Renovations

Creating cohesion on The Block 2024: Connecting interior and exterior materials

Building a house is a project that comes with myriad challenges. One of them is creating a seamless flow from a home’s stunning exterior to liveable, comfortable and beautiful interior spaces. Homes that fail to achieve this can end up feeling disjointed and confused.
The key is to connect the exterior and interior spaces. But how? The teams on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a> have been exploring this challenge and have devised some clever, effective solutions involving exterior cladding. Architect from The Block, Julian Brenchley, joins us to explain exactly how The Block houses – including one with trending Board and Batten cladding – became a seamless whole.
<blockquote>
 In this article, we’ll explore house renovation tips including: 
 <ol>
 <li>How to set your design intent</li>
 <li>How the The Block houses did it</li>
 <li>What products to use to bring a batten and board exterior to life </li>
 </ol>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="settingyourdesignintent">Setting your design intent</h3>
Setting a design intent is about establishing a clear vision for how you want your home to look and feel. Start by identifying your style and the atmosphere you want to create, whether it’s for a new build, house extension or external rejuvenation such as cladding over brick.
To carry the vision from inside to outside or vice versa it’s all about maintaining cohesive materials, colour palettes and architectural elements. For example, if you love <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/modern-farmhouse">Modern Farmhouse</a>, use board and batten cladding on the exterior and mirror that texture indoors with vertical joint panels or rustic wood finishes. Consistency creates harmony and flow, ensuring that the entire home feels unified.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6L0FIZrYiKnfRrFXNXxTcJ/3216b8775c21f07749d9a0a470cee12e/japandi-stephandgian-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-4-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="japandi-stephandgian-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-4-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
Of course, achieving cohesion between exterior and interior materials can be tricky due to different performance needs required of materials. Outdoor materials must withstand weather conditions, while indoor materials prioritise comfort and durability.
It makes sense to choose different but similar finishes, or to carry exterior finishes inside, for example, by selecting weather-resistant exterior cladding that complements an interior accent wall. This is what The Block houses did extremely successfully.
Let’s examine House 1 and House 3 from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a>, which embody this beautifully.
<h3 id="house3seamlesstransitionfromoutsidetoinside">House 3: Seamless transition from outside to inside</h3>
Key materials: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5XfQYfGWu7lzOWSJxgagyh/79b5951ecbc49143f2a9ce8f28617ddb/hardie-oblique-cladding-200-300-exterior-house3-render-theblock2024-jameshardie-1-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.webp" alt="hardie-oblique-cladding-200-300-exterior-house3-render-theblock2024-jameshardie-1" />
Best friends Ricky and Haydn took on House 3 on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a>. It's a lightweight and low-lying design with floor to ceiling windows that fill rooms with light and connect indoors with outdoors. A bright coloured front door with a feature handle is an eye-catching addition to the home’s entrance.
For exterior cladding, the team chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> in alternating board widths that evoke wood panelling, which was used both internally and externally in this home.
“It was a really interesting concept the boys came up with,” says The Block architect Julian Brenchley. “Their house was clad in Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding, and to bring it inside is a fun way to emphasise the outside.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3HJ2Z2uMlAngLmT86oFfTs/55b75e71a970c4778b7c9cfb1945f7c5/hardie-oblique-cladding-living-dining-house3-rickyandhaydn-theblock2024-jameshardie-1-926x550.jpg" alt="House 3" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> carried through into the living and dining rooms offers a clean, monochromatic palette that ensures a feeling of contemporary comfort, with hints of bold colour in paint, furniture and greenery injecting a sense of playfulness, nostalgia and freedom.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/25BXrXgPGqsEOHJzg4FneJ/366da086d5d532bf1a0fec4c494f1330/axon-cladding-bedroomlaundry-house3-rickyandhaydn-theblock2024-jameshardie-1-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.webp" alt="axon-cladding-bedroomlaundry-house3-rickyandhaydn-theblock2024-jameshardie-1-JH Image Gallery Vertical" />
And that’s not the only place cladding was used internally – they chose to continue the vertical theme with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> in the mezzanine ensuite and laundry: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> is resistant to damage from moisture, making it an ideal choice for wet areas such as a laundries, kitchens and bathrooms (excluding shower recesses).
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/SFCxqKyE7eGtSyBRxJUBv/d1200c7a2b2a3ae42e15df88c28bd241/axon-cladding-interior-mezzanine-ensuite-house3-rickyandhaydn-theblock2024-jameshardie-3-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.webp" alt="axon-cladding-interior-mezzanine-ensuite-house3-rickyandhaydn-theblock2024-jameshardie-3-JH Image Gallery Vertical" />
<h3 id="house1boardandbattencladdingtranslateseffortlesslyinside">House 1: Board and Batten cladding translates effortlessly inside</h3>
Key materials: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/trims/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>
After entering the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a> competition late to replace Jesse and Paige, Maddy and Charlotte wasted no time in putting their stamp on House 1.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4cbLYYEug0fBJ6j87a2Rly/801773655f6615ab3e5e136f9e100707/hardie-finetexture-cladding-exterior-house1-render-theblock2024-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-exterior-house1-render-theblock2024-jameshardie-1" />
The latest board and batten exterior cladding trend is to adopt a mixture of texture and profiles. “Board and batten is a really easy pattern to create a really unique Australian look,” says architect Julian Brenchley. “It can lend itself to rural, coastal or urban, depending on how you do it; it's a fantastic style and really, really versatile.” In fact, we’ve seen it appear on The Block houses for three seasons now!
House 1 brings the embedded sand-like texture of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> against the smooth <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/trims/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> battens. The close batten spacing creates a highly detailed aesthetic for a beautiful, craftsmanship-look finish. The dark, monochromatic colour palette also puts an ultra-modern twist on the batten and board exterior for striking curb-appeal.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/59ETcgPs6z5GBt5W3xWP4h/eb1bf9d2c2de0443e4a0a6d44025ea11/hardie-groove-lining-interior-mainbedroom-house1-maddyandcharlotte-theblock2024-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="hardie-groove-lining-interior-mainbedroom-house1-maddyandcharlotte-theblock2024-jameshardie-4" />
The team carried the look inside by incorporating <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> in the master suite. This durable fibre cement VJ sheet panel gives the look of tongue and groove timber with the durability of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">fibre cement</a>, carrying through the Board and Batten cladding impression with ease.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2ShOvUKqsyePEJODp4BjhS/85d1031e92695969275a35da4a25b86d/axon-cladding-interior-rumpus-house1-maddyandcharlotte-theblock2024-jameshardie-3-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.webp" alt="axon-cladding-interior-rumpus-house1-maddyandcharlotte-theblock2024-jameshardie-3-JH Image Gallery Vertical" />
To add that extra layer of drama and detail to their interiors, Maddy and Charlotte also used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> in the rumpus room and kids’ bedroom via a dynamic green feature wall. The clean vertical lines of Axon™ Cladding bought a fresh feel to this super cute and modern kids’ bedroom.
<h3 id="cohesivemixedcladdinghouse4">Cohesive mixed cladding: House 4</h3>
A <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern</a> marvel with a coastal twist, The Block House 4 is a showcase for exterior cladding, with no less than four different kinds on the exterior elegantly blending into a cohesive whole. Naturally, Kylie and Brad extended use of cladding inside, with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> chosen for their layered mezzanine ensuite. The elegant, uniform panels are free of knots and are resistant to shrinking and swelling with moisture, making it a great choice for bathrooms.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3TVFRCdD6rBPaEQgDuQbhP/ff8f17e63436296f106d3bac1eaf0a4d/hardie-groove-lining-interior-me.webp" alt="House 4" />
<h3 id="whyusehardiefibrecementinhomeinteriorsandexteriors">Why use Hardie™ fibre cement in home interiors and exteriors?</h3>
According to Julian Brenchley, there are four main reasons.
1. Easy to install: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> helps to save time, cost and complexity in the building process. It is gun-nailable and can be moved around the site, and there is no need for specialist trades, reducing complexity onsite. 
2. Helps save costs: Products are available in a range of sizes to fit common wall frames, helping to reduce wastage and cutting on-site, saving time and costs. 
3. Ready to paint: James Hardie’s range of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">fibre cement</a> cladding products and are pre-sealed or pre-primed and ready to paint in any colour. 
4. It’s durable: Engineered to endure, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> is fire and rot resistant and resistant to moisture damage and termite damage. It is also impact resistant. “That sounds to me like the exact product you want in your house when you’ve got kids running past with a soccer ball!” adds Julian. 
<blockquote>
 If watching The Block 2024 has you planning your own renovation or new build, then you should enter <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024 competition</a> for a chance to win up to $60,000 worth of prizes! You can also download our Transform Your Home Guide for even more house renovation tips and inspiration.
</blockquote>

hardie-groove-lining-interior-mainbedroom-house1-maddyandcharlotte-theblock2024-jameshardie-4

On The Block 2024, cohesive interior and exterior design rules. Discover how exterior cladding can seamlessly connect with interiors, no matter your style.

Exterior cladding meets interior design on The Block 2024

New Builds

Amara Oakleigh South delivers modern medium-density living with James Hardie

The Amara Oakleigh South project in a leafy corner of southeast Melbourne is a testament to how new residential developments can be modern, visually stunning and highly functional. Built by <a href="https://balmainandco.com.au/">Balmain & Co.</a>, this medium-density development saw the construction of 96 townhouses on the site of a former school. 
Despite being delivered during a difficult time in the industry – in the midst of a pandemic – <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ products and solutions</a> helped the project to kick huge goals, which was met with major enthusiasm from homeowners. Here’s how Amara came to life.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3r9LqQW9A3pUzBDUJfvduf/d774ab4f448637be560cd2eca997452a/axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-1-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara oakleigh-south-jameshardie" />
<h3 id="meetingmarketdemandswithamodernvision">Meeting market demands with a modern vision</h3>
Balmain &amp; Co. envisioned the Amara Townhouses to meet the growing demand for high-quality, stylish homes in the Oakleigh South area. The ultimate goal of the project was to construct contemporary homes that cater to modern living needs while making sure the structures themselves are highly durable and low maintenance. This approach resonated well with the market, particularly during Victoria’s lockdowns, when the preference for semi-detached and detached housing increased.
“The development had been around for a period of time,” says Ricky Smith, Construction Manager at Balmain &amp; Co. “It was the perfect time because these are semi-detached and detached housing, which were always going to sell a lot faster than apartment blocks.”
While the original spec favoured an autoclaved aerated concrete solution, it soon became clear that a more versatile and efficient solution like <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> would be much better suited to a large medium density development. In particular, products like <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> enable streamlined installation that can help developers reduce on-site costs. 
“These cladding products mean you can have fewer trades as they can be installed by the carpenter crew,” says Florent, National Business Development Manager for Major Projects at James Hardie. “You can have the carpenters doing the framing also doing the cladding, so you can reduce trades on-site and can significantly increase your efficiencies.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/47IrAHOWyw4yi4lpXcRFqp/0c442644ebf087fb540366881776ad6f/axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-3-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara oakleigh-south-jameshardie-2" />
<h3 id="howhardiefinetexturecladdingsupportedtheamaravision">How Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding supported the Amara vision</h3>
One of the biggest challenges of the Amara project was managing construction timelines and costs without compromising on quality. The selection of materials played a critical role in overcoming these hurdles. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> helped to save time, cost and complexity in the building process.
As the panels come pre-sealed and ready to paint on the same day as installation (once any additional sealants have cured), it made the entire construction process more streamlined. Hardie™ embedded texture technology also helped to create beautiful consistent textures without the need for artisan tradespeople.
“The ability to give the rendered look while being efficient with our progress on-site was the fundamental reason for the selection of the Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding in particular,” Smith says.
But beyond the streamlined installation progress, Balmain &amp; Co. needed a supplier that would be able to deliver a large amount of product over the life of the build without being delayed by unexpected bottlenecks or external issues.
“This particular project was built during COVID, where there were major material shortages particularly with imported products,” Florent says. “We never had that issue because James Hardie manufactures locally in Australia. Builders don’t want to be waiting for products.”
Balmain &amp; Co. chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-secura-interior-flooring">Secura™ Flooring</a> for their contemporary look and ease of installation. These products provided a seamless finish that met the high standards set for Amara, while also allowing for a quick and streamlined installation.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4YgduWNuobzgIbtw5jNj4M/3eb7f26f5bc4b20efd4d616fd062ac2e/nojhproduct-interior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-6-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-amara oakleigh-south-jameshardie-6" />
<h3 id="onsitesupportfromjameshardie">On-site support from James Hardie</h3>
James Hardie’s involvement with Amara went well beyond just supplying core materials. The team also delivered critical support throughout the project’s lifecycle, from design consultation to regular site audits.
“James Hardie’s Install &amp; Construction Business Development Manager team worked closely with us and the builder,” says Pete Farrell from Pete’s Render. An experienced installer, he and his team took care of the brunt of the cladding work, which Farrell estimates was approximately 60% <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and 40% other products, including <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>.
“Whenever the builder requested that James Hardie’s team come on-site and have a look at our work, it was all very straightforward,” he adds. “There were never any problems. Having installed Axon™ Cladding for 10 to 15 years now, we know how easy the product is to work with. Even though the Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding panel was new to market, everything was simple.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4rmTalVqET0nicnCErpCE7/71bae7aaed218bba3f5838de58d1b2d1/nojhproduct-interior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-5-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-amara oakleigh-south-jameshardie-5" />
<h3 id="buildingalifestyle">Building a lifestyle</h3>
The use of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding</a> products in the Amara project has set a new benchmark for durability and long-lasting beauty in medium density developments. And for Balmain &amp; Co., they love the fact that choosing James Hardie as a key supplier means they can trust that the products are manufactured to the highest standards – and these townhouses are built using Hardie™ exterior cladding products which have been engineered to stand up to the elements for many years to come.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5p8HAgIr2c1QfXyeYcMUbc/b4bbda671869f421f375ae4e2575c638/nojhproduct-interior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-7-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-amara oakleigh-south-jameshardie-7" />
“We haven't had a single facade leak, which is massive considering the amount of square metres that went under those buildings,” says Chris Sheerin, Project Manager at Balmain &amp; Co.
“We have a vested interest to ensure that we can carry the builder’s warranty on this project. We also needed a cladding which could stand up to the elements over time with low maintenance. Hardie™ cladding combined with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiewrap-weather-barrier">Hardie™ Wrap Weather Barrier</a> and other accessories was an easy choice for us and helped us to build a system we had confidence in.” 
There are countless positive takeaways from the Amara Oakleigh South project – not just for the developers, but for the builders and the homeowners themselves. From the combination of cost savings and less complexity by using Hardie™ products and solutions, to giving homeowners a high-quality façade that always stands out – even among 96 townhouses – the thoughtful material selection proves that Hardie™ exterior cladding products is an attractive choice for medium density developments.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1lomgaTGs6sNabp06uwDAg/1405303ea825738968df01c79f1053d3/axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-2-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara oakleigh-south-jameshardie-3" />
<blockquote>
 Learn more about how James Hardie’s <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">portfolio of fibre cement exterior solutions</a> can benefit your next development, or call 13 11 03.
</blockquote>

axon-cladding-hardie-fine-texture-cladding-exterior-amara_oakleigh-south-jameshardie-5

The Amara Oakleigh South project in Melbourne is a testament to how new residential developments can be modern, visually stunning and highly functional. Built by Balmain & Co., this medium-density development saw the construction of 96 townhouses with James Hardie. 


