Superpod® brings you the unique modular passivhaus pod. German physics and building performance engineering, with an internationally patented Australian design. Prefab, high performing, low energy demand, and even up to BAL FZ (with metal shutters). 22 sqm, 44 sqm, and soon-to-come 55 sqm transportable podhouse® made in Melbourne and delivered to your site. Add an optional deck or annex to extend your living space even more. 

To find out more fill out our contact sheet on this site.

Below are typical inclusions (ex-factory) of a fully self-contained certified Passivhaus by Superpod®. (Certification can occur if the building passes final testing on site). Our podhouses® have been designed according to Superpod’s internationally patented, passive house (PH) building system. Details for any pod will be specified in the contract and may slightly vary from this list. Certification to the International Passive House Standard, the world’s most energy efficient building standard, is the agreed goal of Superpod®, our licensed builders and partners, and our customers. 

Superpod® Inclusions Listing:

1. Pod Design

  • Structural Steel Frame, pre-engineered and ready for engineering verification for your site. 
  • Design for whole pod, including internal layout and PH details in accordance with our patents and Australian Building Codes. 
  • Preliminary inputting of specific details into the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) – the science-based, PH software tool operated and mandated by the International Passive House Institute for certification of the building. 
  • Construction details which have undergone thermal analysis to minimise and avoid thermal bridges. 
  • Design analysis and customisation of the building design related to your specific climate, site and building orientation, as required by the PHPP (subject to preliminary design fee which is ultimately included in pod price). 

2. Building Envelope + Floor 

  • Structural Steel Frame, which will be painted and exposed in parts. 
  • Insulated sandwich panel walls, roof and sub-floor. Note:
    • All panels are Australian made and have a core of thermally efficient PIR insulation embedded within 2 steel skin “faces”;
    • The thickness of the insulation core is dependent on the specific climate. In most Australian climates the required PIR insulation thickness required to meet the PH Standard is at least 100mm (R5.6), and in some climate zones 200mm is needed;
    • According to Ignis Solutions Pty Ltd Evaluation, a “BAL” bushfire resistance rating between BAL 12.5 – 40 can be achieved using 100mm thick panel. 200mm thick panel can achieve a “fire zone” resistance rating (BAL FZ / R11.1) – see Evaluation for details.
    • The steel skin “faces” are available in standard Colorbond® colours. This is subject to PH assessment as to colour suitability relating to specific climates (ie: lighter colours are better for hotter climates, whilst darker shades are more suitable for cool climates). 
  • Tiled Finished Floor with Hebel “Power Floor” (75mm thick) substrate. 
  • Gutters and downpipes. 
  • Aluminium flashings around windows and doors; Colorbond® flashings around building. 
  • Kommerling® German Upvc (hot mix) triple glazed external door and windows. Windows can be either “tilt and turn” or “fixed”. Upvc frames have 88mm thick profiles and are white in colour. Option to use timber windows if preferred (cost additional). 
  • Awning over front door (supplied separately for installation on site).
  • Painted (stonework look) external corner detail. 
  • Decorative internal ceiling covings. 
  • Internal and external Colorbond® steel wall “faces” as standard. Option to line some internal walls with plaster and paint if desired (cost additional). 

3. Electrical, Air Ventilation Unit + Split System 

  • Air Ventilation Unit – Certified AVU by the PH Institute in Germany. AVU to be commissioned on site where possible.
  • Mitsubishi® Split System (Concealed), 2.5kW. Adjusted to lowest energy consumption as required by PH. 
  • Electrical internals including LED strip lighting, pendant lights, power points, light switches and smoke alarms. Learn here how to connect LED strip lights so you can use them to make your artistic side shine!

4. Internals + Bathroom (if present) 

  • Plaster and paint around door and windows OR Steel Hollow Section (SHS) steel framework exposed and painted around door and windows. Latter provides a more “industrial” look and enables more floor space. 
  • Fully tiled bathroom walls (tiled to ceiling) with standard tiles. Option to upgrade tile selection and option to reduce amount of tiling available. 
  • Tiled shower “niche” for soaps and bottles etc. 
  • Enabled for hot water. (Likely Sanden Heat Pump -160L. Note, this is not included in the ex-factory price, and must be installed on-site by local supplier.) 
  • Phoenix “Vivid” tap-ware and shower range, chrome finish (or equivalent). Note: various finishes available for cost upgrade incl brushed gold. 
  • Turner Hastings Fine Fireclay sinks (or equivalent). Note our pre selections:
    • Bathroom (large sink) Turner Hastings “Novi” Fine Fireclay Butler Sink 41L.
    • Hand washing (small sink) Turner Hastings “Isa” Fine Fireclay Compact Wall Hung Wash Basin.
    • Turner Hastings “Narva” Rimless Wall Hung Pan Toilet with soft close seat and “Rushmore” in-wall cistern with steel support. 
  • Rimless shower glass with swing door
  • Mirror x 2 

5. Kitchen (if present) 

  • Bosch, built in, compact oven and microwave, Model: CMG633BS1B (or equivalent). 
  • Drawer enclosure to fit a portable induction cooktop (eg Anvil Induction Cooker, not included). 
  • Ilve, built in, compact stainless steel dishwasher. Model: IVDFI645D/D (or equivalent). 
  • Fridge enclosure to suit Hisense mid size (fridge not included). 
  • Sink: Turner Hastings “Valet 38 Round” Fine Fireclay Sink. 
  • Tap-ware: Phoenix “Vivid” Slimline Side Lever Sink Mixer, chrome finish (or equivalent). Note: various finishes available for cost upgrade incl brushed gold. 
  • Tiled Splashback up to overhead cupboards. 
  • Marble or granite “waterfall” benchtop. 
  • Storage cabinetry and overheads. 

