©urbohomes
urbo homes Ltd
BOP & Waikato, Redwood Centre
5 Tarawera Road, Rotorua 3010
Recognition & Awards
Our commitment to excellence has been recognized with multiple Gold Reserve Awards, Master Builders Awards, and the prestigious Sapphire Award - testament to the quality, design, and care we put into every project. We’ve also had the rare honour of being invited to judge the ‘House of the Year,’ assessing homes on design, craftsmanship, functionality and sustainability, and experiencing each project firsthand for national competitions and other prestigious awards.
Understanding the Awards
Gold Awards are judged to be at least 80% higher than the industry standard. Silver Awards are judged to be at least 65% higher than the industry standard. Bronze Awards are judged to be at least 50% higher than the industry standard. All Gold Award winners from around NZ are then collated to determine the top 100 scoring Gold Award Winners. The top 100 are then presented with a National Gold Reserve Award and are judged for the National Finals.
Sapphire Award
Sapphire awards recognise outstanding achievement in building excellence and are awarded to companies who win three or more Regional Supreme titles.
Judging
Judges for the "House of the Year" award are typically a panel of experts, such as architects, builders, and architectural critics, who assess entries based on criteria like workmanship, design, functionality, and sustainability.
Built on Craft. Driven by Passion
For over 25 years, Urbo Homes has been creating distinctive, award-winning homes that balance timeless craftsmanship with innovative design. Built on a foundation of quality, integrity and attention to detail, every home is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people who live within it.
More than a house, an Urbo Home is a place to gather, grow, celebrate and create lasting memories for generations.
Understanding the Awards
Gold Awards are judged to be at least 80% higher than the industry standard. Silver Awards are judged to be at least 65% higher than the industry standard. Bronze Awards are judged to be at least 50% higher than the industry standard. All Gold Award winners from around NZ are then collated to determine the top 100 scoring Gold Award Winners. The top 100 are then presented with a National Gold Reserve Award and are judged for the National Finals.
Sapphire Award
Sapphire awards recognise outstanding achievement in building excellence and are awarded to companies who win three or more Regional Supreme titles.
Judging
Judges for the "House of the Year" award are typically a panel of experts, such as architects, builders, and architectural critics, who assess entries based on criteria like workmanship, design, functionality, and sustainability.
Understanding the Awards
Gold Awards are judged to be at least 80% higher than the industry standard. Silver Awards are judged to be at least 65% higher than the industry standard. Bronze Awards are judged to be at least 50% higher than the industry standard. All Gold Award winners from around NZ are then collated to determine the top 100 scoring Gold Award Winners. The top 100 are then presented with a National Gold Reserve Award and are judged for the National Finals.
Sapphire Award
Sapphire awards recognise outstanding achievement in building excellence and are awarded to companies who win three or more Regional Supreme titles.
Judging
Judges for the "House of the Year" award are typically a panel of experts, such as architects, builders, and architectural critics, who assess entries based on criteria like workmanship, design, functionality, and sustainability.
Built on Craft. Driven by Passion
For over 25 years, Urbo Homes has been creating distinctive, award-winning homes that balance timeless craftsmanship with innovative design. Built on a foundation of quality, integrity and attention to detail, every home is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people who live within it.
More than a house, an Urbo Home is a place to gather, grow, celebrate and create lasting memories for generations.
Why Choose Urbo?
- Over 25 years of building experience
- Multiple Master Builders House of the Year award winner
- Bespoke homes tailored to your lifestyle
- Renovations, extensions and light commercial projects
- Transparent communication from concept to completion
- A reputation built on quality craftsmanship and trusted expertise
- Experts in residential developments, subdivisions and new communities
Why Choose Urbo?
- Over 25 years of building experience
- Multiple Master Builders House of the Year award winner
- Bespoke homes tailored to your lifestyle
- Renovations, extensions and light commercial projects
- Transparent communication from concept to completion
- A reputation built on quality craftsmanship and trusted expertise
- Experts in residential developments, subdivisions and new communities
Simon and Jane built their first brand new home in Taupo, New Zealand and had this to say about the Urbo Homes team...
