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Containing her enthusiasm Compact and strong, shipping containers have found an alternative life as building modules for homes. Auckland-based Brenda Kelly is the first to have a New Zealand Homestar rating for a container home, achieving eight points out of a possible...
Smart guide

Managing stormwater

Water and waste
Managing stormwater Stormwater is the water that runs off impervious (water resistant) surfaces such as roofs, roads, driveways and footpaths. In urban areas, runoff goes down drains into stormwater pipes or channels and is carried to rivers, lakes or the sea.On privat...
Smart guide
Designing for more than good looks Exterior design includes your home's size and shape, how it fits into the surrounding neighbourhood and streetscape, and the impact it has on its site.While home design is a matter of personal taste, there are practical benefits from...
Smart guide

Selecting a rural site

Siting and location
A home on a lifestyle block If you’re planning to build in the country, or relocate to a rural property, do your research so you can take advantage of the benefits and be prepared for different challenges to urban living.As well as the potentially lower cost of land...
Smart guide
Heat loss from cylinders For any type of hot water storage, energy is lost through the walls of the cylinder even if no hot water is being used. This is called 'standing losses'.Although modern electric cylinders are better insulated than older cylinders, even modern A...
Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, someone looking to buy or build a house, a designer or a building or property professional, you will find ideas and information about current practices focusing on smart homes.Smart homes are about well-built, clever designs, being ener...
Smart guide

On-site sewage systems

Water and waste
An on-site sewage system can be a good option if connection to the main system is not possible. They must be designed and sized correctly to work well. An undersized, poorly designed or under-maintained system may not adequately cope with your household's wastewater. It is...
Smart guide

Reusing greywater

Water and waste
Greywater – turning waste into a resource With the right technology, water used to wash yourself and your clothes can be reused on the garden or for flushing toilets. This wastewater is called 'greywater'.Using greywater: Reduces the need for and reliance on the main...
Note that this document is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Chief Executive as Guidance under Section 175 of the Building Act 2004. This is a guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case.