Whio’s Insights into Modular Transportable living.

Explore the thinking behind modular homes that are healthier, warmer and built to last.

Not all homes are created equal. This page is where we share the thinking, materials and stories behind how we build differently at Whio.

From smart layouts to breathable wall systems, here you'll find practical advice, real builds, answers to common questions and tools to help you make smarter choices around modular and healthy homes.

If you're exploring better ways to build, you're in the right place.

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Explore Modular

Blogs, News & Industry Insights

Real insights on smart building, modular living and creating homes that support wellbeing.

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Case Studies & Build Outcomes

Stories from homeowners who chose to build differently. What worked, what changed, and why it matters.

Coming soon. Stay tuned!

FAQ’s - Your questions, answered.

Here’s where we cover the most common questions people ask about modular transportable homes and healthy building. Clear, practical answers to help you plan with confidence.

Got another burning question we haven’t answered?

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  • Not just yet — but it’s in the works! In the meantime, we offer exclusive open home walkthroughs of Whio modular homes currently being built in our South Island yard. It’s the best way to experience the quality, comfort and healthy home features we build into every transportable modular home. Check our Facebook for open yard events and sneak peeks.

  • Absolutely! We’re here to help you explore the best finance options for your situation. We work with trusted finance partners who understand modular home builds in New Zealand. They can help tailor finance options that fit your needs and budget, making your Whio Home dream a reality.

  • Every Whio Home is built to our premium Foreverbreathe Specification, creating a healthy, sustainable, and energy-efficient modular home. Our pricing includes a completed code-compliant home, ex our South Island yard, with high-performance materials like:.

    • Magnum Board interior linings with rigid air barrier and Terra Lana wool insulation for strength, warmth, and efficiency.

    • Earthen radiata timber weatherboards or magnum board weatherboards with a Wattyl exterior paint system

    • Clay-based interior paints for a natural, breathable finish.

    • Low-VOC finishes throughout for a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

    • 100% NZ wool carpet

    • Hurford oak timber or NZ Forever Beech timber flooring with natural oil coatings.

    • Base range plumbing fixtures and a mid-range Fisher & Paykel appliance package.

    • All building consent costs, and developed design and consent documentation from this stage onward.

    • Halo guarantee

    At Whio Homes, we believe every home should be built to breathe…healthy, efficient, and built to last.

    • Site-specific costs such as transport, foundations, driveways, septic systems, or council reports.

    • Site specific building consents and engineer reports.

    These vary by location, and we’ll provide a tailored quote for your site.

  • Transport costs vary based on where in the South Island you’re located. We include transport insurance and can give a detailed estimate for your specific site. Whio Homes are built to travel — and arrive ready.

  • Definitely! we can take care of the whole process from council consents to landscaping. Our goal is less stress, clear pricing, and great communication at every step.

  • Yes! Every Whio Home includes a 10-year Halo Guarantee and access to a digital app to track warranties and maintenance, giving you clarity, confidence and total piece of mind.

  • Absolutely! All our modular home plans are fully customisable. Whether you want to tweak a layout or add features, we’ll work with you to make it fit your lifestyle, site and budget. Our open communication and transparent pricing means you’ll always know exactly how any changes will affect your overall build cost.

  • As proud members of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), we offer a structured payment plan with fixed pricing, including a 10% deposit and staged payments as your build progresses — simple, clear and stress-free.

  • Of course — it’s your home, your style. Our base cladding includes corrugated iron with timber gables, but we can explore other options that suit your look and budget.

  • PC Sums (Prime Cost Sums) are budget allowances for things like site works or council consents. We break these down clearly as we move from estimate to fixed-price contract — so you’re never left guessing.

  • We work with trusted NZ suppliers who share our focus on quality, sustainability and health-based building.

    Key materials include Magnum Board (a non-toxic board with fire and moisture resistance), Terra Lana NZ wool insulation, and sustainably sourced NZ timber.

    We build to the Foreverbreathe Specification, developed by our partners at Health Based Building, and source finishes and fixtures from local names like Chesters Plumbing, Ryans Kitchens and The Flooring Centre.

    Whenever we can, we choose NZ-made — for healthier homes and stronger communities.

  • Yes — all our prices are GST inclusive. No surprises here.

  • Yes we do! Our custom design consultation gives you practical input from our 25+ years in the industry and helps shape your ideas into something buildable. You’ll get:

    • A design consultation based on your ideas

    • A professional PDF floor plan

    • Elevations so you can visualise your modular home

    • A full cost summary so you know where your budget really sits

    This package is valued at $1,000 and is designed to give you a clear, realistic starting point for your budget - cost clarity, confidence your design can actually be built, and no need to wrangle an architect and QS from day one.

    If you love what we do but want to tweak the details and understand the costs, this is the perfect place to start.

Testimonial.

"We wanted more than just another house. Whio understood that from the start. What we’ve ended up with is beautiful, warm, dry, light-filled and just feels good to be in."

— Future Whio Homeowner

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