The Complete Guide to Working with Chatterton Homes
Our Story and Purpose
“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.” – John Ruskin
We are a team with extensive expertise and experience, helping families into genuinely healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient homes.
As sports enthusiasts, we see building a home as committing to one of the biggest challenges you’ll ever take on, much like training for a major event. You want to enjoy the journey, embrace the challenge, and feel proud of the outcome. To do that well, you need the right support crew: people with passion, dedication, trust and experience who are genuinely invested in helping you succeed.
That mindset shapes how we work. We believe in continual improvement, embracing change, learning, and refining our approach so the experience and outcome are always better for the homeowner.
Why We Build This Way
We also believe a home should be a sanctuary.
It should protect you, support your health, and bring a sense of calm and joy to everyday life.
Over the years, we questioned why so many new homes, despite the investment they require, still fall short of this. Many need significant energy just to stay warm in winter. Condensation remains an issue. Indoor air quality is often compromised. While isolated upgrades can help, they don’t address the underlying problem created by minimum code construction. This raised a bigger question for us….why is this still happening when other countries with similar climates have been building better for decades to protect occupant wellbeing?
Living the Experience Ourselves
For us, this became personal.
In our previous four-bedroom home, we were spending around $500 a month on heating. Claire suffered from asthma, the boys struggled with eczema, and despite our efforts, there were still cold areas throughout the house. At the same time, we were already building high-performance homes for our clients, and quietly waiting for the right moment to experience it ourselves.
When we finally designed and built our own home using the same high-performance principles, the difference was profound. Our average monthly energy costs dropped to around $100 and our home is comfortable year round. We walk barefoot on tiled floors in winter, don’t rely on curtains for warmth, and every room feels consistent and calm. Claire no longer needs asthma medication, and the boys’ eczema has disappeared.
We knew the science. We’d seen the results for our clients. But living it ourselves brought reassurance, and a sense of relief. Coming home now feels grounding…. a sense of comfort, safety and calm, without the anxiety of rising energy costs.
That experience reaffirmed why we do what we do. We want every family we work with to enjoy the same feeling of living in a home that truly supports their health, wellbeing and everyday life.
Our History
- Building quality homes across Canterbury since 1998.
- Among New Zealand’s early adopters of Passive House and energy-efficient design (since 2011).
- One of the first builders in New Zealand accredited to build with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).
- 100 completed high-performance and SIPs projects by 2026, including architectural homes, social housing and schools.
- Recognised industry expertise in SIPs construction, passive house (Passive House Tradesperson) and air tightness testing (Qualified ATTMA tester).
- Ongoing involvement and leadership within the building industry and performance-focused organisations.
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Our Purpose
Driven by passion and a commitment to performance, we raise the standard of living, deliver lasting value, and create homes people thrive in.
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Our Values
How We Show Up Every Day
Operational Excellence
We plan deliberately, act with discipline, and deliver reliably.
Craftsmanship
We build with care, precision, and pride in every detail.
Innovation
We embrace smart tools and ideas that improve quality, performance, and experience.
Integrity
We act honestly, openly, and respectfully – always.
Teamwork
We value people, respect contributions, and solve problems together.
Safety
We protect people and property on site and off.
Beyond the projects and the tools, it is the people that make this company truly special. The camaraderie, the teamwork, and the shared sense of purpose that we bring to each project are what make our work meaningful and fulfilling. I am honoured to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals who share my passion for craftsmanship and excellence.
– Michael Brebonaria, Chatterton Homes Site Supervisor
The Chatterton Guarantee
What This Means For You
PERFORMANCE
A comprehensive whole-house approach considering health, comfort and energy efficiency. No isolated fixes or unintended consequences.
PROVEN EXPERTISE
Confidence in our experience & success in creating high-performance homes since 2011. We know what is required and we get it done right!
FIXED CONTRACT PRICE
Transparent process! Clear inclusions! Foolproof variations! No surprises!
SUPERIOR QUALITY
Our team consists of craftsmen. Committed to excellence through passion, dedication, knowledge, and precision.
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Clarity and communication. Prescribed processes and an online project portal complement our collaborative model, providing reassurance.
PROFESSIONALISM
Integrity and reliability. Accountable staff and proven systems! We won’t let you down!
Meet Our Team
I started Chatterton Homes in 1998 after a few years in the farming sector and then re training in construction. The team has since grown and we have successfully become leaders in high performing homes and SIPs construction, something I am very proud of.
