Award-Winning Custom Home & Certified Passive House Designer
Unique, Sustainable, and High-Performance Custom Homes
Award-Winning Custom Home & Certified Passive House Designer
Unique, Sustainable, and High-Performance Custom Homes
At Nvisage, we design healthy, energy-efficient homes tailored to the way you live. Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and servicing the broader North Shore, we specialise in custom new home, major alterations, extensions, and Passive House design.
As a 5-time award winner through the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) principal designer Trina Rowston combines creative practical design with sustainability at this core. We manage your entire project from initial concept to council approvals and co-ordination throughout construction, taking the stress out of building so you can enjoy the journey.
“My wife and I were introduced to Trina by our builder and her innovation and thoroughness with design overcame obstacles and provided all the answers we needed to allow us to complete our project. We are extremely satisfied with Trina’s work.”
Architectural Services
NEW HOME BUILDS
Whether designing for a vacant lot or a complete knockdown rebuild, we create bespoke homes designed to optimise natural light, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. We coordinate all documentation and construction details to bring your dream build to life seamlessly.
ALTERATIONS & additions
Transform your existing house into a modern, highly functional sanctuary. Nvisage thrives on solving complex structural and spatial challenges, specialising in top-floor additions, rear extensions, kitchen and bathroom reconfigurations, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Science-Backed Design: Certified Passive House (Passivhaus)
Designing high-performance, net-zero-ready homes optimised for year-round comfort, superior air quality, and ultra-low energy bills.
Science-Backed Design: Certified Passive House (Passivhaus)
Designing high-performance, net-zero-ready homes optimised for year-round comfort, superior air quality, and ultra-low energy bills.
Nvisage brings evidence-based building science to Sydney residential design. Principal designer Trina Rowston is a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD), holding formal qualifications through the Australian Passivhaus Association and Passivhaus Institut.
What is a Passive House?
Passivhaus is an internationally proven design standard that creates net-zero-ready homes with ultra-low energy requirements for heating and cooling. Utilizing advanced 3D BIM tools and energy modeling (PHPP), Passive House design provides:
Superior Indoor Air Quality: Filtered fresh air ventilation reduces dust, pollen, and humidity.
Thermal Comfort Year-Round: Consistent indoor temperatures without drafts or cold spots.
Radically Lower Energy Bills: Reduces heating and cooling energy use by up to 90%.
Acoustic Peace: High-performance insulation and double/triple glazing create exceptionally quiet living spaces.
Whether you are looking to build a fully certified Passivhaus or apply core Passive House principles (such as Passive Solar, thermal bridge-free construction, and airtight envelope design) to a renovation, we ensure your home performs as beautifully as it looks.
“Working with Trina was an incredibly positive experience from start to finish... She translated our vision into a design that blended functionality and aesthetics seamlessly while making environmentally responsible choices.”
Why Choose Nvisage?
Over 20 years of award-winning architectural expertise, seamless council approvals, and dedicated end-to-end project management.
Why Choose Nvisage?
Over 20 years of award-winning architectural expertise, seamless council approvals, and dedicated end-to-end project management.
Award-Winning Expertise: Founded in 2004, Nvisage brings over two decades of residential design excellence to Northern Beaches and North Shore properties.
End-to-End Project Co-ordination: We guide you through site analysis, concept development, DA/CC council approvals, material selection, and site liaison during construction.
Council & Compliance: Trina’s deep understanding of local council planning regulations ensures smooth DA approvals and compliance resolutions.
Qualified & Accredited: Backed by a Diploma in Building Design, formal BDAA accreditation, Certified in Sustainable Design, and Certified Passive House Design Consultant.
About Nvisage
Trina Rowston is the founder and principal designer of Nvisage, a residential Building Design Company established in 2004. Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches the company has been delivering innovation in design across Sydney.
Trina has built her business with her determination to provide the community with inspirational design. She combines this passion with sound project management skills and a genuine respect for her clients.
Trina is an Accredited member of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) and has won a number of design awards through the Association http://www.bdaa.com.au/
Awards Include:
2017 - Winner - Paul Dass Memorial Award - New Residential Design for PK' House, BDA Building Designers Association of Australia
2017 - Commendation Award - New Residential Design for PK' House, BDA Building Designers Association of Australia
2016 - Commendation Award - New Residential Design for Ryder House, Sydney Design Awards
2014 - Certificate of Commendation- Residential Additions for Kooka’s, Sydney Design Awards
2014 - Commendation Award- Residential Alterations/Additions over $250,000 for Kooka’s, Building Designers Australia Award
Trina is skilled in using design software such as ARCHICAD (a 3D modeling and drawing tool) and the 3D BIM tool. She also has broad experience advising on colour design, lighting design and material finishes.
Trina is an Accredited Building Designer , her formal qualifications include a Masters in Sustainable Design, Diploma in Building Design (St. George TAFE), Certificate in Architectural Technology (Ultimo TAFE), a Certificate in Design Fundamentals (Enmore Design Centre, TAFE), and a Degree in Creative Arts from the University of Wollongong.
“Trina was always reliable, corresponded clearly, and had outstanding knowledge of how the council works. I am most grateful for her diligence in transforming a difficult situation into an issuing of a Council Occupation Certificate.”