Certified Passive Home vs Foreverbreathe Home
Which One Builds a Better Future?
As more Kiwis shift toward healthier, more sustainable living, the conversation around high-performance housing is heating up. Two standout approaches are the Certified Passive House and the Foreverbreathe Home. While both aim to reduce energy use and improve indoor comfort, they do so in very different ways — and the long-term impacts on health, sustainability, and the environment can vary widely. If you are weighing up a high-performance home in NZ, then ask yourself
Will it be warm in winter and cool in summer?
Will it feel dry and avoid mould growth?
Will the air feel clean and healthy?
Will it be simple and affordable to run and maintain?
What is the environmental impact of this home?
Let’s explore those questions comparing the 2 systems across six key areas: quality, energy efficiency, environmental impact, moisture management, health, and cost.
1. Quality of Build
Passive House (Certified): Quality is supported by modelling, airtightness testing, and third-party certification.
Foreverbreathe Home: Quality comes from material compatibility, durability, and careful detailing — designed for long-term comfort and low maintenance. While not tied to an international certification, they still demand skilled craftsmanship and close attention to detail.
2. Energy Efficiency
Passive House: Known for extremely low heating demand, achieved through airtightness, insulation, and balanced ventilation with heat recovery systems
Foreverbreathe Home: Targets real-world NZ performance through dryness, insulation and smart design. A drier home feels warmer and takes less energy to keep comfortable.
3. Environmental Impact
Passive House: Often uses high-performance synthetic components (membranes, foams, tapes, polystyrene insulation). Operational energy is excellent, when handled correctly on-site but materials can be harder to recycle at end of life
Foreverbreathe Home: Prioritises natural, lower-embodied-carbon materials (like wool insulation, timber, magnum board and clay-based paints) and aims to reduce long-term waste.
4. Safety and Moisture Management
Passive House: Moisture is managed through controlled ventilation — works very well when designed, installed and maintained properly.
Foreverbreathe Home: Moisture is managed through a vapour-open “breathing” wall system, helping the home self-regulate and stay mould-resistant without relying on complex systems.
5. Health and Indoor Air Quality
Passive House: Fresh, filtered air is typically delivered mechanically — but overall “healthiness” still depends heavily on the materials you choose (insulation, paints, adhesives, finishes).
Foreverbreathe Home: Health is the starting point: low-toxin materials and moisture-safe design, so clean air is built in, not added later.
6. Cost and Complexity
Passive House: Higher upfront cost due to certification, modelling, and mechanical systems — but can pay back over time with reduced energy demand.
Foreverbreathe Home: Typically, simpler to build and run, with fewer moving parts and a focus on durable finishes and low ongoing maintenance. Less technology means fewer things to fix or replace.
So……which One Actually Builds a Better Future?
Will it be warm in winter and cool in summer?
Passive Home: YES
Foreverbreathe Home: YES
Will it feel dry and avoid mould growth?
Passive Home: YES IF mechanically ventilated and well maintained
Foreverbreathe Home: YES
Will the air feel clean and healthy?
Passive Home: YES IF mechanically ventilated and well maintained
Foreverbreathe Home: YES
Will it be simple and affordable to run and maintain?
Passive Home: Probably NOT
Foreverbreathe Home: YES
What is the environmental impact of this home?
Passive Home: Higher material and whole-of-life impact
Foreverbreathe Home: Lower whole-of-life impact
Our Take:
There’s no doubt Certified Passive Houses perform exceptionally well, particularly on energy modelling and airtight control when executed well. But for those looking for a more holistic, sustainable, and healthy way to build, Foreverbreathe Homes offer a more balanced, long-term solution — with natural materials, lower impact, and similar or better comfort in our New Zealand climate.
At Whio Homes, we believe in building homes that aren’t just energy-efficient, but healthy, sustainable, and resilient. We’re here to help you make a confident, informed choice on how to build better. Check out our website - Build a Healthy Efficient Sustainable Home | Experienced local team | Christchurch — Whio Homes for more information.