Licensed Building Partner for Clever Living Co

Auckland Clever Living Co Granny Flats

Our Granny Flat Range gives you a flexible way to add a self-contained home to your section. Whether you’re looking to create space for family, a future-proofed place to live later on, or an income-generating rental, these designs are built with the same care, communication, and workmanship as every O’Brien Homes project.

The Dandall

Beautifully simple and thoughtfully designed, the Dandall redefines small-space living. Its soaring gable ceiling and generous sliding doors invite light and openness, while the flexible studio layout offers everything you need. Whether it’s a private guest suite, backyard studio, or minimalist getaway, the Dandall delivers contemporary living on a compact 30m² footprint.

Enquire About Dandall

    • Open-plan studio with Truss design.

    • Compact kitchenette (connection to plumbing services optional).

    • Raked gable ceiling add to height and spaciousness.

    • Large sliding door brings in natural light.

    • Large 5.83m² deck over frames for outdoor living.

    • Total house floor area (m2): 29.62

    • Total area over frames (m²): 40.62

    • Deck size (m²): 5.19

    • Number of bedrooms: Open plan

    • Number of bathrooms (including ensuites): N/A

    • Number of living spaces: 1

    • Separate Laundry room: N/A

    • Fully engineered: Yes

    • Coastal grade steel roofing: Yes

    • Passive Ventilation Kit provided: Yes

    • Low-e thermally broken joinery: Yes

    • High Ceiling: Yes

    • Heat pump: Yes

    • MBIE Multiproof approval: N/A

    • Smart Home: N/A

View of a balcony overlooking a garden with trees and greenery. The balcony has a small white table with a potted plant, and two white folding chairs. The ceiling and wall of the balcony are wood-paneled, and there is a glass railing.
Open-concept living space featuring a kitchen, couch, and bed with wood-paneled ceiling, white shelves with books, and large windows
Floor plan of a small house with a deck outside, kitchenette, dining area, living space with furniture, a bed, storage, and outdoor straps.

The Romney

The Romney is where thoughtful design meets everyday comfort. Within its cleverly planned 40m² footprint, you’ll find light-filled living beneath soaring gable ceilings, a private bedroom retreat, and a spacious bathroom with Euro laundry. Built-in storage keeps everything organised, while large sliding doors open to a generous deck that blends indoor and outdoor living. Practical, energy-efficient, and effortlessly modern, the Romney makes compact living feel beautifully expansive.

Enquire About Romney

    • Raked gable ceiling adds height and spaciousness.

    • Large sliding door brings in natural light.

    • Smart floor plan maximises space.

    • Separate bedroom for added privacy.

    • Bathroom with large shower and toilet.

    • Euro laundry nook.

    • Ample storage throughout.

    • Large 6.6m² deck over frames for outdoor living.

    • Truss design.

    • Total house floor area (m²): 34.13

    • Total area over frames (m²): 46.45

    • Deck size (m²): 5.88

    • Number of bedrooms: 1

    • Number of bathrooms (including ensuites): 1

    • Number of living spaces: 1

    • Separate laundry room: 1 (Euro style)

    • Fully engineered: Yes

    • Coastal grade steel roofing: Yes

    • Passive ventilation kit provided: Yes

    • Low‑e thermally broken joinery: Yes

    • High ceiling: Yes

    • Heat pump: Yes

    • MBIE MultiProof approval: N/A

    • Smart home: N/A

Floor plan of a small house with a deck, kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, bathroom, closet, and laundry area.
Open-concept kitchen and living space with a wooden ceiling, black track lighting, cream cabinets, a dining table with chairs, a green armchair, wall bookshelves, and a small round white coffee table.
View of a small balcony with two metal chairs, one with a cushion, and a round table with a potted plant, overlooking a landscaped yard with trees and a grassy hill in the background.

The Dorset

The Dorset welcomes you with a sense of space and light, all within a cleverly designed 50m² layout. A separate bedroom and generous bathroom provide privacy and comfort, complemented by a convenient Euro laundry and ample storage throughout. Soaring raked gable ceilings and expansive sliding doors invite sunlight into the open-plan living area, creating a bright, airy retreat that feels both relaxed and refined. Step onto the 6.6m² deck to enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living, a perfect balance of practicality and style.

Enquire About Dorset

    • Raked gable ceiling adds height and spaciousness.

    • Large sliding door brings in natural light.

    • Smart floor plan maximises space.

