Better, healthier homes with factory-built modular buildings

Reducing our environmental footprint extends to all facets of modern-day life. From recycling household waste, composting food scraps, choosing longer-life LED light bulbs and our choice of sustainable home build. 

These days, modular homes are not only cost efficient, but energy efficient and sustainable as well. With Manor Build, you’ll enjoy upfront environmental wins by choosing us for your new build, as well as ongoing sustainability benefits as you enjoy your new home. Let’s take a look at Manor Build’s three sustainability pillars for eco-friendly homes.

Ensuring Sustainable Building Practices

We’re building a better and healthier future with factory-built modular buildings. By using sustainable materials in our new builds, reducing our new build waste and ensuring our builds deliver energy efficiency to our customers over the lifetime of our build are important pillars for us.

Sustainable Materials

• We use Weathertex cladding to deliver a better-than-zero carbon footprint.

• Our timber framing is from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sources, including extensive use of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) which increases the strength of the build and reduces waste.

• NZ-sourced timber is one of the most sustainable products available in local construction. That’s why our builds use timber pile foundations and timber flooring.

• We actively look for certified sustainable supply chains for our materials, and always buy local if we can.

Reduced Waste

• Our factory-controlled environment gives us the unique ability to reduce waste onsite and reuse materials.

• Our modular house designs have efficient material optimisation by using standardised build parameters.

• Factory builds ensure reduced travel for all trades during the construction process.

• If client requirements change, the building is able to be relocated and reused instead of being demolished.

Energy Efficient Buildings

• Manor Build construction methods deliver an airtight barrier for optimal thermal control.

• Our Insulation ratings are impressive: R7 Roof, R2.2 Walls and R3.1 Floor.

• We offer various ventilation system options for a healthy indoor climate, no matter the region you live.

• Our specified glazing and fixtures help to reduce water and energy usage ongoing.

• We’ve consulted on energy modelling and advice from the best in sustainable construction.

More about Zero Waste Material Optimisation

A zero-waste build has a positive impact on the environment and it also results in reduced costs for our customers!

How we optimise building materials on Manor Build projects

• Our floor and ceiling sheets are 7.2M x 2.45M Metra panels. 95% of New Zealand buildings are a multiple of this sheet size resulting in zero offcuts.

• Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a laminated timber product that results in reduced timber waste during manufacture and is structurally stronger.

• Manor Build ordered Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) floor joists in 7.2M lengths, again resulting in zero offcuts as our primary building width is 7.2M.

• Weathertex Cladding is primarily 3.6M which works efficiently with the 7.2M building size. Again, this reduces offcuts.

• Wall framing is also Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) with OSB rigid barriers all manufactured to specific material sizes for our standard buildings. And yes, this reduces offcuts.

• Internal linings are optimised to the 2.55M ceiling height with a combination of 1.2M and 1.35m sheets installed horizontally to reduce offcuts.

More about the Reuse and Recycling of Materials

Our standardising of materials and reusing materials means that we send less to landfills and reduce costs for our clients. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

How we reuse and recycle building materials on Manor Build projects

• The factory environment allows for easy use of leftover materials from previous jobs due to everything being built in the same location. We also don’t have materials impacted by weather or incorrect outdoor storage due to our stable internal environment.

• By specifying a narrow range of structural and decorative material choices this increases the chances of excess materials being usable again. This also makes bulk purchasing possible which reduces costs for our clients.

• Timber offcuts are reused as nogs or dwangs (horizontal blocking pieces used between wall studs). They are also repurposed for attaching or fixing for showers, curtains, TVs, vanities, cabinetry etc.

• Cladding off-cut strips are kept and used for insulation retention and airtightness in the roof structure.

• All cardboard and steel leftover at the factory are recycled.

Manor Build Partners for eco-friendly home construction

We are lucky to partner with a range of reputable organisations to assist us with delivering our clients sustainable and energy-efficient homes.

Sustainable Engineering

These passive house engineers assist us with thermal performance modelling and Homestar sustainability certification.

UNO Windows and Doors

Our aluminium window and door partner is a local Taranaki business with a strong sustainable story.

Panelise NZ

Specialists in thermal and sustainable wall panel systems using rigid air barriers, Panelise NZ is another local Taranaki business and trusted supplier. 

Weathertex

Better than zero carbon footprint cladding material, including weatherboards and wall panels.

Nelson Pine LVL

Laminated veneer lumber for superior strength and reduced timber wastage. This structural engineered wood product is sourced from Nelson.