The Zimmermann Oz is a Passive House builder committed to crafting homes that perform for life — architecturally refined, energy-efficient, and built to support the way people live.

We operate across Melbourne and Brisbane, offering full-service design and build solutions with Passive House precision at the core. Every home is shaped by our values: craftsmanship, transparency, and care, from initial consultation to final finish.

Zimmermann means “carpenter” in German, and for founder Jan Knecht, it’s more than a name. It’s a legacy.

Jan grew up in a family of skilled tradespeople, surrounded by the tools, timber, and principles of traditional European building. He apprenticed in Germany, where precision and longevity are standards. That discipline still guides how The Zimmermann Oz build today: considered, methodical, and deeply informed by craft.

When Jan moved to Australia, he brought his training and tools with him. He started from scratch — riding a bike to job sites, taking on projects one by one, bringing the same level of craftsmanship to each. That hands-on precision still defines TZO today: grounded in skill, shaped by purpose, and built to perform.

At The Zimmermann Oz, we believe good design isn’t just about appearance — it’s also about performance. A home should feel good to live in, all day, every day, in every season.

That’s why we build to Passive House principles, a global performance standard that supports health, comfort, and long-term efficiency. Airtightness, insulation, smart ventilation, and thermal control come together to reduce energy use by up to 90%, without sacrificing design.

Because how a home is built shapes how it feels to live in.