Why Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is the perfect building material for The Block 2024

Phillip Island is a stunning coastal escape tucked away beyond the hustle-and-bustle of Melbourne. It’s also the location for the latest season of The Block, where five teams will tackle the challenge of building their dream properties.
Given the coastal and fast-changing weather conditions of Phillip Island, it poses a unique challenge for the contestants: what products will be able to stand up to all the elements? Here’s why the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> is being used to renovate five amazing homes on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a>.
<h3 id="versatileandhighlyresilienthardieexteriorcladding">Versatile and highly resilient Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</h3>
Locals on Phillip Island are no strangers to harsh weather. From the salt-laden coastal winds to intense dry summers, building materials need to endure a lot. That’s why Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is made from fibre cement that’s been engineered to withstand tough Aussie weather conditions.
Unlike traditional wood wall cladding, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> is resistant to shrinking, swelling and cracking, which means the future owners of the homes featured in The Block 2024 will enjoy long-lasting and low maintenance exteriors.
In addition to its durability, Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is also highly versatile, so it can be used to elevate any design. From the rustic charm of Linea™ Weatherboard to the fine detail of vertical lines with Axon™ Cladding, homeowners and builders can choose from a selection of textures and finishes that mimic natural timber. Best of all, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement cladding</a> delivers all the warmth and charm of timber without the drawbacks.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3f7xDpqqM5WZOnaowJDGb6/1823ef959fdb2c5a72f0e88f98b997b0/linea-weatherboard-modernheritage-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="Linea™ Weatherboard" />
<blockquote>
 “It was a no-brainer to use Hardie™ Exterior Cladding,” says The Block architect, Julian Brenchley. “It’s affordable, it’s easy to put up, and the carpenters can almost do it in their sleep.
</blockquote>
“It will also stand the test of time on Phillip Island. It works really well with the coastal, modern style of this season’s homes.” 
<h3 id="keybenefitsofbuildingwithfibrecement">Key benefits of building with fibre cement</h3>
Durability is paramount no matter where you are around the country, and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> products boast fire resistance. In fact, all <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> products are suitable for use in bushfire zones up to BAL40, except Matrix™ Cladding which can only be used up to BAL29. 
When used as part of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiesmart-fire-&-acoustic-wall-systems-boundary-wall-system">Hardie™ Smart Fire & Acoustic Boundary Wall System</a>, Hardie™ Architectural Collection cladding can be used in bushfire zones up to the highest bushfire attack level, BALFZ.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4fFTTLT1gOliMiCk7ArXiJ/25dc4d7914241fcea2677e22db62ae71/section2-2.webp" alt="Hardie™ fibre cement boards" />
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> is engineered to stand up to the harsh Australian environment. reflected by a 25-year warranty period. This is particularly handy for homes on Phillip Island, where the combination of natural bushland and dry seasons can heighten fire risks. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> cladding gives homeowners peace of mind knowing that their property has an added layer of protection.
“It’s a dream product,” Brenchley says. “A carpenter can put it up and then the homeowners can paint it. Especially for something like The Block, it’s speedy and that’s what you need.
“We are all about big ‘sheets’ of cladding products on The Block and James Hardie really did deliver products that are well-suited for it.”
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> are all panel products, available in multiple sizes, perfect for broad wall applications.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3412HBAVVZJ7HQ0DKkA49z/b062c1a3de4a85909b7741989a9a3419/axon-cladding-midcenturymodern-j__1_.webp" alt="axon-cladding-midcenturymodern-j (1)" />
There’s also the benefit of low maintenance with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding. Given that <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a> is resistant to rot, warping and damage from moisture or termites, it helps save time and money spent on repairs and general upkeep. Having a low-maintenance exterior is particularly appealing for holiday homes and investment properties on Phillip Island, where many owners aren’t around all year long.
<h3 id="transforminghomeswithhardieexteriorcladding">Transforming homes with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</h3>
For the contestants, the design flexibility of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</a> is second-to-none. No matter what wall cladding is used, it can be painted in any colour as soon as it’s installed. This means homeowners can personalise their exteriors to reflect their tastes and complement the stunning surrounds of Phillip Island – whether that’s a bold, contemporary style or a more subtle look.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/SG3Ul0l00mbU2eKfuYmRi/0283ce06f690b63e70b91c9b8b0e2a3d/brushed-concrete-samplepot-flatlay-jameshardie-11__1_.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-samplepot-flatlay-jameshardie-11 (1)" />
Installation is another hallmark of Hardie™ products. Hardie™ cladding systems are designed for ease of use, which can make the building process simpler and faster than traditional construction methods. That’s something that is essential for the contestants on The Block, where time constraints are a constant battle.
“I was talking with the builders on House 2 and they were saying how amazingly simple the Hardie™ Exterior Cladding was to put up once they got their head around my design,” Brenchley says. “It was pre-cut to specific lengths so they could just put it up, install it and the contestants could paint it. It’s a dream.” 
<h3 id="whychoosehardieproducts">Why choose Hardie™ products?</h3>
In addition to a huge selection of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</a> products to choose from, James Hardie also has valuable resources to help homeowners and trade professionals make the best decisions for their projects. The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">Transform Your Home Guide</a> has all the inspiration, practical advice and detailed product information you need to take your property to new heights.
<blockquote>
 Considering a home renovation or new build with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding? Get inspired by the new season of The Block and enter our competition for your chance to win $60K worth of prizes. For more information and to enter today, visit <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024 competition page</a>. You can also download our Transform Your Home Guide for inspirational ideas.
</blockquote>

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Phillip Island's harsh weather demands durable materials. Hardie™ Exterior Cladding stands up to harsh Australian environments, including coastal conditions, perfect for The Block 2024.

Why Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is perfect for Phillip Island on The Block 2024

How The Block 2024 is reimagining Mid-Century Modern design

With its clean lines, commitment to functionality and connection with nature, it should come as no surprise that <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern design</a> is experiencing something of a resurgence right now. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a> is masterfully bringing this style to life, with House 3 and House 5 using modern cladding solutions from the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> to blend classic Mid-Century Modern features with contemporary designs.
Here's how the contestants are using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ products</a> to marry retro aesthetics with modern functionality.
<h3 id="themidcenturymoderndesignlanguage">The Mid-Century Modern design language</h3>
Celebrated for their distinctively flat or gentle sloping rooflines, expansive windows and open-plan layouts, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern homes</a> blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. They prioritise function over ornamentation, with minimalist designs that emphasise bold geometric forms. The ultimate goal is to create light-filled spaces that always feel connected to nature. 
Houses 3 and 5 on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a> are taking these principles to the next level while still incorporating modern touches that make their homes both stylish and practical. Both properties feature striking facades using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>, enhanced by <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/Hardie-Structural-Batten">Hardie™ Structural Batten</a> to achieve a standing seam appearance. These battens allow for vertical installation of Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding on timber or steel frames utilising readily available fasteners, and can also facilitate re-cladding over existing brick exteriors. This allows the transformation of outdated facades into modern designs - in this case showcasing the sheer breadth of Mid-Century Modern design choices.
<h3 id="house3asinglestoreymidcenturymarvel">House 3: A single-storey Mid-Century marvel</h3>
House 3 on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a> takes a more classic approach to Mid-Century Modern with its low-lying, single-storey structure. The use of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> in both 200mm and 300mm widths on the exterior creates an engaging visual rhythm, adding depth and dimension to the facade. The alternating board widths give the home a sleeker, bold look while retaining the minimalist aesthetic typical of Mid-Century Modern homes.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3wbKJ9NDHxFkaoQq6h9drz/7c67c5dbd9e6345e8a82a3b2110c74c3/Unknown.webp" alt="House 3" />
The asymmetrical roofline and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in House 3 are key features that connect the home to its coastal surroundings, allowing light to flood the interiors and creating a seamless flow between the inside and outside spaces. The property’s clean, geometric lines are further accentuated by the vertical grooves of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>, which evoke the wood panelling trend popular in 1970s design – yet with a modern twist.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/rAVZ0Dwf0feCiLkDY5b6I/0540c5ef0da58f13b0afafbe0a98bf13/oblique-cladding-barn-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding" />
The cladding itself not only boosts the architectural style but also delivers durability and low maintenance for the future homeowners. Made from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a>, Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding is fire-resistant, resistant to damage from moisture and termites, and can stand up to the harsh weather conditions on Phillip Island.
<h3 id="house5raisingthestakesofmidcenturymoderndesign">House 5: Raising the stakes of Mid-Century Modern design</h3>
While House 3 stays grounded with its single-storey layout, House 5 on The Block 2024 elevates the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic with an ambitious double-storey design. Adding to its appeal, the home combines <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> on the bottom level and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> on the upper floor – a smart pairing that highlights the versatility of both products.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4nkInha8GeJHbC7iskw1Cx/8d403bec4bbf590b5cccec86d17ce989/House_5.webp" alt="House 5" />
Using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> on the bottom floor results in a more solid, textured foundation that grounds the home, giving it a visually dynamic and sophisticated appearance. The soft, flowing lines of the cladding transform with light, which creates a tactile quality that contrasts beautifully with the sleek, vertical grooves of the upper floor’s <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>. 
Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding on the upper storey draws the eye and creates a sense of height. The contemporary look of vertical lines is dialled up against the subtle backdrop of textured panel on the ground floor. The unique finish of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> and the defined groove edges of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> work together to create shifting light play throughout the day, delivering an endlessly interesting facade.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/XkuYgZmjVpRjavnS6B5WU/e568ce1c15c56ad20f0e550e1a6509c2/brushedconcrete-cladding-moderncoastal-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding" />
The asymmetrical butterfly roof on House 5 – a hallmark of Mid-Century Modern architecture – also adds to the overall sense of lightness throughout, while the floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light. It’s this attention to detail in both design and material choices that keeps the home rooted in Mid-Century Modern appeal while still able to embrace more contemporary construction techniques and use of materials.
<h3 id="bringingitalltogether">Bringing it all together</h3>
Both House 3 and House 5 on this season of The Block are shining examples of how Mid-Century Modern design can be re-energised for contemporary living. Thanks to innovative <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">exterior cladding solutions</a> by James Hardie, these homes are able to stay true to the clean lines and minimalist ethos of Mid-Century Modernism while at the same time incorporating modern materials that enhance the durability and overall versatility of the designs.
Both homes blur the line between indoors and outdoors, and create stunning light-filled spaces – all while making use of cutting-edge materials that are built to last. Whether it’s the rhythmic pattern of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> on House 3 or the combination of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding on House 5, these homes will showcase the timeless appeal of Mid-Century Modern architecture for decades to come.
<blockquote>
 To learn more about how you can bring Mid-Century Modern design into your own home, download our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern Design Handbook</a> for plenty of tips and visual inspiration. You can also have a chance at winning up to $60k worth of prizes by <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">entering The Block 2024 competition</a>.
</blockquote>

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Learn how Hardie™ products were incorporated into the Mid-Century Modern designs of House 3 and House 5 on The Block 2024.

Bringing Mid-Century Modern style to Phillip Island on The Block 2024

The Block 2024 showcases popular board and batten trend

If you could choose one word to describe the house transformations on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a>, you might choose beautiful, breathtaking or simply inspiring. The homes also showcase the latest trend in exterior style and home design: board and batten.
Architect on The Block 2024, Julian Brenchley, concurs and has utilised this trend in the homes seen on the show, most recently in House 1, which exhibits a visually striking exterior embodying the versatility of the board and batten look.
“Board and Batten is so versatile; it lends itself to so many applications and so many projects that it's no wonder that it's popular!” says Julian Brenchley.
It’s a design approach that adds architectural interest and depth to a building, suitable for various styles of modern design. It provides an opportunity for creative customisation, allowing adjustments in size and spacing for specific design goals.
How do we know it’s a style worth exploring? Because we’ve seen it develop and grow for a few years, including on The Block. Let’s explore its current and previous iterations and how to bring this stunning look to life, with help from architect Julian Brenchley fresh from the set of The Block 2024.
<h3 id="whatisboardandbattenhomedesign">What is board and batten home design?</h3>
Traditionally, board and batten wall cladding starts with wide vertical boards, which are then joined together by thin vertical battens to cover the seams. In Australia, board and batten siding has roots in coastal housing where historically this look has been used for beach shacks and holiday homes.
Today, wide panels are used as the primary cladding and the batten strips are typically decorative, which gives home designers lots of creative licence. By playing with the batten spacing and profile, you can create more contemporary looks.
<h3 id="acloserlookathowboardandbattenexteriorcladdingbyjameshardietransformedhouse1ontheblock2024">A closer look at how board and batten exterior cladding by James Hardie transformed House 1 on The Block 2024</h3>
As the teams from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">The Block 2024</a> Phillip Island descended upon the small town of Cowes, at James Hardie we suspected seeing yet another execution of board and batten cladding, and we were not let down!
House 1 embraced the versatile board and batten style, adopting a mixture of texture and profiles. The embedded sand-like texture of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> provides a fine matte finish against the smooth <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> battens.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6utHFcTgiYx6IAnkdDvH9N/3d8a40af67a2fb849846eaa8c974bf77/hardie-finetexture-cladding-exterior-house1-render-theblock2024-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-exterior-house1-render-theblock2024-jameshardie-1" />
Closer batten spacing created a highly detailed aesthetic for a beautiful, craftsmanship-look finish. The dark, monochromatic colour palette also puts an ultra-modern twist on the board and batten look for striking curb-appeal.
“It really is as simple as a board and batten,” says architect Julian Brenchley. “We chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> with the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> batten over the top. It gives a profoundly cool look to the facade.”
<h3 id="anemergingtrendboardandbattenonourscreens">An emerging trend: board and batten on our screens</h3>
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a board and batten house transformation on The Block.
“That's totally our fault!” says architect Julian Brenchley. “We've&nbsp; championed board and batten and made it a thing. Board and batten is a really easy pattern that creates a unique Australian look that can lend itself to rural, coastal or urban, depending on how you do it.”&nbsp;
Flashback to <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2023">The Block 2023</a>, when Steph and Gian delivered the breathtaking House 4. They also used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> to bring the look to life. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3uHtlZi74816cYiJyff4Mm/2238e9428ca5fdbc21d47aa7b0a9efa2/hardie-finetexture-axent-linea-exterior-house4-stephandgian-theblock2023-jameshardie-4__2__product.jpg" alt="HFTC Facade House4 TheBlock2023 product page" />
“I think it’s really important for beginner renovators to know when you choose the timeless board and batten look you can paint the James Hardie brand products 
any colour you choose, which can dramatically change the look of the house and add that curbside appeal,” says architect Steph.
But that wasn’t the first time we saw board and batten on The Block – its first foray was actually back in 2022. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block">The Block 2022’s</a> House 4 starred a modern extension with a light-filled, open-plan living space with grand windows.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2xhzpJUUoJl1dNy9FQFgsf/ec1066e0fa26a06535b82bb8e40bec3c/dylan_and_jenny_modern_extension.jpg" alt="Dylan and Jenny's Extension | Board and Batten | The Block 2022 Tree Change" />
The real show-stopper in the design of the pavilion extension was the board and batten architectural style. The distinctive look was also achieved with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a>.
What this demonstrates is not just striking, beautiful design, but the evolution of a trend that’s here to stay. Read on to find out more about how to bring the look to life.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1UgmG8VTrLLpbRyTbEH2PP/dea6a796bf966f6c76de7dc70cbd20e4/Block_Exteriors_James_Hardie-407__2_.webp" alt="Block Exteriors James Hardie - Dylan and Jenny's Board and Batten Look " />
<h3 id="renovatingwithboardandbatten">Renovating with board and batten</h3>
“Cladding both the extension and the existing house in <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding</a> creates a homogenous design that doesn't look ‘bitsy’. It’s very achievable, and you can get an absolutely amazing outcome,” says architect Julian Brenchley.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding</a> can be applied over brick to update an existing home, or used to contrast on an upper level or an extension. The design opportunities are endless, and by using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> to add the batten spacing there is an extra opportunity to add detail: the battens can be close together for a more modern spin, or further apart for a more traditional vibe, or even a mixture of both.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4zdE7QmMaaX5cYsLby5iR5/219e2d5cd4be90dd0f3dc07ea898c06d/hardie-finetexture-axent-linea-exterior-house4-stephandgian-theblock2023-jameshardie-3__2__product.jpg" alt="hardie-finetexture-axent-linea-exterior-house4-stephandgian-theblock2023-jameshardie-3 (2) product" />
<h3 id="hardieproductsthatcreatetheboardandbattenstyle">Hardie™ products that create the board and batten style</h3>
Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding: Perfect for creating the board and batten look. The embedded sand-like texture provides a fine matte finish against smooth <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> battens. The 1200mm panel length makes it easy to adopt consistent yet unique spacings to apply the battens at 200mm, 300mm or 400mm.
Without the weight of masonry, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> provides the ability to create weightless and bold designs. The render look feels calming and uncluttered compared with the busyness of a brick wall. The panels also come pre-sealed and ready to paint, giving you the freedom to choose any colour.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> is durable and lower maintenance than traditional cement render to stay looking good for many years to come.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6v9vEjjlufg5Ka7cuUbvuD/6782b6cfa3c285563a7bd1d28c3131df/hardiefinetexture-axent-trim-axon-exteriors-japandi-render-jameshardie-1-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="hardiefinetexture-axent-trim-axon-exteriors-japandi-render-jameshardie-1-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding: Another strong choice for bringing board and batten siding to life. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> are both embedded texture panels, so can be installed in the same way for a board and batten look. The main difference is the texture. With a texture reminiscent of softly-brushed concrete, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> delivers an exterior finish that’s visually sophisticated and dynamic.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/XkuYgZmjVpRjavnS6B5WU/e568ce1c15c56ad20f0e550e1a6509c2/brushedconcrete-cladding-moderncoastal-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding" />
Hardie™ Axent™ Trim:&nbsp;Add the perfect finishing touches to a new home or renovation with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a>. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> is a durable batten for creating a modern board and batten look. Available in 89mm, 70mm or 45mm widths and 19mm or 38mm thickness options, the depth helps to create the impression of solidness and crisp clean edges. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Hardie™ Axent™ Trim</a> is also resistant to shrinking, swelling and warping.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4hXxinsQ1xx5SEANWtoUIX/2b38e88d785233eac75784288e1a4ba6/Hardie__Fine_Texture_Cladding.webp" alt="Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding" />
<h3 id="technicaldetailsofboardandbatten">Technical details of board and batten</h3>
We asked Julian Brenchley for the need to know on a creating board and batten look.
How do the boards work with the trim?
“Using Hardie™ Axent™ Trim saves the builders a bunch of heartache because you can use it on the corners, to cover over joints in panels and to create board and batten: a modulated facade.”
How do you create visual balance with horizontal lines?
“It comes down to the way you use it to cover joins and modulate the facade, get rhythm, get a really strong vision, using the Hardie™ Axent™ Trim.”&nbsp;
How does using Hardie™ products compare to traditional board and batten?
“It's 100 per cent straight and true. You're dealing with a product that is not going to vary over the entirety of a project. With timber, the mill can vary the size of the board, which is a real pain for that carpenter on site.”&nbsp;
<blockquote>
 Considering a home renovation or new build with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding? Get inspired by the new season of The Block and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">enter our competition for your chance to win big</a>. You can also download our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">Transform Your Home Guide</a> for renovation inspiration and ideas.
</blockquote>

