ecobode Transportable Homes: Energy-Efficient Living, Anywhere

Mar 26, 2025
4 min read

High performing, energy-efficient ecobode transportable home (Eco 3).

Have you ever dreamed of a home that’s not just beautiful but also energy-efficient, healthy, and cost-effective? That’s exactly what we’ve created with ecobode transportables—high-performance, sustainable homes that give you the flexibility to live the way you want. Whether you need a home office, a guest retreat, an Airbnb rental, or a full-time residence, there’s an ecobode transportable that’s perfect for you. (To learn more about what a "high performance" home is, see "What is a High Performance Home?".)

ecobode Transportable Homes are Built to Perform

At the heart of every ecobode transportable is Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) technology. We’ve been building high-performance, energy-efficient homes with SIPs since 2015, and we’ve seen firsthand how they outperform traditional timber framing. SIPs provide superior insulation, airtightness, and strength, ensuring your home stays warm in winter, cool in summer, and comfortable all year round. Paired with high-performance windows and a carefully designed ventilation system, you’ll enjoy stable indoor temperatures without the hefty power bills.

We also prioritise the use of eco-friendly materials to enhance the sustainability and health benefits of our homes:

Godfrey Hirst Wool Carpet: Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre. Godfrey Hirst's wool carpets not only offer luxurious comfort but also act as natural insulators, helping to regulate indoor temperatures.

Resene's Low VOC Paints: Our homes are finished with Resene's low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, which contribute to better indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact. These paints are also Environmental Choice-approved, reflecting their eco-friendly credentials.

uPVC Joinery: We use uPVC for window joinery due to its excellent thermal performance and durability, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of our homes.

ColorSteel Maxam ST7 Roofing & Cladding: Our roofing and cladding material is sourced from ColorSteel, known for its durability and energy efficiency, providing long-lasting protection while minimizing heat absorption.

Every ecobode transportable is built to exceed New Zealand’s required building standards, ensuring durability, safety, and top-tier performance in all conditions.

To learn more about one client's experience of living in a SIP home, see "What is it really like to live in a high-performing home, 5 years on?"

Why Our Clients Love Our Homes

1. Energy-Efficiency You Can Feel

We've witnessed just how much energy-efficient homes can transform everyday living. One of our clients used to pay $4,330 per year in energy bills for their standard timber-framed 120 sq/m home. After moving into their 150.73 sq/m Green Abode home, their annual bill dropped to just $2,400 in 2024. That’s a huge saving, proving that ecobode homes don’t just perform well—they make a real difference in your budget and your comfort! "How SIPs Reduce Energy Bills" is an insightful article if you're interested to learn more about their energy efficiency.

2. Sustainable & Healthy Living

Your home should be a place where you feel good—physically and mentally. With airtight construction and smart ventilation systems, ecobode transportables avoid the common issues of dampness, mould, and condensation that plague many New Zealand homes. One of our clients, Ingrid, recently told us how surprised she was by the lack of dust in her Green Abode home compared to her old house! That’s the power of well-designed, sustainable living. Read more about how SIPs contribute to healthier living here.

3. Versatile for Every Need

One of the best things about ecobode transportables is their flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a home office, granny flat, or guest accommodation, there’s a model to fit your needs. The eco studio, for example, is perfect for remote workers who want a quiet, energy-efficient workspace, while our larger models can serve as full-time residences for couples or families.

Recent changes to New Zealand building regulations have made it easier to add small secondary dwellings to some properties. If you're considering an ecobode as a granny flat or additional accommodation, you may be interested in our article on "Government approves SIP granny flats under new NZ exemptions".

4. Cost-Effective & Quick to Install

Traditional builds can take months with unpredictable costs along the way. Our ecobodes are built off-site, meaning no weather delays and no budget surprises. Once ready, your home is delivered in a fraction of the time of a conventional home, so you can move in and start enjoying your new space sooner.

How Much Do ecobode Transportables Cost?

We offer a range of transportable homes to suit different needs and budgets:

Eco Studio (Ideal for home offices or guest stays) – $258,000*

Eco 1 (A compact and efficient full-time home) – $357,000*

Eco 2 (Perfect for couples or small families) – $449,000*

Eco 3 (A spacious option for those needing more room) – $560,000*

*These prices are for the house only. Delivery, on-site consents, connections to services, piling and decks are additional.

Is an ecobode Transportable Home Right for You?

Choosing a home is about more than square metres and floor plans. It's about finding a solution that suits your lifestyle, your site, and your long-term goals.

For those seeking a compact, energy-efficient home without compromising on comfort, ecobode transportable homes offer a practical and flexible alternative to traditional building methods. Whether you're creating a permanent residence, adding accommodation to your property, establishing a holiday retreat, or exploring housing options for family members, an ecobode could provide the answer.

Explore the ecobode Range

Every property and every homeowner is different, which is why we've developed a range of ecobode designs to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

Explore the ecobode range to learn more about the available models, their features, and how transportable homes can support a more sustainable way of living. If you'd like to discuss your project, our team is always happy to answer questions and help you determine whether an ecobode is the right fit for your site and lifestyle.

Get in touch with Green Abode today and take the first step towards healthier, more energy-efficient living.