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Think a prefab home can’t be on-trend? You’re not alone. Many people still think prefab homes are unattractive, unappealing — and unlikely to offer the latest in home building trends.
We’re calling time on that myth.
The look and functionality of a prefab home has come a long way since European settlers began building them in New Zealand in the 1800s. Today, manufactured homes are modern, stylish and liveable.
And there’s one to suit every lifestyle.
That means:
- Family homes
- Holiday houses
- Investment properties
- Retirement + downsized living
- And everything in between.
Advance Build has been creating high-quality, comfortable homes for Kiwis since 2008. So it’s fair to say we understand what clients are looking for – and which home designs will best suit them.
Here are the top 5 trends we’re seeing right now, why they work for particular lifestyles and how you can make it happen for you.
1. Minimalist + open plan living
When less is more
The Scandi home trend has spread far and wide – and the wave of IKEA-inspired houses is still flowing. It makes sense: this simple, clutter-free design helps us relax and unwind in our homes. In many ways, it’s an antidote to our busy – and often complicated – lives.
Chris Peterson, Home Consultant at Advance Build, says this way of living is all about clever, thoughtful design.
‘When you combine the minimalist look with open plan living, you create a space that feels bigger and brighter,’ he explains. ‘The ‘flow’ of a home improves, making it easy for people to move throughout and connect with each other – without navigating multiple doors, rooms or stairs.’
Now that’s a home design trend we can get on board with.
Best suited to: Retirees who want a downsized, low-maintenance home that’s easy and comfortable to live in.
Example in action: Keith and Sherry Smith love their new way of life in their sunny, spacious home. They chose the <ah ref="/floorplans/vista-3/"Vista 3 layout and ‘love pretty much everything’ about their Advance Build house.
2. Eco-friendly + sustainable homes
It’s good to be green
One of the biggest home trends to emerge lately is around energy efficiency. People are increasingly demanding homes built with sustainability in mind – from the materials used in construction to the day-to-day environmental impact a home has.
The best bit? Sustainable building techniques still produce premium, long-lasting homes.
‘At Advance Build, we use high-quality products that also embrace eco-friendly practices,’ says Chris. ‘For example, we use Weathertex timber cladding because it doesn’t contain toxic materials and is guaranteed not to deteriorate for up to 25 years.’
Beyond building products, a greener approach to everyday living means long-term savings on energy costs.
All it takes is well-planned design around:
- Solar panels
- Insulation + air space
- Energy efficient appliances
- Cooling + heating.
That’s a win for the environment — and your wallet.
Best suited to: Investors who understand how greener houses reduce costs and increase property value.
Example in action: Peter Sharpe from Duffus Estate Pensioner Housing, says he likes the eco aspect of Advance Build’s prefabricated homes because ‘building in a factory [gives you] control over your emissions.’
3. Compact, versatile holiday homes
Small home = small footprint
A holiday home doesn’t need to be as large as your everyday one. But that doesn’t mean it should lack function or style.
Whether you’re staying there yourself or renting it to holiday goers, prefabricated accommodation makes sense, explains Chris.
‘Factory-built means you can have it all,’ he says. ‘By that I mean compact, comfortable homes – which also happen to be more cost-certain than traditional builds.’
And, because these smaller dwellings are easy to maintain, they make an excellent choice for short stay and seasonal use accommodation.
In short: we’re not surprised these small (yet efficient) houses are one of the latest home building trends to surface!
Best suited to: Holiday home buyers who want a nice space to rent out or escape to themselves – without the stress of constant upkeep.
Example in action: Discover how we helped this owner create a beautiful home in a stunning setting using our Retreat 2 design.
4. Multi-generational homes
Customisable, scalable and efficient
Here’s the reality: the cost of housing is rising. So…yes. Moving back in with your parents (or vice versa) is a home trend more and more people are embracing.
And believe it or not, more than one generation can happily live under one roof – if the space is well designed. According to Chris, it all comes down to flexible floor plans that fit your family’s specific requirements.
‘The beauty of a prefab home is that families can tailor their existing homes to their changing needs – without an expensive, time-consuming renovation,’ he tells us. ‘Advance Build’s plans are completely customisable, meaning you can create a space that works for everyone — no matter their age or lifestyle.’
Our designs include:
- Home offices
- Play areas
- Separate wings (aka ‘parent’s retreat’) away from kids’ rooms
- Extra bedrooms
- And much more.
With the right design – and spaces for generations to connect – you can happily coexist with your extended family.
Best suited to: Growing or changing families who need different spaces for different generations.
Example in action: Paul and Vicki Outwin decided to remove a 4th bedroom to make their lounge bigger, creating an inviting shared space for the whole family. They’re delighted with the outcome and are enjoying living in their ‘quality, strong, beautiful home.’
5. Practical living
Making your home work for you
Coming in at No.5, this home design trend perfectly reflects where new housing is at.
(Hint: it’s all about common sense living).
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with designing the prettiest house on the block. But it pays to think about the logical side of home life, too.
Not sure how practical you need to be?
Check out these tips for designing your prefab home:
- Prioritise storage: Built-in shelves, cupboards and closets maximise space and minimise clutter.
- Optimise lighting: Natural light brightens up any space, while strategic placement of artificial lighting can make a huge difference to the feel of a home.
- Plan a functional layout: Consider your family’s needs and habits – what they are now and what they might be down the track.
- Use dead spaces: Transform unused corners and under stair areas into functional zones (e.g. home offices or storage areas).
Key take home: Practicality doesn’t need to come at the cost of style and functionality (we promise).
Best suited to: Anyone who wants enjoyable, easy living.
Example in action: Clive Raines says Advance Build helped him plan and create a holiday home that works for his own family – and their guests. In fact, he’s happy to admit ‘it ended up being far better than we anticipated!’
Ready to start designing your own prefab home?
Check out how Advance Build has helped more than 500 customers design, manage and build their dream homes. Or, get in touch with the team about creating a modern, functional home that’s just for you.