How the cassette is making a comeback

In a first for Kāinga Ora in Canterbury, a new construction method will get people into new homes faster while also improving comfort and privacy for residents.

Build partner Consortium Construction is producing the 14 one-bedroom units on Stanmore Rd, which includes accessible units, off-street car parking and private outdoor spaces for all – enclosed outdoor areas for ground floor units and balconies for the upper level.

Cassette flooring, pictured here, is saving time on Kāinga Ora builds while providing better sound proofing for residents.

“This project is unique because it’s the first job in which we’ve used prefabricated cassette floor systems, which have saved us time – in this case about three weeks,” Consortium General Manager Brooke Whiting said.

“At the end of the day, all of Kāinga Ora’s projects are about getting people and families into homes as soon as possible, so anything we can do to speed that process up is a win-win.”

But the benefits of using cassette flooring do not stop there. The particular type used will provide an even greater level of sound-proofing for the homes, giving residents that extra element of privacy.

“We’re always looking at ways we can improve on people’s living experiences in their homes,” said Yong Yon, Kāinga Ora Senior Development Manager.

“This is just one more way we can build smarter for the benefit of our customers, providing more warm, dry homes.”

Brooke said he and his team found it “very fulfilling to know that what we’re building is more than just a house”.

“The standard of Kāinga Ora’s projects is great and they’re well thought out to ensure they’re very pleasant places to live, that add to their local communities.

“We’re really proud of what we build for Kāinga Ora and appreciate the great relationships we have with everyone we deal with.”