Innovative, pre-built homes will be on show and open to the public at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch. Up to ten houses will be completed at the Hive site within the next few months.

This is a chance to come down and take a look at homes that are fast to assemble, extremely high quality, permanent and architect-designed. They are also sustainable and affordable which makes them extremely attractive to red zone casualties, savvy investors, developers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Hive has been inspired by Canterbury’s desperate need for new homes that are light-weight, quick to build, strong and affordable following the devastating series of earthquakes that have ravaged the region since September 2010.

The opening weekend on 21/22 April will be a fun, family-focused event. Amongst the many attractions at Hive, all visitors will get the chance to win a number of spot prizes including the chance to enter a competition draw from Meridian Energy to win a year of free electricity (terms and conditions apply).

The Hive Home Innovation Village has had local and national support with partners including Meridian, Resene, Winstone Wallboards (GIB) and Homestyle magazine. Canterbury construction companies involved with the homes at Hive are Laing Homes, Wilson & Hill Architects, Keith Hay Homes, Lockwood Canterbury, Allied Concrete and Falcon Construction.

Hive is facilitated by PrefabNZ, a non-profit incorporated society established to inform and educate New Zealanders about prefabrication.

Hive will be open until February 2014. You'll find it at the Canterbury Agricultural Park, off Curletts Road.