Welcome to Ecopod Homes

You may know us as Ecopod — and while our commitment to sustainable, quality building hasn't changed, we have evolved. We're now Ecopod Homes, and we're expanding our focus to include larger family homes alongside the compact, efficient eco-friendly designs we're known for.

Whether you're looking for a 45m² granny flat or a spacious 3-bedroom family home, we've got you covered. And right now, there's never been a better time to explore your options.

Why? Because important changes are coming to New Zealand's building regulations — changes that could save you thousands of dollars and months of waiting. We want to share what's happening and how we can help you get started today.

Will your building qualify?

To be exempt from requiring a building consent, your build must:

• ☑ Be new, and standalone - not an alteration or addition to an existing building
• ☑ Be less than or equal to 70m² (net floor)
• ☑ Have only a single storey, no mezzanine floors allowed
• ☑ Have a maximum floor level of 1 metre above ground
• ☑ Be at least 2 metres from residential buildings or legal boundaries
• ☑ Be built with lightweight frames of either timber or steel
• ☑ Can include a garage with internal access if other requirements are met

Mandatory Process Requirements:

• ☑ Procure a Project Information Memorandum (PIM)* prior to building and notify council before building starts
• ☑ Comply with the building code, including water supply, sanitary plumbing and drainage
• ☑ Build with a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
• ☑ Have Record of Works (ROW's), certificates and final plans provided to Council on completion

If you do your build with Ecopod Homes, all these boxes are ticked for you.

*A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is documentation prepared by council containing information about special features of the land and existing utility services.

There will be benefits for building under the new legislation

If your build qualifies and you conduct the build as required, you can avoid some costs, save some time, and perhaps reduce the need for professional advisors.

Important:

While the exemption removes the need for a building consent, you may still need to meet other regulatory requirements, such as geotechnical reports, stormwater and wastewater management, and resource consents, depending on your site and council.

For more information:

Progress of the Bill

The Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill has passed. Councils will begin implementing the Act, each according to its own timeline and processes. Auckland Council seems well-prepared, and it is currently expected that the Act will take effect in Auckland early in 2026.

You can start your project now

At Ecopod Homes, we have seen customers waiting for the new legislation and anticipate a surge as each Council implements. We are already designing and contracting for granny flats and other buildings that will meet the new rules. You may want to talk with us early. It may still be a long process to get your building designed. Construction industry capacity has been reduced over the last two years and there may be delays if the surge in demand cannot be met by available supply.

Look at these Ecopod plans ready to go, or a starting point for you to customise for yourself.

The North Harbour

Great 2-bedroom space, with full living area opening out to a covered porch entry at the end for privacy.

The Foxton

2 Bedroom or 3-bedroom options, maximising living space in the unique design.

The Muriwai

Available as a modular home delivered in 2 parts to overcome narrow access ways on site.

The Eco70

70m² 3-bedroom family home meets the requirements and would be a good option for a rental.

We also have designs for smaller granny flats, which you can see on our website. All our designs can be adapted, and we can develop a custom design with you, if you prefer.

Get in touch today with Lance Tomsett at 021 326763 (021ECOPOD)