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We’re seeing board and batten design dominate exterior design. Here, we explore why The Block 2024 is featuring this trending style, and how to bring it to life on your own facade.

The Block and board and batten - How this ever-popular style is defining modern home design

Articles

The benefits of ordering a Hardie™ Exterior Cladding sample

If you’re searching for the perfect exterior cladding for your home, it can be a daunting prospect to place an order without actually seeing and feeling the product for yourself. That’s why <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-a-sample">ordering a Hardie™ Exterior Cladding sample</a> can help you make the right decision. 
Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, designer or builder, getting samples can help you achieve a clearer picture of what the finished product will look like. Here’s why getting a sample should be the next step for your renovation or building project.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4TSdcXXsc07o4NzNU5v1pJ/dc709d8547cc344eb5a72e43c97b1aaa/neale-whitaker-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-3-Image-Gallery-JH-Website.webp" alt="neale-whitaker-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-3-Image-Gallery-JH-Website" />
<h3 id="seeandfeelthequality">See and feel the quality</h3>
Ordering a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-a-sample">Hardie™ Exterior Cladding sample</a> will let you feel the texture and see the quality of the finish up close. The tactile experience of holding a sample is what will give you a better understanding of the material’s quality and how it will look once installed. Whether you prefer the smooth and calming finish of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> or the bold, contemporary aesthetic of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>, having a sample in hand makes the decision-making process much easier.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1bDrwtUmD7cRyGm92D3FPe/b042e68fa4dec3f9aa44cf9119f97c51/barn-rhysandkirstenstanley-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-8-Image-Gallery-JH-Website.webp" alt="barn-rhysandkirstenstanley-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-8-Image-Gallery-JH-Website" />
“Getting a Hardie™ Exterior Cladding sample is invaluable,” says The Block architect, Julian Brenchley. “It’s amazing to see the products before you start working, because you need to know what it is you’re installing.”
Another big plus with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</a> is that you can paint it as soon as it’s installed. To test it out for yourself, samples can be painted in any colour, which means you can trial different shades to see how they complement the property’s existing elements. This is particularly useful when trying to put together a cohesive design scheme. You can make sure your chosen colour looks just as good in reality as it does in your mind’s eye.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/QCegQHGB2NZO6lKQkuN2N/91810261afc450089bde037b3c2b429f/brushedconcrete-samples-gif-jame.gif" alt="brushedconcrete-samples-gif-jameshardie-4-min" />
<h3 id="practicaltestinganddesignplanning">Practical testing and design planning</h3>
Having a sample means you can also observe how the cladding looks in different lighting conditions and at various times of the day. Natural light can really impact how colours and textures appear, so by setting the sample around your home’s exterior you’ll be able to see how it reacts to morning sunlight, afternoon shadows and golden hour just before sunset.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7LjGB0tIqttHwC0BS9HjDj/a826dceec39f426cb5b8965bf1f32624/neale-whitaker-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-10-Image-Gallery-JH-Website.webp" alt="neale-whitaker-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-10-Image-Gallery-JH-Website" />
<blockquote>
 “With a Hardie™ Exterior Cladding sample you can set it out and know how it’s all going to be detailed and coordinated,” Brenchley says. “You can put it against other products and know that they’re all part of a bigger picture.” 
</blockquote>
You can also use samples to build a mood board or flat lay, both of which are pivotal steps in the design process. Combining your cladding sample with other materials can help you visualise how the entire exterior will come together. In short, having a holistic view – miniaturised – can help you see that all of your home’s exterior components will work in harmony.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1wi9OGzqDcZxqC3GQSgXNs/762b1776b21003fe1a4d5630829e07ae/modern-coastal-kyalandkara-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-7-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="modern-coastal-kyalandkara-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-7-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
<h3 id="everythingyouneedinoneplace">Everything you need in one place</h3>
Beyond your ability to order a sample of your favourite Hardie™ Exterior Cladding product, you also have access to a huge offering of Hardie™ resources. From case studies to our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/technicalLibrary">Technical Library</a> and much more, we are here to help you understand all the benefits of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</a> and how it can be used to achieve your dream home transformation.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6L0FIZrYiKnfRrFXNXxTcJ/3216b8775c21f07749d9a0a470cee12e/japandi-stephandgian-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-4-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="japandi-stephandgian-modernhomesforecast2024-jameshardie-4-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
Ordering a sample is quick and easy, and once it arrives you can use all the tips provided here to make the best decision about your home’s exterior. See it, feel it and know how it will perform when installed. It’s a small investment of time and effort that will deliver big benefits over the long term, including more kerb appeal and maybe even a higher property value.
<blockquote>
 Considering a home renovation or new build with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding? Get inspired by the new season of The Block and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/the-block2024">download our Transform Your Home Guide</a> for ideas on how to be the best house on the block.
</blockquote>

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Make the right choice with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding. Essential for your renovation or building project, order a sample to see the quality firsthand.

Why you should order a Hardie™ Exterior Cladding sample to elevate your home exterior

How to blend Mid-Century Modern style with contemporary living

If everything old is new again, then <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern</a> is the shining star of home design trends. It continues to inspire and resonate with homeowners decades after it gained popularity in the 1970s, but now there’s a contemporary element that’s taking the style to the next level.
Blending the clean lines and functional spaces of its origins with the comforts of contemporary living, Mid-Century Modern delivers a timeless appeal through its simplicity, functionality and connection to nature. Here’s how you can use <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding products</a> to blend authentic Mid-Century Modern style with contemporary living.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/743xQnB69CLQo5hFDkmLGD/e1bb3f5750bfbb5afacf9f49bebc459d/linea-weatherboard-axon-exterior-midcenturymodern-higletthouse-adore-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-axon-exterior-midcenturymodern-higletthouse-adore-jameshardie-1" />
Credit: Adore Magazine
<h3 id="whatdefinesamidcenturymodernhouse">What defines a Mid-Century Modern house?</h3>
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern architecture</a> is typically characterised by its focus on functionality and simplicity. It embraces – and indeed elevates – the concept of ‘form follows function’, where every element serves a practical purpose and ornamentation is kept to a minimum.
The building structure showcases exposed uprights or beams, with exquisitely detailed fixtures that attach structures together. Then there’s the dominant roofline (usually flat or gently sloped) that defines the shape of the home, with beautiful deep overhangs. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6tOELBVHqqzYKD7X1Kg6Li/44ad62fa13a74ac77607347359e574d8/linea-midcenturymodern-exterior-y1-happyhaus-jameshardie-2-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.webp" alt="linea-midcenturymodern-exterior-y1-happyhaus-jameshardie-2-Image Gallery JH Website" />
Happy Haus, who are master designers of Mid-Century Modern homes, complement these eye-catching rooflines with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> to elevate the overall exterior.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3Ai6Ex2zeFIE5nPtaJBgWL/6fc192664d41ea9b35007da57332ec6b/axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-3-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-3-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
In addition to open floor plans that promote indoor-outdoor living, another defining feature is using large windows to let natural light flood the interiors and create a stronger connection with the outdoors. The facade and rear of Mid-Century Modern homes typically feature more glass than cladding, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also boosts the liveability of the home and makes it feel more spacious.
<h3 id="modernisingthemidcenturystyle">Modernising the Mid-Century style</h3>
While the original Mid-Century homes were groundbreaking in their design, today’s homeowners are updating the classics with modern conveniences and materials. This is where contemporary design elements can be seamlessly integrated with Mid-Century Modern principles to deliver a remarkably stylish and functional home, as seen in the emergence of the mid-century coastal design.
“It’s one of those classic styles that is getting a resurgence,” says architect Julian Brenchley. “And why not? It’s got a fresh coastal appeal about it, and Mid-Century Modern can be quite engaging in terms of getting that indoor-outdoor lifestyle working.”
Many homeowners are infusing contemporary appeal into their Mid-Century Modern designs by using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding solutions</a>. With all the durability and low maintenance demanded by today’s busy Australians – without compromising on the classic Mid-Century aesthetic – <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> has a smooth, render-like finish that emphasises the geometric shapes and clean lines typical of Mid-Century Modern design. It’s perfect for bold, minimalist façades as well as contemporary indoor spaces that will remain timeless.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/58NYW3F0b0QSXCM02wQT77/dbb5b4c4c431e7656a7e5252861c060b/hardiefinetexture-cladding-japandi-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding" />
Then there’s <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a>, which mimics the look of softly brushed concrete. It adds a tactile element to the home’s exterior and creates visual interest. When paired with large windows and minimalist landscaping, this cladding can further modernise the Mid-Century aesthetic.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3L8sx231AH6CpBfGBHEO9a/bf5b18e2c56ae7d604753d6342d10181/brushedconcrete-axon-cladding-exterior-midcenturymodern-render-jameshardie-2-Image-Gallery-JH-Websit.webp" alt="brushedconcrete-axon-cladding-exterior-midcenturymodern-render-jameshardie-2" />
<h3 id="howhardieexteriorcladdingwilldeliverthemidcenturylook">How Hardie™ exterior cladding will deliver the Mid-Century look</h3>
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior solutions</a> not only offer the visual appeal needed to replicate the classic Mid-Century Modern look, but also have the functionality that modern homes demand. Moreover, homeowners are starting to see the value in bringing what were traditionally exterior materials inside the house.
“The benefits of using Hardie™ cladding products inside are exactly the same as the benefits of using it outside,” Brenchley says. “It’s durable. It’s easy to paint. That sounds to me like the exact product you want in your house when you’ve got kids running around with a soccer ball.”
Take, for example, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> – an excellent solution for homeowners who want to capture the vertical groove detailing that’s so common in mid-century architecture. Available in multiple groove spacing sizes, Axon™ Cladding pays homage to the wood panelling trends of the 1970s. It has the look of timber with the benefits of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a>, including being low-maintenance, fire resistant and rot resistant. Use it to create striking vertical lines that draw the eye and add height to the structure, like in <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/get-on-board-three-birds-renovations-go-coastal-with-board-and-batten">House 13 by Three Birds Renovations</a>.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/932zis56Uu3dwouuYlj1S/3abc14e30e9e6bcb84e001fa7f601d8d/axon-moderncoastal-interior-3birdsrenovations-house13-jameshardie-99-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="axon-moderncoastal-interior-3birdsrenovations-house13-jameshardie-99" />
<h3 id="creatingaharmoniousblendofpastandpresent">Creating a harmonious blend of past and present</h3>
But it’s never just about choosing the right materials. Instead, Mid-Century Modern homeowners want to build a property that feels cohesive and comfortable, while still paying tribute to the design principles of the past.
Start by focusing on the flow of the home’s interior spaces. Open floor plans – a hallmark of Mid-Century design – are incredibly popular today thanks to their ability to create spaciousness and fluidity. Build in large, unobstructed windows to maintain that connection with the outdoors, and choose furnishings that reflect both Mid-Century and contemporary aesthetics.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5ydHwN4ExaUq1DJ1dFL5kU/892f46635218dbff1ec1274a8268feae/nojhproduct-interior-barn-swanbuild-jameshardie-76-Image-Gallery-JH-Website.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-barn-swanbuild-jameshardie-76-Image-Gallery-JH-Website" />
Pair a classic Eames® Lounge Chair with a sleek, modern sofa, or mix vintage light fixtures with contemporary artwork. The key is to create a balance between the old and the new, making sure every element complements another without overpowering things.
Landscaping is also a major consideration. Mid-Century Modern landscaping is inherently minimal, with hard-wearing, low-maintenance plants at the fore – such as ornamental grasses and native shrubbery. For a contemporary twist, you might want to add a mix of cacti and succulents in varying heights and species, reminiscent of the Palm Springs-inspired Mid-Century Modern homes.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/41Wf4E3h9OYjVq3hxz0mQf/ca80ceb884d831002934a960048c0b14/linea-weatherboard-axon-exterior-midcenturymodern-higletthouse-adore-jameshardie-8-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-axon-exterior-midcenturymodern-higletthouse-adore-jameshardie-8" />
<blockquote>
 For more inspiration and practical tips on achieving this look, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">download the Mid-Century Modern Design Handbook</a>. It’s full of insights about the most important features, materials and design principles that define this timeless style – so you can build a home that’s both classic and contemporary.
</blockquote>

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Learn design and build tips so you can blend a Mid-Century Modern home with contemporary living, incorporating Hardie™ exterior cladding both inside and out.

