Kiwis have gained a new perspective on how they use their space after a month spent locked in their homes.

And that's why a new initiative has been created to harness these insights to design the ultimate Kiwi home.

‘The House NZ Built', created by Stonewood Homes, aims to tap into the ‘collective genius' of communities across the country to create a home fitting of the future the COVID-19 crisis has forced on the world.

"COVID lockdown has provided a unique opportunity for people to assess the space around them and what it means to be secure and connected," says executive director of Stonewood Homes Steven Zhu.

"We are all looking at life differently now. Knowing something like a virus can have such a profound impact on our lives and basically bring it to a halt certainly changes what we need in a home to be comfortable and function not only as a family, but to manage work, life and our health needs."

Steven says the company is inviting families from across both islands to share what they love and hate about their home, what they would change, and ultimately what they need in a home.

"We believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to draw on extraordinary consumer insights to design a home that answers the overall needs of Kiwis and what they want in this new reality. We are calling on all New Zealanders to have their say and be involved in this special project."

New Zealanders can take part in The House NZ Built by completing the survey at www.thehousenzbuilt.co.nz.

Following the research, award winning designer Peter Mannion from Synergy Designs will collate the findings to create the home plan.

"This is such a unique project and when I heard about it, I was excited to be involved and help bring the House NZ Built to life," says Peter.

"People have never spent so much time assessing their homes, and I can't wait to see what New Zealanders want."

Deborah Still from Deborah Still Interior Design says the House NZ Built was a wonderful opportunity for people to get creative and rethink how space can be utilised.

"I think this time has helped people realise they need to be more creative and think laterally about space," she says.

"It's about considering out-of-the-box ideas and how rooms can be utilised for multiple purposes, not just doing the same old thing.

"Everybody has basic needs to be fulfilled by their home, so the influence on design really rests with lifestyle. This element will impact what they want and believe their home should be."

Steven says people who contribute to the research will gain exclusive access to the design, no obligation required.

"We want to reward people who share their thoughts with us and what better way than to give them access to the ‘House NZ Built' plan. After all, they will have helped design it."

Research will be open from May 4 until May 22, 2020 with the home reveal and 3D virtual render launched before the end of June.

For more information, visit www.thehousenzbuilt.co.nz