A unique specification of high-performance building materials made for New Zealanders
for optimum health and comfort, naturally
A Smarter Way to Build
At Innate Spec, we curate the best materials and design principles to create spaces that elevate your well-being. Buildings designed and built to the Innate Spec are engineered for health, comfort, and longevity, using only proven, industry-leading materials sourced responsibly.
We’re not reinventing the wheel—we’re bringing together the most advanced, proven materials and smart design principles to create spaces that stand apart.
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Free from nasty chemicals, built with breathable natural materials
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Superior insulation and thermal mass, passive solar design, and natural materials that regulate temperature and humidity
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Designed to last, every material and design feature will stand the test of time
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Nearly every material is sourced using New Zealand raw materials and manufactured here, supporting our industries and communities
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The very top of natural, sustainable, and high-performing materials that won’t end up in landfill
Ground Screws
Ground screws replace traditional concrete foundations with a faster, more sustainable, and non-invasive solution. Engineered for strength and durability, they eliminate the need for excavation, reduce site disruption, and are perfect for all soil types.
✔ No Digging or Concrete – Faster installation with minimal environmental impact.
✔ Strong & Secure – Engineered for stability in all conditions.
✔ Eco-Friendly – Lower carbon footprint than traditional foundations.
✔ Versatile & Reusable – Ideal for a range of structures and relocatable homes.
✔ CodeMark Certified
Joists & Bearers
Prolam Engineered Timber is proudly New Zealand-made, combining natural beauty with high-performance engineering. Prolam offers precision-crafted joists and bearers that deliver structural integrity and aesthetic appeal — with untreated options ideal for internal spaces, and MCA-treated timber for a more responsible alternative to CCA treatment for durable outdoor use.
✔ Engineered for Strength & Stability – Designed to handle high load demands
✔ Naturally Beautiful – Clean lines and smooth finishes stained any colour
✔ Sustainably Sourced – Responsibly produced with minimal waste
✔ Precision-Crafted – Uniform quality for a reliable, high-performance foundation
TimberTone™
TimberTone™ Blocks are revolutionary natural building material made using New Zealand-grown hemp, West Coast Beech, and GeoBind - a NZ made proprietary lime binder that provides exceptional thermal insulation, breathability, and durability while actively absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. These fire-resistant, non-toxic, and highly sustainable blocks create a home that stays comfortable year-round with minimal energy use.
✔ Superior Insulation & Thermal Mass – Naturally regulates temperature and humidity.
✔ Breathable & Non-Toxic – Improves indoor air quality with zero VOCs.
✔ Fire, Pest & Mold Resistant – Built for longevity and durability.
✔ Carbon-Negative – Absorbs more CO₂ than is emitted during production.
✔ Made in New Zealand
Natural plaster
Clay and lime plasters work in harmony with hempcrete, naturally regulating moisture while providing a beautiful, non-toxic, and highly durable finish. These breathable coatings prevent mold, enhance indoor air quality, and contribute to a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
✔ Moisture-Regulating – Work together with TimberTone to allow walls to breathe, preventing condensation and mould.
✔ Zero VOCs & Non-Toxic – Enhances indoor air quality for a healthier home.
✔ Durable & Timeless Finish – Resistant to cracking and aging gracefully over time.
✔ Made in New Zealand
Natural Paints
Natural Paint Co. offers high-performance, plant and mineral-based paints that enhance indoor air quality, support breathable wall systems, and provide lasting beauty. Free from harmful chemicals, these eco-friendly, locally made paints are the perfect finishing touch for a healthy, sustainable home.
✔ Breathable & Compatible with Hempcrete & Plasters – Works seamlessly with natural wall materials, allowing moisture to pass through and preventing mold.
✔ Healthier Indoor Air Quality – Zero VOCs and toxic-free ingredients
✔ Sustainable Ingredients – Made from plant and clay-based materials
✔ Exceptional Durability – Fully washable and guaranteed to resist peeling, flaking, and cracking.
✔ Made in New Zealand
West Coast Beech
Flooring, cladding, decking, panelling, countertops, windows, doors and more.
