Toru is our current project...
Toru is our latest design, for those who dream of having their own slice of heaven without any complication.
The layout is unique, tidy and lends itself well to being a sleepout, Airbnb or bach.
Toru isn’t just a tiny home – it’s a happy, healthy, beautiful place to call your own!
Original layout: since then shower and loo have switched places, and we've created a bed base, and arranged power points so that you get to decide what direction the bed is.
White window frames for lighter look inside...
...and black UPVC window frames on exterior (double glazed)
What makes Toru different...
Healthy | Warm | Strong
100% New Zealand Redwood accents
Grown in Te Kuiti, milled in Huntly
Deep red window surrounds, sprockets and outriggers that give shade in summer and stunning contrast against the black corrugated iron
Bullet-proof SIP Panel construction
The whole house (floor, walls, and roof) is made from Structurally Insulated Panels (SIP). Think of it like a giant thermos – incredibly warm, airtight, and strong. No drafts, no cold spots, just pure comfort
90 mm graphite polystyrene core + OSB skins
R3.2 insulation | Rock-solid | Zero draughts | No sagging batts ever
Proper double glazing (the smart way)
Keeps the heat in (or out!)
uPVC airtight frames (not aluminium)
R0.74 – almost double the warmth of standard “thermally broken” aluminium (R0.47)
Fly screens that pop off for easy cleaning included
You’ll actually breathe better Lunos e² heat-recovery ventilation (German engineered)
Whisper quiet – only 12.4 dB
Recovers up to 86% of heat in winter
Summer bypass mode
Constant fresh, filtered air – no mould, no stuffiness
Uses less power than your phone charger
Lowers bedroom CO₂ for deeper sleep
Non-toxic, natural finishes
Warm, healthy and smells like real timber because...
New Zealand made Natural Paint Co. paints (ultra-low VOC)
Walls painted in happy “Smashed Avocado” green with non-toxic, plant-based paint (safe for kids & pets!)
Warm Danish oil on the redwood benches, plywood cabinets – smells amazing with a hint of orange oil and feels so natural
Built to last generations, not just years.
The Toru Tiny Home – tiny footprint, massive comfort.
Smart iron cladding and redwood window trim (pre guttering)
Showing Structurally Insulated Panel (SIPs) panel structure
Purpose built 'Wee Make Change' trailer - can be detached from house
Designing Toru..
Flexibility is one of our primary motivations for building tiny homes. And when it comes to designing options that will suit tastes, conditions, needs and budget we love being able to provide options for you too.
You have 12 options with Toru - which means you can choose framing, cladding + materials to make your mark.
3x cladding options - iron, macrocarpa and Abodo*
2x framing options - standard timber, SIP* panels
2 x fitout options - Basic or Plus option
Toru's internal layout, windows and roofline are identical for all options.
All options include 2 burner gas hob + gas infinity hot water.
Optional extras - solar, heat pump or wood burner and composting or flush toilet.
What's Abodo cladding?
Abodo is thermally modified timber weatherboard. Its superior durability and weathering make it a popular cedar alternative
What's SIP paneling?
Structurally Insulated Panel: an insulating layer of rigid core sandwiched between 2 layers of structural board, making it extra warm, dry and airtight.
What's included in 'PLUS' option?
Upgraded plywood lining, solar, woodfire, up-spec'd appliances and up-spec'd flooring.
Prices range from $115,000 incl GST for Basic fitout, iron cladding, timber framing. Up to $171,000 for Plus fitout, Abodo cladding and SIP framing.
All prices are indicative only and include GST. The price of your tiny home may vary depending on your specific needs which we will do our 'level best' to accommodate. It's always best to have a korero!
If you'd like to get involved in the design of YOUR Toru, you can!
We're building handcrafted tiny homes with love, pride and attention to detail. Because we're not mass producing, we may be able to accommodate your specific wishes to make your tiny home dream come true. This means ideas you have won't go ignored!
