Bunnings is doubling down on flatpack housing and bringing the backyard solution across the ditch following its Australian success. Homeowners are increasingly turning to flatpack or pod-style homes as a cheaper alternative to traditional builds.
The hardware giant made waves when it launched a partnership with modular housing start-up Elsewhere Pods in February this year. Bunnings is offering two prefabricated pods through the retailer, a backyard studio and a bigger granny flat that can be constructed in as little as a weekend.
Elsewhere Pods founder Matt Decarne told Yahoo Finance the business has seen a “huge interest” in their products since announcing its national partnership with Bunnings.
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“In April, we fielded phone inquiries every 48 seconds,” Decarne said.
“Victorians account for 35 per cent of buyers, 30 per cent in NSW, 15 to 20 per cent in Queensland and the rest of the states make up the difference.”
Bunnings is now launching the Elsewhere Pods partnership in New Zealand, with the same two sizes measuring 2.7m by 2.4m and 4m by 2.4m to be available for delivery across the country.
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Two pods, including a 2.7m x 2.4m pod (pictured), are launching in New Zealand with GM of Operations Karel Bietje saying they can be constructed in as little as a weekend. · Source: Supplied
Bunnings NZ general manager Melissa Haines said modular second dwellings were poised to play an increasingly important role in the nation’s housing needs.
“We’re seeing growing interest from customers in smaller, modular structures that can support residential use, such as creating additional space for family members or adapting to changing household needs,” Haines said.
“Elsewhere Pods offer a prefabricated solution that reflects this shift, with designs intended to complement existing residential properties and provide an alternative to more traditional building approaches.”
When Elsewhere Pods launched its partnership in Australia, it said inquiries spiked from 10 to more than 500 a day.
The smaller pod retails for $26,100 in Australia, while the larger version is $42,900.
Bunnings will also offer granny flat pods measuring 4m x 2.4m. · Source: Supplied
“We are anticipating a similar response here in New Zealand,” Elsewhere Pods New Zealand general manager of operations Karel Bietje said.
“Designed to combine sustainability with premium design, these eco-luxury pods provide a turnkey solution that can be delivered and assembled in as little as two to four days.
“Think of it like a high-tech Lego set or a luxury version of Ikea furniture.”
