Fossil House | Rob Henry Architects
Fossil House | Rob Henry Architects
Project overview
NatHERS star rating: 6.4
Location: O’Connor, ACT
Awards: Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) – Australian Institute of Architecture ACT 2023
Project team
Architect: Rob Henry Architects (now Studio Heim)
Energy assessor: Powerhaus Engineering
Builder: Walmsley Building Solutions
Photography: Ben King Photography
Fossil House is a carefully crafted, energy-efficient home located opposite bushland in Canberra’s inner north. Designed by Rob Henry Architects for a family seeking privacy, flow, and climate resilience, the home blends modesty with confidence—anchored by a fossil-coloured block base that emerges naturally from the sloping site.
Powerhaus Engineering worked closely with the design team to provide detailed NatHERS modelling and performance advice throughout the design process. The home was optimised to exceed minimum energy efficiency requirements, with strategies including upgraded insulation, double-glazed thermally broken windows, and a compact, climate-responsive form.
Our analysis helped fine-tune solar orientation, window specifications, and internal zoning to ensure consistent year-round comfort with minimal mechanical heating and cooling. The result: a home that performs as beautifully as it looks—powered by a rooftop solar system that generates more energy than the household (and two EVs) consume.
Fossil House was recognised with a Commendation for Public Architecture at the 2022 ACT Architecture Awards.
Getting NatHERS compliance? Do it right, from the start.
If you’re designing a home and want to get the most from your design—whether it’s maximising comfort, keeping energy bills low, or ensuring you have the flexibility to realise your aesthetic vision—our team can help.
We specialise in NatHERS energy ratings that don’t just tick the compliance box, but actually improve the way your home performs. From early advice to final certification, we’ll help you navigate the NCC 2022 requirements and design a home that’s as smart as it is beautiful.