Another highlight for me was the opportunity to spend eight years on the Board for New Zealand Certified Builders, two of them as Chairman. Contributing to raising the standard and integrity of the residential construction sector and providing better support for our builder members has been very rewarding.
I enjoy the relationships developed along a building journey and the ability to deliver to our clients their dream home. I also enjoy the technical aspects of the job. I hold the international passive house tradesperson qualification, and I am also qualified to undertake air tightness testing with a blower door. You can never stop learning.
Outside of work three kids makes for a busy weekend! I enjoy coaching kids sport, mountain biking and boating with our family.
Hi, my name is Stu and I have been building for 37 years as a qualified builder. Building allows me to meet people, work outdoors and helps keep me fit. I enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ so past times include high country fishing, golf, gardening and walking the dog.
In 2000 I travelled to NZ on a sabbatical and never went home, starting again from one backpack. I never expected to end up in construction but the ‘Coast to Coast’ sealed my fate when I met Brent! I enjoy working with clients from all backgrounds with their own stories to tell. Its our job to assist them achieve the dream they have worked so hard for. That is the best part of this job.
Outside of work and supporting our kids with their multitude of sport, I make the most of New Zealand trail running, biking, boating and surf lifesaving with family & friends.
Hi, I’m Lana and am thrilled to be a member of the Chatterton Homes team, bringing high performance energy efficient homes within reach of everybody. With a military and real estate background, my skill base and knowledge is varied to say the least, and I am enjoying learning more about this innovative build process and the benefits it brings to living the good life.
Living locally with my husband and one very spoilt “pretend” huntaway dog, we love to indulge in our passion of motorcycling around our fantastic Canterbury area (and sometimes beyond), and mucking about on our lifestyle block. I look forward to meeting you!
I have 17 years building experience with the last 7 years in New Zealand for Chatterton Homes. I am originally from the Phillipines and am proudly now an NZ Trade Certified Carpenter. I enjoy building work and working for Chatterton Builders.
I like basketball and biking, and love spending time with my young family.
I have been in the construction industry for over two decades here in Christchurch. Where I have developed a passion for accuracy and mentorship. I enjoy being apart of the energy efficient and passive house movement.
I love the team culture and competitive environment we have here at Chatts.
I’m originally from Chile, South America. I’ve been in New Zealand for almost 10 years.
I am pleased to work with Chatterton Homes; each project is different and, at the same time, exciting. I have more than 12 years of experience in commercial, civil, and residential construction, which makes me a member who contributes many ideas.
Working with SIP panels was a pending task in my career as a builder.
Fishing and restoring old boats is my passion. I’m planning to build my own boat someday.
My name is Andrew. After working 25 years in retail and sales I decided for a change. Now I am a fully qualified carpenter working for Chatterton Homes. My only regret is that I didn’t do this earlier. In my spare time my interests include spending time with my family and working on my lifestyle block.
My interests are camping, hunting, mountain biking and computers.
Kia Ora, my names Zach and I’ve been building now as an apprentice for Chatterton Homes for around a year now (June 2023). I became a builder to have the hands-on skills and knowledge of potentially building my own house in the future. In my spare time I am currently playing rugby for the Sydenham colts and am also a member of Taylor’s Mistake surf-lifesaving club.
I started my building apprenticeship with Chatterton Homes 2 and 1/2 years ago. I enjoy the variety of work and the visual progress is very rewarding.
The more I have come to learn about passive houses make more and more sense and one day I hope to have one too!
I enjoy the enthusiasm of the people we build houses for and it is a pleasure to build their dream homes.
Outside of work I enjoy skiing, surfing, rock climbing and spending time with my family.
The more I have come to learn about passive houses make more and more sense and one day I hope to have one too!
I enjoy the enthusiasm of the people we build houses for and it is a pleasure to build their dream homes.
Outside of work I enjoy skiing, surfing, rock climbing and spending time with my family.
I’ve been building for 5 years. I enjoy building as I take pride in creating high performing homes for people to live in.
When I’m not building I am a family man. Outside of work, I enjoy playing music, cooking, building and pursuing other creative endeavors.
I am originally from Hawke’s Bay. I have been building for 1.5 years now (June 2023) and have really enjoyed it because it’s hands on and i’m learning something new every day. In my spare time i enjoy playing rugby and spending time with friends and family.