6. External shutters 

  • External blinds or shutters to be quoted separately depending on what the PH analysis requires. Note:
    • Required shutters may be external, metal roller shutters, which also provide extra bushfire protection and security.
    • External block-out shutters can also eliminate the need for internal curtains/blinds (this is a personal choice). 

7. Passive House Specific 

  • Air tightness testing and AVU commissioning in factory and also where possible (and cost effective) on site. Estimated standard (included) costs relate to a range within 150 km of CBD. 
  • Certification as a Passive House, subject to satisfaction of final blower door (air tightness) test on site and provision of AVU commissioning report. 

*Important – Please Note

Note 1: In addition to the above typical inclusions, all building components and trades necessary for construction are included, as well as an estimate for a local registered builder’s warranty under relevant legislation after the pod is installed and commissioned. Prefabricated pod design, including all pre-engineered structural elements, PHPP analysis and customisation for your specific site, climate and orientation are included. Otherwise, items not already mentioned are excluded (see below).

Note 2: While all people involved agree to aim for certification as far as possible, if a final successful blower door test and commissioning of the air ventilation unit is not performed, and certification is not achieved, the PHPP physics calculations will not apply to model the performance of the building to the Passive House Standard of energy efficiency. However, the house will still be the same NAThers energy rating (likely 8-9 stars) and the performance and comfort levels of the building will still far exceed standard building practice. 

Superpod® Exclusions Listing: 

All planning and building permits, site works and various consultants are excluded. These include: 

  • Planning permits or any development application fees; 
  • Soil test; 
  • Surveyor’s set out and site survey. Note: the survey must include photos and identification of all structures and trees impeding the sun (required by PHPP); 
  • Engineering of the whole building project including site works, and certifying pod engineering suitability for your soil and wind conditions; 
  • Building surveyor fees; 
  • Local council fees; 
  • Building permit application including associated consultants such as hydraulic engineer, civil engineer, energy rating etc (NB most of the design drafting work for the pod is included, but drawing the pod onto plans for an existing site for the purposes of the building permit is not included); 
  • Site works including: any demolition required, trenches and other excavation like the one done by an excavation contractor, removal of excess soil, tip/landfill fees, footings and piers, concrete slabs, driveways, patios/decks, retaining walls, etc; 
  • Hot water service; 
  • Optional solar panels; 
  • Water tanks and pumps; 
  • Services to site of building including water, sewer, storm water, electrical, phone, internet, sewage systems, gas etc; 
  • Transport of pod(s) and any cranage requirements ex factory to site; 
  • Air tightness (blower door) testing and AVU commissioning charges for areas exceeding 150km from the nearest CBD. 
  • Recommended installation on site of secondary Colorbond® steel roof (over insulating sandwich panel roof) with acoustic treatment in between to minimise rain/hail stone noise. 

Your Next Steps:

  • Think about whether you really want a Passivhaus or Passive House. Check out the rest of our website to understand the differences between our modular solution and other available options. If you do want the best energy efficiency standard in the world, then contact us (see below). 
  • Get a site survey (showing all structures or trees restricting solar gain, with photos), soil test and your certificate of title. 
  • Set up a free consultation with us in Melbourne, Australia. If this is not possible we are happy to discuss feasibility with you via a Skype or Soom call. 
  • Pay a design deposit for us to model and adapt the pod to meet your requirements. The design deposit will form part of the estimated fees in the associated estimates document. 
  • Obtain quote for the pod, and quotes for your site works. 
  • Sign contracts, and get ready for Superpod® living! 

PS Our pod can be ready, ex factory, in approximately 16-18 weeks from order. There is an unavoidable lead time of around 12 weeks for windows, specialist components and the AVU from Europe, but the pod itself is fast to build. 

Contact Us

Please contact us to discuss your passive house needs. We are based in Burnley, Melbourne – less than 5km from the CBD.

Email: info@superpodhome.com
Phone: Fiona McKenzie on +61 434 601 835

Further notes.

1 Certification depends upon successful testing of the built form in situ, which is not guaranteed due to the potential effect of transport, and may not be available in some remote areas. Testing involves a blower door test and commissioning of plant includes the air ventilation unit. In remote areas this may not be possible.

However, the building will be pre-tested in the factory, and the high performance nature of this build is still expected to far exceed any other transportable building on the market.

2 An extra fee for Colorbond® special order colours may apply.