01 / Standard Tier · The Seed Home

Te Whare Kākano.

Compact Essential Living · From 30–70 m² · Studio, one bedroom, or compact two-bedroom configurations

The entry-level modular solution: a high-quality compact home and affordable pathway for individuals, couples, kaumātua, workforce accommodation, tourism units, and the first stage of a papakāinga development.

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Whakapapa of the name

Kākano — what it symbolises

Kākano translates to seed, kernel, or beginning of growth. Within the Te Pūtake housing concepts, the Kākano name symbolises:

New beginnings
The foundation for future growth
The starting point of whānau development
Potential and opportunity
Connection to whenua and future generations

Design overview

Seed · compact essential living

The Kākano series is the entry-level modular solution within the Te Pūtake Living included elements — designed as a high-quality compact home, creating an affordable pathway for individuals, couples, kaumātua, workforce accommodation, tourism units, and the first stage of a papakāinga development.

Indicative size

From 30–70 m²
Studio, one bedroom, or compact two-bedroom configurations

Finishing elements

Standard inclusions — structure, interior & exterior

Structure

Engineered steel portal frame system
High-performance insulated PIR wall and roof panels
Colour steel roofing and cladding options
Double-glazed aluminium joinery
Galvanised fixings and durable exterior materials
External deck platform (optional extension)

Interior

Kitchen & bathroom systems
Open-plan living configuration
Wardrobe and storage systems
LED lighting package
Vinyl plank or laminate flooring
Heat pump system

Technology & utilities

Entry-level smart security system
Fibre & Wi-Fi ready
Smart TV connection capability
Energy-efficient hot water system
Water-saving plumbing fixtures

Outdoor living

Entry landing and stairs
Optional timber or composite decking
Exterior LED lighting
Exterior power outlets
Clothesline system
Basic landscaping allowance
Gravel or compacted vehicle parking area

Best suited for

First homes & kaumātua housing
Papakāinga expansion
Airbnb / tourism accommodation
Remote workforce accommodation

Beyond the whare

Optional auxiliary buildings

Te Pūtake Living also provides auxiliary building systems to support modern papakāinga and lifestyle living.

Shared mechanical workshops
Boat and dive gear storage
Mahinga kai (traditional food) preparation facilities
Vehicle and caravan storage
Shared meeting areas
Airbnb furnishing storage facilities
Light industrial flex buildings

The full pathway

Integrated Te Pūtake Living approach

The Te Pūtake Living modular system is more than housing. It is designed as a complete living pathway integrating:

Modular housing
Smart technology & sustainability systems
Financial packages, banking, funding
Papakāinga planning (Māori Land Court, whānau trusts, etc.)
Property management
Tourism opportunities
Intergenerational land activation
Flexible ownership pathways

The kaupapa is to support whānau to return to their whenua, build enduring homes, and create long-term economic and social resilience through modern modular living — utilising TEPLOS, the Te Pūtake Living Operating Platform.

Where it grows

Next in the range

Every Te Pūtake home shares the same whakapapa — from seed, to growth, to tree.

— Next tier

Te Whare Tipu

Grow · Crafted Family Living

The transition from Kākano into a more established and growing living environment — a refined family-oriented modular home for permanent living and lifestyle-based developments.

70—100 m²Footprint

2 + flexBedrooms

CraftedWhānau tier

Explore Te Whare Tipu