Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Home Builders in Melbourne
Maxa Design has established itself as a leader in sustainable building design since its founding in 2004. With a team of seven based in Melbourne, the company combines over two dozen awards with a commitment to eco-conscious practices, including being Australia's first 10-star rated relocatable home designer and achieving carbon-neutral certification. Our approach prioritises client needs through innovative Passivhaus methodologies, thermal performance expertise, and a proven track record of delivering energy-efficient homes that balance aesthetic appeal with functional excellence.The directors, Sven and Dawn Maxa, bring decades of combined experience alongside senior designers who hold certifications in Passivhaus standards and advanced building technologies. Our practice extends beyond residential projects to include commercial fit-outs and education facilities, all underpinned by rigorous quality assurance processes and a dedication to advancing sustainable building practices across Australia.
Services
Sustainable Home Design
Passivhaus Consulting
Energy Efficiency Assessments
Thermal Performance Modelling
Building Certification
Renovation Projects
Custom Residential Builds
Eco-Friendly Extensions
Passive Solar Design
Green Building Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over two dozen industry awards for sustainable design excellence
- Our practice is certified carbon-neutral and Passivhaus-compliant
- Team includes Australia's leading Passivhaus-certified designers
- Proven 20-year track record delivering projects on time and budget
- Client-focused approach combining technical expertise with creative solutions
Associations and certifications
- Passivhaus Institute
Services
Sustainable Home Design
Creating energy-efficient residential buildings that combine modern aesthetics with environmental responsibility. Our designs utilise passive solar principles, thermal modelling, and sustainable materials to achieve optimal comfort while minimising energy consumption. Specialising in certified Passivhaus standards, we deliver homes that reduce heating and cooling demands by up to 90% compared to conventional buildings.
Passivhaus Consulting
Expert guidance for achieving Passivhaus certification through thermal performance assessments and design optimisation. Using the Passive House Planning Program (PHPP), we analyse building physics, recommend construction improvements, and ensure compliance with international energy efficiency benchmarks. Our consultants have delivered Australia's most innovative low-energy building projects.
Energy Efficiency Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations of building energy performance using NatHERS ratings and computational modelling. We identify opportunities to improve thermal comfort, reduce operational costs, and meet sustainability targets through data-driven recommendations for insulation, glazing, ventilation, and renewable energy integration.
Thermal Performance Modelling
Advanced computational analysis of heat transfer dynamics in residential and commercial buildings. Our team uses cutting-edge software to optimise building envelopes, predict energy consumption patterns, and ensure compliance with Australian building codes and international sustainability standards like LEED and Green Star.
Building Certification
Navigating regulatory requirements for sustainable construction projects. We provide documentation, performance calculations, and quality assurance processes to achieve Passivhaus certification, NCC compliance, and other industry accreditations while maintaining design integrity and client budget parameters.
People
Sven Maxa
Co-Director
Established Maxa Design in 2004 and pioneered Australia's first 10-star relocatable home. Certified Passivhaus Designer with 20+ years' experience in sustainable architecture. Regular industry speaker and former BDAV Design Awards judge.
Dawn Maxa
Co-Director
Co-founder instrumental in business growth and marketing strategy. Interior design specialist responsible for award-winning residential projects. Manages practice operations while pursuing advanced interior design studies.
Michael Tolhurst
Building Designer
Certified Passivhaus Designer with 20+ years' experience. Developed Australia's first certified Passivhaus home. Specialises in energy-efficient building physics and thermal performance optimisation for residential and commercial projects.
Marcelo Haag
Passivhaus Consultant
Certified Passivhaus Designer and NatHERS Assessor with practical construction experience. Leads thermal modelling for all projects, combining carpentry expertise with sustainability principles to reduce energy consumption and improve occupant comfort.
Matt Missen
Building Designer
Senior designer with expertise in passive solar principles. Former international design consultant with experience across residential, hospitality, and multi-residential sectors. Specialises in translating complex sustainability concepts into practical building solutions.
Questions
What building services do you offer?
We specialise in sustainable home design, Passivhaus consulting, energy efficiency assessments, thermal performance modelling, and building certification services across Australia.
How do you ensure energy efficiency in homes?
Through Passivhaus-certified design principles, thermal performance analysis, and material selection that meets international sustainability standards while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Can you help with renovation projects?
Yes, we offer energy-neutral renovation solutions that modernise existing homes while significantly improving thermal performance and sustainability credentials.
Do you work outside Melbourne?
We deliver projects across Australia including regional Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland with remote consultation and local builder collaboration.
What sustainability accreditations do you hold?
We are certified Passivhaus designers and operate a carbon-neutral practice, having received multiple industry awards for sustainable building excellence.
How do you approach client projects?
We begin with detailed consultations to understand client needs, followed by tailored design solutions that balance budget constraints with energy efficiency goals.
