The Ultimate Passivhaus-Passive House Compliance Solution with Super Therm®

Super Therm® is a cutting-edge thermal insulation coating that aligns seamlessly with Passivhaus (or Passive House) standards in Australia. Its unique properties offer solutions across multiple facets of building performance, including permeability, fire protection, thermal insulation, condensation control, acoustic dampening and longevity. By integrating Super Therm® into building designs, homeowners can achieve significant cost savings by eliminating the need for traditional permeability wraps and insulation materials, while effectively sealing cladding and external gaps to prevent moisture ingress along with a host of other benefits found in just one coating.

Why is Passivhaus suited to Super Therm?

A Passivhaus is a building standard focused on energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. Originating in Germany, the concept relies on superior insulation, airtight construction, and high-performance windows to drastically reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. Passivhaus’ are designed to maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round with minimal reliance on mechanical systems, significantly lowering energy costs and carbon emissions. By prioritising thermal performance, air quality, and moisture control, Passivhaus’ provide healthier living environments while meeting rigorous sustainability standards. This approach is increasingly embraced in Australia, addressing the challenges of diverse climates and energy efficiency goals. Visit passivhausassociation.com.au

Five key design principles and performance criteria for Passivhaus standards are as follows:

1. Airtightness

• The building envelope must be airtight to prevent uncontrolled air leakage, which can lead to heat loss and moisture infiltration. Super Therm® compliant contributes to reduced air transfer, heat gain and moisture infiltration

2. High-Performance Insulation

• Walls, roofs, and floors must have high levels of insulation to minimise heat transfer and maintain consistent indoor temperatures. Super Therm® compliant prevents heat gain and air transfer

3. Thermal Bridge-Free Design

• Construction must avoid thermal bridges, which are weak points in insulation where heat can escape or enter the building. Super Therm® compliant prevents thermal bridging

4. Energy-Efficient Ventilation with Heat Recovery

• A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) ensures fresh air circulation while retaining heat from exhaust air. Super Therm® not applicable

5. High-Performance Windows and Doors

• Triple-glazed windows and well-insulated doors are essential to maintain airtightness, provide insulation, and optimise solar heat gain. Super Therm® compliant frames and doors

These principles ensure that Passivhaus buildings are energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable, achieving annual heating and cooling demand limits of ≤ 15 kWh/m² and a total primary energy demand of ≤ 120 kWh/m² per year. Source

Compliance with Passivhaus Standards

Passivhaus standards in Australia emphasise energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and airtightness. Super Therm‘s comprehensive suite of benefits – including:

• superior thermal insulation
• high permeability
• exceptional fire resistance
• energy savings
• condensation control
• mould resistance
• acoustic dampening and
• durability and longevity
• green, safe and sustainable solution – align with these stringent requirements.

Its integration into building designs facilitates the creation of structures that are not only compliant with Passivhaus criteria but also exceed traditional building performance metrics.

Revolutionary Thermal Insulation with Super Therm®

Super Therm® is a revolutionary and advanced multi-ceramic solar heat-blocking coating designed to deliver superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency and perfect for Passivhaus construction. By utilising a proprietary blend of four specific ceramics and touch resin binding system, it effectively blocks 96.1% of solar radiation, including UV, visible light, and infrared heat keeping surfaces near ambient. Unlike traditional insulation materials that absorb and eventually release heat while they degrade over time, Super Therm® acts as a heat barrier, preventing heat load transfer into the building.

The right combination of ceramics are highly efficient at reflecting and deflecting heat rather than absorbing it, thanks to their radiant barrier properties and low thermal conductivity. This ensures minimal heat transfer through surfaces, keeping interiors cooler and reducing energy consumption. With a dry film thickness of just 0.25 mm, Super Therm® forms a durable, breathable barrier that allows moisture vapour to escape while providing fire resistance, acoustic dampening, and exceptional longevity. Tested and validated by leading global authorities, Super Therm® is ideal for applications ranging from residential to industrial, offering unmatched performance and sustainability and complies with the stringent thermal performance requirements of Passivhaus standards with additional benefits from one coating.

