Actively keep cool the passive way

27 August 2023

What is the difference between passive cooling and active cooling? Active cooling systems use mechanical systems and energy to remove the heat from your house. Passive cooling on the other hand, use natural elements to keep you cool. More energy efficient and environmentally friendly, passive cooling creates a comfortable, healthy living environment without the reliance on artificial climate control. A home that’s better for your health, your wallet, and the planet.


Passive Houses are the ultimate high end building standard for achieving a truly energy efficient property, but there are elements of passive house building that can be applied to a custom property renovation so you can naturally keep cool without relying on conventional cooling systems.


This article explores the principles of passive house design, and how you can incorporate them into a renovation to improve its energy efficiency, even if you aren’t committing to a complete passive house retrofit. Through clever design, you can minimise heat gain and maximise indoor comfort through architectural features and smart ventilation.


The concept of passive houses is simple to understand; it’s a highly energy efficient building that promotes indoor comfort. The elevated energy savings of passive houses are achieved by exclusively using energy efficient building materials and components, but also:


  • Installing a high-quality ventilation system
  • Being airtight
  • Enhanced insulation
  • Thermal bridge free construction
  • Installing high-performance windows


As leading passive house builders in Christchurch, Shaun Bradley Builders are experiencing an increase in clients seeking guidance about sustainable options for their renovations. Here are some examples of how you can integrate passive methods into your home whether it’s a traditional property or a more contemporary design:


Passive House built by Shaun Bradley builders of Christchurch

Superior insulation

Insulation does not create extra heat; it reduces the heat exchange between areas and materials with different temperatures. Christchurch property renovations benefit from installing high performance insulation. Thick insulation keeps the property warm in colder months, but equally it helps to maintain a stable indoor temperature by preventing heat from penetrating the home during hot weather.


Natural ventilation

One of the most used passive cooling techniques is natural ventilation using convection cooling to facilitate natural airflow circulate fresh air through the house. Strategically placed windows and vents encourage the movement of cooler air from shaded areas to warmer zones, providing a refreshing breeze.


Strategic shading

Although you don’t have control over the orientation of the building if you are doing a renovation rather than a rebuild, its still important to consider which way the property faces and where to best fit the windows. Considerate shading elements for north facing windows such as overhangs, verandas, and external louvers block direct sunlight from entering windows during the hottest parts of the day, reducing heat buildup while still taking advantage of the solar gains of the lower angle of the sun over winter.


High performance reflective materials

Utilising high solar reflectance roofing materials minimises the absorption of solar heat and reduces the level of heat transferred into the building. Similarly, installing double or triple glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings minimise the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through the glass, without minimising the amount of light that enters your home.


Incorporating these strategies into your renovation creates a naturally cooler indoor environment and delivers a refreshing alternative to traditional cooling methods. By harnessing the power of design, ventilation, and insulation, you can take a sustainable approach to maintaining comfort even on the hottest of days.


Shaun Bradley Builders are passionate about helping clients explore the sustainable options they have. If you would like to learn more about passive house builders in Christchurch and how we can help you, contact us today by clicking here or call 027 284 5363.

A large white house is surrounded by bushes and flowers.

Restoring the Past, Building for the Future: Your Guide to Period Restorations & Historic Home Renovations in Christchurch

by Shaun Bradley • 4 June 2025
There’s something undeniably special about owning a historic home in Christchurch. From the intricate woodwork and high ceilings to the stories etched into every brick, period homes are a unique part of our city’s character. But maintaining or restoring these beautiful homes requires care, expertise, and a deep respect for their heritage. At Shaun Bradley Builders, we understand the importance of preserving the past while ensuring your home meets the needs of modern living. Whether it’s a full-scale period restoration or a sensitive renovation of a heritage property, our team has the experience, craftsmanship, and passion to help Christchurch homeowners breathe new life into their historic homes. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities of restoring period homes, what you should consider before starting your project, and how our team can help you protect your investment while honouring your home’s history. Why Period Restorations Matter in Christchurch Christchurch is home to a wide range of architectural styles, from Edwardian villas and bungalows to character homes from the 1920s and 30s. These homes are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re a part of the fabric of our local communities. But after years of wear and tear, earthquakes, and the demands of modern life, many period homes need thoughtful restoration to bring them up to today’s living standards while retaining their original charm. That’s where we come in. Shaun Bradley Builders specialises in sensitive, high-quality renovations that respect a home’s history while making it fit for the future.

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
When you first read the term ‘minimalist living’ what image came into your mind? Contrary to misconceptions, minimalist living as a design aesthetic is not tantamount to residing in a harsh, stark characterless 2d world. Rather, minimalist living is using every inch of space with intention by keeping simplicity, functionality, and purpose in mind. It is not exclusively an aesthetic choice; it is a profound lifestyle philosophy. Are you ready to rethink your home ? The core features of minimalist home design Understanding minimalist home design involves delving into its key features, all rooted in the principle of reducing elements down to the essentials. The core features of minimalist design include: · Simplicity: clean lines, uncomplicated finishes, restricted palette Minimalism places significant emphasis on clean lines, uncomplicated wall finishes, and a restricted colour palette. Neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and beiges, dominate the minimalist colour scheme, creating an atmosphere of calm and simplicity . This is the ideal backdrop for statement art, luxurious textures and warming tones of natural materials and fabrics; pops of colour for contrast which contribute to a gentle and inviting atmosphere. · Functionality: every item serves a purpose In a minimalist living space, every item has a purpose and a designated place. The design rejects unnecessary clutter or decorations, fostering efficiency and organisation. This emphasis on functionality enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space. · Uncomplicated cladding and detailing: smooth textures, neutral tones Minimalist design favours simple and clear details over complex patterns. Cladding styles often showcase smooth textures and neutral colours, contributing to the overall sense of simplicity and purpose. Do not confuse uncomplicated with basic. Luxury home builders in Canterbury , Shaun Bradley Builders affirm this quiet luxury is about the subtleties, refined details and elevated materials, where the emphasis is on allowing superior quality to be the defining element of the room.
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