Mahony and his family have enjoyed firs-thand during the past 12 months of living there.

The home has been officially certified by the Passive House Institute as a Passive House Classic, meeting five key performance criteria: airtight construction, high-performance windows and doors, mechanical ventilation, continuous insulation, and thermal bridge-free design.

“Certification required not only meeting these criteria but also onsite verification,” Mr Mahony said.

“The result is a home that maintains exceptional comfort and air quality year-round.”

Standout features include mechanical ventilation for clean indoor air, plywood walls and ceilings, cork flooring, and low-maintenance Colorbond cladding.

The home’s all-electric design includes provisions for solar panels, home battery storage, and electric vehicle charging, further reducing environmental impact and ongoing running costs.

Beyond efficiency, the design celebrates Warrnambool’s unique coastal lifestyle.

The home’s orientation captures warming winter sun while shielding against harsh southern and south-westerly winds, creating an outdoor space that’s usable year-round.

“The ambiance of the plywood walls and ceiling in the evenings is really special,” Mr Mahony said.

“The way the light plays across the surface often makes the ply appear like velvet.”

A flexible studio offers space for a home office, gym, or kids’ retreat, while a separate study caters perfectly to family life.