Permeability: Breathable Protection

Proper moisture and airflow management are critical for maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient building, and Super Therm® excels in providing optimal permeability. With a rating of 8.8 US Perms (equivalent to 457 µg/N.s), Super Therm® is classified as a Class 4 vapour-permeable material under the National Construction Code (NCC) of Australia. This allows water vapour to escape through the coating while preventing liquid moisture from penetrating the building envelope. By enabling controlled airflow and reducing moisture build-up, Super Therm® minimises the risk of mould, condensation, and structural damage, making it an essential component for Passivhaus compliance and long-term building health, thereby contributing to a healthier indoor environment. More on Permeability testing Canberra

Unmatched Fire Protection with Super Therm®

Safety is a cornerstone of Passivhaus compliance, and Super Therm® delivers exceptional fire protection to ensure peace of mind. With a Class “A” fire rating and achieving a “0” Flame Spread and “0” Smoke Developed Index, Super Therm® has been rigorously tested to meet and exceed fire safety standards. Its non-combustible formulation prevents the spread of flames and minimizes smoke production, making it ideal for residential and commercial applications. By incorporating Super Therm® into the building envelope, structures are better equipped to withstand fire hazards, ensuring safety and compliance with Australian building codes and Passivhaus requirements. More on Super Therm fire testing

Blocks Flame Spread and Smoke – Class “A” Fire Rating “0” Flame Spread and Smoke – tested by:

• NASA – NHB 8060.1C
• FM Approvals – ASTM E108
• ABS Fire Resistive Rating – IMO FTP Code, 2010
• Australian AWTA Fire Testing – AS/NZS 1530.3
• Omega Point Labs – ASTM E84 – Limits the spread of fire – 0 Flame Spread and 0 Smoke Developed

Maximising Energy Savings with Super Therm®

Super Therm® is a game-changer in energy efficiency, delivering substantial savings by blocking 96.1% of solar radiation and reducing heat transfer through building envelopes. Recognised by the U.S. Department of Energy for its outstanding performance, Super Therm® significantly lowers energy consumption by reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.

• Florida – July 2003 (pdf / video) – 20-30% Energy reduction
• Denver – February 2004 (pdf / video) – 26-30% Energy reduction
• Texas – August 2006 (pdf / video) – 46-52% Energy reduction

Its innovative ceramic-based technology keeps interior spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter, ensuring year-round comfort without the high energy costs. With verified results from Energy Star and industry-leading authorities, Super Therm® provides a proven pathway to achieving energy savings, lowering utility bills, and meeting sustainability goals. See US Florida Energy Office Insulation testing results

Effective Condensation Control with Super Therm®

Condensation can pose a significant challenge in maintaining the integrity and comfort of a building, often leading to moisture damage, mould growth, and reduced insulation efficiency. Super Therm® provides an effective solution by allowing vapour to pass through its surface while blocking heat transfer. This vapour permeability ensures that moisture does not become trapped within wall cavities, reducing the risk of condensation forming on cold surfaces. By maintaining a balanced moisture level and preventing damp conditions, Super Therm® not only protects the building structure but also enhances indoor air quality, making it an essential component in meeting Passivhaus standards. Condensation management

Mould Reduction with Super Therm®

Mould growth is a common issue in homes that lack proper insulation and moisture management, often leading to health problems and structural damage. Super Therm® addresses this concern effectively through its vapour-permeable formulation, which allows trapped moisture within the building envelope to escape. This prevents condensation build-up—a primary cause of mould growth. By maintaining a stable and dry environment inside walls and ceilings, Super Therm® not only protects structural integrity but also fosters healthier indoor air quality. Its seamless application ensures no gaps or crevices where moisture can accumulate, making it a vital solution for reducing mould risk in Passivhaus designs. See more on Moisture testing

• UV & Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM 5894): 5000 hours – no signs of blistering
• Perm Rating (ASTM D1653-13): 250 microns/0.25mm = 8 perms; 300 microns/0.30mm = 4 perms
• Resistance to Salt Spray (ASTM B117): 450 hours
• Resistance to Wind Driven Rain (ASTM D6904): Conforms to the requirements
• Resistance to Hydrostatic Pressure (ASTM D7088): Does not exhibit any blistering or adhesion loss
• Resistance to Growth of Mould (ASTMD-3273-82T): Resistance to growth of mould in severe mould environments

Superior Acoustic Reduction with Super Therm®

Creating a quiet and comfortable indoor environment is a crucial aspect of Passivhaus standards, and Super Therm® excels in acoustic performance. The coating’s dense ceramic formulation helps dampen sound transmission by absorbing and deflecting sound waves, effectively reducing noise infiltration from external sources like traffic, industrial activity, or neighbouring properties. This acoustic dampening property is particularly beneficial in urban or high-density areas, where noise pollution can impact quality of life. By incorporating Super Therm® into the building envelope, homeowners can enjoy a more serene living space, adding another layer of comfort to energy-efficient design. 50-68% Acoustics performance