Sourced from New Zealand’s sustainably managed forests, West Coast Beech is a premium hardwood with a warm, natural aesthetic and exceptional durability. Its fine grain, workability, and strength make it an ideal choice for flooring, countertops, decking, feature cladding, and interior paneling.
✔ Perfect for Flooring & Countertops – Hardwearing and naturally stunning with rich tones.
✔ Durable & Weather-Resistant Decking – Long-lasting, high-performance timber.
✔ Beautiful Interior Paneling & Cladding – Adds warmth, texture, and natural character.
✔ Locally & Sustainably Sourced – Grown in NZ, supporting responsible forestry.
✔ Healthy & Chemical-Free – No toxic treatments, ensuring a safe and natural indoor environment.
Natural oils
Osmo natural oils provide superior durability and a breathable finish, enhancing the natural beauty of timber while protecting it from wear and moisture. Made from plant-based oils and waxes, Osmo finishes are safe, non-toxic, and designed to work seamlessly with solid wood flooring, countertops, decking, cladding, and interior paneling.
✔ Deep Nourishment & Protection – Penetrates timber for long-lasting durability without forming a plastic-like surface.
✔ Breathable & Works with Natural Materials – Allows wood to regulate moisture, preventing cracking and peeling.
✔ Non-Toxic & Safe for Indoor Air Quality – Free from harmful chemicals, perfect for homes with children and pets.
✔ Water & Stain Resistant – Repels spills while maintaining a natural, matte-to-satin finish.
✔ Easy Maintenance & Spot Repairable – Unlike polyurethane, Osmo can be refreshed without sanding the entire surface.
Hempwool insulation
Hemp wool insulation offers exceptional thermal and acoustic performance while maintaining a healthy, non-toxic indoor environment. Made from renewable hemp fibres, it’s a breathable, moisture-regulating alternative to synthetic insulation, perfect for ceilings and underfloors in sustainable homes.
✔ Superior Thermal Performance – Keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
✔ Breathable & Moisture-Regulating – Works seamlessly with hempcrete and natural plasters to prevent mold and condensation.
✔ Non-Toxic & Safe to Handle – Free from harmful chemicals and irritants found in synthetic insulation.
✔ Sustainable & Carbon-Negative – Grown and processed with minimal environmental impact.
✔ Locally Made & Available in 2026 – Christchurch-based production will provide high-quality, New Zealand-made hemp insulation.
ULEB Heating
Handcrafted in Christchurch using New Zealand steel, the Woodsman Serene is an Ultra Low Emission Burner (ULEB) designed for clean, efficient heating. While heating is rarely needed in breathable hempcrete homes, the Serene offers a sustainable, locally made option for extra warmth in the colder months.
✔ ULEB Certified – Meets strict emission standards, eco-friendly for all NZ regions.
✔ Wetback & Central Heating Compatible – Can provide hot water and connect to radiator systems.
✔ Efficient & Functional – 8.5kW output with a durable steel cooktop.
✔ Locally Made with NZ Steel – Built to last, supporting local manufacturing.
Green roofs
Oasis Green Roofs transform rooftops into living, breathable ecosystems, improving insulation, air quality, and biodiversity. Designed for low maintenance and long-term sustainability, they enhance both urban and rural homes with natural beauty and environmental benefits.
✔ Energy Efficient – Reduces heating and cooling demands, enhancing insulation.
✔ Stormwater Management – Absorbs and filters rainwater, easing drainage systems.
✔ Supports Biodiversity – Provides habitat for local flora and fauna.
✔ Durable & Low Maintenance – Pre-grown options for instant, lasting greenery.
✔ Improves Air Quality – Filters pollutants and absorbs carbon dioxide.
Woollen carpet
Made in New Zealand from 100% sustainably grown wool, Godfrey Hurst carpets offer luxury, durability, and natural insulation. With exceptional softness and resilience, they create a comfortable, healthy indoor environment while supporting local farmers and ecosystems.