“I am happy to write positively about our experience building our first brand new home in Taupo. We had recently sold our holiday bach and acquired an undeveloped section on which to build. Although it was early on in the year we knew we had to move quickly to ensure we had a place for Christmas. After an initial phone call to you, we gave details of the site and asked what you could suggest. Very promptly we had in the mail in Auckland a copy of our site plan with some suggested layouts to consider. After some minor cutting and pasting and faxing back and forth, we settled on a plan we could price. We also wanted something different, like a tongue & groove style interior, schist cladding outside and so on. We were most impressed that nothing was too difficult and Urbo Homes always obliged with a solution.The construction phase was equally easy, and liaison with the site representative by phone call from Auckland. The tight timeframe of a handover on the last working day before Christmas was met and the team has provided excellent after sales support for any minor issues. We are happy to endorse their operation and openly offer our home as an example of a job well done.”
Simon and Jane
With Geoff’s award winning home Urbo Homes won the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Master Build Awards and reached the 2003 National Master Build Awards. Geoff wrote to Urbo Homes...
“It is 1 ½ years since Urbo Homes completed my home and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for a job well done. It is great to be able to undertake a project like this and have no problems at all during planning, construction and completion. I certainly look forward to the future living in a modern and warm home with awesome views.”
Geoff
Zane and John had to say this about their Urbo Home in Turangi, New Zealand...
“We chose Urbo Homes to build our first self-designed home as they were incredibly interested right from the first conversation we ever had. Urbo Homes appealed to us as they had a modern focus and were happy to come forth with great ideas and they were not stuck in a time warp as some other building companies are.
From initial rough drawings through to the final building plans, the design project was clean and effortless and nothing was ever too much trouble for the Urbo Team. Even right at the last minute we were able to change details and specifications with encouraging comments from the Team each time we did so.
We enjoyed a great partnership with all the people involved throughout the building process and we would and have recommended Urbo to others who may be contemplating building their own home. Having just purchased another section we plan to use Urbo Homes again in the not too distant future and we look forward to being involved with the same team once more.”
Zane and John
Lois had this to say about their Urbo Home...
“It is now just over a year since you completed our new home. We are still very pleased with the finished product and would like to say thank you for the courteous and professional way everything was dealt with. You took all the work and worry away from us and we can recommend to our friends that building a home through Urbo Homes is so easy and rewarding even to an elderly couple as ourselves.”
Lois
Dale & Caroline from Rotorua, New Zealand were impressed by the professionalism of Urbo Homes and wrote...
“Thank you for the opportunity to express our satisfaction with the standard of our home, built and completed by your team in July 2003. A year later we are both still completely happy with the house, and pleased to say that we can’t find anything we dislike about the place!
We were both very impressed by the professionalism of the Urbo Homes team, from their totally supportive and flexible attitude, to the timeliness and quality of their finished product.
We would definitely not hesitate to recommend them to others, in fact we have already done so on numerous occasions, and doubt whether we would ever use a different building company for any future developments that we may undertake.
Best wishes for the future and here’s to the success of Urbo Homes. We look forward to our next house already!”
Dale and Caroline
Mal was so pleased with his Urbo Home on a lifestyle block in Rotorua, New Zealand that he is in early talks with the team about building again...
“When I first approached Martin about building a house based on my sketch plan he was very keen and totally professional. His team came up with a design that has turned out to be perfect for my section. During construction the only delay was caused by weather. I am in early talks with Jeremy and Martin about building for me again.”
Mal
We moved into our new Urbo home in Rotorua in April. As I use a wheelchair they made sure they had completed level access from outside when we moved in. Three months in and we are enjoying the beautiful sunny living area, and the decks that allow level access from the house. Urbo’s team were great to work with and our home accommodates the needs of both wheelchair users and able bodied folk. Despite this, anyone would feel comfortable living here, and may not even notice the special features. Our previous home in Hamilton was based on a standard plan, which we modified, but by starting from scratch with Urbo’s designer we came up with a really liveable design. It took a little longer but was really worth it, with very few variations through the build, none of which were costly. The quality they demand of their subcontractors and tradies has made the house one to be proud of. They were not daunted by installing additional features such as underfloor heating, a battery backed photovoltaic electricity system and insulation well above minimum compliance levels.
