History of transportable homes in New Zealand
‘Prefabricated’ sounds like a modern, technical term doesn’t it? Either that, or you think of the prefab classrooms of your youth!
But would you be surprised to learn that prefabricated transportable homes have been around in New Zealand since the early settlers?
Wondering what we mean by prefabricated? It’s when all, or substantial parts, of a house or building are made off-site and transported and installed at their final location. It also covers the terms prebuilt, modular and transportable.
So where did it all start? And does prefabrication have a future?
Read on…
1800’S – EARLY SETTLER COTTAGES
Prefabricated housing in NZ dates right back to the early European settlers who imported panelised housing kits from the United Kingdom. Many of New Zealand’s founding houses were prefabricated to some extent. The Treaty House, was brought from Sydney as a pre-cut frame with fittings and most materials. And the Auckland Governor’s house was prefabricated in England – all 16 rooms of it!
1880 – 1930’S – RAILWAY AND STATE HOUSING
The New Zealand Railways Department was the first major producer of prefabricated housing as early as the 1880s.
From the 1920s components for Railway Houses were produced in a factory at Frankton. The factory could produce components for a house in a day and a half. These were transported by rail around the North Island. Assembly on site took two people two weeks. The Railways Department produced around one-thousand-six-hundred houses over a six-year period in this manner.
By July 1937, the first state houses were revealed in Miramar, Wellington. The State Housing programme utilised standard products, pre-cut framing and unlined wall panels made in joinery factories and trucked to site. The combination of pattern-book designs, use of unskilled labour and pre-cut prefabrication techniques enabled the State Housing Scheme to become one of the most successful public housing schemes in the world.
1940 – 1960 – THE WAR YEARS AND BEYOND
Hydro-electric schemes used prefabrication techniques so they could easily erect and shift worker housing from one scheme to another. Combinations of construction, transportation and relocation were used throughout the 1940s to1970s to house workers around NZ.
The Ministry of Works set up a carpentry workshop at Otematata to build 250 houses on a production line. Other housing was provided by contractors such as Keith Hay Homes, Martin Homes and De Geest Brothers Construction. The government’s investment in housing enabled businesses such as these to flourish.
THE SCHOOL PREFAB
Remember school prefabs? Relocatable classrooms were used by the Ministry of Education through the population boom period post-World War Two. In those years school prefabs made up to eighty-five percent of floor space built each year.
The relocatable prefabs were made of light-timber construction and clad with asbestos cement panels and corrugated iron roofing. They were estimated to cost fifty to seventy-five percent less than permanent buildings and were cost effective to move and reuse.
1970’S TO TODAY – HOUSEHOLD NAMES
Keith Hay Homes, Conecta and Lockwood were three companies that survived the late 1970s economic recession.
Keith Hay pioneered Keith Hay Homes in 1949 when he began relocating second-hand buildings. Hay began using pine instead of native timber to speed up production processes, as well as cutting labour costs, and incorporating new plastics and other innovative materials.
Lockwood emerged in the 1950s as a solid timber component-based system. They grew their reputation with architect-inspired ranges, franchises and strong show-home marketing.
THE FUTURE
Today there are many firms offering quality prefabricated homes at affordable prices. A focus on sustainability in modern construction has brought a wave of renewed interest in prefabrication. Why is prefabrication seen as sustainable? The key drivers are the standardisation of parts and minimising of materials, building in controlled environments and increasing efficiency. New and innovative materials, designs and construction methods are being trialled here in NZ and around the world.
Sustainable, affordable, accessible: Could prefabricated housing be part of the solution to our current housing crisis?
History shows it has certainly helped is the past!
Food for thought.
Source: Most of the information for this article was sourced from: Bell, P (2009). Kiwi Prefab: Prefabricated Housing in New Zealand. An historical and contemporary overview with recommendations for the future. (Masters Thesis) Victoria University.
Summary:
Transportable homes have come a long way. This article looks back at the evolution of prefabricated housing in New Zealand, offering insight into how these homes have shaped and adapted to Kiwi lifestyles over the decades.
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Buying a transportable home is a big decision. Whether it’s for your main residence, a holiday retreat, worker accommodation, or a secondary dwelling, there are several moving parts to consider beyond just the floor plan.
If you’ve been researching what to look for when buying a transportable home, this is our checklist to help you make an informed choice.
Site Suitability & Access
Before falling in love with a layout, start by investigating whether your site is suitable for a transportable build. Rural and urban sites present different challenges. Narrow driveways, tight turning circles, overhead power lines, or limited access can all influence delivery.
An early site assessment gives your transportable home builder a chance to determine if there are any restrictions to the type of home that will work for your property.
Learn more about what’s involved in the transport and installation phase in our Transportable Homes Delivery Process.
Build Quality, Materials & NZ Compliance
Transportable homes have to comply with the New Zealand Building Code, just like any other residential build. That includes things like structural durability, insulation standards, moisture management, and seismic considerations.
Builds completed in a controlled environment have advantages because construction happens under predictable conditions, allowing for tighter tolerances and greater consistency when installing elements such as insulation and glazing.
When comparing your options, take into account the factors that make for a comfortable home - insulation, glazing, weather performance, and overall longevity of the materials being used.
Read more about how offsite construction improves building outcomes in Why Choose Transportable Homes.
Design Flexibility & Lifestyle Fit
Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, a holiday retreat, or accommodation for workers, considering the right layout based on how you’ll use the home will make the biggest difference to how the property is enjoyed.
