As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, there is an urgent need for environmentally sustainable solutions in every industry, including housing. Any new solution needs to be designed for mass manufacturing and the use of digital fabrication. Without implementing these design considerations, Kiwis will continue to experience the shortcomings that other housing providers have with quality, speed of production and assembly, cost and performance.
Bode manufactures affordable, high-performing housing at scale and is revolutionising how we build for the betterment of Kiwi communities. Our solution is efficient, impactful, light on the planet, and supportive of our local industry. We’re giving New Zealanders a cost-effective place to call home through innovation and a genuine duty of care mindset.
Our homes are manufactured in a precision factory environment using the latest technologies, including robotic automation tolerances and automotive production principles and processes for quality control to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and safety. We have made a significant investment in research and development, as well as robotic technologies that enable us to produce our homes quickly, at scale, with low waste and highly repeatable outcomes.
At Bode, we believe that everyone deserves a warm, dry, and healthy home that they can afford. Our modular, prefabricated homes are the future of housing, offering a smart and sustainable solution that doesn't compromise on quality or comfort.
Performance
Harshly Tested
Bode homes are built considerably different - everything is sealed, so we're not worried about water getting on the walls. The connection between the walls and the roof is solid. We've had extensive 3rd party pressurised water testing done on the exterior of our buildings - they perform significantly better than a traditionally constructed building. For example, most standard designs meet high wind zone requirements and some meet very high wind zone requirements. Our designs, as standard, meet the extra high wind zone requirements. Furthermore, to meet extra high wind zone standards, your facade must be able to withstand 2.5kpa of pressure with no moisture ingress - our design exceeded that by 60% at 4.0kpa of pressure! We're proud to show off the testing.
We have deliberately designed our homes without eaves because it provides the following benefits:
- Thermal bridging - to extend our roof panels to form an eave, the bottom skin would create a thermal bridge, reducing the thermal performance of our homes.
- Rain-washing - the eaves stop a portion of the facade from being rain-washed, increasing the maintenance requirement for manual washes and decreasing the durability of the facade over time. Most cladding only has a 15-year design life - ours has a 50-year design life!
The funny thing we always think about when we get asked about how weather-tight our homes are - is that because our homes perform so highly, we are actually more worried about getting moisture generated by the home's occupants out than stopping water from coming in!
Green
Bode homes are delivered to site with everything needed to complete the build in a pallet box. All the waste is returned to the box during the construction process and shipped back to our factory to be recycled - achieving a near waste-free completion. This practice reinforces Bode's commitment to circular economy principles, reducing environmental footprint and contributing to sustainability goals. Our factory is currently processing at single-digit waste percentages, and we aim to have this at under 3% by the end of 2024.
Bode's building envelope comprises Conqueror PIR panels which have achieved a Level B - Green Tag certification, indicating that they have met stringent standards for environmental performance. This globally recognised certification considers the product's lifecycle, its impact on human health and the environment, and its social impact. 50% of our panel foam content is made from recycled plastic bottles, this development will utilise over 3,000,000 waste plastic bottles!
Bode is a member of the Green Building Council and is committed to sustainability across all aspects of its operations - from manufacturing to construction and waste management.
Homestar
Bode homes are all rated using the Homestar scale. Homestar is a holistic vision of sustainability. It rewards homes that perform well thermally and use little energy for heating and cooling, as well as considers the broader impact of the materials used in construction. Homestar asks the questions - are these healthy materials we are using? Are they sustainably and ethically sourced? Bode Homes proudly achieves a 7-8 Homestar rating for every build.
Energy
Our building system creates a high-performing and airtight home that is 50% to 70% more energy efficient than a traditional timber-framed new building. The building envelope has a high R-value complying with the new H1 standards and is completely thermally broken, including the high-performance uPVC double-glazed joinery.
Our hot water heat pumps use 75% less energy to generate hot water, and all grey water is recycled, reducing water usage by up to 45%.
Each home has the option to come with solar panels and a battery backup that will generate 90% of the community energy requirement for at least the next 25 years.
Health
Every Bode home comes with a balanced air ventilation system that removes stale and damp air, introduces fresh air without losing heat, and passively maintains a comfortable temperature. The long-term positive health effects of a home that is well-ventilated and consistently at WHO-recommended temperatures are numerous and immense:
- decreased risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies
- no mould and subsequent negative health outcomes
- decrease risk of airborne illness spread
- reduced concentrations of contaminants such as VOC’s
- reduced burden on the healthcare system
Minimising Impact
Leave Only Footprints
Bode homes integrate with Surefoot foundations which have a very low ecological impact when installed. The Surefoot system allows the foundations to be removed if the dwelling ever needed to be relocated. No concrete is used in the construction of a Bode.
