green-built modular homes/links

[migratory birds]

Any links for NZ-based green-built modular/prefab home construction websites?

In years past, I've thought of prefab as tacky vinyl, poor quality homes...but I believe it's a rapidly changing industry with some forward thinking architects/builders bringing higher quality offerings into the mix.

Am interested in seeing what might be available manufactured in NZ (or Australia if costs aren't prohibitive)...

Sorry if this has been discussed in past but couldn't find anything in archives.

Ta!

[Piper]

I know a lot of baches (batches) (bachs) out on the Marlborough Sounds are kit homes. Whether they're green or not, I don't know. Will ask my sister - she told me the name of the manufacturer but I forget it right now.

(I seem to remember her mentioning about $200k for a 2 bed I think but again, I will ask and don't quote me on that!)

[Nick88]

What is a green-built home? You might be thinking of transportable homes, they are built off site and delivered. Just google it and you will find a few to choose from.

[Jo Jo]

There was a thread about these a few months ago, but I can't find it now. But, yes, there are companies specialising in eco kitset houses, such as Energy Efficient Homes.

Edit: found the old thread: here you go.

[Nick88]

IMHO the Energy Efficient Homes are made in much the same way as many new homes in NZ. They are very heavily insulated due to the subzero temps you will enjoy in Canada, but isn't really necessary here. The bit about the wood treatment is irrelevant, cos all new homes here must be made of H1 treated timber, anyway. The double glazing is a great feature that NZ homes could do with. The windows giving passive solar heating is a feature of any window that gets the sun in winter.

There was also a link to straw bale houses somewhere. They are really expensive to build, as the straw has to come from Canterbury. Grain crops are not grown further north on any scale due to the higher humidity and rainfall. The transport alone adds alot to the price.

Personally I would stick to some of the tried and tested newer homes that are well insulated and simply constructed. You can always specify double glazing to be added (at a cost)

http://www.initialhomes.co.nz/
http://www.sunshinehomes.co.nz/

[migratory birds]

Green builders look at using sustainable materials with the least impact on the environment and home inhabitants whenever possible in the construction (including locally acquired or renewable materials rather than those shipped from afar or use of less-renewable or non-renewable materials), materials with least potential for off-gassing (formaldehyde, VOCs in paints, adhesives for floorings, choosing less-toxic wood finishes where options exist), orienting house/choice of window size for maximum solar gain in winter, attention to overhang width for minimal solar gain in the summer, installing heat and electrical with greatest potential for maximal effect with minimal impact, etc.

What would others add to this definition of green-building?

[Piper]

I haven't had time to look at its green credentials but here's the kit home company I was thinking of.

http://www.a1homes.co.nz/

I guess this thread would help anybody viewing NZ property to figure out if it's a kit home they're looking at!

I saw a house that as built into a hillside recently, I guess that's pretty green in that it takes up very little land.

[markw55]

I haven't found any kit-set house builder who are truly green in the materials they use etc. If anyone finds any please post links! Most of the kit-set builders are all competing on cost.

We have also found that in most situations you need to do some work looking at if a kitset is cheaper than a house that is transported or just building from scratch.

From what I have found prices start at $1200 per square meter for a 'rental' style home up to $2000 per square meter for a well finished 'executive' style home, regardless of if it is a kitset or built from scratch.

If you want a green home I would suggest first finding an architect who has experience in building this type of home. They can give you ideas and should have contacts with green builders etc.

We will be building in 2008 or 2009 and are attracted by this architect's design:
http://www.poweredliving.co.nz

But haven't yet made any inquiries as we are still researching options.

[PeteS]

In years past, I've thought of prefab as tacky vinyl, poor quality homes....

You're right! Some things never change. I've done a lot of looking at "kit-set" homes, and all the ones I saw are low on specification. They will "comply" with the building rules, but that's all.

Just like the rest of the world, here in NZ you'll get what you pay for.

[miep]

We've built our own home to be as green as possible, ie passive solar heating, solar hot water and good insulation and it certainly makes a difference!

However Markw55, we were quoted that price range as well when we started building 5 years ago! I think $2500 per sq m will be a bit more realistic. The $2000 for an "executive" finish generally doesn't include timber joinery as opposed to "weepy" aluminium, insulation in internal walls (not the norm here) solid core doors etc.

When we started designing our house there was very little info or understanding on eco measures, I did most of the research myself on the net. There seems to be a lot more info and general interest now though so it should all be easier.
I like the powered living concept, very good looking, it's nice to have a well known architect involved in green design. Ours just didn't get it, he kept saying we didn't need double glazing and for the price of timber joinery we could build a bigger house! We just didn't seem to be able to get our point across that we wanted quality rather than quantity

Over the years I've looked at kit set companies but haven't found one that does green in a serious way.

Migratory birds: I think your post sums up the most important points for a definition of green, perhaps recycling of old materials could be added?