From low-cost granny flat designs to AI-powered tools, 22 new projects will share $11.5 million in Building Research Levy funding, driving innovation and affordability for New Zealand’s buildings.
A Building Research Levy of 0.1% is collected from all building consents over $20,000. Every year, it’s invested into industry-led contestable funding for universities, industry groups and researchers to deliver practical solutions to reduce costs, lift quality, and improve resilience and sustainability in Kiwi buildings.
A key priority is housing affordability, with 13 projects this year focused on lowering building, maintenance, and living costs, improving efficiency, and delivering more affordable housing options.
Highlights include:
- Adaptable, open-source granny flat designs to deliver more low-cost, quality housing and intergenerational living for Kiwis, including rangatahi.
- AI tools for smarter decisions on where to build in Auckland and for affordable, culturally responsive housing design for āori whānau.
- Practical retrofit solutions and digital DIY tools to improve health and reduce energy bills for the 90% of NZ homes needing maintenance.
- Guides for iwi-led mixed tenure housing developments on Māori land.
- Collaborative building resilience tools to prepare for and recover from floods, storms, and climate change.
Decisions on where to invest the Building Research Levy are guided by the Research Investment Advisory Group, an independent panel of sector experts who ensure every dollar tackles the biggest challenges in building and construction.
“Industry leadership in building research decisions is critical,” says Paul Campbell, representing Engineering NZ and Chair of the Research Investment Advisory Group. “These projects were chosen through a rigorous process to deliver tools and outcomes that make a tangible difference for the sector.”
“The quality of proposals this year has been outstanding. They cover everything from digital DIY tools to iwi-led housing development guides to making quotes for building work more consistent. I’m excited about what these innovations will mean for the future of building in Aotearoa.”
This year’s funding has been awarded to 22 projects: including four led by universities, six by industry and Māori research groups, two PhD scholarships, and seven by BRANZ, as well as three sector resources by BRANZ that turn academic research into practical guidance that designers and builders can use on the job.
The Building Research Levy also funds specialist building research infrastructure and free resources for the sector - from the Artisan digital consenting app to the industry-led H1 Hub, and regular technical guidance for builders and designers.
“This funding sets the foundation for the next decade of building science,” says Nigel Smith, Chair of the BRANZ Inc Board. “BRANZ’s investment of the Building Research Levy ensures funding decisions have been guided by the industry, for the industry, to drive long-term impact for building in Aotearoa.”
“It’s about delivering research that matters - tools and resources that help the sector build smarter, more affordable, and more resilient homes.”
A total of 107 expressions of interest were received in response to the Building Research Levy Investment Priorities released in July 2025. Funding agreements will be finalised in early 2026, with projects starting from April. Find out more about BRANZ’s 10-year Building Research Investment Strategy.