How to elevate Mid-Century Modern style with contemporary Hardie™ cladding products

Building a Mid-Century Modern home on an unconventional block

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While it rose to prominence in the 1970s, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern architecture</a> is experiencing something of a resurgence, as nostalgic styles are adapted to our modern lifestyle. Take a closer look and you’ll find a blend of modern minimalism with the charm of a bygone era.
The Mid-Century house is defined by its clean geometric lines, organic shapes and bright accent colours. You’ll also find that Mid-Century Modern interior design abides by the philosophy of ‘form follows function’. Floor-to-ceiling windows are typical features, and there’s a strong connection between indoors and outdoors. The result is a timeless yet wholly functional home design.
Here’s how design-and-build specialists <a href="https://happyhaus.com.au/">Happy Haus</a> turned what was once an untouched green space into a Mid-Century Modern beach house – despite being located in Brisbane’s suburbia – with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> central to the build.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3Qfb43wXgkGxxNVMegOqrh/fb7ff14ee141176be1e37c7bdb2b27f8/axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-1" />
<h2 id="usingtriedandtestedproductstoinspirethemidcenturymoderndesign">Using tried-and-tested products to inspire the Mid-Century Modern design</h2>
Responsible for the architecture, interior design and construction of this Mid-Century design, Managing Director, Lachlan Grant, and his Happy Haus team are very familiar with James Hardie's range of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">fibre cement exterior products</a>, having used them extensively on the vast majority of their projects. So it made sense to incorporate them into this Mid-Century Modern style.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6SgutNavtFGTD3dpoVyK4q/8e33db92354782789cb081aaa90047bd/nojhproduct-interior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-5-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-5-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
“We are very confident in Hardie™ cladding products to deliver both aesthetically and economically,” he says. “Our teams are also familiar with the Hardie™ products and accessories and have experience and confidence to install them, helping to deliver quality construction.”
The whole home was clad in <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior solutions</a>, and Grant says this was a key element to achieving the modern Mid-Century style. “<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding 400mm</a> was used on the external walls and ceilings, with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardietex-system">Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet</a> also used on the external walls to provide a change in texture and look,” he adds.
Having used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> extensively in the past, Grant and his team knew it would be able to deliver that VJ-panel look without the hassles of timber. Made from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a>, Axon™ Cladding is engineered to stand up to harsh coastal conditions. It’s resistant to rot and damage from moisture, and will resist warping and swelling.
Despite their experience with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>, Grant says this was the first time they used the 400mm profile. This was to differentiate the home from the popular ‘Queenslander’ design, where the Axon™ Cladding 133mm profile works perfectly. In doing so, the wider groove Axon™ Cladding allowed for a panelled effect that was more in line with Mid-Century architecture.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3Ai6Ex2zeFIE5nPtaJBgWL/6fc192664d41ea9b35007da57332ec6b/axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-3-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-3-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
“The use of Axon™ Cladding 400mm allowed the home to have a slight twist on the Mid-Century Modern style where there are typically variations and changes in cladding materials,” Grant says. “The wider groove created clean vertical lines, drawing the eye upwards towards the interesting roof lines and Axon™-cladded ceilings.”
While Grant’s team knows from experience that <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> is highly efficient to install, he says the complexity of the ceiling design made installation slightly more challenging than on previous projects. “The difficulty was ensuring the joins married up so that the groove ran continuously,” he says.
Thankfully, a variety of accessories came in handy during the build. Problem-solving solutions like <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/james-hardie-75x75mm-colorbond-corner-flashing">Hardie™ 75mm Colorbond® Corner Flash 3000mm</a> helped to eliminate any potential complications. It also meant the team could move on to other tasks faster, such as painting Dulux® Lexicon® Half on the internal Axon™ Cladding ceilings, and Dulux® Colorbond® Monument® on the external Axon™ Cladding walls. Indeed, one of the biggest draw cards is that you can install the cladding and paint it on the same day.
<h2 id="craftingthemidcenturymodernhousedesign">Crafting the Mid-Century Modern House Design</h2>
Queensland design-and-build team, Happy Haus, are masters of making homeowners’ dreams come true – and they are invested from the very first consultation through to handing over the keys. Responsible for the end-to-end design and build for this Mid-Century design, Grant says everything required a deft touch.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2ogereM5JOvxDpLfzzMztU/a8d4514ef162c8c99ea2bc0077da3f2d/axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-4-Image-Gallery-JH-Website.webp" alt="axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-4-Image-Gallery-JH-Website" />
“The land was never built on – it had been green space for the neighbourhood kids for more than three generations,” he says. “The block itself also had a significant slope and a small frontage, which created an irregular diamond shape. This resulted in a considered approach that saw two buildings form the layout of the home.”
Most intriguing, the site had historical significance to the client, as the land had been in the family for more than half a century – fitting, given their Mid-Century Modern architecture plans.
The brief called for a family home that would grow with the clients as they started a family, Grant says.
“The clients’ love of the Palm Springs modernist movement was a key part of the brief. The reference offered several inspiration points for the spatial layout, architectural features, detailing and interior styling, with Palm Springs and Brisbane sharing some critical characteristics.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4URs6I3puCXVGHPi32ccqC/5ec5d781bcb4630bba2b2c1598e50791/nojhproduct-interior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-6-Image-Gallery-JH-Website.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-6-Image-Gallery-JH-Website" />
While this initial brief didn’t change, the way the Happy Haus design team responded to it did change as they uncovered all the opportunities and restrictions of the site. The solution? A Mid-Century house design that would incorporate coastal themes while staying true to the original intent of the style.
“Mid-Century Modern architecture is uncomplicated,” Grant says. “It allows good functional design to be the star, focusing on valuable connections to the outdoors, resort-like living and large amounts of glazing.”
<h2 id="confidenceshinesthroughinthefinaldesign">Confidence shines through in the final design</h2>
Most of Happy Haus’s projects are clad in <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding products</a>, so the team’s experience with installing them is extensive.
“We have total confidence in their performance, ease of installation and economy with a project’s budget,” Grant says. “Our teams are well-versed in the installation and performance of the products, and if we ever have any issues we can leverage the expertise of James Hardie’s technical team.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5Q1wdAGmcInw86a6r9Ptdw/1f34b487d26e16f4f7ed7c419c4d7a50/axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-2-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical.webp" alt="axon-midcenturymodern-exterior-silex-happyhaus-jameshardie-2-JH-Image-Gallery-Vertical" />
Having such confidence in the products is evident in the final build, with the homeowners able to enjoy a Mid-Century Modern home that is as functional as it is eye-catching.
“My favourite part of the house has been understanding just how much joy the clients have received from the project,” Grant says. “Given the legacy attached to the land, we needed to meet the client’s brief and expectations, and I know they will continue to be surprised and enjoy living in the home.”
<blockquote>
 Are you onboard with the global resurgence for mid-century aesthetics? The Mid-Century Modern home is tied to a relaxed and outdoor-centric lifestyle, ever so popular in Australia. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/mid-century-modern">Download the Handbook</a> to find out more about how to bring the Mid-Century Modern look to life.
</blockquote>

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Find out how design-and-build specialists Happy Haus used Axon™ Cladding to transform a blank canvas into a Mid-Century Modern house.

Hardie™ exterior cladding makes Mid-Century Modern home design and build a breeze

New Hardie™️ Brushed Concrete Cladding delivers a stunning designer exterior while speeding up the building process

<h3 id="showcasingthebestofdesignversatilityhardiebrushedconcretecladdinghttpswwwjameshardiecomauproductrangecategoriescladdinghardiebrushedconcretecladdingandlineaweatherboardhttpswwwjameshardiecomauproductrangecategoriescladdingscyonlineaweatherboardcombinetodeliveranurbancoastallook">Showcasing the best of design versatility, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> combine to deliver an urban coastal look</h3>
For builder Luke Orton, owner of <a href="https://www.ortonbuilding.com.au/">Orton Building</a>, creating two homes with one seamless duplex exterior has always been a project goal. When Luke’s office, within a warehouse in a semi-residential area in Wickham, New South Wales, was no longer fit for purpose and ripe for redevelopment, he jumped at the opportunity to convert the site into a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> duplex.
“The particular look we were after was a modern coastal feel that was warm and inviting,” said Luke. “This was a warehouse conversion in what is becoming a more residential streetscape, so we wanted to make it a bit more urban and pursued an ‘urban coastal’ look.”
To achieve this the clean and uncluttered facade, Luke used James Hardie’s latest fibre cement cladding. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> has a unique texture, which is embedded into the panel and is reminiscent of softly brushed concrete making it distinctively tactile. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4p31L6lG4fXE1mWlDMAR9L/61665696d346c8cce6714f9a22348505/brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-18.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-18" />
Initially, foam render was the specification for the exterior, but Luke chose to use <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> as an alternative to render for the ground floor facade for its look and long-lasting durability. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™️ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> is ideal for creating modern façades and being made from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a>products, it is more hardwearing than rendered greenboard foam panels.
“Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding could pass as a decorative render or a bagged brick look on a broad wall - it’s nice,” said Luke. Luke used Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding on the ground floor’s exterior façade from the walls and entry ways, to the planter boxes above the entry way, and to the outdoor rear courtyard to help create a seamless transition.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/32Jqdch6IFPIUhWuO94ERz/6f92520eead45872cd2dbbc9e76bd587/brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie_13__1_.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie 13 (1)" />
Complementing the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> on the ground floor, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> was used across the majority of the first-floor façade. 
“We love Linea™ Weatherboard and are very familiar with the look it can achieve,” said Luke. When used in combination with Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding, Linea™ Weatherboard allowed Luke to achieve the modern coastal design. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in modern design and mixed cladding styles on the home façade to create an architectural feel and design diversity. It’s a very versatile trend and helps create a unique look adds Luke. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2LrYuWWubsZnvi9y55nWik/cce487521a408695a1bc09bc284d0c69/brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie_1.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie 1" />
From an installation perspective, the size of the panels allowed Luke to remove any visible horizontal joints. “Full height 3.6m Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding panels allowed us not to have horizontal lines to the front facade which was important to us,” said Luke. 
“When factoring in the vertical joints, we focused on panel layout to ensure the joints added to the overall design - it worked well at the front entry because it subtly broke up the façade.” <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/9mm-Aluminium-Horizontal-Express-Jointer">Hardie™ 9mm Aluminium Horizontal Express Jointer</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/9mm-external-slimline-corner-3000mm-long">Hardie™ 9mm Aluminium External Slimline Corner</a> were used to deliver the seamless look. 
As the existing warehouse was located on the boundary, Luke had to comply with fire ratings when extending the first floor. “Using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre-cement cladding</a> products as the external cladding in conjunction with a compliant fire rated wall system is great because it’s cost and time effective, is easy and quick to install, and is low maintenance”. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3YEk4xAlpP21uT22rQYcEL/54abb739af726262a783fa3c79b81925/brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-1_edit__20_.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-1 edit (20)" />
Using Hardie™ fibre-cement cladding instead of the alternative foam render or other exterior material also meant less waste and mess onsite. “Overall, there’s less trades onsite and, as a finished product with an embedded texture, there was no need for additional render,” said Luke. 
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding </a>and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> come pre-primed and ready to paint, saving time and money on the project. 
Hardie™ products were purchased from NHS, which Luke has a long-time relationship with. “They’re trusted and reliable, while a trade specialist also helped deliver the best results using James Hardie brand products,” said Luke.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6CoTud8BhJfY3HBsyCysZM/bde6022c27223ecfa0859cb4971dd7e1/brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie_12.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie 12" />
The end result is two stunning modern homes with a striking silhouette, complete with luxury features. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> are perfectly suited to the homeowner’s lifestyle and will serve the homes well for many years to come.

Orton Haus by Orton Building clad in Linea Weatherboard and Hardie Brushed Concrete Cladding

brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-24 edit (6)

Discover how Hardie™️ Brushed concrete cladding speeds up the build process and delivers a beautiful double-storey modern home.

Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding helps to speed up the build of a designer home

Partners

Modern Coastal marvel in Byron Bay heroes Linea™ Weatherboard

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A contemporary interpretation of traditional coastal design, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal design</a> is inspired by the Australian way of life and beach-shack history. It’s a style that takes the very best of minimalist design and harmonises it with open-plan living to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Modern Coastal allows homeowners to express their personal style while illuminating the landscaping from all angles. Exteriors often combine crisp white weatherboards with contemporary clean lines, reflective of care-free summer days, while Modern Coastal interiors are light-filled and breezy.
Let’s explore how <a href="https://futureflip.com.au/">Futureflip</a>’s founder and director Neil Hipwell took total control of building his dream Byron Bay holiday home, and how <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> helped him deliver a Modern Coastal marvel.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5lGB3OCQi7HzcZHCrXNVLA/122441cd2630c693cba70a13aa03273e/hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-8-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.jpg" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-8" />
<h2 id="wearingallthehatsatonce">Wearing all the hats at once</h2>
There are few places in Australia more perfect for a Modern Coastal home than Byron Bay. The idyllic NSW destination is home to a diverse population with unique tastes and a flare for doing things a little differently. So it made sense that Neil Hipwell would want to create his coastal masterpiece right here. As client, designer and builder all in one, Hipwell knew it would be a challenging – but ultimately rewarding – project.
“I chose to take a very hands-on role in every aspect of this home for my family, leading our in-house design team and managing the build myself,” he says. “My wife has also been very involved in the entire process as this is a passion project for both of us.”
Hipwell wanted something modern and light-filled that aligned with the laid-back coastal energy of Byron Bay. It also needed to have all the hallmarks of a family home, with space for all the extended family under one roof and plenty of entertaining areas.
“It’s no secret that I love a sleek modern design with concrete and timber – but for this house we also really wanted that relaxed, coastal and family-focused feel. That was the priority for this project. A Modern Coastal home was the obvious choice.
“For us, that relaxed coastal and wholesome family feel has become synonymous with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>, so the moment we knew that that was the feeling we wanted for this home, we also knew we would be working with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>. The product was really one of the cornerstones of the early concept.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7zX2YgfKh977T7N3cAD2oR/0f4c5a78f7f945b68de1b11f58b87ab8/hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-11-Image_Gallery_JH_Website.jpg" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-11" />
<h2 id="therightcladdingcansolveanyproblem">The right cladding can solve any problem</h2>
“There were some heritage requirements that we needed to meet in order for the design to be approved,” Hipwell says. “Using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> helped to fulfil these requirements, which took the ‘challenge’ out of it. We used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/linea-aluminium-corner-soaker">Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers</a> as the hero, and paired them with some concrete elements for a modern take on the nostalgic beach house.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1BWfr287qQLm3qTGq67EoL/ef717399bdaceaed03ac413a1163acba/hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-5-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.jpg" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-5" />
As the property is in the very heart of Byron Bay, there was always the risk of it being less private – but that wasn’t something Hipwell’s family were willing to compromise on.
“We wanted to create an oasis right in the centre of the town, so we incorporated higher fencing around the perimeter. We used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> to elevate the more prominent areas of the fence. This added light and intentionality to the exterior spaces, giving an enticing feeling of privacy and seclusion.”
The home also had to comply with a 7-star BASIX rating and there were some areas of BAL 12.5 rating to consider. Beyond the technical aspects, Hipwell says he just fell in love with how the cladding matched his vision for the home.
<h2 id="streamliningthebuildwithhardieexteriorcladding">Streamlining the build with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding</h2>
Hipwell and his Futureflip team tend to gravitate towards James Hardie brand products and solutions because of their durability and streamlined installation. And this held true for ‘Banks at Byron’.
“We featured <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> on the first-floor facade, sides and rear. We then used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> on the internal and alfresco ceilings. The two products lend themselves perfectly to the Modern Coastal design.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4YBsuxr4YMVNsd5yedJ5I5/b8416ed97c2eb1b7f4e15fd970bdf6e5/Bunker_Byron_X_DIY_Blinds0575-JH_Image_Gallery_Vertical.jpg" alt="Bunker Byron X DIY Blinds0575-JH Image Gallery Vertical" />
While <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> was chosen primarily for the aesthetic value it brought to the design, Hipwell says it was a choice made even easier by all of the practical checkboxes for builders.
“I had an ambitious time-frame for the build, so the fact that installation is easier and faster was huge,” he says. “That translates to money saved, so the product was perfect for our budget.
“We come back to Hardie™ products and accessories time and time again. They are both elegant and practical – which can be a rare combination.”
Owning a design and build company means Hipwell has to trust that the products he uses will stand up both from a design perspective and from a build perspective. With <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ fibre cement products</a>, he’s able to create stunning facades and know that every product installation will be executed easily, with the client getting a product that will stand the test of time – in this case, Hipwell himself.
“We honestly couldn’t be happier with how our home turned out,” he says.
<blockquote>
 Are you seeking a laid-back, yet luxurious lifestyle? Download our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal Design Handbook</a> for more inspiration on how to create your own contemporary coastal-inspired home.
</blockquote>

hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-byronbay-futureflip-jameshardie-11

From design to build, find out how Futureflip incorporated Linea™ Weatherboard and Hardie™ Groove Lining to create this dream Modern Coastal home in Byron Bay.

