Plasterboard vs. Hiberna Modular: Cost & Performance for a 70m2 House
The right wall system matters.
It doesn’t just determine how your home is built—it influences how much it costs to run, how comfortable it feels, and how healthy the air is inside.
The Right Wall System Matters
Cheaper walls may save you money upfront, but they can cost you thousands in energy bills and repairs over time. Hiberna Modular is designed to change that, delivering a premium prefabricated solution that pays back in performance, comfort, and long-term value.
Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value
Traditional timber framing is often the cheapest option at the start, but with lower insulation levels it locks in higher ongoing costs. SIPs (structural insulated panels) perform better but still rely on plastic-based cores.
Hiberna Modular requires a slightly higher initial investment—around $10,000–$11,000 more for a 70m² house—but the superior thermal performance saves $1,000–$2,000 every year on energy. That means you could recover the upfront difference within 5–10 years and continue to save money for decades.
Invest once. Save every year.
A Healthier Indoor Environment
What goes into your walls directly affects the air you breathe. Traditional plasterboard and SIPs often include paints, adhesives, plastics, and resins that can off-gas VOCs and other chemicals.
Hiberna Modular uses only natural, non-toxic materials. The system is vapour-permeable, allowing walls to breathe, regulate moisture, and prevent mould growth. From day one, your home’s air is free from harmful off-gassing.
No toxins. No glues. Just pure, natural comfort.
Comparing Fully Finished Interior Wall Costs
When comparing systems, it’s important to look at the fully finished result, not just raw materials.
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Timber Frame: $20,475–$28,275
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SIPs: $15,925–$30,875
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Hiberna Modular: $29,250–$40,950
Although Hiberna Modular sits at the upper end, it reduces onsite labour and waste by arriving pre-lined and ready for finishing. The seamless natural plaster top coat is applied onsite, creating a healthier, premium finish.
Smarter Heating, Smaller Systems
Hiberna Modular homes are so well insulated that they don’t need big, expensive heating systems. Instead, smaller, efficient heat pumps are usually enough to keep your home warm.
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Fireplaces can be avoided, saving $2,000–$5,000 in upfront and fuel costs.
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Heat demand is drastically reduced, cutting ongoing energy bills.
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Stable indoor temperatures improve comfort and reduce condensation.
Windows & Energy Efficiency
Even in a highly insulated home, windows are often the weakest point in the thermal envelope. Upgrading glazing can make a big difference.
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Double glazing: R0.4–R0.8
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Triple glazing: R1.0–R2.0
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Upgrade cost for a 70m² home: $4,000–$15,000
Better glazing reduces heat loss, cuts condensation, and makes your home quieter and more secure.
Factors That Influence Cost
Not all projects are priced the same. Several factors influence final costs:
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Regional labour rates (higher in Auckland and other major centres)
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Finish quality (Level 4 vs. Level 5 plaster finish)
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Project size, site conditions, and complexity
By understanding these factors upfront, you can plan smarter and avoid unexpected expenses.
Smarter Cost Management
There are simple ways to keep control of your budget without compromising on quality. Requesting multiple detailed quotes, setting aside a contingency budget, and considering prefabricated systems like Hiberna Modular all help streamline costs and reduce risks.
So, Why Hiberna Modular?
Hiberna Modular is more than a wall—it’s a complete, high-performance system designed to make your home more efficient, more comfortable, and healthier to live in.
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Superior insulation saves thousands in energy costs.
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Non-toxic materials ensure healthy indoor air.
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Faster builds with less onsite labour and waste.
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Premium seamless finish for a modern, high-quality look.
When you choose Hiberna Modular, you’re not just building walls—you’re investing in a better way of living.