In this unique and exclusive building system, solid laminated timber planks and patented aluminium profiles are locked – rather than nailed – together to create a strong, versatile structure. Timber planks, posts and beams are machined and predrilled to take services and joinery, and allowances are made to incorporate the Lockwood vertical tie rod system, which makes your home structurally strong and resistant to damage from earthquakes and cyclones. 

This reputation for designing and building earthquake- and cyclone-resistant homes has helped Lockwood to develop exports to Japan, Australia, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East. 

A standard Lockwood home, subjected to 22 simulated earthquakes up to 7.0 on the Richter scale over six weeks of laboratory testing, came through completely undamaged, with windows opening freely and all glass remaining intact. Testing also showed exterior walls can withstand more than 12 tonnes of sideways pressure from winds and earthquakes. 

Recent proof of this came from the Lockwood homes in Christchurch. An estimated 6000 homes were damaged by the 7.1 quake, while their neighbouring Lockwoods stood strong. Lockwood homes withstood Cyclone Pat, which caused damage to 60% of homes in Rarotonga in February, with many flattened and others that disappeared entirely. When Inglewood was hit by a tornado, the Wilson family’s Lockwood remained intact while homes only 100m away lost roofs, windows and walls. 

Mark Christison was the Christchurch City Council water and waste manager, responsible for the planning and delivery of the City's essential services (water supply, wastewater services, rubbish and recycling services and storm water and land drainage).

Mark was responsible for leading the infrastructure response after the Canterbury Earthquake sequence in 2010 and 2011 and was instrumental in establishing the rebuild and recovery frameworks that have continued the recovery of the Christchurch since the earthquakes struck.

In the video below he talks about the forces involved in the quakes and how his neighbourhood as well as the city was affected. He also descibes how his 6 year old Lockwood "Governer" Home made it through with minimal damage, while other, newly built homes, suffered major damage. 

"Sited on top of the penninula, house "unscathed", very good condition, no real damage at all. All doors level and straight, all windows level and straight, all open and close properly."

-Barry and Helen Voice, Kaikoura (after the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquakes)

"Felt totally safe throughout all the quakes, house really moved incredibly. No real damage at all, apart from 3 walls which were gibbed, bad cracking etc. The Expel-air fan fixed to Gib exploded from the wall and smashed the ceramic hob. All doors level and straight, all windows level and straight, all open and close properly."

-Jocelyn Mains, Kaikoura (after the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquakes)

"Thank Christ for solid timber! The place really moved... like crazy. I thought I was dead, said my goodbyes, I thought I was looking at the inside of my own coffin but the place has no cracks, no problems at all. 47 houses red stickered so far, but we're fine. Builder Richard Grady said it's strongest house he'd ever built"

-Peter McInnes, Kaikoura (after the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquakes)

"We live in a Lockwood home very near the fault line that ruptured. Houses around us suffered terrible structural damage. Ours just creaked and groaned its way through.  Only got two broken pot plants.  Thought it was going to fall on top of us with the violence of the shaking which at times had us on quite an angle!  Thank you for such a great strong house.

-Brian Pearson  of Christchurch

"During Cyclone Pat in February 2010, much of the island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands was completely demolished. It was a great relief to arrive on our land to find our Lockwood home standing tall. Thank you Lockwood for supplying a home that stood up to all cyclone Pat could throw at us!" 

-Proud and happy Lockwood owners Roy and Tere Tossell of Aitutaki

"We own a Lockwood Home in the Eastside of Christchurch. Absolutley terrified on the day. Apart from possessions scattered all over the house we have minimal damage throughout and require only small amounts of repair. The house itself stood and took the brunt of everything thrown at it and throughout the aftershocks. We feel very safe in our home. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone thinking about building in the Lockwood Style."

- Sarndra Bryenton of Christchurch

"When I realised we were having a severe earthquake, my first thoughts were, ‘I'll be safe in my Lockwood house’.  When my neighbour arrived, I assured him his family would be safe in my house. 

 “When it was daylight, we saw there had been extensive damage in our area. I had few breakages, and feel humbled to be one of the lucky ones,with my 1970s Lockwood house coming through the quake undamaged." 

-Carol Marsh, Darfield, after the 2010 Canterbury earthquake 

Lockwood homes has taken the accolade of Most Trusted Home Building brand for the 3rd time in four years! Read More >>

Over 50,000 Lockwood homes have been built in NZ and around the world. Hear testimonials from our valued customers >>