Across Aotearoa, homeowners and architects alike are seeking smarter, greener ways to build. From solar panels and rainwater systems to locally sourced materials, sustainability is no longer a niche priority—it’s at the heart of how we design and live. And when it comes to building or renovating eco-friendly homes, timber is having a well-deserved renaissance.
But not just any timber. Increasingly, it’s custom wood products—ethically sourced, precisely milled, and beautifully finished—that are shaping the future of sustainable New Zealand homes.
Why timber works for eco-conscious builds
Timber has always had a natural place in Kiwi homes. It’s renewable, versatile, and—when sourced responsibly from New Zealand-grown timber—low in embodied carbon. But today’s builders want more than just basic framing timber. They want flooring, cladding, sarking, and detailing that tells a story, both aesthetically and environmentally.
“People are far more intentional about what goes into their homes,” says Ashlea Bitanga from Hansen Timber, a sawmill operation based in Clevedon, Auckland. “They want products that are made to last, made locally, and made with care for the environment. That’s where custom timber really shines.”
Custom wood products can be tailored not just in appearance, but also in performance—treated for durability, finished for low maintenance, and designed to fit exact specifications, which minimises waste during installation.
The Hansen Timber approach
Hansen Timber’s story stretches back nearly 150 years, when Peder Christian Hansen arrived in Gisborne from the Danish island of Fyn in 1874, after a treacherous sea journey marked by storms and loss. His son, Hans Peter Christian, became one of the earliest pioneer settlers in the Motu District, milling timber by hand to build homes and public buildings in the rugged, bush-covered landscape.
That pioneering spirit still runs through the veins of Hansen Timber today. Several generations later, the Hansen name continues in Clevedon, where John Hansen Ryall—direct descendant of those early settlers—leads the business with a deep respect for both craftsmanship and conservation.
“Our heritage is woven into every piece of timber that leaves the mill,” says Ashlea. “It’s not just about producing something beautiful, it’s about honouring the land, the people, and the legacy behind it.”
On the Clevedon property, over 200,000 native trees have been planted and protected as part of Hansen Timber’s commitment to sustainability, while state-of-the-art equipment ensures that handcrafted cladding, weatherboards, and interior timbers are milled with precision and minimal waste.
A natural fit for NZ homes
In an age of steel and synthetic finishes, the tactile warmth of timber brings something uniquely grounding to a home. Whether it’s cedar cladding that weathers beautifully over time, or grooved panelling that adds texture to an interior, timber offers a living connection to the natural environment.
“New Zealanders have a strong relationship with nature—we crave that sense of calm and connection,” says Ashlea. “Timber helps bring that indoors, and with custom wood products, you can enhance that connection without compromising on sustainability.”
The future is handcrafted
As New Zealand moves towards lower-carbon building practices, locally milled and produced timber products are well positioned to be part of the solution. They offer low-impact production, long life cycles, and an aesthetic that’s as timeless as it is modern.
“Eco-friendly homes don’t need to look cold or clinical,” Ashlea says. “They can be warm, inviting, and incredibly beautiful—and timber plays a huge part in that.”
For those dreaming of a home that feels uniquely theirs while treading lightly on the earth, custom timber could be the most natural choice of all.
Explore custom wood products from Hansen Timber