The Zimmermann OZ Pty Ltd
10/7 Dalton Road Thomastown VIC 3074 Australia
tzo.com.au/services
Home builder
Architect
Building firm
Building designer
Custom home builder
Architectural Designer
0491 206 494
Description
The Zimmermann Oz is a Passive House-certified builder based in Melbourne, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient homes designed for comfort, health and longevity. With a German-trained team and architectural attention to detail, we balance design integrity with airtight performance to suit Melbourne's climate. Our process is transparent, thoughtful, and trusted. Whether you're downsizing, building your forever home, or exploring a smarter new build, TZO homes are designed to live better — for life. 🌱 Certified Passive House Builders
Reviews (9)
Meredith Wilson
I love my passive house. Let me preface, I have no experience in renovations, not even small ones, definitely not a DYI person. The passive house idea was recommended to me by my Architect, Brenda Rocha, who is a big advocate for the passive house. Initially I thought it was a gimmick, yet, after much research, realised it was exactly what I was after. From the moment I met Jan Knecht from The Zimmerman Oz, I knew I was in good hands. Jan immediately put me at ease, very welcoming and extremely professional. I didn’t feel rushed and we took our time walking through my home looking at all the detail. He answered all my questions and told me everything I needed to know about passive houses. I was pretty sold at this point. The TZO team did a brilliant job with my home rebuild, turning my single level unit into a double storey passive house. Jan, Arndt Breimeyer, my Site Manager, and the team were always positive, professional, extremely capable, produced quality craftmanship and were able to accommodate changes without fuss. Very happy indeed. The ground level was completely gutted to accommodate passive house requirements, then the upper level added. New everything, windows, doors, custom cabinetry, flooring, tiles, fixtures, both inside & out. Added solar, removed gas, and ensured everything was done to obtain a passive house certificate. The timeline was longer. From the start I expected a longer build due to hearing how all builds tend to go longer and was fortunate to have time on my hands. Some of the issues were due to window & door imports from Germany, waiting on reports from Surveyors and extra Council permits. Of course, there were some weather delays. As for the budget, knew there would be some increases due to my decision to have a passive house upgrade which involved planning changes, but it wasn’t as much as I thought. Most of the budget increase was due to choosing higher quality products including windows and doors, my favourite feature, imported from Germany, triple glazed with a thermal bridge, black aluminium outside and wood on the inside. Also chose high quality fittings, fixtures, flooring etc. Every Variation was documented clearly & professionally, no hidden fees or surprises. Everything was discussed & documented. Communication was fantastic. I was lucky enough to move into a rental next door & worked from home so was available at all times, which indeed helped. There was constant communication, TZO kept me in the loop at all times. Sometimes they had questions, sometimes I had questions, it was a very symbiotic relationship. Everyone on the team was lovely, got to know them all. Extremely friendly, helpful, hardworking, professional, polite and accommodating. On site, the first thing I noticed was how organised, clean and tidy they were. Work quality was exceptional. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail was amazing throughout, took great care with every aspect of the job, extremely high quality. Impressed with their knowledge and expertise so I learned a lot about every aspect of the passive house. Issues were dealt with quickly and efficiently. There were times I needed to collaborate with my Architect over suggested changes, and sometimes the builders came up with other ideas (which I was happy to hear) which ended up being a perfect change/solution. The plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters & other sub-contractors were all professional, personable and excellent at their jobs. Overall I had a wonderful experience. Yes, it was a roller coaster at times but I’m ridiculously happy with the outcome and still pinch myself on a daily basis that I even went down this road. Thank you all
Meredith
JL Architects
We have collaborated with Jan on numerous projects for the past 10 years, an absolute delight to work with.
Phillip Butler
One of the toadies we have ever had. Intelligent, thoughtful precise. He is a keeper.
Michael Kollarik
There Has Been a Lot of Speculation Regarding Contractors not being Paid Ive Completed One Project in Carnegie and im doing another Project in Glen Iris Victoria and to be honest ive been paid up to date so ill be continuing Painting Tzo has paid all my invoices and i dont have any issuse with the company at all.
L D
Recently undertook work for Zimmerman OZ through Andres. Having contracted for a spread of construction companies, from residential through commercial, we learned to approach any engagement and undertaking with the sector with a great deal of caution, circumspection, and financial CYA. Andres and his team have, however, proved the absolute exception to what we have come to expect. As a project manager, Andres' orientation and his communication skills have proven nothing but professional in every respect. He and TZO are certainly a company we wouldn't hesitate to work with in the future. Thank you for restoring our faith in the fact that there are those in the business of construction who are capable of playing it straight and true, without any "dodgy moves" in the process. It's far too easy to play that card, and TZO is not a subscriber to that modus operandi. For and on behalf of GRAFFITI WIPEOUT
Chris
I have had only positive experiences having sub-contracted to TZO for the past 2.5 months. I value their professional and friendly attitude. Payment has been prompt and as invoiced.
Fabian Jungbeck
We have met Jan many years ago when we were looking for help with our house in Melbourne and with Jan’s help we managed to bring this project to a successful completion. We have since worked with Jan on various occasions over the years and most recently sought his help with a new project in regional Victoria where Jan and his team worked on various stages of the project from preparing the complex formwork, erecting the steel structure and timber framing to applying external and internal finishes The people we met on Jan’s team are easy to deal with friendly professionals, we always found their workmanship of a high standard and they left the site cleaned up at the end of the day We have found Jan to be knowledgeable and helpful, with a special interest in energy efficient construction, in particular Passivhaus designs and would not hesitate to work with him again in the future
Alexandra Ansari
I have known the Zimmermann Oz and director Jan Knecht for 10 years now, successfully built two projects with them and collaborated on many more - and I could not recommend them more highly. Jan and his team are a group of highly professional and courteous individuals and all-around amazing to work with. Their commitment to each project, coupled with a genuine concern for the client's best interests, creates an environment of efficiency and relaxedness on site and in any dealings with them. For me as an architect, this alignment of goals has made working with them an exceptionally streamlined and rewarding experience. I am looking forward to working on many more projects with The Zimmermann Oz and I have no reservations in recommending them to any client seeking a highly knowledgeable and proficient building contractor. Their specialization in sustainable and energy-efficient building, high-end joinery, and custom architectural needs makes them an ideal choice for those in pursuit of excellence.
Marc Schnekenburger
Since our first meetings Jan and his team have shown that they are providing are reliable, skilled, knowledgeable and diligent service. We did build a passive house with TZO. Together with Jan and the Gruen Eco Design team we reviewed our initial plans, improved the construction design, and changed to a passive house. Throughout the construction phase Jan and his team did put into action what we had planned with close loop communication. There was constant progress (with some COVID interruptions), regular updates and the outcome has demonstrated the standard we were aiming for. The site was kept very clean throughout. While there have been challenges during the building and COVID phase Jan has been an honest and reliable partner focused on finding practical solutions. Our building was finished with an excellent final door blower test. TZO has demonstrated that they build to the highest standards, stay engaged with clear communication and bring their skills to improve and establish sustainable building in Australia. We highly recommend Jan and the TZO team!