Elevating the Modern Coastal look with Hardie™ exterior cladding

The Hamilton Project: A Case Study In Master Craftsmanship with Hardie's Cladding Products

When&nbsp;<a href="https://osheabuilders.com.au/">O’Shea & Sons Builders</a>&nbsp;received a call from a couple wanting to create a “family-friendly, sustainable, light and refreshing” modern look home in the upmarket inner-city Brisbane suburb of Hamilton, they knew they were the perfect pick for the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Builder Nick O’Shea shares with us how he worked with the client to create a stunning modern forever home. One that not only catered for their busy lifestyle with two small children, but a place they could comfortably grow old together in, well into the future.
<h2 id="afamilyforeverhomedesignedusinghardiescladdingproducts">A Family Forever Home Designed Using Hardie's Cladding Products</h2>
“The client wanted something bespoke with modern flair and a unique exterior,” explains Nick of the couple’s vision for a home that was exquisite in detail and suited to a sophisticated, low-maintenance lifestyle.&nbsp;
Focusing on the client’s values of “simplicity, nature and quality”, the O’Shea &amp; Sons team and building designer, Mike Hope, put together some initial plans for a multi-level home that would cater for both the couple’s current and future needs.&nbsp;
This included a provision for a home office, an area for exercise equipment, and needed to be suitable for not only when their children became teenagers and entertained friends at home, but also for them as they aged.
<h2 id="lowmaintenanceluxuryliving">Low-Maintenance Luxury Living</h2>
Nick explains that there were three key features that shaped the build of this “seriously impressive home on an elevated 587m²&nbsp;block”: The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/applications/commercial-facades">facade</a>, the stairway, and the kitchen &amp; pantry area.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2wetE6crKNvupJ8G08Fa2h/8fd383b036d4ec627421afcd40c705f3/Hamilton4-1.webp" alt="Hamilton4-1" />
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Scyon Stria™</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardietex-system">HardiTex™ blue board system</a> facade
O’Shea &amp; Sons created a statement monochrome facade through the use of emphasised lines and highlighted textures. This included the use of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Scyon Stria™</a>, which was “applied in multi-layered sections across the front and installed horizontally”, and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardietex-system">HardiTex™ blue board system</a> as the “wrap-around solution for the large structural piers holding the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/applications/decking">deck</a> ceiling and roofing and the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/floors">flooring</a> system, trusses and steel beams that separates the first and second level”. 
“Choosing <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">external cladding</a> offered by James Hardie not only provided for unparalleled design flexibility, it came with all the sustainability benefits in being low maintenance and resistant to rotting, fire and termites. As well as cost savings in ease of application and installation and improved energy efficiency.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/327Kz7BUZ1QlKn6RkAGVTm/dd0dab64cc275d98e61c86e8ee931615/Hamilton3-1.webp" alt="Hamilton3-1" />
The kitchen connects beautifully to the dining, outdoor and pool area and boasts impressive views across the city and skyline. Anchored by a striking island bench, it features European appliances, a generous butler’s pantry and cabinet solutions with motion technology.&nbsp;
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/xJQ3W4UHMc9VYFneuc1pa/cdf23aa57263821572296985b24cd00d/DSC_7940-1.webp" alt="DSC_7940-1" />
The tri-level open stairs crafted from raw natural oak with matching timber balustrades brings a real wow factor to the property, with each step offering breathtaking views, be it of the suspended infinity pool above, the garden or the city beyond.
<h2 id="innovationmeetsfunctionality">Innovation Meets Functionality</h2>
“The clients are exceptionally pleased with their new home,” notes Nick of the modern home that not only met – but exceeded – the client’s expectations.&nbsp;
This was achieved through ongoing communication, collaboration and consultation between the client and builder over the house’s seven-month construction period. As well as ensuring innovative solutions were applied to challenging aspects of the build, such as the difficult slope of the block.
“Cutting and filling the site and construction of retaining walls were critical first steps,” explains Nick on how they addressed the issue.&nbsp;
“Right from the start, this build had to have our full attention to make all the elevations and retaining 100% accurate so that the house would result in flush access from the rear of the top-level living space, including the suspended swimming pool.”
Ensuring the home was highly functional and liveable was another big focus for O’Shea &amp; Sons.
“The results speak for themselves. The top-level is totally seamless, starting from the rear flat yard right through to the front deck. The middle level enjoys a separation from the parents’ retreat to that of the children’s bedrooms and rumpus. This was obtained by adding just two to three steps in the hallway.”&nbsp;
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4gT5s7MDPQYz9xI6hsXinM/50b84017d65586ba9c74a7183a5b9bd3/Hamilton2-1.webp" alt="Hamilton2-1" />
<h2 id="theendresult">The End Result</h2>
The Hamilton Project has “received endless positive feedback” but it is that of the client’s that was the most valued.
“Nick and his team have nailed the brief and the project highlights the building team’s talents in design, creativity and affordable luxury home building, while taking into account environmental considerations,” says the client. “This home will be loved well into the future. It is a perfect example of where design, lifestyle and land are interconnected. And the good thing is, it will take us into the next phase as our kids grow and as we start our senior years.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2bRcbsnjI8lY84IE0f2RIg/3323c3f02aa6e1cbd0515b09bf8567c1/Hamilton1-1.webp" alt="Hamilton1-1" />

DSC_7940-web

Builder Nick O’Shea  received a call from a couple wanting to create a modern home. Here he shares with us how he worked with the client to create a stunning modern forever home.


The Hamilton Project Case Study | James Hardie Blogs

Discover design ideas for your renovations and new builds on James Hardie's blog. Read articles, browse our gallery, and partner with us for your dream exterior.

James Hardie Blog: Trending Design Ideas from James Hardie 

James Hardie Launches Modern Homes Forecast 2024: A Comprehensive Study of Contemporary Living in Australia

James Hardie, the #1 cladding brand in Australia, launches its first annual research initiative, the Modern Homes Forecast 2024. This forecast represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to understanding the lifestyles of Australians and New Zealanders, and how their products can revolutionise the design and construction of modern homes that cater to evolving needs. 

Combining desktop research, cutting-edge AI technology, and expert interviews with architects, designers, and key industry journalists, they undertook a significant study of the trajectory of modern home design in Australia, conducted by research experts Fiftyfive5. This analysis led to the identification of key global and local influences that are shaping the contemporary housing landscape now and into the future and the seven distinct Modern Home styles designed to suit our modern lives. 

Research on architectural features and exterior and interior design trends was gathered from thousands of individual sources, including more than 28,340 posts from over 200 of the world’s most renowned designers and influencers. This was analysed alongside more than three million search terms.  

![modern-homes-forecast-2024-cover-jameshardie-1](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/waGAjKTfLO3KlvhLSZe22/3f479c3fea2bd2e0b853cac803171121/modern-homes-forecast-2024-cover-jameshardie-1_c_fill_w_1000_h_1000_g_auto.webp)

In examining the housing design landscape, it was necessary to first understand the external drivers of change — the global and local forces that influence the way we want to live, and therefore the direction of residential design.  

On a local scale, Australia experienced a profound shift in family dynamics and living arrangements. Couples without children are projected to become the most common family type over the next five years. Moreover, the cost of living and differing cultural influences have prompted people to embrace multigenerational living, with 20 per cent of Australians now residing in multigenerational households. 

Regional migration in Australia has increased by 16 per cent from pre-COVID levels, accompanied by a growing dissatisfaction with city living, which rose from 10 per cent in 2020 to 14 per cent in 2023. This migration trend suggests a re-evaluation of lifestyle preferences and a potential resurgence in regional housing demand. 

Despite a push back to the office, over 53 percent of Australians are currently working from home, prioritising and upgrading home offices to meet evolving work-from-home needs. This trend reflects the changing dynamics of work and lifestyle choices in response to economic and cultural shifts. 

The advent of the digitally native consumer has fostered an explosion of design trends and technology that help create their dream home vision. This technological landscape will see users demanding higher quality products and more choice and flexibility, driving innovation and customisation in housing design. 

Climate change concerns see us reconnecting with nature while also needing more resilient buildings. The 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) requires all new Australian houses and apartments to meet an increased minimum energy efficiency rating of 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) or BASIX in New South Wales. 

There has been a notable shift towards an experience-driven economy, with many financially prioritising travel and hobbies. This thirst for new experiences, contrasted by economic pressures forcing individuals to spend more time at home, is shaping how homes are designed and utilised. 

Amidst these shifts, there's renewed support for local manufacturing, driven by tightening regulations on construction standards. This resurgence emphasises sustainability, quality, and the importance of local economies in shaping housing design practices. 

Adapting to these influences will be crucial for architects, designers, and homeowners alike as they navigate the evolving landscape of contemporary living. 

The insights in the Modern Homes Forecast 2024 explain why the seven most popular, enduring and emerging Modern Home styles are relevant for the unique geographic and cultural contexts of Australia and New Zealand. They include the popular Box Modern and Modern Coastal, the enduring styles of Mid-Century Modern and Modern Heritage, and the rapidly emerging Modern Farmhouse, Barn and Japandi homes.   

To help homeowners articulate exactly what they want and support trade professionals to deliver their clients’ dream modern homes without compromise, James Hardie has produced a series of Design Handbooks, offering comprehensive insights into each of the seven design concepts. These Handbooks showcase design features, material textures, colour palettes, and Hardie™ exterior cladding solutions, empowering homeowners and trade professionals to bring their vision to life. 

![JamesHardieModernForecast2024LaunchEvent](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4AQCcynFrp9gKnLHMASxJ2/fb352c2b324aa6b0537fc7e13c76ae30/1_022_JamesHardieModernForecast2024LaunchEvent_credit_AnnaKucera.webp)

Research findings were presented at an event hosted by Interior Design expert, Neale Whitaker, and featuring a panel discussion of residential design experts who shared insights on social, economic and environmental influences that are transforming the way Australia builds. 

[Discover the Modern Homes Forecast 2024 here.](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast)

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James Hardie Launches Modern Homes Forecast 2024

Neale Whitaker brings drama and luxury to the country with a black façade 

Choosing black for the exterior colour of your home can make for a striking exterior feature. While it might seem a dramatic design decision, there is no doubt black brings a sense of drama and luxury, it pops against foliage with its contrast in tones and will make your house stand out.

> “We knew black was the colour for our barn-style guest house from the beginning. Black buildings tend to disappear into the greater landscape, yet with our own farmhouse being white, we loved the idea of a contrast. The black is quite sensorial and depending on the day it throws incredible light and shadows that creates interest.” - Neale Whitaker

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-9](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6Md6RYaUbk6XWDfoVqUlLM/5d119075f274c2d2ffae368119d0c475/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-9.webp)

Like white and grey, black is a neutral colour. It contrasts well with other materials, hues, and textures plus you don’t need to do much to dress it up. It is a colour that works well with most architectural styles and landscapes, yet if you are considering a modern renovation or build, black painted façades will make the lines of your home the hero. The angles become crisper; the architectural details more visible.

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-17 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3gchLgcplCGkH7tl29BjCa/0a1e43d61eb093002e1a689d0ab41b7e/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-17__1_.webp)

Television personality and style afficionado, Neale Whitaker’s recent guest house build on the south-coast of New South Wales, perfectly showcases how stunning a black façade can be. “We knew black was the colour for our barn-style guest house from the beginning. Black buildings tend to disappear into the greater landscape, yet with our own farmhouse being white, we loved the idea of a contrast. The black is quite sensorial and depending on the day it throws incredible light and shadows that creates interest.”

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zKLh7OBixhA" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/zKLh7OBixhA</a>

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-2 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1CyLEqxINeCneXVTZj33Z8/021f2df3613e7d179469b17e9207564a/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-2__1_.webp)

Neale chose [Stria™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding) by James Hardie for the exterior of the guest house. Being a [fibre cement](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement) product, Stria™ Cladding is durable and adheres to Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements up to BAL40, which is essential with the property being surrounded by bushland. Neale was looking to achieve a specific aesthetic in the choice of cladding, the shiplap panels of Stria™ provide the horizontal lines expected of a barn-style build. Stria™ Cladding panels come primed, and are able to withstand harsh weather conditions and are resistant to warping even when painted in dark colours.

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-3 blog](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/75sk007i3ZTi8m0CJdOgCW/a8379e26f585bb53b67515dff2b54fae/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-3_blog.webp)

![nojhproduct-interior-nealewhitaker-taylorsofberry-guesthouse-jameshardie](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/AuEWqeIvlratcSiPWSrgW/38d64c233c957005d35035b31fdd94e9/JHP07070__2_.webp)

![nojhproduct-interior-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-22](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4hWlqrn0TAUbW5LtX4lvQ3/fd846db1d0a3e607a8716eaea9cc8cf3/nojhproduct-interior-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-22.webp)

“Considering the colour palette surrounding a black façade is a key step in achieving the right look for your home,” says Neale. “Knowing that black can be a harsh colour on its own, we introduced a mix of warmer browns and greens to the palette through the use of brick, timber and foliage, to soften the look.”

Incorporated into the exterior landscape design of the guest house is a mix of raw materials including herringbone laid worn brick pavers in a warm brown tone, olive trees in planters that contrast well against the Stria™ Cladding painted in Wattyl’s black shade of Colorbond® steel Nightsky®.

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-15 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/42h5yphZevoDysT0RFPmxE/5ec8b767d58ae818789b550717006e2b/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-jameshardie-15__1_.webp)

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-1 (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7LVPEOrl0AXF9LHuNsSCbj/eb893d124b3200429d6815362d6fabaa/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-1__3_.webp)

Black is a bold choice, however, no matter what style of home you’re looking to renovate or build, it goes without saying that painting it a shade of black will accentuate its best features and make it stand out from the crowd.

![stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-6 (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/20wSEltFcdI6QthPMjapo7/94d82fbf6f95872676e533626869fa8c/stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-6__2_.webp)

> Loving the Barn design? Explore the complete [Modern Homes Forecast](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast) and download the [Barn Design Handbook](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/barn) to find out more.

Neale Whitaker standing at the entry to his country guest house in Berry, NSW.

stria-cladding-taylorsofberry-nealewhittaker-talent-jameshardie-5

Here's how Neale Whitaker brings drama and luxury with a black façade with the use of Stria™ Cladding to achieve a specific aesthetic and horizontal lines.

Neale Whitaker's black exterior for his country guesthouse in Berry.

Kings Meadows: The bridge to modern design and a new journey in life

Starting a new chapter in life is an exciting prospect and one that homeowners Greg and Rose were ready to embrace when they found a unique block of land in Kings Meadows, Tasmania, which would enable them to build an equally unique home. Following a lengthy and fruitless search for an existing home, Greg and Rose realised a new build would give them scope to create a [modern home](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast) that would accommodate their needs as they moved into the next stage of their lives. 

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 19 (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6FK8Fw5jop0Q1W9Pgj2o4J/7af9a19afe59db565035fb14d00ccb34/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_19__3_.webp)

Launceston is built on hilly terrain and whilst the chosen site for this build was an extreme slope affording incredible views across the valley below, it did pose a challenge when settling on a design. The homeowners approached [S. Group](https://sgroup.com.au/) architect Josh Upston to design a house that was sympathetic to the block. They provided Josh with just two briefs; the first to create a bridge or boardwalk to the house that was level with the road above and the second was to incorporate a tower.

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 21](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/cRoqmmX348wCOApexzqkp/e1a133dcb38fd9a10564c4b8e703f01f/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_21.webp)

> Construction materials such as [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) and [Stria™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding) are ideal for hillside builds due to easy installation, durability and minimal footprint on the block. 

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 13 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2sURXvT2jL3sAK7YYXcEvY/8ebdee2203ae9c24f4fb281362d0cdc1/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_13__1_.webp)

“Given the slope, the whole intention from the client was to allow for a level easy access point to the home and to maximise the incredible views,” said Josh Upston, Associate Architect of S. Group. “S. Group were familiar with the area, having designed another house in the same street. We understood the engineering and design complexities of the environment. Surrounded by neighbouring houses built in the 80s and 90s, we needed to ensure privacy for our clients which also formed an integral part of positioning the house on the block and its design.”

