Industry Updates

The difference between a cabin that feels cramped and one that feels comfortable rarely comes down to size. It comes down to design . When building a tiny home, sleepout, or granny flat , every decision matters — from where the windows sit to how you move through the space. “We were worried it would feel small,” one customer said. “But once it was finished, it felt bigger than expected. The layout made all the difference.” Start With How the Space Will Be Used Before think

When people first consider adding a flatpack DIY cabin  to their backyard, it’s often driven by an immediate need — a teenager who wants independence, visiting family, or the sudden lack of space after a busy holiday season. But what many homeowners don’t realise at the start is how much a well-planned cabin can future-proof their property . “We originally built ours for guests,” one customer told us. “Now it’s used as an office during the week, a sleepout on weekends, and

In New Zealand, timing matters — especially when it comes to building. Late summer is often the sweet spot for DIY flatpack cabin builds . The days are long, the weather is generally settled, and the ground is dry enough for efficient site work. “We started in February and finished before autumn,” one customer said. “If we’d waited, winter would’ve dragged everything out.” Late-summer builds reduce delays caused by rain, mud, and short daylight hours. They also make tasks

For many Kiwi families, the holidays are a mix of excitement and quiet dread. There’s the joy of having everyone together — and then the reality of cramped spaces, sofa beds, and early-morning bathroom queues. It’s often during these busy periods that people first start thinking seriously about adding a sleepout or granny flat  to their property. “We love having the kids and grandkids stay,” one customer told us, “but after a week everyone was tired. We realised we needed a

In early 2026, significant changes came into effect in New Zealand that aim to make it easier for homeowners to build small granny flats — and potentially other minor dwellings such as tiny homes or sleepouts — on their property. These changes are part of a broader shift in national policy designed to reduce red tape and make additional housing options more accessible for families, renters, and homebuilders. But while the new rules remove some traditional barriers, it’s im

New Zealand is entering a new era for backyard housing. From early 2026, homeowners can build small standalone granny flats—up to about 70 m²—without needing a building consent, provided certain conditions are met. This change aims to make it easier for families to add housing options like tiny homes, sleepouts, and self-contained cabins. However, it’s not a free-for-all. Projects still need to meet the Building Code, follow simple design rules, and often involve licensed p

The start of a new year has a way of making people pause and reassess how their homes are working for them. After a busy holiday season — full houses, late nights, and makeshift sleeping arrangements — many Kiwis realise the same thing: we need more space . But not just any space. Space that’s flexible, affordable, and actually fits the way we live now. That’s why more homeowners are turning to DIY flatpack cabins  as a smart solution for creating a sleepout, granny flat, o

Creating a self-contained  cabin isn’t just about convenience. ..it’s about lifestyle. Whether you’re designing a private tiny home , a granny flat  for family, or a sleepout  with its own bathroom and kitchenette, our flatpack  kits make it achievable. Each kitset cabin  is designed to be Building Act compliant  and can include a PS1  for additional council documentation. That means you can focus on the fun parts, planning your layout, finishes, and clever storage ideas, wh

Kiwis have always had a strong DIY  spirit and our kitset cabins  fit right into that mindset. Every flatpack  we deliver is designed so that anyone with basic tools and a bit of determination can assemble it. There’s something incredibly rewarding about turning a pile of timber panels into a finished tiny home , sleepout , or granny flat . Not only do you save on labour costs, but you also get to learn valuable skills and take pride in the finished result. Our designs are

If you’ve been running out of space at home, a sleepout  or granny flat  can be a brilliant solution. Whether you need an extra bedroom, studio, or semi-independent space for family, our flatpack  and kitset  cabins make expansion easy. Because our cabins are Building Act compliant , you can rest assured your new space meets NZ’s construction standards. Many clients also choose to make their cabins self-contained , adding a small ensuite or kitchenette, perfect for long-term

Dreaming of a tiny home  that fits your lifestyle and budget? You’re not alone. The DIY  cabin movement in NZ is booming as Kiwis search for affordable, sustainable, and flexible housing options. Our kitset cabins  make it possible to create a self-contained  living space: complete with bathroom, kitchenette, and sleeping area without the stress of managing a full-scale build. Each structure is pre-engineered and Building Act compliant , and we can provide a PS1  where neede

Nothing will humble you faster than a structure built without respect for the sun and wind patterns of New Zealand. We live in a country that can serve four seasons before lunchtime, so comfort isn’t luck, it’s design. Start with orientation: North-facing windows catch low winter sun like a magnet. South-facing windows mostly catch regret. When deciding placement, pretend you’re the sun, the wind, and future-you who still wants to enjoy this cabin in July. Insulation: walls

Across Aotearoa, more people are re-thinking how they live, work, and relax. Whether it’s creating a tiny home , setting up a sleepout  for visiting whānau, or adding a granny flat  for extra space, flatpack cabin kits  are changing the game. Our kitset cabins  offer the flexibility to build your space your way , whether you’re a seasoned builder or giving DIY  a go for the first time. Each cabin arrives in a compact flatpack  format, designed for simple assembly with pre-cu

Some of our proudest builds didn’t come from experienced tradies, they came from people who said, “We’ve never built anything like this, but… how hard can it be?” (Spoiler: not that hard. Just a little  humbling.) Like the couple who unpacked their cladding only to realise they’d mounted half of it upside-down. They called us in a mild panic. But here’s the thing, it looked completely fine. In fact, neither they nor we noticed until 3 days in. The fix? Remove, flip, rehang,

The most expensive mistake isn’t building a cabin, it’s adding things after  you thought you were done. Trust me, retrofitting is where budgets go to cry. So, before you pour concrete or unwrap a single length of cladding, here’s the practical, no-nonsense checklist we walk every self-contained build through: 1. Water — how’s it getting there? Will you trench from the house? Install a tank? Need filtration? Hot water cylinder or instant gas? Showers and sinks sound simple un

We get asked this almost daily, and the truth is...there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best backyard build isn’t the one that looks great on Pinterest, it’s the one that actually serves your household . Let’s break it down by lifestyle instead of labels. The Sleepout: Perfect if you need overflow. Teen retreat, home office, guest space, gaming HQ, morning yoga room, it’s there when you need it, easy to heat, simple to run. Sleepouts don’t require full plumbing, which ke

When we delivered our very first flatpack cabin years ago, I remember standing at the gate with equal parts excitement and nerves. We had planned every detail on paper, but nothing quite prepares you for the moment a full timber cabin turns up on the back of a truck. If you’re waiting on your own delivery day, here’s what to really  expect — the good, the sweaty, and the satisfying. First comes transport. Our cabins usually arrive on a curtain-side truck or HIAB, depending o

Kia ora and welcome! If you’ve landed here, you’re probably dreaming of more space — whether that’s a tiny home , sleepout , granny flat , self-contained studio , or a backyard escape that finally gives you room to breathe. Whatever your vision, we’re stoked you’re here. We’re Cabin Connect — a New Zealand family-run business designing flatpack  and kitset DIY cabins  that are practical, beautiful, and achievable for everyday Kiwis. Our goal isn’t just to sell cabins — it’s t