About this Entry
Future Proofing
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Tiny doesn’t mean temporary. Our homes are built exceeding the construction standards of conventional houses, built to stand the test of time.
The structure is designed, engineered and built for high wind zones and coastal conditions, so it can be relocated with confidence. We back this with a 5-year guarantee, one of the longest in the tiny home sector.
We’ve chosen the best materials on the market so owners are set up for success from day one. That includes Colorsteel Maxam roofing, exterior cladding and flashings (suitable for coastal environments), vertical redwood shiplap cladding from a local family-run mill, and stainless steel rosehead nails that secure the timber while providing long-term corrosion resistance. Combined with Cutek CD50 Extreme stain products for timber protection, these details ensure the exterior will last for decades in all environments.
The build uses conventional 90x45mm timber wall framing, double-studded and heavily braced for transport, with R2.8 wall insulation batts. Ceilings are insulated to R5.0, and the underfloor includes two layers of 50mm Expol insulation, achieving R1.8. Combined with double-glazed, thermally broken joinery with Aluvents, this ensures excellent passive performance and year-round efficiency.
The roof is a skillion structure designed for conventional insulation products and wiring. With these choices, the home exceeds standard tiny house insulation and durability requirements, setting it up as a long-term, low-maintenance home.
Liveability
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At 12m x 4m with a 2.7m internal ceiling height at the apex, the home feels open and airy. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in light and airflow while still leaving wall space for artwork or furniture.
The home is single-level, stair-free, with hallways and doorways that meet wheelchair accessibility requirements. That makes it accessible now and adaptable for the future. We wanted to prove that tiny homes can be inclusive and future-ready, suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a home that can grow with you and remain accessible to everyone.
Flow was carefully planned. The long hallway, heads past the multifunctional room and bathroom, separating the master bedroom from the living areas for privacy. A barn-style slider into the master conserves space, while a multi-functional room can flex between a single bedroom, bunks, or a dedicated office.
We’ve carefully thought about airflow, with joinery positioned for cross-ventilation and tinted glazing that reduces summer heat while adding privacy.
Daily comfort is supported by practical features: a full-size wardrobe with his-and-her towers and triple sliding doors (including a full-length mirror), full size appliances, a separate laundry nook with space for overhead storage, and a well thought through electrical plan.
Workmanship
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This build is the result of collaboration with local specialists: Bays Engineering (custom engineered and built trailer), Motueka Plumbing, Electrical worx, The Sellers Room, and architect Chris Pyemont, alongside local timber mills and other contractors.
The trailer provides the structural foundation and compliance needed for safe, secure transport. The redwood exterior detailing has been finished with Cutek CD50 extreme stain, one of the most reputable (and expensive) protective products available, and fixed with stainless steel rosehead nails for both strength and weather durability. Inside, the birch ply ceiling in the master bedroom adds warmth and refinement, while custom joinery from The Sellers Room ensures every inch of kitchen storage is usable.
Every trade contributed to the mindset of building a conventional home. Greens tap ware and shower sets were specified for durability and their 10-20 year warranties. LVL plank flooring provides strength underfoot, designed to last heavy daily use.
This workmanship has been validated with an engineering certificate for the entire build, proving its suitability for high wind zones and coastal environments, and peace of mind the structure will stand the test of time.
Functionality/Innovation Design
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The floorplan balances flexibility and privacy. The L-shaped kitchen is custom-built with pull-out pantry drawers, ceiling-height cabinetry with pelmets, twin open shelves with recessed LED lighting, and a full splashback to match the benchtops. It has been left open for a movable island or dining table, allowing owners to choose between extra prep space or a permanent sit-down dining area.
The multi-purpose room is designed to adapt as needs change: it can function as a child’s room, guest room, or dedicated office. Features like cavity sliders conserve floor area, and the hallway design ensures separation between bedrooms and living.
Comfort features include tinted double glazing for heat control, Aluvents for continuous passive airflow, and allocation for future upgrades. Although this home does not come with a fireplace, two areas have been structurally planned so a fireplace can be added later without major rework.
This practical flexibility ensures the home evolves with its owners.
Aesthetic Appeal & Special Features
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We wanted this home to look architectural, not boxy. The off-centre roofline, angled redwood feature, and oversized square-profile gutters create visual balance. Exterior fittings, from the charcoal A26 Rinnai califont to the black exterior power points, are colour-matched to blend with the cladding. Even the wraparound flashing for the down pipe turns a practical necessity into a design feature.
Inside, the finishes are warm and intentional. The grooved feature walls down the hallway and opposite the kitchen tie directly to the kitchen cabinetry colour. The birch ply ceiling in the master bedroom contrasts with full-height glazed doors and windows, filling the home with light.
The 2.1m main door, framed with an angled window above, creates a strong architectural entry point. The floor-to-ceiling window in the bathroom ensures natural light in spaces that are often overlooked.
Together, these details make the home feel both architectural and welcoming.
Subcontractor Acknowledgements
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Chris Pyemont, Andy Burridge, Adriaan Dubbleman, Florian Angerer, Bays Engineering, Motueka Plumbing, Worx Electrical, The Sellers Room, Totally Timber Mill, Placemakers Motueka, Ben Snowden Flooring, Guthrie Bowran Motueka and JC Painting