House For Hiroko | Anthony Knobel Architect

Award-winning cool-climate design

Image shows an architectural courtyard style home.

Project overview

NatHERS star rating: 6

Awards: Canberra Medallion and The Malcolm Moir and Heather Sutherland Award for Residential Architecture

Project team

Architect: Anthony Knobel

This award-winning home by Anthony Knobel Architect features large expanses of glazing, designed to frame garden views and bring natural light deep into the home. Inspired by Japanese design principles, the layout uses courtyards and pavilions to create a calm, contemplative atmosphere.

Powerhaus Engineering was brought in to support energy modelling and compliance, with a focus on making sure the architecture’s clean lines and glazing-heavy design could be realised without sacrificing thermal comfort.

Our assessment focused on:

  • Choosing high-performance glazing to minimise unwanted heat loss or gain
  • Advising on insulation and passive strategies to complement the design
  • Ensuring the home met compliance while retaining its intended form

The result is a thoughtfully crafted, comfortable home that meets energy efficiency standards without compromising its quiet elegance.

Image shows a dining room with large floor to ceiling windows either side.

See House for Hiroko in this feature video: