So, what does 70m2 actually look like?

In the context of New Zealand residential homes, 70m² doesn’t sound like a lot.

But in the world of tiny homes, it’s generous — in fact, it’s almost double the size of what we usually build.

Here at Cocoon Tiny Homes, we specialise in small-space design. That means every square metre works hard, without the home ever feeling cramped. Using our combined design knowledge, building expertise, and years of experience, a 70m² granny flat can be a beautiful, functional, and truly comfortable place to live.

To put this into perspective, our current tiny home designs range from 31.2m² in our smallest single-level home, through to 61.7m² in our largest two-storey design. Some of these homes already include one to three bedrooms, a full-sized kitchen, a full-sized bathroom, and even a separate laundry — so imagine what we can do with an extra 10+ square metres.

Building small is what we do — and based on our reviews, it’s something we do very well.

A Real World Example: A 60m2 build. This 2024 Cocoon Tiny Home, consisting of a Custom Long Black and adjacent interconnected POD, was a fully consented build delivered to Auckland. It’s a single-level, new-build home under 70m², featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen and open plan living. This home may have been able to fit within the proposed “Granny Flat” Building Code Exemption constraints. It’s a great example of how much can be achieved when a small footprint is thoughtfully designed.(Landscaping shown has been AI generated.)

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Building Code Exemption

We’re genuinely excited about the opportunities the proposed 2026 Building Code Exemption could offer New Zealand homeowners.

While it won’t solve every housing challenge, it does create more flexibility for people wanting to add value to their land — whether that’s accommodating family, creating rental income, or simply making better use of the space they already own.

For some property owners, this means they will be able to add a secondary dwelling without going through a full consent process, where appropriate.

Visualising 70m²: Turning Numbers Into Spaces

It’s often hard to visualise what a home will look and feel like based on numbers alone — and that’s where we come in.

For simplicity, imagine a 7m x 10m rectangle. Once you start dividing that space into rooms, you quickly realise it’s actually a very workable, comfortable-sized home.

At Cocoon Tiny Homes, we can build up to 4m wide and 14m long, giving you 52.44m² of internal floor space. From there, you could add a 3.6m x 5m POD, which could house a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite — bringing the total footprint comfortably into the 60–70m² range.

Floorplan Concept: Design to do More. This concept plan shows a 14m long x 4m wide tiny home with two bedrooms and a unique exterior storage room, totaling 52.44m².Adding a POD with internal access could bring the total to 60–70m², depending on configuration. It’s a great example of how modular thinking can create flexibility — both now and into the future.

Design Choices That Make a Home Feel Bigger

Smart design can dramatically change how a space feels. Some of the strategies we often use include:

• Higher ceilings, particularly gable ceilings

• Large windows and exterior doors

• Internal cavity slider doors

• Floor-to-ceiling storage

• Hallway laundries or laundry nooks instead of full rooms

• Window seats or bed platforms with integrated storage

• Customised storage designed around how you live

• Breakfast bars in kitchens

• Built-in desks for office nooks

A full-sized kitchen — without compromise. This render shows how a 3.6m-wide Tiny Home kitchen can include everything you’d expect: a full-sized fridge (in place of one of the pantries pictured), oven, dishwasher, pull-out rubbish bins, a four-burner hob, and a full-sized pantry.

Yes, You Can Fit That In

Some of the things people assume won’t work in a “smaller” home — but absolutely can:

• Full-sized fridge

• Four-burner hob and full-sized oven

• Queen or king-sized bed with bedside tables

• Dining table and chairs

• Kitchen island

• Full-sized bath and/or large shower

• Washer and dryer

• Ensuite

• Separate laundry

• Multiple bedrooms

• Even multiple living zones

The key is thoughtful layout and custom design — not compromise.

Small can still feel luxurious. This bedroom is part of a previous build. It shows how gable ceiling and full height wardrobing can make a bedroom feel luxurious, airy and spacious, all the while fitting a Queen sized bed, bedside tables and plenty of walking space. (And plants!)

Thinking About Adding a Secondary Dwelling?

If the proposed exemption has you thinking about what might be possible on your property, get in touch with us today, we’d love to help you explore it.

Whether you’re at the “just curious” stage or ready to look at design and feasibility, our team can guide you through the options and help you add real value — to both your property and your lifestyle — with a beautifully designed Cocoon Tiny Home in 2026 or beyond.