Innovative Passive House Ventilation for a Balmain Heritage Home Renovation

Zenith Ventilation

At Zenith Ventilation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance ventilation solutions tailored to modern living standards. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a Passive House project involving the renovation and extension of an early 1900s Balmain home. This unique project required a carefully designed ventilation system to ensure optimal indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and climate control.

Client Requirements

The client was particularly interested in an all-in-one solution that would provide: ✅ Heat Recovery Ventilation – Ensuring fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from outgoing air to improve energy efficiency. ✅ Dehumidification – Managing humidity levels to prevent condensation, mould growth, and enhance comfort. ✅ Heating & Cooling – Offering a seamless and energy-efficient climate control system for year-round comfort.

Our Custom Ventilation Solution

To meet the client’s needs, our team installed the HIDEW RER 100I – a state-of-the-art system designed for high-performance homes. This advanced unit integrates ventilation, heating, cooling, and dehumidification, making it ideal for Passive House projects.

Key Components Installed:

  • HIDEW RER 100I – A powerful and efficient all-in-one air treatment system.
  • Ducting System – Custom-designed to ensure balanced airflow throughout the home.
  • Water Chiller – Enabling highly efficient temperature control.
  • Hydraulic Fittings & Pipes – Ensuring seamless operation and system efficiency.
  • Buffer Tank & Expansion Tank – Providing stability and improved energy management.

Challenges and Solutions

Working on a heritage home presents unique challenges, particularly in integrating modern ventilation technology into an existing structure. Our expert team carefully designed a solution that seamlessly blended with the home’s character while delivering high energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Key Considerations:

  • Space Constraints: Installing ductwork and ventilation components within the existing structure required careful planning and precision.
  • Airtightness & Insulation: Passive House standards demand high levels of airtightness, so we worked closely with builders to ensure minimal air leakage.
  • Energy Efficiency: The HIDEW RER 100I system was selected to optimise heating, cooling, and air exchange without excessive energy consumption.

Final Outcome

The result is a highly efficient, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment that aligns with Passive House principles. The home now benefits from: ✅ Consistently fresh and filtered airReduced humidity and improved indoor air qualityEnergy-efficient heating and coolingLower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint

Why Choose Zenith Ventilation?

At Zenith Ventilation, we specialise in installing ventilation and climate control solutions for both new builds and heritage renovations. Whether you’re looking for a Passive House-approved system or a tailored heating, cooling, and dehumidification solution, our experienced team is here to help.

Interested in a similar installation? Contact Zenith Ventilation today to discuss your project requirements!