SIPs, the way of the future for Te Kakano, Kainga Ora Homes

We recently caught up with Eddie Churton, Operations Manager for Te Kakano, Kainga Ora Homes, to get the inside scoop on their latest project in Whanganui, New Zealand.

Q. Eddie, tell us about yourself. Who are you and what is your role at Te Kakano, Kainga Ora Homes (TKKO)?

I’m the Operations Manager and in simple terms, my job is to make things happen!

Q. What is Te Kakano, Kainga Ora Homes?

We’re passionate about solutions that meet the immediate needs of the current housing crisis, whilst creating a sustainable business in the housing sector.

At TKKO, we build healthy, affordable cabins and houses that are warmer, drier, stronger, very energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

Q. You and your team recently used MagWall.nz SIPs for your Brunswick Project in Whanganui. What is this project, and why the decision to build with MagWall.nz SIPs?

The project was a 2 bedroom mono pitch house, with a full length deck and veranda. This was the first of a number of social houses going on to our property at Brunswick Rd, Whanganui.

We believe SIPs are the way of the future for the building industry and Magwall.nz SIPs are a great fit for our cabins and houses, that align with our passions and overall objectives.

Q. What did the Tradies like and dislike about building with MagWall.nz SIPs?

Speed - Magwall.nz SIPs go up fast, they’re straight, square and strong. The only dislike is that they’re quite heavy to work with.

Have a chat with Grant though, as he has since designed a solution to help make the weight of each panel up to 20% lighter!

Q. How important is a healthier home to you and your team/s?

For too long NZ has been building houses that ‘just’ meet the minimum building code and ‘just’ meeting the building code doesn't mean that the home is healthy.

Building with SIPs from MagWall.nz means that we know our homes not only meet, but exceed the minimum building code.

Especially when it comes to having a higher “R” value, which means that the home is warmer and healthier.

Recent results for traditional framed homes versus a SIPs built home, show that a SIP home uses up to 50% less energy, something that makes our customers and us very happy. So, SIPs are a no brainer for us.

Q. From a cost perspective, did you find building with SIPs more cost effective?

Yes they are cost effective because SIPs go up faster and because of this, we can save a lot on labour.

MagWall SIPs are also not affected by water, so the weather doesn't hold us up. Our last build went from first shovel in the ground, to closed in and weather proof in just 10 working days.

Q. How have your new Homeowners found their new MagWall.nz home so far?

Nothing but warm and cosy.