Coating Longevity well over 30+ years

Durability is a key factor in the long-term performance of any building material, and Super Therm® is engineered to last. Its advanced ceramic formulation resists environmental degradation, including UV exposure, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring reliable performance over decades. Unlike traditional insulation materials that may degrade or lose effectiveness over time, Super Therm® maintains its thermal, moisture-blocking, and fire-resistant properties without requiring frequent maintenance or replacement. This exceptional longevity not only reduces lifecycle costs but also supports sustainable building practices, making Super Therm® a valuable investment for Passivhaus compliance and enduring home stability. 35 years field testing in Kansas

Why Super Therm® Aligns with Green and Sustainable Policies

Super Therm® stands out as a green and sustainable solution because it integrates seamlessly with globally recognised environmental standards and certifications. Its water-based, low-VOC formulation supports healthier indoor air quality and reduces environmental impact during application. Certified under Energy Star, CRRC, and California’s Cool Roof Program, Super Therm® meets stringent energy efficiency criteria by blocking 96.1% of solar radiation, significantly reducing the need for cooling systems and contributing to net-zero energy goals. Its inert ceramic composition, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as safe for food handling, underscores its safety and environmental compatibility.

The coating is Cradle-to-Cradle aligned, emphasising sustainability through its long lifecycle, minimal maintenance requirements, and non-toxic properties. Super Therm® also contributes to LEED certification by enhancing energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and overall building performance. Additionally, its NASA fire tested properties as the only coating they’ve tested, paired with easy application, make it a versatile solution for a wide range of markets. As a genuine solar heat-block coating that delivers exceptional results with minimal labour, Super Therm® embodies the principles of sustainable innovation, proving itself an indispensable tool for addressing energy savings, environmental safety, and fire protection in modern construction. Super Therm’s Sustainability Solutions

Smart Cost Reduction with Super Therm®

Implementing Super Therm® can lead to significant cost savings by eliminating the need for traditional permeability wraps and insulation materials, which often have inherent weaknesses. Its application seals cladding and external gaps, preventing moisture ingress and enhancing the building’s overall stability. By streamlining the construction process and reducing material requirements, Super Therm® offers an economical solution that meets Passivhaus standards without compromising on performance. Neotech Coatings

Super Therm® a 35 year NASA Collaboration

Super Therm® is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration with NASA, developed between 1989 and 1995 by J.E. Pritchett at SPI Coatings. This innovation emerged from extensive research into multi-ceramic compounds, aiming to create a coating capable of blocking all three radiation heat waves—UV, visual, and infrared. Over the past 35 years, Super Therm® has been rigorously tested and validated in both laboratory and field environments, consistently demonstrating exceptional energy-saving and protective capabilities. Its proven performance, combined with the ongoing relationship with NASA, underscores its position as a trusted and pioneering insulation coating, setting a global benchmark for sustainability and efficiency.

City of Adelaide Cool Roof Trial: Proven Performance with Super Therm®

The City of Adelaide’s Cool Roof Trial undertaken by the University of Adelaide showcased the exceptional capabilities of Super Therm® in reducing urban heat and energy consumption. Applied to rooftops in the trial, Super Therm® demonstrated its ability to block the solar radiation, resulting in significantly cooler interior temperatures and reduced reliance on air conditioning. This not only enhanced occupant comfort but also contributed to lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint. The trial’s success highlights Super Therm® as a critical solution for mitigating heat island effects and achieving energy efficiency in urban environments, aligning with Adelaide’s Integrated Climate Strategy 2030. See the City of Adelaide Cool Roof Trial

Simply an amazing, sustainable coating solution

Super Therm® represents a transformative advancement in building materials, offering a multifaceted solution that addresses key aspects of Passivhaus compliance in Australia. Its innovative properties provide a pathway to constructing energy-efficient, safe, and comfortable homes, while also delivering significant cost savings and environmental benefits. By choosing Super Therm®, builders and homeowners can future-proof their investments and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

References for Australian Standards

1. National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One: This document outlines the requirements for fire safety in buildings, including provisions for passive fire protection. ABC Government
2. AS 1530.4:2014: This Australian Standard specifies methods for fire tests on building materials, components, and structures, providing guidelines for testing and certification of fire-resistant materials. ProFinish Fire
3. Passive House Standard Method: Detailed by the NSW Planning Portal, this method sets the criteria for thermal performance, space heating and cooling demand, indoor humidity, airtightness, and annual primary energy demand for Passive House certification. NSW Governmen Passive House Standard method