Purpose of the home
The intended use of your home significantly influences the features and layout you should prioritise. Here are a few common purposes:
- Additional accommodation for extended family: If the home will serve as extra space for family members, consider their comfort and privacy. Features like multiple bedrooms, a separate bathroom, and a cosy living area can make the space more inviting.
- Holiday home: For a holiday property, prioritise low-maintenance features, easy access to outdoor areas, and amenities that enhance relaxation, such as a deck and outdoor living spaces.
- Worker accommodation: Practicality and durability are key for worker housing. Ensure the home is equipped with sufficient amenities, durable materials, and adequate space for comfortable living.
- Granny flat: Usability and preparing for the future are key considerations. If the person using the home is advanced in years, we can prepare the home by making doors flush entry, putting timber in the walls for future grab rails and making doorways wider for future wheelchair access.
The size of the Home
The number of bedrooms is a fundamental consideration when selecting a transportable home. Think about your current and future needs. If you have a growing family or anticipate hosting guests, opting for additional bedrooms can provide comfort and flexibility.
Bathrooms are another important factor, particularly in homes with multiple occupants. A second bathroom can be a game-changer, reducing morning rush hour stress and providing privacy.
The flow of the home
Customising the orientation of your floorplan to suit your needs goes a long way in helping to make your transportable home tick all the boxes when a standard floor plan doesn’t quite fit the bill.
Whether you’re looking to prioritise open plan living, need plenty of accommodation for all the extended family, or storage is top on your list, considering a floor plan which is tailored to include all the amenities you need is an important consideration to ensure your transportable home fits your lifestyle for years to come.
To explore layouts, view all our transportable house plans or if you want to skip the wait, browse our range of transportable homes available now.
The Build & Delivery Process
One of the biggest differences between a traditional build and a transportable home is where the work happens.
Instead of months of on-site activity, your home is constructed in a controlled environment before being transported and installed on prepared foundations. Timelines can vary depending on a few different factors, but these builds allow more certainty in scheduling and are less likely to run over.
While many transportable, modular, prefab, and kitset homes come in a range of sizes and orientations, often a more customised approach is necessary to achieve the perfect layout for your needs.
Check out the top things to consider when choosing the perfect transportable home for you:
Purpose of the home
The intended use of your home significantly influences the features and layout you should prioritise. Here are a few common purposes:
Additional accommodation for extended family: If the home will serve as extra space for family members, consider their comfort and privacy. Features like multiple bedrooms, a separate bathroom, and a cosy living area can make the space more inviting.
Holiday home: For a holiday property, prioritise low-maintenance features, easy access to outdoor areas, and amenities that enhance relaxation, such as a deck and outdoor living spaces.
Worker accommodation: Practicality and durability are key for worker housing. Ensure the home is equipped with sufficient amenities, durable materials, and adequate space for comfortable living.
Granny flat: Usability and preparing for the future are key considerations. If the person using the home is advanced in years, we can prepare the home by making doors flush entry, putting timber in the walls for future grab rails and making doorways wider for future wheelchair access.
Number of bedrooms
The number of bedrooms is a fundamental consideration when selecting a transportable home. Think about your current and future needs. If you have a growing family or anticipate hosting guests, opting for additional bedrooms can provide comfort and flexibility. Even if the home is intended as a holiday retreat or worker accommodation, having extra rooms can enhance privacy and convenience.
Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms are another important factor, particularly in homes with multiple occupants. A second bathroom can be a game-changer, reducing morning rush hour stress and providing privacy. Consider the number of people who will use the home regularly and whether additional bathrooms are necessary to meet their needs.
Separate laundry area
A dedicated laundry area is a practical feature that many overlook. A separate laundry room can help keep the rest of the home organised and clutter-free. Whether you're washing beach towels from a day at the holiday home or uniforms in a worker accommodation setting, a designated laundry space adds convenience and functionality.
Customisable layouts
The ability to pick your preferred finishes including paint colours, floor coverings, joinery, and appliances is an easy way to help make your transportable home feel like your own. Customising the orientation of your floorplan to suit your needs goes a long way in helping to make your transportable home tick all the boxes when a standard floor plan doesn’t quite fit the bill.
Whether you’re looking to prioritise open plan living, need plenty of accommodation for all the extended family, or storage is top on your list, considering a floor plan which is tailored to include all the amenities you need is an important consideration to ensure your transportable home fits your lifestyle for years to come.
Living area size
The living area is the heart of any home, where family and friends gather to relax and socialise. The size of the living area should align with your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. For those who love entertaining, a larger living area may be ideal. Conversely, if the home is a secondary residence or for temporary use, a more compact living space might suffice with the extra floor plan used for additional bedrooms or storage.
Kitchen and dining area
The kitchen and dining area are crucial spaces for daily living. Consider the size and layout of the kitchen, especially if you enjoy cooking. A well-designed kitchen with ample counter space, storage, and modern appliances can make meal preparation a pleasure. The dining area should comfortably accommodate the number of people you expect to dine regularly.
Storage space
Lack of storage is often a pain point in any home. Evaluate the available storage options, including closets, cabinets, and potential external storage like sheds or garages. Ample storage helps keep the home organised and clutter-free, contributing to a more pleasant living environment.
Keen to find out more? Check out our full range of standard floor plans here or get in touch to chat with our friendly team about how we can help bring your transportable home to life.