    • Separate bedroom for added privacy.

    • Bathroom with large shower.

    • Separate toilet

    • Euro laundry nook.

    • Ample storage throughout.

    • Large 6.6m² deck over frames for outdoor living.

    • Truss design.

    • Total house floor area (m²): 42.95

    • Total area over frames (m²): 72.33

    • Deck size (m²): 5.88

    • Number of bedrooms: 1

    • Number of bathrooms (including ensuites): 1

    • Number of living spaces: 1

    • Separate laundry room: 1 (Euro style)

    • Fully engineered: Yes

    • Coastal grade steel roofing: Yes

    • Passive ventilation kit provided: Yes

    • Low‑e thermally broken joinery: Yes

    • High ceiling: Yes

    • Heat pump: Yes

    • MBIE MultiProof approval: N/A

    • Smart home: N/A

Floor plan of a small house with labeled rooms including a deck, dining area, kitchen, living room, study, hall, bedroom, powder room, bathroom, and closet.
Kitchen with light cabinets, marble countertops, a window with a garden view, and bottles of sparkling water on the counter.
View from a wooden balcony of a modern house, showing an open sliding door, interior kitchen and dining area, and lush green outdoor space.

The Kerry

The Kerry invites you to enjoy spacious, effortless living within a thoughtfully designed 60m² layout. A master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and a generous second bedroom offer comfort and privacy, while clever storage and a separate laundry make everyday living simple. Light floods the open-plan living area through large sliding doors, with soaring raked gable ceilings enhancing the sense of space and calm. Step outside to a generous 9.9m² deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and discover how beautifully form and function come together.

Enquire About Kerry

    • Raked gable ceiling adds height and spaciousness.

    • Large sliding door brings in natural light.

    • Smart floor plan maximises space.

    • Master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe.

    • Second bedroom with double wardrobe.

    • Bathroom with large shower.

    • Separate powder room with toilet.

    • Separate laundry with space for washer and dryer.

    • Ample storage throughout.

    • Large 9.9m² deck over frames for outdoor living.

    • Truss design.

    • Total house floor area (m²): 59.8

    • Total area over frames (m²): 78.57

    • Deck size (m²): 8.82

    • Number of bedrooms: 2

    • Number of bathrooms (including ensuites): 1

    • Number of living spaces: 1

    • Separate laundry room: 1

    • Fully engineered: Yes

    • Coastal grade steel roofing: Yes

    • Passive ventilation kit provided: Yes

    • Low‑e thermally broken joinery: Yes

    • High ceiling: Yes

    • Heat pump: Yes

    • MBIE MultiProof approval: N/A

    • Smart home: N/A

Floor plan of a house with areas labeled Living, Dining, Kitchen, Powder room, Laundry, Bathroom, Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, Walk-in-robe, and Deck.
A modern, cozy living room with a vaulted wooden ceiling, white walls, and hardwood floors. The space features a white sofa with cushions, a large potted plant, a white entertainment unit with books and a TV, a dining table with white chairs, a kitch
Living room with large glass sliding doors overlooking a green yard and hill, furnished with a beige sofa, wicker chair with cushion, white dining chairs, and a black round coffee table with vases and small decorative items, patterned rug, and wooden

The Hampshire

The Hampshire brings generous, flexible living to a smart 70m² design. Featuring two spacious bedrooms with double wardrobes and a dedicated office complete with built-in desk, it’s perfect for work, rest, and everything in between. Thoughtful touches, from ample storage and a separate laundry to a bathroom with large shower and powder room, make everyday living effortless. Soaring raked gable ceilings and expansive sliding doors fill the home with natural light, while the 10m² deck extends your living outdoors for year-round enjoyment.

Enquire About Hampshire

    • Raked gable ceiling adds height and spaciousness.

    • Large sliding door brings in natural light.

    • Smart floor plan maximises space.

    • Two spacious bedrooms with double wardrobes.

    • Office space with built-in desk.

    • Bathroom with large shower.

    • Separate powder room with toilet.

    • Separate laundry with space for washer and dryer.

    • Ample storage throughout.

    • Large 10.08m² deck over frames for outdoor living.

    • Truss design.