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 233 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4YRIYwSJQqSPGpL8NAGX47/b47718e8fc955e3d17b96de558d8e91c/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_233__1_.webp)

> “The vertical grooves of Stria™ Cladding was an obvious choice for the tower in order to create verticality and the pre-textured sheets of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding allowed for that grounding on the back end." Josh Upston, S.Group

Cladding for the exterior was always going to be a critical feature in breaking down the form and scale to define the three distinct levels of the house. S. Group is very familiar with [Hardie™ exterior cladding products](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding), with the entire range having contributed to the practice’s design aesthetic over the years. In addition to creating a modern silhouette, the ease of installation and flexibility to incorporate colour are key factors why S. Group is drawn to Hardie™ exterior cladding products.

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 28](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6PEVmFxixCNLl2h73xNU0z/ccc0e1eda263a483b5cf2f71c11aa48c/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_28.webp)

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 24 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3M4e0Fb8sKV78MEkO6uGDd/d2dc3567ce9dd9e554d935d75b71c18d/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_24__1_.webp)

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 103 (5)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1QzIFjNzaPno57rQ6ctFGr/6ac236c88a1fdef4105cd0de984b2ea0/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_103__5_.webp)

“We decided to use a mix of [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) and [Stria™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding) for the entire facade,” said Josh. “The vertical grooves of [Stria™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding) was an obvious choice for the tower in order to create verticality and the pre-textured sheets of [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) allowed for that grounding on the back end. The tower acts as a centre spine to connect the three floors, multiple levels in a home design are not common in Launceston and given the block constraints we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this result as efficiently without using exterior cladding.”

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 238](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3YpVphm0injmDXGSm457XU/8f259557fe6c08d5c93ae10155cc5e9f/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_238.webp)

Construction materials such as [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) and [Stria™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding) are ideal for hillside builds due to easy installation, durability and minimal footprint on the block. S. Group were able to create a modern silhouette with a floating living room and deck, whilst minimising the environmental impact eliminating the need for heavy vehicles and various trades during construction. 

The homeowners were particularly drawn to what they describe as a ‘ripple effect’ of the [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) pre-textured surface. [Hardie™ exterior cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding) was also highly appealing to the homeowners as it offered them the option of being able to choose any paint colour for the façade. Important to them was ensuring a seamless connection between the house and the incredible mountain vista and the option of adding their own creative touch whilst ensuring the finish did not distract from the striking architectural design. 

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 146 (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/0DqmTZHAS53xVV80nlV5v/4f59c2d376acde644f0dd108d930e59a/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_146__2_.webp)

The introduction of colour through paint was key in creating this cohesion. The rich dark charcoal of Wattyl’s Colorbond® Monument® offset by the softer, warm neutral tones of Colorbond® Surfmist® paired well to create a sensorial effect where light and shadow was key in forming a relationship between the landscape and the building. The cladding acted as a canvas, its texture diffusing light giving the paint a matte finish and the vertical joint lines a subtlety that allowed bold forms and the large window frames to stand out. 

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 74](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4Cu6gqBNDaX3BDIc9kzGgo/9ef944a347b024acc762979808910734/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_74.webp)

“With such a large build and in using mixed materials throughout, attention to even the finest detail was crucial. We used [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) on the larger sections of the exterior, and followed best practice panel layout, making sure the horizontal joint lines continued around the building from front to back in order to create a sense of symmetry. Colour played an important role in achieving this result and in creating the clean lines we expect to see in modern design,” said Josh.

Incorporating mixed materials in this build, S. Group were able to create a sense of interest and individuality. “Early in the mornings when there is a large amount of condensation in the air, the [Stria™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding) almost takes on the appearance of charred timber and at other times during the day when the sun is out it’s evocative of a metal finish. As an architect it’s great to use a single product range that can provide such a varied look and feel, we can go from bold to pared back depending on the light or time of day,” commented Josh. 

The homeowners recognised this build was going to throw a number of challenges right from the start, the steep block in particular, yet it was the mountain view that kept them motivated. “Working with S. Group and Josh in particular was easy, he listened and understood exactly what we were hoping to achieve,” said Greg. “We love everything about our new home and couldn’t be happier with the choices we made from design to even the simplest of fittings. 

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOeDen33JtU" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOeDen33JtU</a>

“The parameters of our block meant a modern design was really the best if not only option. Throughout the design process Josh was clear on the importance of choosing the right materials to support a modern build, how we might solve our access issues and how we’d create an open plan living space that was vertical. Our goal from the outset was to create a home that is interesting in form from the exterior and offered easy living on the inside. [Hardie™ exterior cladding ](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding) allowed us to achieve this in spades and the view isn’t bad either, it’s constantly changing and is a joy to wake each morning to see it through fresh eyes,” concluded Greg.

![fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 78](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1bCSTVV6ty2nIowYFnkVwh/b04b41b4aa7bee776b3240079ba560a1/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_78.webp)

__Credits__

Architect: [S. Group](https://sgroup.com.au/) 

Photographer: [Ness Vanderburgh](https://www.nessvphotography.com/)

Entry way via bridge to this Kings Meadows home clad in Hardie Fine Texture Cladding and Stria Cladding.

fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 220

Discover the inspiring story of how the Kings Meadows Bridge project transformed a community and symbolized a new chapter with help of modern home design.

Kings Meadows: The pathway to modern design and a new journey in life

A modern extension adds new life to an Edwardian home in suburban Melbourne

Positioned on a wide block (22m wide x 36m long), ‘Montrose’, originally a single level Edwardian homestead in Malvern built c1912, was in desperate need of some TLC. There were some heritage overlay rules for Andrew Brown, Principal Director of [Sketch Building Design](https://sketchbuildingdesign.com.au/) to adhere to, but thankfully nothing as strict as a heritage order. This enabled him to fulfill his client’s brief of improving the home through creating more living space, while being respectful of the age and style of the original house. 

> "The existing house was white weatherboard and the inspiration was to keep this style and aesthetic, with a modern farmhouse twist" - Andrew Brown, Sketch Building Design.

![linea-weatherboards-exterior-heritage-facade-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie-1](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/o2CITxbHl11BGB17ICOBh/63e9922010a14775a6d7ddef808c28a2/linea-weatherboards-exterior-heritage-facade-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie-1.webp)

The home’s newly renovated exterior and interior takes design inspiration from the classical Edwardian frontage. The homeowner’s desired aesthetic was modern farmhouse style with a touch of heritage. Ultimately, they wanted to keep the home light and bright with a modern gable roof line, well-positioned light wells, and to incorporate black steel French doors as a feature to the outdoor space. “The existing house was white weatherboard and the inspiration was to keep this style and aesthetic, with a Modern Farmhouse twist,” said Andrew. 

“To keep this style, we replaced the old weatherboard on the front of the house with [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard) by James Hardie, and used [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding) vertically on the rear and second storey addition to add a contemporary feel.” The [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard) and [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding) were painted white to deliver the light and bright home sought by Andrew’s client. “Both exterior cladding products are durable, have a very good energy rating, and the ease of installation made it a quicker and cost-effective build,” said Andrew. 

![axon-cladding-exterior-heritage-extension-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie-2](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/atpsHFDFZqSQigX2eyBPl/c7cb8210763d0f9e5d253755c701e393/axon-cladding-exterior-heritage-extension-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie-2.webp)

The functionality of the home’s new layout is design success for Andrew. The homeowners, a young family with three primary school-aged boys, requested three bedrooms on the second storey of the addition for their sons. On the ground floor, one of the rooms in the original house became the master bedroom and an adjoining bedroom was transformed into a walk-in robe with connecting ensuite. Another original bedroom in the home became a guest bedroom with ensuite, while the original front lounge room was converted into an office. 

This purposeful design met the needs of a busy modern family with personal and professional demands of the home. “On top of the new bedrooms, open-plan living, and kitchen featuring a butler’s pantry, a mud room with external access was created which was perfect for a home with three young boys. The double fireplace services both the family room and entertaining room,” said Andrew. 

![nojhproduct-interior-extension-malvern-victoria-sketchbuildingdesign-empireinteriors-jameshardie-3](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1r28vVfKYk2e7B2NxCrcMU/aba6087b92c2a7212948312dab4069ad/nojhproduct-interior-extension-malvern-victoria-sketchbuildingdesign-empireinteriors-jameshardie-3.webp)

The ground floor rear extension features an open plan kitchen and living area which opens onto a patio and pool in the backyard. With a large block, the project wasn’t constrained by space, however the pool in the south-facing rear yard had to be positioned correctly to get the late afternoon sun. Another design consideration was ensuring the second-storey addition didn’t over-power the traditional features of the front of the house. This was achieved by locating the addition at the back of the house, minimising its impact on the street view. 

![nojhproduct-interior-kitchen-empireinteriors-sketchbuildingdesign-victoria-jameshardie](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/50uuzmStxwpbiKks8h8QSt/dc0648e5ddcf3233e310eff85d781686/nojhproduct-interior-kitchen-empireinteriors-sketchbuildingdesign-victoria-jameshardie.webp)

It is difficult to tell where the old part of the house ends and the extension begins – the only telling sign is from the exterior as you see the complimentary transition from [Linea™ Weatherboards](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard) to the vertical [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding) of the extension. The home also capitalises on a seamless transition from interior to exterior with the continuity of [Axon™ Cladding’s v-groove from the interior](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/axon-cladding-interior) through to the exterior of the extension. 

[Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard) has the distinctive charm of a deep shadow weatherboard and keeps the charm of timber without the longevity issues of shrinking, swelling and warping to retain its looks for longer. Complementing the horizontal lines of the weatherboard, [Axon™ Cladding's](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding) clean vertical lines bring variety and textural interest to both the external and [interior walls](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/axon-cladding-interior), delivering beauty and fine detail of painted vertical joint timber without the time-consuming board construction or associated durability hassles. 

![axon-cladding-exterior-extension-malvern-victoria-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/Vio3aYoaZVv0siNXVkOZ4/dd7787891f3f42893abaf97236e2a367/axon-cladding-exterior-extension-malvern-victoria-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie.webp)

> “Brick was purposefully not chosen for the extension of this home due to the look and feel, ease of use, product availability, and scale of the sheets of the Axon™ Cladding" - Andrew Brown, Sketch Building Design.

“The homeowner featured metal cladding in their original mood board, but I suggested [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding), installed vertically, would better suit the property. Brick was purposefully not chosen for the extension of this home due to the look and feel, ease of use, product availability, and scale of the sheets of the Axon™ Cladding,” said Andrew. [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding) can also be painted in any colour, and this flexibility allowed it to perfectly complement the white bright colour scheme of the original limestone.

Environmentally, the home’s orientation wasn’t great for energy ratings, but with considered material choices, the home has achieved a 6-star rating. The home features double-glazed windows and the new gable roof has a large cavity filled with insulation to improve the thermal properties of the home. 

![linea-weatherboards-exterior-heritage-facade-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2xWG5jClH129GONjU1ineT/3bdadd64510bd0684f870be263c0e677/linea-weatherboards-exterior-heritage-facade-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie.webp)

Andrew highlights that the scale of the project sets it apart, while the space around the home allows the original Edwardian façade to be the focal point. “Too many heritage homes are dominated by their new additions,” said Andrew who is proud to have delivered a home where the home is brought back to life whilst not drowning out the home’s history is not drowned out. 

> Thinking of adding a modern extension to your own home? Read our [Hardie™ Home Guide article](https://hardiehomeguide.jameshardie.com.au/inspiration/get-planning/room-to-move-how-to-add-a-modern-extension) for everything you need to know on embarking on a house extension: [How to add a modern extension](https://hardiehomeguide.jameshardie.com.au/inspiration/get-planning/room-to-move-how-to-add-a-modern-extension)

“Delivering a great outcome for the client is one of the most important parts of a designer’s role but this is not possible without great clients and a strong vision. We like to work with our clients closely and make decisions as a collective. This was definitely the way this project played out and I’m thrilled with the end result,” said Andrew. “To the client, the interiors team, and the builder, this was certainly a very memorable project that showcases functionality and style.” 

Catch this stunning renovation on the new season of Open Homes Australia. 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0vHwP34U3w" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0vHwP34U3w</a>

__Designer:__ Andrew Brown, Principal Director, [Sketch Building Design](https://sketchbuildingdesign.com.au/).

__Builder:__ Chris Curtain, [Fortem Projects](https://fortemprojects.com/)

__Interior Designer:__ Nicole Chapman , [Empire Interiors](https://www.empireinteriors.com.au/)

> For more inspiration for your renovation, download [James Hardie’s Renovation Guide](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/renovationguide).

Heritage facade in Malvern, Victoria brought back to life with the use of Linea Weatherboards by James Hardie. 

linea-weatherboards-exterior-heritage-facade-sketchbuildingdesign-jameshardie-bloghero

Andrew Brown, Principal Director of Sketch Building Design, fulfilled his client’s request to bring their Edwardian home in suburban Melbourne back to life by creating more living space, while maintaining respect for the age and style of the original house. The home's classical Edwardian frontage has been thoughtfully connected to the modern extension in choice of materials and colours. This Malvern property delivers on modern farmhouse style with a touch of heritage. Replacing the old weatherboard on the front of the house with Linea™ Weatherboards by James Hardie, and using Axon™ Cladding vertically on the rear and second storey addition adds a contemporary feel to the property whilst restoring the charming characteristics of the original c.1912 suburban Melbourne property. 

Being a feature home on Open Homes Australia (2023) highlights the property's significance to its standout design and quality of finish. 

Modern extension adds new life to a Edwardian home in suburban Melbourne!

Gable-end pavilions wrapped in the crisp lines of Linea™ Weatherboard

__Wrapping this 100-square-metre holiday house, Linea™ Weatherboard provides a classic, neutral skin to fit comfortably within an existing beach community.__

Spring Beach in Tasmania features an eclectic mix of holiday homes, with the enduring character defined by humble weatherboard cabins built after WWII.

For architect Daniel Lane of [Preston Lane](https://prestonlane.com.au/), designing a new structure within this community became a study in simplicity. Based on a T-shaped plan and surrounded by native eucalyptus, it brings together off-whites, neutral greys and honey-toned timber in a quiet backdrop for family holidays.

![linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-25](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4D2Q47TIFX6NQHkTXnPJ31/3ffde2381109f5a379fe8697e50bd27c/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-25.webp)

## Revisiting the beach vernacular

The project is defined by two gabled forms – the main house to the east and the carport to the west – connected by a sheltered walkway. The gables face the street, forming a silhouette that connects the new architecture with the vernacular at Spring Beach. 

‘It was important to our clients that the house fit naturally into this existing community of holiday buildings,’ explains Lane. ‘The classic gable profile, clad in weatherboards and corrugated iron, offered an aesthetic that tied in with the original building typologies. We’ve given it a modern update, using fine, minimal detailing and the narrow board and sharp shadow lines of Linea™ Weatherboard.’

The crisp white [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard) by James Hardie sits in contrast to the raw texture of the concrete-block plinth, fireplace and spine wall. Oiled silvertop ash adds a splash of texture and colour in selected niches inside and out. This restrained palette of materials connects all aesthetic elements of the building into a harmonious whole.

![linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-16 (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3mPuFNePjti5JuoIisXnvI/a845ae5da231b30a4fe94a601e771660/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-16__3_.webp)

![linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-4 (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/PgzFQsX292clVGJviPnJV/e7b2651633043e329b10df75b20c1a96/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-4__2_.webp)

![nojhproduct-interior-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-33](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7xJAo9Wf9o0J7dsY8gIV7a/8ab5c0fe98dff5d38ab9d3793f561e6c/nojhproduct-interior-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-33.webp)

![nojhproduct-interior-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-5 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/71viRGmM271HyIRRQC0pzV/0862359280b2727cf6027f26d7fa88e7/nojhproduct-interior-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-5__1_.webp)

In addition to its strong materiality and climate-moderating features, the concrete spine wall forms a protected link between carport and house and demarcates the ‘public’ spaces from the ‘private’ spaces when inside the house. 

