PROJECT: Manning St

Where Scandinavian elegance meets passive house performance.

A modern family home built for comfort, efficiency, and the future. The Manning Residence is a testament to what’s possible when you refuse to compromise between beauty and performance, style and sustainability.

When design inspiration meets innovative construction, something extraordinary happens.

Architect: Leanhaus
Awards: 2025 HIA Perth GreenSmart Sustainable Home Award Finalist

The vision.

This family home blends Scandinavian-inspired design with cutting-edge building science to create a residence that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. Thoughtfully crafted with premium materials and advanced construction methods, it delivers year-round comfort with minimal energy use—proving that a high-performance home doesn’t have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal.

Building beyond standards.

While WA building standards require a 7-star energy rating, this home achieves something far more remarkable: 0.50 Air Changes per Hour (ACH)—surpassing even the stringent 0.6 ACH requirement for Passive House certification.

To put this in perspective, the Australian national average is 15.4 ACH. This home is over 30 times more airtight than typical Australian homes, creating an envelope that keeps comfort in and waste out.

Innovative materials, superior performance.

The materials we choose aren’t just about meeting standards—they’re about exceeding expectations. Here’s how we built a home that performs better, lasts longer, and feels more comfortable than anything conventional construction can deliver.

Wood Fibre: The Future of Insulation.

We specified STEICO wood fibre panels and insulation throughout—a premium, environmentally-friendly solution made from recycled wood waste. These panels provide:

  • Superior thermal performance (Total wall R-Value of R4.5)
  • Excellent acoustic insulation
  • Vapour permeability for moisture management
  • Non-toxic, healthy indoor air quality

Thermally broken windows.

European-imported Reynaers SlimLine 68 windows deliver Georgian-inspired elegance with modern performance:

  • Thermally broken aluminium frames minimize heat transfer
  • Double glazing and high-level weather sealing
  • Sleek, dark frames that create striking visual contrast

Natural lime render

The seamless Diasen Argatherm lime render exterior isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional:

  • Vapour permeable to manage moisture naturally
  • Natural insulating properties
  • Low carbon footprint
  • Creates the home’s signature contemporary aesthetic
White kitchen with grey stone splash-back and oak wood floors

Year-round comfort, minimal energy use.

A Zehnder mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery ensures:

  • Consistent indoor temperatures with minimal heating or cooling
  • Continuous supply of clean, filtered air
  • Optimal humidity control to prevent mould

Combined with 9.6kW of solar panels, the entirely electric home can run during the day with zero reliance on the grid—including any occasional heating or cooling needs.

Craftsmanship that shows.

Every detail was considered, every element crafted with precision:

  • Custom curved timber staircase built on-site by our master carpenters
  • Continuous, gap-free insulation throughout the building envelope
  • High-end cabinetry finishes that complement the home’s refined aesthetic
  • Pre-finished European oak flooring on the ground floor
  • Custom steel internal door frames with glazing for visual flow

Smart design for Western Australia’s climate.

Strategic passive design elements work with Perth’s environment:

  • Northern-facing eaves and smart shading devices
  • Automated external blind on upper-floor western window to limit afternoon heat gain
  • Timber pergola with custom steel operable louvers for outdoor comfort
  • Bracket-less Heka Hood window awnings for shade without visual clutter

 

Open living space with oak floors and a garden view. Spacious and calm.

The Saltus difference.

At Saltus, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s embedded in every decision we make.

Our approach naturally reduces environmental impact while prefabricated floor frames and the intelligent tongue-and-groove wood fibre system minimize waste at every stage.

The all-electric design means no gas connection costs, no emissions, and a home that’s ready for Australia’s renewable energy future.

This is what sets us apart: we build homes that are as smart about resources as they are about performance.

A home that pays you back.

Energy efficiency sounds technical until you see your bills. The Manning Residence owners enjoy dramatically lower costs year-round—minimal heating and cooling expenses, reduced water heating costs thanks to the efficient heat pump system, and the freedom of solar-powered independence.

Combined with quality materials that require minimal maintenance, this home doesn’t just cost less to run; it’s an investment that appreciates while ordinary homes depreciate.

That’s the real value of building better.

Built different, because you’re different

At Saltus Built, we don’t just construct homes—we craft environments where families thrive. The Manning Residence represents our philosophy: sustainable, high-performance homes that embrace their natural environment, your way of life, and yes, your budget.

If you’re ready to build a home that’s 30 times better than average, let’s talk.

Project specifications:

  • Built to Passive House principles
  • Modelled in the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP)
  • Airtight construction (0.50ACH)
  • Thermal bridge-free construction
  • 9.6kW solar system
  • Total wall R-Value: R4.5
  • 100% electric, zero gas
  • Custom timber-frame construction
  • STEICO wood fibre insulation system
  • Reynaers thermally broken windows
  • Zehnder mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
Rendered exterior with while walls, black windows, minimal landscaping and a glistening pool.
Designer chair in light bright living space opening into the garden

Getting Started

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Shaun Ngere and builder looking at plans on a passive house building site
Saltus Built

We’re different, like you

We love building future-ready, energy-efficient, high-performance homes. We love listening and inspiring. We love unique. That’s why we’re different – because we’re professionals who take it personally.
Talk to us about building an energy-efficient, high-performance home.