Ambition is always a good thing when it comes to architecture and construction. For this cliffside Wellington home, being at the pinnacle of design doesn’t just refer to the steep topography. Rising up three levels, this family home achieves a lot in 98sqm, with three bedrooms, one bathroom and a living room — and its biggest accomplishment of all, International Passive House certification. Earning this gold standard of energy efficiency is no easy feat. The house must meet approved calculations to determine the energy performance, which this home meets with its tiny 15 kWh/m2/year heating demand. This is achieved through clever design, top-quality materials and great workmanship – on a very difficult site. Behind the beautiful, low-maintenance exterior by Norseclad is a complex external envelope with a warm and inviting interior. Wool insulation as well as Döpfner triple-glazed timber windows, manufactured in Germany and supplied by Eco Windows, keep things cosy. The solar panels on the roof generate electricity for the heat recovery ventilation. But while it’s incredibly efficient, this house is also fun. Nestled in the canopy, this tree-hugging home is kid-friendly and nearby nature walks beckon.