Passivhaus Builders and Design

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

Tasmania Hobart Launceston Burnie Devonport Ulverstone St Helens Bicheno Port Sorell East Coast Tasmania

Certified Passivhaus or “built to Passivhaus principles” — what’s the difference?

One is measured. The other is a promise.

Any builder can say a home follows Passivhaus principles — nobody checks. A certified Passive House has to prove itself to an independent certifier against three hard limits: heating demand of 15 kWh/m² a year or less, airtightness of 0.6 air changes per hour or better under a blower-door test, and total primary energy of 60 kWh/m²·yr or less. Miss one number and there is no certificate, no matter how good the home looks. We’ve laid the standard out in plain English in what certified Passivhaus actually means, and our Passivhaus guide covers how the pieces work together.

We invested in the qualifications, not just the language. Our certified Passive House team includes 13 Certified Passive House Tradespersons, and we’ve delivered around $8 million of Passivhaus projects. We’re members of the Australian Passive House Association. That’s trained, tested capability on the tools — not a line on a brochure.

What has a Zanetto Passivhaus actually achieved?

Bluebush, our certified Passive House Classic at Blackmans Bay, was designed with Maxa Design and independently certified by Jason Quinn of Sustainable Engineering Ltd. The tested results:

Airtightness: 0.5 air changes per hour, against a limit of 0.6
Heating demand: 10 kWh/m² a year, against a limit of 15
Primary energy (PER): 48 kWh/m²·yr, against a limit of 60

In the owner’s words, it’s only the third certified Passivhaus in Tasmania. A certified Passivhaus needs roughly 80–90% less heating energy than a typical build — in this climate, that’s the difference between fighting winter and ignoring it. If cold rooms, condensation and mould are what’s pushing you to build, read why Tasmanian homes get cold and damp. Certification is the verified fix, not a hopeful one.

What does a certified Passivhaus cost in Tasmania?

Our custom homes typically start around $5,000 per square metre in 2026, and certification adds roughly 15% — most of it in the envelope, the glazing and the ventilation system. We’ve broken the whole premium down honestly in what a certified Passivhaus costs in Tasmania. What you get back is measurable. Put your own power bills through the Passivhaus savings calculator, or read our full guide to the cost to build in Tasmania.

When you want a real number for your own project, our 48-hour feasibility lands within 10% of true build cost — certified Passivhaus included.

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.