Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Eco-Friendly Home Design
Maxa Design was established in 2004 by Sven and Dawn Maxa as a husband-and-wife duo focused on sustainable building design. Over two decades, we've grown into a team of seven professionals based in Melbourne, maintaining carbon-neutral operations while pioneering energy-efficient solutions. Our expertise in Passivhaus standards and sustainable materials has earned us over two dozen awards, including twice being named Design of the Year. We specialise in creating durable, high-performance homes that balance contemporary aesthetics with environmental responsibility, serving clients across urban and regional Victoria.Our team includes certified Passivhaus designers and registered building practitioners with extensive experience in residential and commercial projects. We remain committed to client-centric design, ensuring every project meets specific needs while advancing eco-conscious building practices.
Services
New Homes
Renovations
Passive House Design
Sustainable Building Consultancy
Thermal Performance Assessments
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over two dozen industry awards for sustainable design excellence
- Our practice has been carbon-neutral since 2004
- Certified Passivhaus designers on staff with 15+ years' experience
- Client-focused approach with 100% project delivery on time and budget
- Registered Building Practitioners in all Australian states
Associations and certifications
- Passivhaus Institute
- Carbon Neutral Certification
Services
New Homes
We design and build custom energy-efficient homes tailored to client needs and site conditions. Our new homes incorporate Passivhaus principles for optimal thermal performance and sustainability. Each project combines contemporary aesthetics with practical functionality while maintaining strict environmental standards.
Renovations
Our renovation services transform existing properties into energy-efficient, modern living spaces. We specialise in heritage-sensitive upgrades that maintain character while improving thermal performance. Projects include kitchen/bathroom renovations, room additions, and whole-house sustainability upgrades using eco-friendly materials and techniques.
Passive House Design
We create certified Passivhaus buildings that meet rigorous international energy efficiency standards. Our designs use advanced thermal modelling to achieve superior comfort with minimal energy consumption. This includes custom solutions for both urban and rural locations with varying climate challenges.
Sustainable Building Consultancy
Our consultancy services guide clients through sustainable building practices and certification processes. We provide expert advice on material selection, energy efficiency strategies, and compliance with environmental standards. This includes thermal performance assessments and Passivhaus certification support for both residential and commercial projects.
Thermal Performance Assessments
We conduct detailed thermal modelling using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) software. Our assessments evaluate building performance against energy efficiency standards, providing actionable recommendations for improvement. This includes compliance checks for Passivhaus certification and NatHERS star ratings.
People
Sven Maxa
Co-Director
Established Maxa Design in 2004 and developed its reputation for sustainable design excellence. Certified Passivhaus Designer with 20+ years' experience in energy-efficient building solutions.
Dawn Maxa
Co-Director
Instrumental in growing the practice since 2004. Manages business operations and interior design aspects. Holds qualifications in business, PR and marketing.
Matt Missen
Building Designer
Senior designer with expertise in passive solar design. Formerly worked with major architecture firms in Australia and Asia. Certified Passivhaus Designer with international teaching experience.
Eitan Kabillo
Building Designer
15+ years' experience in sustainable design. Certified Passivhaus Designer with expertise in residential and commercial projects. Focuses on integrating site context with building form.
Michael Tolhurst
Building Designer
20+ years' experience in sustainable architecture. Certified Passivhaus Designer since 2016. Designed award-winning Passivhaus homes and high-performance buildings across Australia.
Questions
What is Maxa Design's speciality?
We specialise in sustainable home design and Passivhaus-certified buildings that combine energy efficiency with contemporary aesthetics.
Do you work on renovations as well as new builds?
Yes, we handle both renovations and new construction projects with equal expertise in sustainable building practices.
Are your homes certified for energy efficiency?
All our homes meet strict energy efficiency standards, including Passivhaus certification and 10-star NatHERS ratings.
Can you help with thermal performance assessments?
Yes, we provide detailed thermal modelling and Passivhaus compliance assessments using industry-standard software.
What areas do you service?
We work across Melbourne, regional Victoria, and accept select rural and interstate projects.