We would strongly recommend Urbo Homes to any prospective home builder. On initial contract price they may not be the cheapest, but by working closely with them on the design you can be assured of a quality result with a competitive final cost.
Loveless
FAQ's
We design and build bespoke homes, renovations, and light commercial projects along with subdivisions. Every project is tailored to the client’s vision, lifestyle, space and site conditions. No two projects are the same, and we pride ourselves on creating spaces that are unique, functional, and beautiful.
Yes! While based in Rotorua, we work with clients across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. We have experience managing projects remotely and coordinating teams to deliver high-quality results no matter the location.
The cost of building a home is like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” It depends on many factors: the quality of finishes, the complexity of the design, and the nature of the site - its slope, access, and services. Every home is unique, and the final investment reflects the choices made at every stage, from concept to completion.
Project timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the build.A typical new home takes 12–18 months from concept to completion, while renovations or extensions may take 6–12 months. We advise schedule at the start and keep you informed throughout the build.
Absolutely. Client input is central to our process. From layout to finishes, cabinetry, and fixtures, we guide you through the choices while ensuring the design is cohesive and functional.
The first step is a conversation with our team. We’ll discuss your vision, ideas, and budget, and explain how we can guide you through design, planning, and construction. From there, we’ll prepare a proposal and start the exciting journey of creating your dream home.
We focus on individuality, quality, and a collaborative process. We don’t offer “off-the-peg” homes. Every project is bespoke, crafted to reflect the client’s style and lifestyle, with attention to detail, high-quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Transparency is key. We provide detailed cost estimates upfront, track expenditures throughout the project, and discuss any changes or upgrades before they’re implemented. Our goal is to deliver the best value without compromising quality.
Yes. We incorporate modern building standards, insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and sustainable materials wherever possible. Our aim is to create homes that are comfortable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible.
We offer a Master Build 10 year Guarantee. All homes come with industry-standard warranties for workmanship and materials. We also provide ongoing support to address any issues that arise after completion. We stand by our work.
Absolutely. We maintain a portfolio of completed homes, renovations, and award-winning projects. Many of these are available to view throughout our website, or we can arrange a tour of completed projects with client permission.
FAQ's
We focus on individuality, quality, and a collaborative process. We don’t offer “off-the-peg” homes. Every project is bespoke, crafted to reflect the client’s style and lifestyle, with attention to detail, high-quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Transparency is key. We provide detailed cost estimates upfront, track expenditures throughout the project, and discuss any changes or upgrades before they’re implemented. Our goal is to deliver the best value without compromising quality.
Yes. We incorporate modern building standards, insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and sustainable materials wherever possible. Our aim is to create homes that are comfortable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible.
We offer a Master Build 10 year Guarantee. All homes come with industry-standard warranties for workmanship and materials. We also provide ongoing support to address any issues that arise after completion. We stand by our work.
Absolutely. We maintain a portfolio of completed homes, renovations, and award-winning projects. Many of these are available to view throughout our website, or we can arrange a tour of completed projects with client permission.
The first step is a conversation with our team. We’ll discuss your vision, ideas, and budget, and explain how we can guide you through design, planning, and construction. From there, we’ll prepare a proposal and start the exciting journey of creating your dream home.
We design and build bespoke homes, renovations, and light commercial projects along with subdivisions. Every project is tailored to the client’s vision, lifestyle, space and site conditions. No two projects are the same, and we pride ourselves on creating spaces that are unique, functional, and beautiful.
Yes! While based in Rotorua, we work with clients across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. We have experience managing projects remotely and coordinating teams to deliver high-quality results no matter the location.
The cost of building a home is like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” It depends on many factors: the quality of finishes, the complexity of the design, and the nature of the site - its slope, access, and services. Every home is unique, and the final investment reflects the choices made at every stage, from concept to completion.
Project timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the build. A typical new home takes 12–18 months from concept to completion, while renovations or extensions may take 6–12 months. We advise schedule at the start and keep you informed throughout the build.
Absolutely. Client input is central to our process. From layout to finishes, cabinetry, and fixtures, we guide you through the choices while ensuring the design is cohesive and functional.