About us and our process
01 — The Vision
Every Connect Homes project begins with founder and director Nathan Finlay. Nathan identifies opportunities and sets the direction for each project, working closely with the architect to shape the initial concept. Together they develop the early vision of the home, how it sits on the land, the architectural form, and the overall feel of the build.
02 — The Refinement
Once the concept is formed, our in-house interior designer Dianne steps in to refine the product. She works closely with Nathan, the architect and Ruari, our director and construction manager, to develop the design further while balancing creativity with practicality. Materials, layout and interior details are carefully considered to ensure the home feels cohesive, functional and distinctive.
04 — The Connection
As each home takes shape, it is brought to market once completed. The finished home reflects the full vision—every detail resolved, every space considered, so buyers can experience the design exactly as it was intended. The final stage is a clear, straightforward sales process, with open communication and a smooth path through to settlement and handover.
Founded in 2020 by Nathan Finlay, Connect Homes is the result of over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Nathan’s passion for innovation and rethinking traditional building processes drives the company’s vision to create homes that are unique and exclusive. Later joined by co-owner Ruari Dickson, who brings years of construction expertise and leads the building site, the company continues to evolve with a strong foundation of experience and forward thinking.
At Connect Homes, we are pioneering a new way of building—moving away from the conventional small scale approach to deliver something fresh, bold, and distinctive. We focus on crafting homes that truly stand out. Every design is carefully considered, combining striking architectural features with high quality New Zealand made materials. With a dedicated team of four builders and two office staff pushing the process forward, we maintain efficiency while delivering exceptional craftsmanship at every stage.
Our homes strike a balance of functionality, style, and innovation. Every detail is intentional, resulting in homes that feel considered, unique, and built to last offering a distinctive living experience for those who expect more than just a place to live.
Smarter design, lower bills, warmer homes, and walls that last a lifetime.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are engineered for maximum efficiency and strength. Each panel consists of a rigid foam core—usually expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyurethane—sandwiched between durable Coloursteel skins. This composite structure provides high R-values, meaning superior insulation with minimal thickness, and eliminates thermal bridging common in traditional timber or steel framing. The airtight design prevents heat loss and infiltration of cold air, while the continuous insulation layer allows for consistent indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. Precision manufacturing ensures every panel fits exactly as designed, cutting construction waste and improving structural integrity.
At Connect Homes, we choose SIPs because the science behind them delivers both performance and durability. The Coloursteel skins are coated with galvanised or Zincalume® finishes and finished with a custom paint system, offering excellent corrosion resistance and protection against New Zealand’s harsh climate. SIPs’ airtight, insulated panels also make homes healthier—controlled ventilation ensures proper airflow, reduces moisture accumulation, and prevents cold spots or drafts. With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainable living, SIP-built homes represent a future-proof, energy-efficient solution that combines structural strength, thermal science, and long-term financial and environmental benefits. Any excess material from our SIP panels is carefully recycled, reducing waste and making our homes significantly more sustainable than traditional builds.
