There's plenty of enthusiasm for ultra energy-efficient houses these days, but people still seem to think that serious efficiency is somehow only for straw-bale neo-hippies running biofuel generators using Alpaca poo. The reality is that truly passive house design's increasingly within reach, and very much worth investigating.

We had the good fortune last month to attend the launch of the BDAV's annual 10 star challenge, in which building designers put together plans for stunning 10-star efficient houses. 2013's competition is open to designs to suit all climate zones in Australia - if you're excited by clever, efficient house design (like we are), we'd definitely recommend you check it out!

Darcy Wilson
Editor - Build
www.build.com.au