Hi, my name is Wing, and this is the story of our home, a story that began in fear.
We’re a family of four with two young kids, and we bought our house in 2020, right before COVID changed everything. For a moment, it felt like we’d found our place. But only a few months after moving in, our believe shifted.
Our oldest child developed severe asthma. Nights became terrifying coughing fits that wouldn’t stop, frantic drives to the emergency, ambulance visits we lost count of. My husband and I were exhausted, scared, and constantly on alert.
Then came the day we discovered the termites.
We were installing a new TV, but couldn't find the studs, so we opened the wall and everything inside was crumbling. The timber frame behind the plasterboard had been eaten away. Suddenly the house didn’t just feel uncomfortable. It felt unsafe.
We were stuck between two bad options: move out or renovate. But more than anything, we wanted a home that was safe for our kids. A place where our daughter could breathe properly, sleep through the night, and simply be a child.
So I started researching. Hours and hours of reading. That’s when I discovered Passive House, a European construction standard focused on air quality, insulation, and creating a stable, healthy indoor environment. Everything about it made sense for a child with asthma.
That’s also when I found our Architect Carlo and Crush Studio, who specialised in both heritage homes and Passive House principles. We needed someone who could guide us through a process we barely understood. Someone who could help us protect the heritage we loved while transforming the house into a place where our kids could thrive.
Working together, we began to reimagine the home from the inside out.
Not just repairing what was damaged, but creating a space with clean air, consistent temperatures, and thoughtful design that supported the way we live. The renovation didn’t just address safety, it was fun and so creative.
We improved the original heritage details, bringing out their character instead of covering them up. And we shaped spaces with our kids in mind, a design that encourages curiosity, independence, and play. A home that feels good for adults, but also sparks imagination for little ones.
Today, the coughing has significantly improved. The panic-filled nights are behind us. Our kids run, laugh, and sleep soundly.
