Which prefab tiny home or pod is best for your backyard?
Prefab buildings have come a long way since you had to trudge out to the draughty one behind the school hall for social studies class. These days, they can be as simple, or as luxe as you want.
From granny flats with separate bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, to simple rooms for an extra bed, office, or workroom. And if they’re under 30m² they might not even need to be consented.
In fact, there is almost no location a prefab pod can’t be plopped onto if you have the time, money and perseverance to get it done. Just check out the tight, steep spot Ash and Mareike Isherwood had a pair of three tonne Podlife pods dropped onto in Wellington. The couple now offer the pods as a charming, bush clad retreat.
Builderscrack.co.nz spokesperson Jeremy Gray says having one fitted in your backyard could be as simple as laying a slab of concrete. The steps and requirements you need in place before delivery should be set as part of the purchase process.
“Any reputable pod company will provide you with the full specifications of what they require to drop the product on your property."
If the studio is under 30m² you may not need consents, thanks to the 2020 exemptions to the Building Act which meant that anyone can build a sleep-out, a carport, or a shed without needing council permission.
It will still need to comply with the building standards code, and meet recession plans and other council rules, such as keeping them 1.5 metre from the boundary line, or the major dwelling, however.
If the pod is going to become a second habitable dwelling, with a kitchen or bathroom, then there will likely be "quite a lot of council requirements that need to be satisfied", says Gray, and you'll need to consult your council’s building planning and consents office, or check the council website.
Because they’re moveable, pre-fab pods require more structural integrity, and therefore cost a little more to fabricate than a structure that’s built on site. However, prefabricated pod are transportable, which means you could take the pod with you if you move, sell it, or move it somewhere else.
"There are other aspects that make up cost savings,” says Gray. "They are produced in a factory in controlled conditions. Weather and other delays can be controlled much more tightly, so that can reduce the costs.
"And notwithstanding the time to build the foundation, it only takes a day to erect that structure. You can have minimal site disruption, as opposed to say building on site, which may take a couple of weeks."
If that sounds like you, then take a look at these pods, designed and built in AoteroaNZ:
Made from purpose-built containers, Podlife pods come ready to roll with everything you need to create a minor dwelling on your property. They have three sizes, including a little 10m² pod that would make a perfect workroom or WFH office.
Location Homes offer customisable luxury pods for baches and backyards with luxe interiors and the option to add full kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas, or just create a little extra space. You get to choose the finish of the timber interior and kitchen.
Built by owner Landon Neal since 2016, Mypods offer a range of size options, clad in cedar, to handle the elements and age into the landscape. The pods come without anything inside, so you’ll need to budget for adding your own kitchenette or toilet.
Looking for a spare bedroom for your angsty teen, or the rellies when they come to stay, the micro pod could be for you. At less than 10m² it doesn’t need a consent, but comes double-glazed and ready for electrical connection via caravan outlet.
The size up comes with a shower room and loo.
That’s a huge chunk of change for a 29m² studio, but these eco-minded cabins are customisable, upgradable (how about an incinerating toilet so you – and the pod – can go anywhere), and are made from recycled hardwood timber sourced in Australia.
It’s hard to pinpoint a spot because there are so many, Amanda says.
“Chay would probably say it’s his epic man cave or one of the three outdoor fire areas, one of which is a huge sunken fire pit he dug out by hand. I love hanging out in the courtyard, snuggled up on the outdoor sofa on a starry night, a glass of wine in hand and enjoying the crackling heat from the fire. It’s so peaceful and private and a perfect way to escape the business of life without leaving home.”
She describes the property as a dream. “It’s serene and the sunsets are phenomenal, along with the variety in birdlife. With the addition of the massive pond that runs along the back of the property, we’re truly blessed in the nature department.”
Facing north, the home beautifully shows off views of the picturesque 8,264 square-metre property and Mount Taupiri beyond. A wonderful sense of light and space can be found throughout the openplan living spaces, anchored by a well-appointed kitchen. There’s an effortless connection between indoors and out, where oh-so-inviting entertainment areas overlook the sparkling waters of the swimming pool.
Tucked away in its own wing, the master suite creates a sanctuary for busy parents to unwind and connect.
Four more generously-proportioned bedrooms offering up wonderful views are served by a luxe family bathroom.
A separate man cave with media conversion adds to the appeal.
The owners describe their lifestyle here as peaceful, tranquil, quiet, surrounded by nature - and the perfect place to wind down and escape from work.
“The layout works so well for a family, and for entertaining. With multiple outdoor living areas to escape to, and all of which can cater to even the biggest number of extended family and friends, it’s literally an entertainer’s dream. Who needs to go to Fiji, when you have Fiji at home! We wanted a pool area to emulate resort living and it really does. Being solar heated, we get to enjoy it for at least six months of the year and being positioned in front of the main living spaces, you can even be indoors and still have a full visual of the kids,” Amanda says.
With an easy commute to Hamilton and Cambridge, it’s a location you’ll love.
“We’re close to town yet far from the business of life. We have a great collection of people who live around us and we are definitely part of an amazing small ‘country lane neighbourhood’, with our own Facebook Messenger group and have street parties at Halloween and Christmas. We all watch out for each other and take care of each other and work together to look after the welfare of the street,” Amanda says.
With Chay and Amanda moving on to new adventures, you now have the opportunity to own your own slice of Taupiri heaven.
“My clients are definitely on the move this is your opportunity to secure a desirable, content-packed property with a price point to match. Call me today to secure your lifestyle oasis,” says Kristen Gould from NZ Sotheby’s International Realty.