Performance Solutions for Residential Buildings

Smart, certifier-accepted Performance Solutions that make residential compliance easier—and homes better.

Need a flexible pathway? request a tailored quote
Image shows the front page of a Performance Solution report with a gold seal of approval.

how we help

When 7-stars doesn’t fit–we provide an alternative pathway.

If your project is struggling to meet 7-stars, you’re not alone. There are limitations to the NatHERS framework, especially when designing high-performance homes, or working with existing or small-footprint designs.

That’s where a Performance Solution can make the difference. Rather than forcing your home to match NatHERS assumptions, a Performance Solution with Powerhaus helps you prove compliance in smarter, more flexible ways. Performance Solutions are new under the NCC 2022.

Our team will review your plans and let you know if a Performance Solution is right for your project.

Request a tailored quote
Image shows a table with Performance Solution reports, and the hands of two people pointing.

When is a Performance Report right for your design?

Smaller homes.

Although using less energy – they can struggle to reach 7 stars.

Existing homes.

There’s only so much that can be done to improve an existing home.

Using airtightness.

Although it’s smart building, it’s not normally considered in ratings.

Performance Solutions can be used in all states except NSW.

Image of a Powerhaus team member pointing at a Performance Solution report on a computer screen.

What is a performance solution

Avoid compliance bottlenecks with tricky builds

A Performance Solution is a recognised pathway under the NCC 2022 that lets us prove compliance by showing that the home will meet maximum heating and cooling loads—even if it doesn’t hit the standard star rating.

This means we can:

  • More flexibility to meet heating and cooling loads.
  • Include advanced building features, like airtightness and timber-floors.
  • Apply beneficial supporting legislation.

How it works

Providing clear compliance pathways

Step 1

Performance design brief

We work with you to define the key performance requirements and any constraints.

Step 2

Thermal modelling & analysis

Using NatHERS software and additional calculations (like airtightness or building envelope upgrades), we test the design against the NCC load limits.

Step 3

Optimisation feedback

If needed, we’ll suggest simple changes to improve the design and reduce loads—tailored to your goals and budget.

Step 4

Documentation package

We provide a clear, certifier-ready report with modelling results, rationale, and NCC references.

Accepted by all major building certifiers

We’ve successfully worked with all major certifiers in VIC and ACT. We speak their language, so approvals go smoothly.

Why work with Powerhaus?

  • Deep technical expertise in cold-climate performance and NCC 2022
  • Real-world experience optimising over 600 homes
  • Confidence from day one, with advice you can trust and certifier-friendly reports
  • Optional access to our energy dashboard and advanced advice tools for even better decision-making

Energy assessments of buildings require a holistic approach… Powerhaus have a real passion and are always willing to find desirable outcomes to suit various design issues and budget outcomes

Gina Carmody

Carmody by Design

Questions?

A NatHERS rating is a standard compliance method using star ratings. A Performance Solution allows us to demonstrate compliance another way—by modelling your home’s actual heating and cooling loads and proving it meets the NCC 2022 limits, even if it doesn’t reach 7 stars. It offers flexibility when the standard approach doesn’t fit your design or house.

If your design is quite small or you’re retrofitting an existing home—this approach can help you pass compliance without costly redesigns or over-spec’d upgrades.

Yes. Our Performance Solutions have been accepted by certifiers across VIC & ACT, including CBS Building Surveyors.

Not at all. We help you meet compliance in a way that reflects real performance. Often, we’re including features like airtightness to show how your home performs better overall—without relying on inflexible rules. 

Most Performance Solutions are completed within 1–2 weeks, depending on complexity and how quickly we receive plans and information. We’ll confirm timeframes with your quote.

Pricing varies based on project complexity. You can request a tailored quote here—we’ll give you a fixed fee and let you know if a Performance Solution is likely to add value to your project.

Ready to simplify compliance and get better results?

We’ll help you work out if a Performance Solution is the right path—and give you a clear, fixed quote.

RequesT A QUOTE