Zanetto Builders
Passivhaus Design & Building
Specialist Passivhaus builders delivering high-performance homes designed for Tasmania's climate.
Zanetto Builders is one of Tasmania’s most experienced certified Passivhaus builders, with the largest certified Passive House team in the state. We build to the international Passivhaus standard — independently certified, not just “to principles.” Our certified home at Blackmans Bay achieved 10 kWh/m²·yr heating demand and 0.5 ACH airtightness — roughly 80–90% less heating energy than a typical build.
Passivhaus is a performance-based building standard designed to dramatically reduce the energy required to heat and cool your home. Through intelligent design, airtight construction, and high-performance materials, it delivers consistent comfort year-round.
At Zanetto Builders, we design and construct Passivhaus homes tailored to Tasmania's climate, combining architectural precision with measurable performance.
Passivhaus (Passive House) is a globally recognised building standard focused on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term comfort. Rather than relying on traditional heating and cooling, a Passivhaus is designed so the building itself does the work — through insulation, airtightness, high-performance windows, and ventilation, it maintains a stable indoor climate with minimal energy input.
Originally developed in Germany, the standard is now applied worldwide — including in Tasmania's climate. Every home we build is performance-modelled to suit its site, ensuring it performs exactly as intended.
Our Approach to Passivhaus Design & Construction
Design & Collaboration
Aligning architectural intent with performance outcomes.
Performance Modelling
Predicting energy use and comfort before construction.
Material Selection
Choosing components that work as a complete system.
Construction Precision
Airtight detailing and strict quality control.
Every stage is managed to ensure the home performs exactly as designed. To find out more, get in touch.
Energy Performance & Running Costs
A well-built Passivhaus can reduce heating and cooling energy demand by up to 80–90%. That means lower power bills, reduced exposure to energy price increases, and more predictable running costs — performance that continues long after the build is complete.
The result is consistent indoor temperatures year-round, clean filtered fresh air 24/7, ultra-low energy use, quiet draft-free interiors, reduced condensation and mould risk, and long-term durability and comfort. This is a home designed to perform — not just look the part.
Why Choose Zanetto Builders
We are Tasmania's largest and most experienced Passivhaus team — the state's deepest bench of certified Passive House tradespeople, deep expertise in building science, and a proven portfolio of high-performance homes. No shortcuts — only performance-driven construction.
We don't treat Passivhaus as an upgrade — it's how we build.
Where we build
Locations we service
Frequently asked questions
Passivhaus Design & Building — your questions answered
What is a passive house builder?+
A passive house builder specialises in constructing homes to the Passivhaus standard — a strict performance-based approach focused on energy efficiency, airtightness, and indoor comfort. It requires a deep understanding of building science, materials, and construction detailing to ensure the home performs as designed.
How much does a Passivhaus cost?+
A Passivhaus typically costs more upfront than a standard home due to higher-quality materials, detailed design, and precision construction. However, this is offset over time through significantly lower energy costs, improved durability, and reduced maintenance.
Is Passivhaus worth it in Tasmania?+
Yes. Tasmania's climate makes Passivhaus particularly effective, as it reduces heat loss in winter and helps maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round. The result is a more comfortable home with lower energy use and better long-term performance.
Do Passivhaus homes need heating?+
Yes, but far less than a standard home. Because the building is highly insulated and airtight, it retains heat efficiently. Most homes only require a small, simple system to maintain comfortable temperatures.
What will my energy bills look like?+
Significantly lower than a standard home. A well-built Passivhaus can reduce heating and cooling energy demand by up to 80–90%, resulting in lower and more predictable energy costs over time.
Build a Home That Performs for You
If you're looking to build a home focused on comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance, Passivhaus is the benchmark.
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