✔ Natural Insulation – Regulates temperature and absorbs sound for a quieter home.
✔ Durable & Resilient – Maintains texture and appearance even in high-traffic areas.
✔ Hypoallergenic & Air-Purifying – Absorbs pollutants and regulates humidity.
✔ Stain & Soil Resistant – Naturally repels dirt and spills, making maintenance easy.
✔ Sustainably Sourced – Ethically harvested wool, supporting NZ farmers.
NZ Plywood
Made in Greymouth, IPL plywood is a high-quality, low-emission option for construction and interiors. With a focus on health, durability, and responsible sourcing, it’s the perfect choice for natural, sustainable homes.
✔ Locally Manufactured – Supports NZ industry and reduces transport emissions.
✔ Sustainably Sourced – Made from responsibly managed plantation pine.
✔ Low-Formaldehyde & Safe – Improves indoor air quality with minimal emissions.
✔ Strong & Versatile – Ideal for structural, interior, and specialty applications.
✔ Compliant & Reliable – Meets NZ industry standards for quality and performance.
Garage Doors
Custom Made specializes in high-quality, custom-crafted architectural solutions, with a strong focus on New Zealand beech. Sourced sustainably, NZ beech offers exceptional strength, durability, and a refined aesthetic, making it an ideal choice for high-end applications. With extensive expertise and a commitment to locally sourced materials, Custom Made delivers premium craftsmanship tailored to the unique demands of each project.
✔ Sustainable NZ Beech – Responsibly sourced under New Zealand’s Sustainable Forest Management Plan, offering durability and a rich natural finish.
✔ Precision Craftsmanship – Every piece is carefully designed and manufactured for strength, longevity, and visual appeal.
✔ Locally Made – Proudly New Zealand-owned and operated, supporting local industry and high-quality production.
✔ Custom Solutions – Tailored designs to meet the specific needs of architects, builders, and homeowners.
✔ Built to Last – High-performance materials and expert construction ensure superior durability and function.
Solar
Golden Solar BIPV is New Zealand’s leading provider of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions, seamlessly merging solar technology with building materials to create energy-efficient and visually cohesive structures. Their innovative approach transforms roofs, facades, and carports into power-generating assets without compromising design.
✔ Seamless Integration – Solar components blend into building materials, maintaining architectural integrity while generating renewable energy.
✔ Cost Efficiency – Combining building materials with solar panels reduces overall construction and energy costs.
✔ Long-Term Warranty – 25-year warranty on waterproofing, roof safety, and power generation, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
✔ Innovative Product Range – Lightweight panels, structural solutions, solar glass facades, and carports tailored for various architectural needs.
✔ Enhanced Sustainability – BIPV products improve energy efficiency, reducing summer room temperatures and overall energy consumption.
Design principles
Innate Spec blends proven architectural wisdom with modern sustainability, creating spaces that are functional, healthy, and deeply connected to nature. Every design choice enhances indoor air quality, natural light, and long-term comfort, ensuring a home that feels as good as it looks.
✔ Passive Solar & Energy Efficient – Maximises natural light, warmth & ventilation.
✔ Breathable & Non-Toxic Materials – Supports health & indoor air quality.
✔ Flexible, Timeless Spaces – Designed for longevity & adaptability.
✔ Natural Harmony & Flow – Inspired by Vastu & Feng Shui for balanced living.
✔ Built for Generations – Durable, repairable, and end-of-life responsible.
Design Builders
For over 30 years, Design Builders has been redefining bespoke home design in New Zealand. Their collaborative approach ensures each home is a true reflection of its owner, blending creativity, innovation, and expert craftsmanship. By working closely with clients, architects, and trusted partners like Innate Homes, they bring forward-thinking solutions and exceptional attention to detail to every project.
Why Design Builders?
✔ True Partnership – A personalized approach, guiding you from concept to completion.
✔ Innovative, Tailored Solutions – Homes designed for your lifestyle and site.
✔ Award-Winning Craftsmanship – Recognized for outstanding quality and originality.
