Passive House

Waverton Certified Passive House – MVHR Project

Waverton, Sydney · Completed 2026

20260923 144607 Project: Certified Passive House, Waverton NSW
System: Dantherm HCV460 Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
Ductwork: Alnor radial semi-rigid duct system
Installation: Zenith Ventilation
System design / Passive House coordination: LAB Design

Project Overview

Zenith Ventilation supplied the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system for this newly completed Certified Passive House in Waverton, Sydney.
A high-performance, airtight home requires controlled ventilation to maintain indoor air quality while minimising unnecessary heating and cooling losses. For this project, a Dantherm HCV460 heat recovery ventilation unit was selected and integrated with an Alnor radial duct distribution system.
The completed system provides balanced whole-house ventilation, continuously supplying filtered outdoor air to living areas and bedrooms while extracting stale and moisture-laden air from kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, laundry and other wet areas. Heat is recovered between the outgoing and incoming air streams, substantially reducing the energy penalty normally associated with ventilation.
The as-built system incorporates 10 supply valves and 11 extract valves, with a balanced standard design airflow of approximately 250 m³/h supply and 250 m³/h extract. Boost operation increases this to approximately 325 m³/h. 2311_MVHR_Layout_260926

Radial Air Distribution

From the central distribution manifolds, individual Alnor FLX-HDPE-75 semi-rigid ducts run to each ventilation valve.

This radial approach provides a dedicated duct path to each terminal, assisting with accurate commissioning and balancing while creating a clean, organised ventilation distribution system. The completed installation uses Alnor KNT supply valves and KWO extract valves, with a total of 21 ventilation points throughout the home. 2311_MVHR_Layout_260926

Fresh supply air is delivered to spaces including the living room, dining room, bedrooms, office, lounge, study/pilates room and rumpus room. Extract ventilation serves the kitchen, butler’s pantry, bathrooms, ensuites, powder room, walk-in robe and laundry. 2311_MVHR_Layout_260926

Dantherm HCV460

At the heart of the system is the Dantherm HCV460, installed in the basement mechanical services area.

The HCV460 serves the entire residence through dedicated supply and extract air networks. The equipment schedule confirms the Dantherm HCV460 together with Alnor EPP insulated main ductwork, distribution manifolds and 75 mm radial ducting. 2311_MVHR_Layout_260926

Locating the main unit remotely in the basement allowed the ventilation equipment to be kept away from the primary living spaces while the radial distribution system carries ventilation air throughout the ground and first floors.

Designed for Passive House

The ventilation system forms an important part of the home’s overall Passive House strategy.

Rather than relying on uncontrolled infiltration for fresh air, the MVHR system allows ventilation to be deliberately designed, balanced and commissioned. The system documentation also coordinates ductwork and service penetrations with the home’s airtight and thermal envelope—an essential consideration in high-performance construction.

The completed installation was documented against the project’s PHPP requirements, including equipment selection, airflow rates, ductwork outside the thermal envelope and the 21 individual ventilation points. 2311_MVHR_Layout_260926

The Completed System

The Waverton project demonstrates what a properly integrated residential MVHR installation looks like: a central high-efficiency heat recovery unit, dedicated radial ductwork, carefully located supply and extract terminals, and airflows designed around the requirements of the home.

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