+ Where can Nautilus Modular buildings be located?

Currently we operate out of Wanaka and this is where our prototyping and testing plant is located. For the time being we will only supply clients who are within 100km travel distance from Wanaka, as this a practical distance to transport modules.

Longer term it is our intention to have several factories around New Zealand so we hope to be able to sell buildings throughout the country soon.

If you live more than 100 km away from Wanaka, please register your interest on our Contact Page .

+ What materials are used in the modules?

There are three main module materials, (1) Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), which forms the structure and is commonly used in house framing, (2) Several types of plywood, which make up the internal/external linings and (3) Polyurethane rigid foam (PU) which is injected into the module. PU is often used in Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s) and has numerous benefits including;

• It’s exceptional insulative properties (PU has the highest R value for any insulation material)
• Acts as a fire retardant
• Condensation control
• Excellent structural strength
• Air tightness
• Mould/insect/rodent proof
• Hypoallergenic.

+ What are the dimensions of the modules?

The external dimensions of a module are length 4.6m, Height 3.5m and width 1.2m.

+ How are modules made?

The module components are laid up on a mould in a defined sequence. The LVL and ply sheets are connected and then the module compartments are filled with the polyurethane foam. All elements of the module production process are undertaken in a factory environment.

+ How long does it take to produce a module?

In a full factory environment it should take a few hours (depending on the module type) to produce a module using one mould.

+ Can we buy matching Nautilus carport and garages.

No not yet, but we are currently designing carports and garages that will have the same shape and look as our buildings. So watch this space...

+ How do the modules get transported to site?

The modules will be transported to site in weather proof bags on specially designed Nautilus Modular trailers or Hiab Truck/trailers. The module dimensions have been designed to meet the NZTA requirements for maximum load height and width and the trailers do not require any special signs or pilot vehicles, making transportation to site an easy process.

+ What is the platform that the modules sit on?

This is called the subfloor assembly. The assembly is a connection of concrete bearers which sit on the ground, and large wooden joists that run the length of the building. The modules sit on top of the joists. The modules, joists and bearers are all connected with brackets. The bearers are connected to the ground with anchors.

+ How do the modules get from the trailers to the subfloor assembly, do you need heavy lifting equipment such as Hiab cranes?

When transported on specially designed trailers the modules are gently slid off the trailers onto the subfloor assembly joists. If transported by Hiab Trucks/trailer the modules are lifted onto the subfloor assembly joists. Modules are slid across the joists on large ‘skates’ and everything is done without the need for heavy lifting machinery. Whereby reducing installation costs.

+ What is involved in the installation process?

After the subfloor assembly is in place the modules are transported to site and connected together. They are then are covered with weather proofing materials and clad with corrugated iron. Once the building is clad, interior walls and wardrobes would be installed and the electrical elements will be fitted off and the plumbing is connected. Once final inspections are made the building is signed off, the client will receive a Certificate of Compliance for the building.

+ How long does it take to install a building onsite?

This will depend on the number of modules involved and by implication the building size. For example we anticipate it would take approximately 5 days to fully install a 10 module building, so it was ready to be lived in.

+ In the Nautilus Modular range notes it says that Multi pavilions and Two Storey buildings are under development. What does that mean?

Currently, we have completed prototyping of our single pavilion product. We have been working on systems we can use to connect two or more pavilions to form a multi pavilion building and we expect to have a solution ready for the market in 2021. Similarly, we are working on design and structural elements of a two storey product and again hope to have these market ready in 2021.

+ How much waste does the Nautilus Modular model produce?

The production and construction of a Nautilus Modular building creates minimal waste. There are good reasons the module is 1200 mm wide, as this is the dimension of a standard sheet of ply. In addition, generally most waste that is created (off-cuts) can be used in the module production process (e.g. as blocking). Waste minimisation is very important to us as waste generation is commonplace with traditional building practises and we think can avoided to a large degree – if people are prepared to produce buildings that dimensionally work with standard sizes of building materials.

