Eco-friendly homes: Modular, transportable, and affordable

08 Aug 2024
High performance homes
Design Options

In an era where sustainability is more than a buzzword, it's a lifestyle, eco-friendly homes are becoming the cornerstone of modern living. Modular and transportable homes represent a revolution in sustainable construction, offering a blueprint for affordable, eco-conscious living without compromising on style or comfort. This blog delves into the eco-friendly benefits of modular homes, and how they align with affordability and environmental stewardship.

Green house being held by two hands
Knowledge Base
|
Eco-friendly homes: Modular, transportable, and affordable

Understanding modular and transportable homes

Modular and transportable homes are built in a factory setting and then transported to their final location. At Manor Build, all of our homes are constructed in our purpose built facility in Taranaki. This method of construction has gained popularity due to its efficiency and minimal environmental impact compared to traditional on-site building. These homes are designed in controlled environments, which allows for precise construction, reduced waste, and improved quality control.

The eco-friendly attributes of modular homes

  1. Reduced Waste: Modular construction dramatically reduces on-site waste. Materials are ordered in pre-measured, specific amounts, and unused materials are recycled in-house. This controlled environment minimises the typical construction waste found in standard home building, which is beneficial for the environment.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Manor Build homes are built with integrated energy-efficient features, including high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and sometimes, green appliances. The tight construction standards help prevent air leaks and reduce heating and cooling costs, making these homes inherently more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts.
  3. Sustainable Materials: Modular homes frequently use sustainable materials.  Manufacturers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of materials, choosing alternatives that are both sustainable and durable.
  4. Less Site Disturbance: The factory construction of modular homes means less disturbance to the building site. This is particularly advantageous in sensitive environmental areas, where limiting the disruption to the landscape can help preserve the local flora and fauna.

Additionally, should requirements change, the house can be relocated and reused, instead of being demolished.

Resized image of New Plymouth factory taken by a drone (1)

Aligning cost-effectiveness with eco-friendliness

One of the most compelling aspects of modular and transportable homes is their affordability. The efficiency of factory production reduces labour costs and timelines, which in turn lowers the overall cost of the home. Here’s how modular homes marry affordability with eco-friendliness:

  1. Efficient Construction: The speed of construction in a factory setting not only saves money but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with prolonged construction processes. Faster build times mean less energy used during production.
  2. Reduced Transportation Costs: While the homes themselves need to be transported to the site, the bulk transportation of assembled sections is often more efficient than multiple trips to transport raw materials and equipment for on-site builds.
  3. Long-Term Savings: The initial cost savings are just the beginning. The energy-efficient design of modular homes can result in significant savings on utility bills. Additionally, the durability of the materials used can reduce maintenance costs over the lifetime of the home.

The future of housing: Towards a sustainable world

The shift towards eco-friendly homes is not just a trend but a necessary move towards sustainable living. As technology advances, modular and transportable homes are set to become even more efficient and environmentally friendly. These homes represent a practical solution to many of the environmental challenges posed by traditional construction methods, offering a pathway to a more sustainable and economically feasible living environment.

Eco-friendly homes, particularly modular and transportable ones, offer a realistic solution for reducing our environmental footprint. They align the need for affordable housing with the imperative of ecological responsibility. As more individuals and developers adopt this building method, we can expect to see a significant shift in how communities are constructed, from single eco-homes to entire eco-conscious neighbourhoods. Embracing modular and transportable homes is not just choosing a place to live, but choosing a future for the planet.

You might find these interesting

18 Oct 2023
Weathertex exterior cladding explained

In this article, we share the type of cladding we use here at Manor Build and explain the benefits that set it apart.

Transportable / Prefab home
High performance homes
Design Options
How to Purchase
Housing market trends
3D render of different roof styles on Manor Build homes
01 Jan 2026
Different types of roof style options explained

Explore the most popular roof styles for New Zealand homes and learn which is right for you.

Transportable / Prefab home
High performance homes
Design Options
Modern single-story dark gray house with a yellow door overlooking the ocean and surrounded by green shrubbery and grass.Modern open-plan living area with a white kitchen island, dining table with green apples centerpiece, and seating area with sofa and armchairs near large sliding glass doors.
Keep in the loop

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on prefab home designs, industry news, and expert tips straight to your inbox.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This is the new one...