> ‘The white façade is a canvas for the play of light and shadow cast by the surrounding eucalyptus,’ says Lane. ‘And even when the sun is not shining directly on the façade, the shadow lines of Linea™ Weatherboard make the house feel textured and tactile. With its sharp aesthetic, it’s more of a modern weatherboard. We looked at vertical cladding options, but Linea™ Weatherboard gave us more depth, shadow and contrast across the façade.’

![linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-22](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7zimj4jojZdjaKNR77dgef/4d57aa705b5b28f9b55b0d03bd5339aa/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-22.webp)

Working closely with the structural engineer, the architects made sure the house was straightforward to build and therefore maintain. Clear, simple alignments in plan and elevation reduce complexity, creating efficiencies during construction.

## Low maintenance informs cladding selection

While budget was a consideration across size, details and materials, maintenance was the primary driver in this remote holiday location.  [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard) is a cost-effective weatherboard option that also provides long term maintenance benefits.

With minimal maintenance such as periodic wash downs and repainting in accordance with paint manufacturer guidelines, you can keep your home looking great for many years to come. Also the cladding is also fire-rated to BAL-40, meaning it is fire resistant and more helpful for fire-prone regions.

## Detailing with Linea™ Weatherboard

The architect used James Hardie’s proprietary edge details – [Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soaker](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/linea-aluminium-corner-soaker). Weatherboards are mitred at the corners, avoiding external scribers and keeping lines and profiles clean and refined. Along the eastern wall, Lane built out the timber frame by an extra 40mm to give a deeper reveal to the box windows in the living room. An aluminium hood creates further depth on the corner facing the road and driveway entrance.

Lane projected the house itself slightly past the blockwork base for depth and shadow to create a feeling of weight and solidity. The shift in plane further delineates the change in material, so the gabled form reads with the greatest clarity.

![linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-18](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/B4Uh4aQrDrfZwidOOxEZJ/da69bc8dcc08f80c6d75736711862054/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-18.webp)

![linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-19](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1uXveRfLeZN6KqxdrYhXCj/688d38c627d588437c3628816b1dd3ac/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-19.webp)

‘Gutters are stepped in closer to the timber frame to further accentuate the clean lines of the weatherboard-clad house,’ says Lane, ‘making the gutters look integrated and not simply tacked onto the exterior. We used a few tricks of the trade to provide that depth where we needed it, and then streamlined other details to accentuate the design ideas driving the project.

‘We’ve designed quite a few projects with these kinds of materials now, and we like to keep the ideas as simple and elegant as possible to let the materials speak for themselves. We seek solutions that will stand the test of time, by not only creating functional and adaptable spaces, but also developing timeless designs that will still look right five, ten, fifty years from now.’

—

CREDITS

Product: [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard)

Architect: [Preston Lane](https://prestonlane.com.au/)

Builder: [Langford Projects](https://www.langfordprojects.com.au/)

Photographer: [Adam Gibson](https://adamgibson.com.au/)

©2023 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denote a trademark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd

Tasmanian beach-side home clad in Linea Weatherboards. A 2-pavillion structure designed by Preston Lane Architects with simplicity in mind. The home is built by Langford Projects. 

linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-20 copy

Discover how the Linea™ Weatherboard by James Hardie provides a classic, neutral skin to fit comfortablity with its Gable-end pavilions wrapped in the crisp lines .

Gable-end pavilions wrapped in crisp lines of Linea™ Weatherboard

James Hardie Blogs

Articles about creation of various dream homes or beautiful renovation of your home by James Hardie team, which helps you to decide best design feels for your house.

Articles on Hardie™ Products & Looks to Inspire You

Discover about the trusted partners, expert contractors, builders and collaborations made by James Hardie™ products which deliver quality and durable home exteriors.

Blogs on Beautiful Home Collabrations with James Hardie

James Hardie and Habitat for Humanity announce partnership to build a better future for those in need

James Hardie Australia are proud to announce a new partnership with [Habitat for Humanity Australia](https://habitat.org.au/) to support their mission that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live and to align with our own purpose of Building a Better Future for All™.

## Building a Better Future for All™.

The partnership brings together James Hardie’s experience as a world leader in the manufacturing of fibre cement building solutions, with the expertise of Habitat for Humanity, one of the world’s largest not-for-profit housing providers for low-income families. Their shared vision to help build sustainable communities comes as many Australians are struggling to find affordable, safe and sustainable housing.

> President James Hardie APAC John Arneil said: “We are proud to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity to improve access to housing for those who need it most. By providing Hardie™ fibre cement product for the Habitat for the Humanity Australia building program, we hope to build a better future for vulnerable members of our community.”

![habitat for humanity yea](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7ai3bcyhs3OWb5olcRkydC/7093cabf5096aadb6583b12cdb62b394/habitat_for_humanity_yea.webp)

Habitat for Humanity Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nicole Stanmore says: “We are delighted to be partnering with James Hardie to help us deliver better housing solutions for vulnerable groups and low-income families. James Hardie’s support will improve the lives of countless families fleeing domestic violence and assist us to provide solutions for families that need a safe home so they can build a better future. Through their contributions and employee volunteering, James Hardie will be helping women and children escaping domestic violence and people facing homelessness.” 

## Supporting vulnerable members of the community 

This partnership will deliver our trusted, Australian made Hardie™ fibre cement products for Habitat initiatives, providing assurance that they can deliver durable, low maintenance and beautiful home exteriors. The partnership includes opportunities for James Hardie staff to participate in the Brush with Kindness volunteering program, and our Marketing team recently painted and refurbished crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence as a kick off of this effort. Both organisations will collaborate and explore a range of opportunities to build better futures for our communities.

![Habitat for humanity yea](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/01hlfZFAjRsW6s73jMRzgI/846a7f436d16eb5f878c8efa1a801ed7/Habitat_for_humanity_yea.webp)

__About James Hardie__
James Hardie Industries is the world’s #1 producer and marketer of high-performance fibre cement and a market leader in Europe for fibre gypsum building solutions. The company empowers homeowners and building professionals alike to achieve the home of their dreams with premium quality solutions that enable endless possibilities for design and aesthetics, while also delivering trusted protection and long-lasting beauty. Key to this effort is the company’s dedication to its customers, market driven innovation, an inclusive and empowering company culture, and an unwavering commitment to its Zero Harm safety initiative. For more information about James Hardie, visit [www.jameshardie.com.au](https://www.jameshardie.com.au)

__About Habitat for Humanity__
Habitat for Humanity Australia is a leading not-for-profit provider of housing for families in need. Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, worldwide Habitat has helped 46 million people build homes, communities and hope.

Habitat for Humanity volunteer day header image

James Hardie is committed to serving our local communities in which we operate, and helping everyday Australians, especially those who are struggling and living in housing stress. James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd announced a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity Australia to support their mission that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live. The partnership brings together James Hardie’s experience as a world leader in the manufacturing of fibre cement building solutions, with the expertise of Habitat for Humanity, one of the world’s largest not-for-profit housing providers for low-income families. Their shared vision to help build sustainable communities comes as many Australians are struggling to find affordable, safe and sustainable housing.


James Hardie celebrates Aussie manufacturing by partnering with Australian Made

James Hardie is excited to partner with Australian Made, marking our ongoing commitment to support Australian manufacturing and helping deliver on our purpose to build a better future for all.

![Logo with white background](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6A8KMtdXeEfClPuURj8L8m/2b8ce7f3d721b4f719e25bb2816b56a0/Logo_with_white_background.webp)

James Hardie empowers Aussie homeowners and building professionals to achieve their dream home with solutions that enable endless design possibilities and deliver trusted protection and long-lasting beauty. We employ a diverse workforce of over 450 employees across operations, manufacturing and research and product development in Australia.

![staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-176](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1u8CYCR6mJxoMmeizMpR2r/adb6373a6e3bd24fa879747a4f17046a/staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-176.webp)

> “Our vision is to inspire how communities design, build, and grow today and tomorrow. We are proud to support and grow local manufacturing capability, help create jobs, strengthen local industries and bolster their surrounding communities,” said John Arneil, President of James Hardie Asia-Pacific. 

Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said, “Aussie products are made to some of the highest standards in the world. They are trusted and known for their safety and quality. There is a huge appetite out there for Australian products, with country of origin increasingly playing an important part in purchasing decisions. 

Roy Morgan research found that 68% of Australians have a preference for Australian-made building and renovation materials products. When you buy Australian Made products, you are helping to employ thousands of Australians across all areas of the supply chain, strengthen local industries and support local communities.”

![staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-506](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/i2ORsql5o35JMeulg6ytU/f46f41f281c612c43eae6b9810626cae/staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-506.webp)

James Hardie has been proudly providing Australian Made building products to the market for over 100 years, starting with just a handful of products. We now proudly produce a wide range of innovative fibre cement building material solutions across manufacturing facilities located in Rosehill, New South Wales, and Carole Park, Queensland. 

One of our recent innovations, exterior cladding solution, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, received a prestigious Good Design Winner Accolade in recognition of outstanding design and innovation at the 2022 Australian Good Design Awards.

![staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-535](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4sHAXcQ1yyFuguGOqjDwtV/d67fe0b0b9d0958e4e5575d47270f0ae/staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-535.webp)

> “Our partnership with Australian Made is a symbol of our enduring support for local manufacturing and product innovation and we are excited to grow as a trusted innovator and industry leader in the Australian marketplace,” said Arneil. 

©2023 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denote a trademark or registered trademark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

staff-rosehill-au-jameshardie-75 (2)

Hardie™ Fibre Cement is proudly Australian Made. To help deliver on our purpose to build a better future for all, James Hardie has certified its range of Hardie™ Fibre Cement products with the Australian Made logo. The famous logo is the true mark of Aussie authenticity and is the most trusted and recognised country of origin symbol. To achieve our vision of inspiring how communities design, build, and grow it's important to also ensure that Builders and Homeowners know they can expect a quality product from us. By making our fibre cement in Australia, we proudly support and grow local manufacturing capability, help create jobs, strengthen local industries and bolster surrounding communities.

James Hardie: Celebrating Aussie Manufacturing with Australian Made

Natale Bowen’s Essential Rules for the Hamptons Colour Palette

Colours are an essential part of creating an authentic Hamptons style home. Over the last two decades of my interior design career and through my work at Indah Island, I’ve mastered how to curate the perfect Hamptons colour palette. Read on for my tips on how to approach it.

## THINK FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Traditionally, a Hamptons colour scheme is comprised mostly of variations of white and neutral tones with accents of grey and blue used as complementary shades.

When creating the colour palette for your Hamptons home, think about the inside first. What colourways are you going to use? That way, the flow of the home is created from the inside out. For example, if you are going to use bright modern colours, then don’t use a soft grey and white palette outside. This would lend itself to softer linens with a blue and white theme.
Always think of your home holistically. If you are going for a coastal feel, then grey and whites work perfectly. If you are going for more of a traditional look, then taupe and white on the exterior lends itself to some antique furniture inside, with a more eclectic look. Finally, white on white can transition well to some tans and navy to create warmth.

## USE COLOUR TO CREATE A CLASSIC HAMPTONS EXTERIOR
The Hamptons look, externally, is very much about the cladding. Use [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard) from the Scyon Walls range by James Hardie for a low-maintenance and hardwearing weatherboard alternative to timber. Opt for a grey or white to create a beautiful coastal look. It’s a look that is never going to deteriorate and will always look classic and have longevity.

Colour is the best way to bring out detail in the exterior of a home. For example, the balustrade, the architraves and columns are all like jewellery for a Hamptons home. These are the features you want to accentuate so having them contrast and pop is a must. You often see this on a white Hamptons home with a black trim, or grey and taupes with a white trim. All the accents, such as the [Axent™ Trim](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axent-trim) from the Scyon Walls range by James Hardie, act like layers to give dimension and appeal.
![blue-linea-with-white-trim](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7IhKWcf1xsG2MWNuHr93nA/3be1824b4130cd38a4396775c34601b8/blue-linea-with-white-trim.webp)
Another example is roof colour. For a classic Hamptons house roof, we would normally choose a dark grey tile then pop the trims, say, a white gutter would go well with taupe, grey or white. Try to avoid bright colourways like cobalt or bright blue or browns with red tile roofs.

## MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN
Let your personality shine through the use of colour and accessories. For example, we normally use a black gloss for the front door. However, we are now seeing more Hamptons homes using colours like navy, pale blue, pink and teals on their doors. Your door hardware can also be a signature piece. A great knocker or pull handle and a bell are also great accessories, which allow you to have some fun and make it your own.

## TOP TIPS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT HAMPTONS COLOUR PALETTE
1. When creating the colour palette for the home, think about the inside first. What colourways are you going to use? That way, the flow of the home is created from the inside out.

2. For a Hamptons-style exterior, use [Linea™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard) from the exterior cladding range by James Hardie in a grey or white to create a beautiful coastal look.

3. Colour is the best way to bring out detail in the exterior of a home. For example, the balustrade, the architraves and columns are all like jewellery for a Hamptons home, so accentuating them is a must.

4. Have some fun and let your [personality shine through](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding) in your home by introducing elements, such as pops of colour or fun door accessories, like pull handles or bells.

hamptons-colour-schemes-by-natalee-bowen

Over the last two decades of my interior design career and through my work at Indah Island, I’ve mastered how to curate the perfect Hamptons colour palette


Natale Bowen’s Essential Rules for Hamptons Colour Palette - James Hardie

Three Birds Renovations use Linea™ Weatherboards to bring a dream home to life

Bonnie, Lana and Erin of <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/">Three Birds Renovations</a> had a clear vision when embarking on the Three Birds Dream Home; to create a unique take on the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> house style that people could buy and build on an average block of land. 
Working closely with builders, <a href="https://www.rawsonhomes.com.au/">Rawson Homes</a>, to bring their vision to life, <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/house14">House 14</a> has been meticulously designed by <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/">Three Birds Renovations</a> to bring together all the best design features from their most loved homes, so Australian homeowners can own the very ‘best of the Birds’.
Each design element, building material, fixture and fitting has been hand-picked by <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/">Three Birds Renovations</a> with the aim of creating the epitome of ‘Coastal Cool’. From the second you lay eyes on the Three Birds Dream Home, it’s clear that the team nailed the brief.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3GlLM1OYtbIH03CZY8qFda/1b2733802ef44ce90dba2a44f7fbfe25/linea-moderncoastal-exterior-3birdsrenovations-house14-jameshardie-11.jpg" alt="linea-moderncoastal-exterior-3birdsrenovations-house14-jameshardie-11" />
The stunning front facade is instant street appeal with its striking textured weatherboard exterior. Bonnie, Creative Director of <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/">Three Birds Renovations </a>explains, “When it comes to your home’s exterior, you want to get it right. It’s the first thing you see when you pull up in the car, so you want to make sure it puts a smile on your dial. The street appeal of your home will have a big impact, good or bad, on its market value. You know what they say, first impressions last.”
To achieve a fresh <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal look</a>, Three Birds chose Linea™ Weatherboards by James Hardie in the wider 180mm width. Very familiar with the cladding products from James Hardie, Bonnie praised “its smooth, contemporary profile, with deep shadow lines” and the product credentials as the main drawcards. The look is also reminiscent of the summer holiday beach houses Australians are fond of.
“When we’re making design choices for the exterior of our homes, it’s all about how we want the home to look, so we turn to our vision board. It was imperative that we chose an exterior finish that gave the home the character to fit in with a street full of original cottages and bungalows. Using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> by James Hardie was a no-brainer.”
“Linea™ Weatherboard is made from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">Hardie™ fibre cement</a>, a combination of wood fibres, sand and cement which means it is super durable and won’t warp or swell. It’s also resistant to damage from moisture and termites - all the things that make timber weatherboards require ongoing attention. Fibre cement is low maintenance and won’t need to be repainted as frequently as timber boards either.”
Sitting front and centre of the block, the home captures the brightness of the location while creating interest with a slowly shifting play of light created by <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a>, which are used around the full facade of the home.
While <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/">Three Birds Renovations</a> have opted for a white, coastal look, Linea™ Weatherboard can be painted in a range of different colours to suit your vision. Where it is generally recommended to avoid dark colours when painting timber weatherboards, the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">fibre cement</a> composition of Linea™ Weatherboard will stand the test of time. Homeowners can confidently choose a dark weatherboard look, without the concern of accelerated deterioration.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4b9Ct4Akxufcbi6asOM6So/51422bcbf8260abeefbc3b27d631f1bc/linea-moderncoastal-exterior-3birdsrenovations-house14-jameshardie-59.jpg" alt="linea-moderncoastal-exterior-3birdsrenovations-house14-jameshardie-59" />
In addition to aesthetics, <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/">Three Birds Renovations</a> chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> for a range of practical reasons. In terms of budget, the wider width boards allow for tongue and groove ends, meaning they can be joined without a supporting stud, reducing both wastage and cost, while preserving internal space.
Bonnie explains, “The most common alternative to building your home with cladding is to use brick veneer. With brick you’ll lose up to 14cm of internal floor space, right around the perimeter of the house, as brick is a much thicker substrate than cladding. If you’re building a Three Birds Dream Home on a smaller block size, you’ll be thrilled we chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> instead of bricks because it’s gained internal floor space, giving the homeowners more bang for their buck in their living spaces.”
In addition to this, James Hardie’s range of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">fibre cement</a> products are also bush fire resistant, so are suitable for use within BAL rated properties.
With the careful selection of quality building materials and a strong design vision, Three Birds Renovations has created a beautiful dream home, designed to last a lifetime.

linea-moderncoastal-exterior-3birdsrenovations-house14-jameshardie-10 (1)

Discover how Linea™ Weatherboard was used by Three Birds Renovations to give striking exterior and bring a dream home to reality with its sleek look and deep shadow lines.

