Compact housing initiative opened

Housing Minister Hon Nick Smith opened the Hobsonville Land Company's Axis Series Small Home Test Lab today.

Three out of five homes have been completed as part of the lab which is a research and development project to foster innovation and improve expertise in the design and building of small places, as Auckland squeezes up to cope with more growth.

The houses will be open to the public for six months so the researchers can gauge feedback and get responses from architects, designers and builders.

Plans, designs and building guidelines for compact houses will be provided online to the public to assist potential home buyers that might wish to consider building a home of this type.