✔ Built to Last – Combining experience, creativity, and the best materials available.
✔ Nationwide Presence – Delivering exceptional homes throughout New Zealand.
What is TimberTone™?
Hempcrete blocks, made better in New Zealand
Hemp Hurd
A byproduct of the New Zealand industrial hemp industry, hemp hurd is the cellulose inner core of the stem. We finally have multiple hurd processing facilities in New Zealand, most notably Rubisco in Christchurch. This was for many years one of the key missing components to bring hempcrete into mainstream construction.
GeoBind Binder
Thanks to Doug Sturrock, with the support of Callaghan Innovation and many others, we finally have an exceptional hempcrete binder made in New Zealand, using New Zealand ingredients. The impact of this development on the progress of hempcrete could not be understated. Learn more here.
Beech Particles
A small dose of finely processed West Coast beech improves compaction, curing, and overall block strength. Acting as a natural micro-filler, it tightens the mix, enhances insulation, and speeds up drying—all while maintaining breathability. This performance-driven blend is called TimberTone™.
International momentum
The approximate number of hempcrete homes built internationally since 2012, from around 500 to over 50,000.
What’s the big deal?
Indoor air quality
TimberTone™ keeps your home naturally warm and dry by regulating moisture and providing high insulation, preventing dampness and mold. Its thermal mass stores and releases heat slowly, maintaining a stable indoor temperature year-round. Made from natural, non-toxic materials, hempcrete is free from VOCs and synthetic chemicals, creating a breathable, healthy living environment with optimum air quality.
Comfort
It’s nearly impossible to explain what it feels like to walk into a hempcrete home. It sounds different, it feels different.
Hempcrete enhances comfort by creating a quiet, peaceful living environment with its excellent acoustic properties, reducing external noise and echo. Its breathable, vapour-permeable structure prevents stuffiness and maintains fresh indoor air, while its thermal mass ensures a steady, natural warmth without overheating. The result is a home that feels consistently cozy, tranquil, and inviting year-round.
Environmental impact
Hempcrete is one of the most sustainable building materials available, actively absorbing CO₂ during the growth of hemp and continuing to sequester carbon within the walls of a home. Made from renewable, biodegradable materials, it has a low environmental footprint compared to traditional construction. Hempcrete is also non-toxic, requires minimal processing, and contributes to healthier ecosystems by reducing reliance on synthetic insulation and high-emission materials like concrete and plasterboard.
Local and long-lasting
Hempcrete is made from natural, locally sourced materials, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional industries. Built to last, it does not rot, degrade, or require synthetic treatments, offering exceptional durability with minimal maintenance. Over time, hempcrete continues to harden, increasing its strength while maintaining breathability. This combination of local sourcing and long-term performance ensures a sustainable, resilient home that stands the test of time.
Who are we?
Innate Spec is led by Guido and Nick, the team behind Innate Furniture, now applying their expertise to sustainable building. Guido has spent well over a decade working with natural building materials and local manufacturing, pioneering the use of unconventional materials in New Zealand. He presented at the International Hemp Building Association Symposium in 2012 and has built relationships with leading hempcrete builders in Australia, Europe, and America, refining a system tailored to New Zealand’s climate.
Nick brings a background in industrial design, with a sharp eye for function, form, and the finer details that make buildings feel good to live in. His years of hands-on experience—from furniture making to building design—have shaped a deep understanding of how materials behave and how spaces can support wellbeing. He’s passionate about creating things that matter: structures that are beautiful, resilient, and connected to something greater than trends. For Nick, it’s not just about sustainability—it’s about significance.
With a shared background in bringing innovative materials to market, we are focused on bridging the gap between sustainable construction and mainstream adoption. Our homes integrate conscious design with hempcrete, screwpile foundations, post and beam framing, NZ-grown timbers, natural oil finishes, wool insulation, natural paints, and vapour-permeable systems—creating healthy, durable, and energy-efficient spaces. By collaborating with local manufacturers, designers, and builders, we are developing a scalable framework that supports the future of natural, high-performance buildings in New Zealand.
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