+ What stage is Nautilus Modular at?

We are developing a new generation module (Gen2) which will supersede the current Generation 1 module. This will be market ready sometime in 2021. Considering the Gen2 modules will be superior we have decided we will not produce Gen1 modules for housing/large buildings going forward.

+ Is the Nautilus Modular product compliant with the New Zealand Building Code?

We have undertaken considerable design work and testing and our modules/buildings will meet or exceed most zone thresholds as dedicated in the New Zealand Building Code. Therefore, our Buildings can be located almost anywhere in New Zealand. In addition, we wish to provide our clients with peace of mind with our modular products and we will commence product certification processes (Codemark) for our modules as a building product. Codemark is a certification that is ideally suited to innovative products that are new to market and provides assurance that a product is compliant with the New Zealand Building Code.

In addition, we want to make it as easy as possible for our clients to go through the building process with us and so we will be applying for Multiproof certification with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The Multiproof is a statement from MBIE which says that a set of plans/specifications for a building complies with the Building Code. All Building Consent Authorities (BCA) must accept a Multiproof Certificate as evidence of compliance with the Building Code and receiving a Multiproof Certification will greatly assist Nautilus Modular clients with receiving building consents from New Zealand councils.

+ Where in New Zealand, can these buildings be located?

Nautilus Modular buildings can be located in virtually most places in New Zealand that fit our design profile. For clarity, our design profile reflects the ‘zones’ that our buildings can be located. These zones reflect environmental conditions such as seismic, wind, snow, climate etc…. and in most cases the buildings would be able to be located at the highest thresholds of these zones. Currently, the buildings must be installed on flat ground, but we are working on installation options to accommodate uneven ground.

+ What are the key benefits of the product/system to the buyer?

We believe there is considerable collective benefit in what we are offering and in particular this relates to the rapidness that modules can be produced, transported and installed onsite to form a building. In a factory environment we intend to make ‘stock’ of modules and so its possible that someone could make an order for a building (collection of modules) one day and have them onsite the next. Of course, there would be building consents involved etc…, but this scenario illustrates the stock and supply opportunities that exist.

Additionally, we have gone to great efforts to maximise the efficiencies in our processes, so we can reduce costs wherever possible. OSM by it’s very nature should deliver efficiencies with regard to taking the weather out of the production environment and also efficiencies with application of labour. Developing efficiencies is a fundamental driver for us and we have evaluated all elements of the system to see if can develop processes or modify our use of materials to optimise the system. This has resulted in some of our supply partners providing products or services that the developed specifically for Nautilus Modular.

There are many features/benefits of the products and buildings and these mainly relate to ‘liveability’ elements. Due to the design we are able to provide walls/ceilings/floors that are similar thicknesses. These elements are injected with Polyurethane foam, which is a very effective insulator and the R-values that have been calculated are over R 5 for all floors, walls and ceilings (which is well above Building Code requirements anywhere in NZ). As a standard we will be installing a sophisticated ventilation and heat recovery system in buildings of certain sizes and this is to ensure that the climate inside the buildings is optimal for the comfort and health of occupants. The internal ceilings are 3.2m high and the internal linings are ply. The wall and ceiling joins are ‘curved’ and combined with the high ceilings and the ply, the interior have a very open and spacious feel.

Finally, every building is customisable in relation to size and configuration, in that clients can choose how many modules and what module types they wish to connect to form a building. This will mean people can customise a building design based on their budget and needs.

+ What will the buildings cost – do you have a square metre rate?

Nautilus Modular produce and sell modules. Calculating a per metre rate for a building, will be dependent on how many modules (and what types of modules) are purchased. Nautilus Modular buildings will be priced in the lower-to-middle range of the market, with prices varying depending on the requirements of the building owner.

As an example a four bedroom home would be approximately $3,000 per square metre.

The best way to find out the cost of a build is to contact us and we will generate an estimate for a particular design and configuration.