9:35 am today

Open source granny flat plans

From Nine To Noon, 9:35 am today

An Auckland architect is making free tiny home plans he expects will save homeowners wanting a granny flat up to $30,000. 

That comes as new legislation means granny flats under 70 square metres do not need building or resource consents. 

They still need to meet building code compliance, and other restrictions such as being set back 2 metres from any boundary.

A University of Auckland project is developing an open-source guide that will include code-compliant designs suitable for various sites and budgets.

BRANZ funds the project via a levy collected on building consents. It is being led by professor Anthony Hōete who is of Ngāti Awa, and says the plans will be adaptable for all parts of the country. 

Anthony is seeking feedback from those interested in building a granny flat. He can be contacted at modeldocs@auckland.ac.nz.

Table and chairs on the terrace of a flat in summer.

Photo: 123rf