b'the now than plan for the future. Fuelled by the rapid advance in technologies along with ecological concerns, we have an opportunity to lead the world by example, treading lightly on the earth and leaving a small but meaningful footprint.Andre says we need to find more appropriate ways of building in response to our evolving attitude towards the way in which we live. We should explore lighter buildings with tighter spaces in increased densitiesshared community spaces and facilities as opposed to individual indulgences which create urban sprawl.Andre also created the award-winning low-impact, modular Bachkit in 1999 which could be constructed in just 16 weeks. Grant McKenzie bought the Bachkit business and has sold the homes internationally. The design may be clean-lined but its not basic. And todays designer prefabricated homes arent necessarily cheap. Grant points to the level of prefabrication which is becoming more sophisticated and complex: Components by their very nature are expensive. Its very much a quality home and its hard to cut costs, he says. BoxLivingisanothersuccessfulcompanyworkinginthisarena, established with the promise of quality spaces, cost certainty and good value. Around half of Box Living homes have been bought as holiday homes and the company has tackled many difficult sites. Box Livings Dan Heyworth believes prefabs are the way of the future. We need to see more standardisation in materials and material sizes,TopGeorgina Pearces new home, finished in varying more systems comprising pre-built components assembled on site. strengths of Resene Tea. In line with the designs modernist influences, Box Living homes areAboveArchitect Andre Hodgskin of Architex teamed painted in dark Resene colours using Resene CoolColour paint, whichup with Keith Hay Homes to produce the beautifully crafted Park Terrace home at the Hive initiative in not only gives them a designer look, but helps them to blend intoChristchurch. Inside, Resene Zylone Sheen Low VOC natural environments and withstand strong sunlight.paint has been tinted to Resene Alabaster.Prefab building is a theme being increasingly explored: Puke Ariki MuseuminNewPlymouthhashostedasummer-longexhibitionResenecalled Kiwi Prefab, Cottage to Cutting Edge.TeaReseneThis often overlooked sector looks as if it has a big future ahead. wordsVicki HolderAlabastercontainer comfortBuilt from three shipping containers that cost $2500 each, this Rarotonga home is the epitome of a quick-build, low-cost, recycled home. Owned by Susan and Neil Hall, and designed by Nigel Rees from RDA Design and Susan, the containers were bought in New Zealand and transported to the Cook Islands in 2010. Surrounded by 100sq m of kwila decking, a high-pitched floating roof of square profile, long-run Colorsteel protects the containers. LaidinanLshape,themasterbedroom,dressingroomand bathroom are located in the foot while the living area is in the longer space. Door and window openings were cut into the containers with the bedroom and living areas all opening onto the back deck. Slatted pine roller doors were made on-site and fitted with internal insect words and pictures Resene screens concealed in the walls. Resene CoolColour paint tinted to Krick Baraud Black Resene Black has been used on the exterior. 56'