We're looking to build two sheds in our backyard. One is for storage of lawn-mowers etc and doesn't need to be insulated. The 2nd will be a workshop in which we will probably spend a reasonable amount of time. We're keen to do this as a sustainable showpiece highlighting various aspects of sustainability. We have thought of doing it as a PassivHaus project. As far as I know there are no complete, stand-alone PassivHaus buildings in Australia so this might be a useful demonstration site. A few things come to mind that perhaps some GBA folks could comment on.

We're planning to either build on a concrete slab or stumps. If we use stumps would this complicate insulation? I was thinking that we could have the floor nice and sealed even if there was a space underneath. We plan to have cladding going down to the ground which will minimise airflow around the floor.

As one aim of the workshop is to have some woodworking gear we will need to have extractor fans and ducts that will pass through the wall(s). I guess this might complicate getting good thermal performance?

The climate in Melbourne is roughly Mediterranean with temperatures sometimes getting down to 0C in winter. We had one day a few years ago where it was 46C but generally its milder in summer. So we don't have the very cold conditions of northern America or Europe but we might need a bit of active cooling in summer; particularly if we're running machinery.

Thanks

David