    • Total house floor area (m²): 70.01

    • Total area over frames (m²): 90.27

    • Deck size (m²): 9.72

    • Number of bedrooms: 2 plus office

    • Number of bathrooms (including ensuites): 1

    • Number of living spaces: 1

    • Separate laundry room: 1

    • Fully engineered: Yes

    • Coastal grade steel roofing: Yes

    • Passive ventilation kit provided: Yes

    • Low‑e thermally broken joinery: Yes

    • High ceiling: Yes

    • Heat pump: Yes

    • MBIE MultiProof approval: N/A

    • Smart home: N/A

Floor plan of a house showing a living room, kitchen, dining area, deck, bedrooms, bathroom, laundry, storage, powder room, and office.
Cozy bedroom with a bed, multiple pillows, green and white blankets, and hanging pendant lights, with a large sliding glass door opening to a green yard.
Interior view of a bright dining area with a view of a green garden through large sliding glass doors, featuring a wooden ceiling, white walls, modern furniture, and minimal decor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime - 021 022 8339 or email us at info@obrienhomes.co.nz

  • From 15 January 2026, new national rules made it much easier to build a small standalone dwelling (granny flat) in New Zealand.
    If your design meets the conditions in the Building Act exemption and the new national standards for minor units, you can build up to 70m² without a full building consent, and often without resource consent. The home still needs to comply with the NZ Building Code.

  • Clever Living Co offers a range of thoughtfully designed homes created for modern New Zealand living. The range includes compact homes, family-friendly layouts, duplex options, seasonal accommodation, and garages, with designs suited to a variety of lifestyles, budgets, and section types.

  • Clever Living Co homes are supplied through Bunnings Trade. According to the brochure, the materials, appliances, and features used across the range are sourced through Bunnings Trade, helping support quality, consistency, and affordability.

  • Clever Living Co homes are designed to make efficient use of space without compromising on comfort or functionality. The range combines practical layouts, quality materials, and modern features to create a simpler path to building a new home.

  • Depending on the design selected, Clever Living Co homes may include a range of quality features and appliances. The brochure highlights inclusions such as Grid Connect smart home features, a security camera, heating and cooling solutions such as a heat pump, and products supplied by trusted brands through Bunnings Trade.

  • Yes. Clever Living Co homes include Grid Connect smart home features. These can allow homeowners to control selected power outlets and lighting from their phone, as well as access features such as the included security camera.

  • Clever Living Co homes are designed with products and materials supplied by Bunnings Trade, with a focus on quality, practicality, and affordability. Inclusions can vary depending on the design and specification selected, so it’s best to confirm the final package during the enquiry and planning process.

  • The Clever Living Co brochure references heating and cooling features, including a heat pump. Exact inclusions may vary by design, so these should be confirmed as part of your chosen package.

  • MultiProof approval is a certification for standardised building designs that comply with the New Zealand Building Code. Selected Clever Living Co homes have MBIE MultiProof approval, which can help streamline the building consent process.

  • You may not need a full building consent if your granny flat:

    • is standalone and single storey

    • is 70m² or less

    • meets height and boundary setback rules

    • is built or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner

    • fully complies with the NZ Building Code

    You still need to work with council for things like a Project Information Memorandum (PIM), development contributions, and final documentation after the build. If your site has hazards, overlays, or setback issues, resource consent can still be required.

  • To qualify as exempt building work, the granny flat typically needs to:

    • be new, standalone and single storey

    • be 70m² or smaller

    • sit at least 2 m from boundaries and other buildings

    • be no higher than 4 m

    • have a floor level no more than 1 m above ground

    • use lightweight construction like timber or light steel framing

    • be built or supervised by LBPs

    • connect to compliant water, wastewater and power services

    • meet all NZ Building Code requirements

    Clever Living Co granny flat designs are developed to line up with these requirements.

  • Truss House™ is Clever Living Co’s pre‑engineered structural system, developed with Pryda. Instead of separate floor, wall and roof framing, it uses a repeatable truss component that forms the full structure.
    Key benefits:

    • fully engineered with PS1 documentation

    • designed for NZ wind and seismic zones

    • faster frame and roof installation

    • easier services installation (plumbing and electrical)

    • fewer internal load‑bearing walls and more flexible layouts

    • reduced on‑site labour and more consistent quality

  • The designs are set up to exceed H1 energy efficiency requirements, which means:

    • better insulation and airtightness than code minimum

    • lower heating and cooling demand

    • more stable indoor temperatures year‑round

    They include thermal break aluminium joinery, rigid air barrier systems, and passive ventilation kits to manage moisture and stale air.