Small Dwellings
& Consent Exempt Work

Smart design for
smaller spaces

START THE CONVERSATION
Modern small house with wood and black metal siding in a grassy field under clear blue sky.

Our approach to designing minor dwellings, small homes, and consent-exempt building work is to help you make the most of your site while navigating the rules with confidence.

Whether you're adding a secondary dwelling, exploring a small standalone home, or looking to understand what can be built without consent, we’re here to guide you through it.

Our capabilities

Minor Dwellings & Granny Flats
Designing secondary dwellings and guiding you through local council requirements.

Other Consent Exempt Building Work
Advice and design support for work that may not require building consent.

Small Homes & Compact Living
Thoughtfully designed small dwellings that maximise space, comfort, and usability.

Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals
Designing flexible spaces suited to guest accommodation and short-term stays, with advice on local council requirements or limitations.

Practical advice
from the start

We focus on smart planning, natural light, and efficient use of space to create homes that feel bigger than their footprint. Even when building consent isn’t required, we help you navigate District Plan rules, site constraints, and service requirements to ensure your design is compliant and makes the most of your site.

BOOK A DESIGN CONSULTATION
Two men standing indoors looking at and discussing an open magazine or booklet.Two people reviewing architectural plans and sketches pinned on a wooden wall above computer screens.

Anchored by decades of architectural family heritage, we know that great architecture isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people.

A couple walking on a grassy lawn in front of a modern white house with a patio featuring a white sectional sofa and wooden coffee table.

TCA Group evolved from Topcat, a second-generation studio. We offer Architectural and Planning services for residential, industrial and commercial clients who are driven by quality, innovation, and approachable solutions. Guiding you through the journey, our team has hands on, hammer and nails experience as well as the architectural credentials to cut through the red tape, simplify the complex, and shape your intention.

BOOK A DESIGN CONSULTATION
Three smiling men standing side by side on grass in front of a modern house with wooden siding and white trim.
Indoor bedroom corner with a potted plant on a nightstand, a small window with a view of trees, and a large open door showing a green grassy field.

Start the conversation

We help you make informed decisions early, design efficiently, and ensure your project is practical, and compliant. If you're considering a small dwelling or want to understand what you can build without consent, we’d be happy to talk through your options.

Begin the Conversation