A new type of eco-home that could take just one month to build was unveiled in Christchurch last night.

The innovative show home, designed by architect Anne Salmond, was launched by Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) chief executive Roger Sutton.

The house's "warmframe" combines steel framing, insulation and windows to make the home as warm as possible.

Project manager Beacon Pathway chief executive Nick Collins said the house was so well insulated that further heating would not be needed.

"The insulation goes far beyond what is required in the building code. It's incredibly warm in here. If it was in Auckland, it'd be too hot."

The home also features solar water heating, a wood-pellet burner and a rainwater tank.

Collins said the home could be built off-site in one month. "This cuts down time considerably from your average six-month rebuild."

The two-bedroom house could be built for about $270,000.

"There's room to expand if your family grows. The structures are very flexible," Collins said. "However, with the rebuild we have the chance to build more two-bedroom homes."

The show home will be on display for a year at Canterbury's Home Innovation Village.

- © Fairfax NZ News