The Brief
An early-1900s Balmain heritage home was undergoing a full renovation and extension to Passive House standard, requiring a ventilation system that could deliver fresh, filtered air, humidity control and year-round climate control — without compromising the building’s airtightness or heritage character.
The client wanted a single, integrated system rather than separate heating, cooling, ventilation and dehumidification units: one solution capable of managing heat recovery, moisture control, and comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
The Challenge
Retrofitting a modern high-performance ventilation system into a heritage structure — while meeting Passive House airtightness requirements — created several constraints that had to be resolved simultaneously:
- Fitting ductwork and system components within an existing heritage structure with limited cavity and roof space.
- Meeting Passive House airtightness standards, requiring close coordination with the building team to minimise air leakage.
- Selecting equipment efficient enough to handle heating, cooling and air exchange without excessive energy draw.
Our Approach & Solution
The team installed a HIDEW RER 100I, an all-in-one air treatment system that integrates ventilation, heating, cooling and dehumidification in a single unit — designed for Passive House-standard homes.
The installation included a custom-designed ducting system engineered for balanced airflow throughout the home, a water chiller for efficient temperature control, hydraulic fittings and pipework, and a buffer tank and expansion tank to support stable, efficient system operation.
Outcomes
The completed system delivers a Passive House-aligned indoor environment that provides:
- Consistently fresh, filtered air
- Reduced humidity and improved indoor air quality
- Energy-efficient heating and cooling
- Lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint
