About Modbox

Modbox Queenstown Limited designs and builds modular homes, renovations, architectural homes and hard landscaping for Queenstown and Central Otago. We care about warm, efficient homes, low waste and a building process you can follow from start to finish.

Our story

Modbox was established in 2013 by founder James Nicol. In 2020, Joe Daly and Ian Anstiss took over the business, and both remain its owners and directors today.

Joe joined Modbox in 2015 as operations manager, when the team was still small. He has since helped shape the systems and processes behind how we deliver every project.

Since 2013 we have built around 120 projects across Queenstown and Central Otago.

Modbox is a Registered Master Builder, and our team includes Licensed Building Practitioners.

What we do

Modular
Renovation
Architectural
Hard landscaping

Our standard Modbox designs are tried, tested and proven for local conditions. If a standard design isn't quite right, you still get the same systems and processes on a custom, traditional or hybrid build.

We have worked extensively with Durapanel, a Kaitaia company, and panel building suits many of our projects. But we are open to all building systems, and we choose what suits the site, the design and the people who will live in the home.

What guides our building

Low waste: we plan carefully and think modularly to reduce offcuts and rework.
Efficient, warm homes: we design and build for comfort and low running costs.
Local knowledge: we know Queenstown's sites, conditions and trades, from flat sections to alpine slopes and the lake edge.

We always push for passive house principles and work with industry experts to develop these systems into our projects when it's a client's objective.

How we work

We manage each project in Buildertrend, a cloud-based system. It lets us keep clients informed with updates on schedules, payments, documentation and selections, wherever they are, including clients who live overseas.

We can also project-manage your build and coordinate the various contractors on site.

What our clients say

"The work is high quality and they were wonderful to work with. Although a small house, it was complex due to the site and my particular preferences. Joe and Ian and Jamie (the foreman) were excellent communicators and problem-solvers… We'd definitely use Modbox again."

Ellie, Google review

"Joe and his team completed a beautiful renovation of our house, and were so helpful and communicative throughout the process. The quality of the workmanship is outstanding!"

Karen, Google review

"We did the majority of the project remotely, and this was not a problem with fantastic communication, multiple Zoom calls, and the Buildertrend app… Our house is so solid, unbelievably warm, and we absolutely love it."

Donna, Google review

"From start to finish, the team treated us like family—always friendly, approachable, and genuinely committed to delivering a quality home. They patiently walked us through every step of the process, explained everything clearly, and went above and beyond to resolve issues without us having to worry."

Seetharaman, Google review

Awards

2026 Master Builders Southern House of the Year

Gold Award: Modbox Queenstown, for a home in Fernhill, Queenstown
Category winner, Renovation $500,000 – $1 million: Modbox Queenstown, for a home in Fernhill, Queenstown
Silver Award, Renovation category: Modbox Queenstown, for a home in Queenstown

We have only recently begun entering our projects in awards.

Talk to us

Planning a renovation, a modular build or an architectural home? Get in touch through our Contact Us page. You can call, email or send us the form, and we'll take it from there.