Housing styles
As Kāinga Ora focuses on improving and replacing our older homes, we’re aiming to deliver new builds quickly and cost-effectively.
We have a new suite of pre-designed house plans, known as standardised plans, which enables us to save on design time and construction while providing quality housing. They are repeatable and therefore faster. They include:
- simplified, practical layouts inside the homes that meet our tenants’ needs.
- fewer cladding types on exterior walls.
- standard sizing for walls, floor and windows that match available material dimensions.
- all homes meet building code requirements, are fully insulated and have double glazing.
We've developed the designs in conjunction with our build partners and design consultants.
Types of homes we’re building now
- Single-level and double-storey standalone homes in a range of sizes.
Example of a single-level and double-storey home
New standardised designs for these types of homes are currently under development:
- three-level terraces.
- three-level apartment buildings
- five-level-plus apartment buildings.
Read our FAQs on standardised design plans [PDF, 206 KB]
Accessibility in our homes
Kāinga Ora is committed to meeting the needs of disabled people so they can live well in their homes and communities.
Our standardised house designs improve usability and comfort for everyone and include universal design features in all new build homes where it is practical and cost‑effective to do so. Features include:
- lever‑style door handles,
- safer stair design,
- slightly wider corridors and doorways,
- light switches and power points positioned for easier reach.
These features are embedded into all our standard typology plans and have been part of our build standards for over 10 years.
For disabled people, older people, people with mobility needs and families with young children these features help them to live well in their homes. The homes might also have the main bedroom and a full bathroom located on the same level as the living areas helping with daily activities.
We can also approve minor home modifications that are non‑structural, without the need for an Occupational Therapist assessment. Examples include:
- grab rails
- shower mixers
- slide rails.
For more complex or higher‑cost modifications, we work closely with funding agencies such as the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). These bespoke changes are tailored to individual needs and can include:
- ramps
- wet‑area bathrooms
- lifts
- widened doorways
- modified fittings
- visual or vibrating smoke alarms.
If you are a Kāinga Ora tenant and you have a disability or mobility need that requires modifications to your home, get in touch to talk about how we can help.
Page updated: 31 March 2026