About
Michael Tolhurst is a registered architect with over 20 years’ professional experience, and in 2016 became the first architect in Canberra to become a Certified Passivhaus Designer. His own new home, Narrabundahaus, has received Passivhaus Plus certification and has been recognised in the 2023 ACT Architecture Awards including the highest Award for Sustainable Architecture.
He has now established Envelope Architecture to specialise in Passivhaus residential projects in the Canberra region and offers both architectural design and Passivhaus (PHPP) modelling services.
Architect Registration ACT 2320
Awards
2023 THE DEREK WRIGLEY AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE - NARRABUNDAHAUS Australian Institute of Architects, ACT Chapter Architecture Awards
2023 AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (NEW) - NARRABUNDAHAUS Australian Institute of Architects, ACT Chapter Architecture Awards
2023 COLORBOND® AWARD FOR STEEL ARCHITECTURE - NARRABUNDAHAUS Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Architecture Awards
2021 FIRST PRIZE NET ZERO NEW HOUSE - NARRABUNDAHAUS Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge
Media
‘Canberra buildings named in the 2023 National Architecture Awards by the Australian Institute of Architects’ - Canberra Times, July 13 2023
’Winning the climate battle at home: Sustainable suburban housing models' - Architecture Australia, July 2022
’Sustainable building with the Passive House approach’ - Inspired Living Magazine, Spring 2022 Canberra Edition
‘One-storey home in Narrabundah designed by Michael Tolhurst Architects wins Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge’ - Canberra Times, November 30 2021
’Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge’ - ABC Radio Canberra, November 30 2021
‘Heatwave prompts architect to include air conditioner in energy efficient home’ - Canberra Times, January 25 2019