Learn how Three Birds Renovations used Linea™ Weatherboards to build a dream home

The James Hardie and Style Sourcebook partnership allows you to create the facade you’ve always wanted, it’s never been easier to realise your renovation or design vision.  Style Sourcebook is a FREE easy-to-use mood board tool that helps you create beautiful, shareable mood boards that will act as an invaluable visual guide throughout your entire journey.

JH21099-myHardievision

11111 Cobargo: A tree-change to a sustainable, self-sufficient home

Designed as an isolated rural retreat complete with stunning country views, 11111 Cobargo is located inland from Bermagui on the NSW south coast. 
Like much of regional NSW, Cobargo was ravaged by the 2019 bushfires with significant loss of life and property. The bushfires delayed the build but didn’t stop the vision of owners Brian and Matthew from becoming a reality. The house was constructed with fire-resistant materials including <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, which was particularly important following the fires. Sustainability was also of great importance, with the home being designed to be 100% off-grid, supplying all its own power, water, and wastewater needs. Environmental considerations also played into the design with low voltage lighting, low VOC paints, and more insulation than standard included.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6NzY7Bh2Ku1DmJje7OugXR/5791457e15a295833f14d1dc252603f2/Cobargo_5.webp" alt="Cobargo_5" />
<h2 id="visionandinspiration">Vision and Inspiration</h2>
The overall vision was to create a ‘modern farmhouse’, with Brian and Matthew loving home designs which used a combination of materials. 
“We bought the farm 5 years ago and wanted to build our dream home on it - somewhere we would ultimately retire to but also a place where we could run some stock and grow our heritage cider apples,” said Brian, who notes they mostly found inspiration following other builds on Instagram which is also how they came across their building designer Tim Ellis from <a href="https://glowdesign.com.au/">Glow Building Design</a>. “From there, we were lucky enough to have such a fantastic designer, builder, and interior designer team that we could trust to deliver the result we wanted. We provided Tim with a Pinterest board of things we liked and he developed three concepts based on those. There were elements of all three that we liked so we ended up taking those features into the final design.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3tunONJoPs4QLcpTB2XLiN/9ea7abd6a0167c84ae94cb466559432b/Cobargo_4.webp" alt="Cobargo_4" />
<h2 id="jameshardiemoderndesign">James Hardie &amp; Modern Design</h2>
<blockquote>
 "To us, modern design means classic but with bold lines and use of modern materials,” said Brian. “We like the relative simplicity of the modern look with the use of mixed materials to build layers of texture and design features. To help us identify our vision we used mood boards and Pinterest, and drew inspiration from social media accounts, such as James Hardie, to see what the products we were considering looked like in various projects".
</blockquote>
For home-designers seeking to amalgamate their vision from multiple sources, the sophisticated mood board tool <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/">Style Sourcebook</a>, is a terrific resource which can help you research and plan your interior and exterior spaces, including furniture, paint and tiles, and building materials such as fibre cement cladding by James Hardie.
Brian and Matthew were familiar with James Hardie products but it was building designer Tim Ellis who chose the materials best-suited to Brian and Matthew’s vision. This included <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, the latest innovation from James Hardie, which brings a tactile and light-diffusing finish to the home exterior. The pre-textured fibre cement panels connect with shiplap joints and the ready-to-paint, pre-sealed surface has a textured finish of fine render. 
Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding offers architects and designers more creative freedom to explore the possibilities of lightweight construction and considered joint detailing. Panels are supported by a range of corner and junction accessories, also produced by James Hardie. These combined systems streamline the installation process and deliver a consistent, quality finish while upholding the integrity of the design.
<blockquote>
 “We have used Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding on a number of the external walls as it was recommended by our designer for its sleek, modern finish and its fire-resistant qualities. This was particularly important following the fires,” said Brian. 11111 Cobargo was Brian and Matthew’s first build so it was the first time they had used James Hardie building materials. “We love the clean look of the cladding and its durability and fire resistance, which is important in a rural setting.” 
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/53KMVN4ywXpAlxZ6zgzpmj/68a8cb5a772ea96080f566e6dd602cd1/Cobargo_6.webp" alt="Cobargo_6" />
<h2 id="thebuild">The Build</h2>
The 11111 Cobargo project commenced in October 2020 and the 200m2 residence which also included a large 100m2 deck was completed in July 2021.
According to Brian, building designer Tim Ellis, Amie Strange from <a href="https://www.ariinteriors.com.au/">ARI Interiors</a>, and Andrew Ponsford from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/getsmartconstructions/">Get Smart Constructions</a> just 'got' the type of design and style they liked, making the whole process a joy. 
“Amie did an amazing job on our interiors, choosing the colour scheme and feature tiling. We took a leap of faith and trusted her implicitly and we are so glad we did,” said Brian. “The interior was largely designed around Matthew’s insistence on navy kitchen cabinetry which was expertly done by Kitchens of Choice in Bermagui.” 
<h2 id="theresult">The Result</h2>
<a href="https://youtu.be/7AhfokXHt4Y" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/7AhfokXHt4Y</a>
The $750,000 project took nine months to build, and Brian and Matthew are very happy with the result. 
“It was a great journey watching the house grow from concept to reality. There are always little things you might change if you had your time again but overall, we couldn't be happier,” said Brian who encourages anyone considering a new build or renovation to jump in and just do it. “We would say the more involved and invested you are the better and surrounding yourself with a fantastic team like we had will give you the result you are looking for and make the process all that more enjoyable.”
Brian and Matthew, along with their two Jack Russel crosses Matilda and Henri, will now enjoy 11111 Cobargo as much as possible until they can make their part-time tree change permanent. As a career change, they have planted an orchard of heritage cider apples with plans for a cidery on-site which is all part of their dream to one day be self-sufficient and enable them to live full-time on the farm in Cobargo.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1iqWHUiBgrkJdgZfJ5agax/01f31c7a35a60dd25246f4592943e3d6/Cobargo_4__1_.webp" alt="Cobargo_4" />
Specification Tools for Architects and Designers
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-a-sample">Order a Sample</a>
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COBARGO 

Here's Is How a House Was Constructed with Fire-Resistant Materials Including Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, by Particularly Following the Importance of Sustainability.

A Tree Changed to a Sustainable Home | James Hardie Blogs

Get the modern Barn style: from hygge to high ceilings

Have you heard of hygge? It’s a word coined by those in the Nordic north, to describe the cosy contentment associated with enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It encompasses comfort and living well, so it makes sense that this Scandi sensibility can extend to home design too. It is most noticeable in the form of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/barn">Barn style</a> - a popular and dramatic look that is perfect for modern living.
The Barn style was built to connect good design with the wellness of the inhabitants that lived inside, by complementing the surrounding natural landscape. That means minimal decoration, and open spaces for a functional approach to living.&nbsp;James Hardie ambassador&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.studiosnell.com/joe-snell">award-winning architect</a>, Joe Snell, says it best; that the Scandinavian Barn look is one that “combines tradition with modernity.”
To truly answer the question of what is the Scandi Barn style, it takes nailing a variety of distinct features, to transport your home from the suburbs or countryside to the picturesque Nordic coast.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2KsLXs3VNXxhvydXiX07eo/1f63b913662ad1d6699135244a8a04d6/stria-scandibarn-exterior-adelaide-jameshardie-_7-1-scaled.webp" alt="stria-scandibarn-exterior-adelaide-jameshardie-_7-1-scaled" />
One great way to get the Barn look is through using versatile materials that complement the style and each other. James Hardie’s range of durable and reliable <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">fibre cement products</a> are designed for modern homes.
<h2 id="whatmakesthebarnstyle">What makes the Barn Style?</h2>
It’s important to capture the essential features of the Barn - a prominent roof shape, no eaves, open space and bold street appeal - to make the most of the style.
The triangular roof shape is an important element to nail, in order to create a dramatic look that maximises space. This style is characterised by a symmetrical, steeply pitched gable roof, with clean and straight lines, and no eaves. The classic barn shape should be pitched forward from other parts of the home, to emphasise a contrast that is born of a modern philosophy of simplicity.
<blockquote>
 This simplicity explains the popularity of the style, says Christian Hansen, James Hardie’s Product Marketing Manager. “The modern Barn aesthetic is a simple diagrammatic shape. There are no eaves. The gable continues down the wall, and a black and white paint scheme makes it contemporary and stand out against the sky and surrounding structures.”
</blockquote>
While the exterior is the true symbol of the Barn style, you can also get the look through careful design choices in the interior. The minimal approach emphasises light-filled, open spaces, with living designed around versatile communal areas.
The style favours neutral colours and fabrics, such as grey linens and warm timber tones, to highlight the strong relationship between design elements and nature. To stay true to the minimalist Barn interior style, you can also reduce clutter in the home by installing built-in furniture, and make the most of your high ceilings with skylights that infuse the room with light.
<h2 id="thematerialstomakescandistyleareality">The materials to make Scandi style a reality</h2>
As always, using the right materials will help the house stand the test of time, while also keeping maintenance efforts low.&nbsp;
Versatile vertical cladding products such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie can both help you successfully achieve the Scandi Barn style. These practical and considered designs can complement and contrast with the cladding styles on other areas of the house.&nbsp;
For example, you could install vertical cladding on the upstairs exterior, and apply a different approach on the downstairs. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> by James Hardie or the subtly rendered <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Textured Cladding</a> can both do the job - and these products won’t warp or rot, are fire resistant and resistant to damage from moisture and termites.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5yyRTQtPMPx1lN8q4Oi0Ji/76fe45b5d4c6ceeb94d84d2e9aea3d5a/finetexturecladding-calbungalowadd-jameshardie-scaled.webp" alt="finetexturecladding-calbungalowadd-jameshardie-scaled" />
Designed by <a href="https://www.glowbuildingdesign.com/">Glow Building Design</a>
These <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/fibre-cement">fibre-cement panel</a> options arrive pre-primed and ready to paint, and the typical approach with this style is to create a bold look with dark paint, to further foster a striking street presence.&nbsp;
“While many may think of light and bright colour palettes for Scandi Barns, they also have the potential for dark and brooding exteriors in greys and blacks,” says Joe Snell.
<h2 id="thescandibarnstyleinpracticemeetthekewhomenbsp">The Scandi Barn style in practice: meet the Kew home&nbsp;</h2>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/ouzAP2L8f7OEq8cFW7MJT/fcb11d0229ed231297fdf6bab4316f67/matrix-scandibarn-kew-jameshardie_6-scaled.webp" alt="matrix-scandibarn-kew-jameshardie_6-scaled" />
The leafy Melbourne suburb of Kew may be 15,978 kilometres from Norway - but that doesn’t stop a Barn from popping up on an unassuming street.&nbsp;
A white-weatherboard heritage façade hides a modern Barn style extension toward the rear of the home, which is painted in a dark grey - courtesy of a shade called Black Caviar. For the striking panels, Clancy Constructions chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie, due to the lightweight qualities, which make the product easy to work with and install.&nbsp;
But colour is not the only contrast. Highlighting the philosophy of simplicity, which underpins the style, the home owners wanted to create a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. They created a fluid outdoor entertaining space, framed by a set of sliding glass doors, which leads to a lush backyard with dark decking, in contrast to the light and neutral indoor tones.&nbsp;
“Barn is on trend and can be seen in rural or urban settings across the country because of its simplicity, striking exposed beam ceilings, open-plan living spaces and bold street presence,” says Christian Hansen.
<blockquote>
 Inspired to get the Barn look? Download our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/barn">Barn Design Handbook</a> to discover the key features, materials and accessories to bring it to life.
</blockquote>

stria-scandibarn-exterior-adelaide-jameshardie-_9-2-scaled-web

Discover more about modern Barn design and learn tips on how to get the Scandi Barn look using Hardie™ Exterior Cladding.

Get the Scandi Barn Style Hygge to High Ceilings |James Hardie

Let us help you put your inspiration in one place. Discover an easy-to-use mood board tool. The James Hardie and Style Sourcebook partnership allows you to create the facade you’ve always wanted, it’s never been easier to realise your renovation or design vision.  Style Sourcebook is a FREE easy-to-use mood board tool that helps you create beautiful, shareable mood boards that will act as an invaluable visual guide throughout your entire journey. 

Mixing materials: Use contrasting textures to create a modern look

A home shouldn’t be static. As seasons change and years go by, design trends evolve. The best part about owning a property is that you can make any changes you desire, with millions of Australians renovating their homes and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/renovation-boom-hits-historic-high-sealing-2018-as-year-of-the-reno/">spending almost $10 billion a year</a> in the process.
So if you’re ready for a change but aren’t sure where to begin, you might want to start with a simple yet popular theme and use mixed materials to define your own style. Here’s how.
<h2 id="playingonthemoderntheme">PLAYING ON THE MODERN THEME</h2>
Far from the traditional brick-veneer homes of yesteryear, there’s something about the modern look that screams contemporary, authentic and on-trend. We’re seeing many homeowners turn away from old-school design trends and instead trust their own instincts to create a stylish modern property that focuses on clean lines and open-plan living.
Using mixed materials is the building block of getting a true modern look. Not only does it create a visually striking scene from the street, but it allows you to harness a variety of materials to build a truly unique home unlike anything else.
What’s more, home owners who already have a modern-style home can take things to the next level by renovating – experimenting with textures to create an edgier, eye-catching look.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3JVrl2T37IanK5tY2RdXTn/d223698d0505663e1a24f3872696e128/jh2a__1_.webp" alt="jh2a" />
<h2 id="dontbeafraidtoexperimentwithtextures">DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT WITH TEXTURES</h2>
Testing new – and sometimes seemingly random – combinations of materials can be a great way to kick-start your modern-look renovation. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never seen before.
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/introducing-the-box-modern-look">Box Modern Look</a>, for example, is defined by simple shapes stacked on top of each other (or side by side) and uses a smart combination of mixed materials and colours to set off the home’s façade. Yes, there are plenty of hallmarks inside and out according to the particular modern style you’re going for, but don’t get bogged down in the details – instead, use them as a jumping-off point to develop your own unique design.
Then it’s time to play with the actual textures. Think about all the different materials that can be used on your home’s exterior and even interior. Iron, steel, timber, brick – there’s no right or wrong choice, depending on your style. Then use those materials to create striking contrasts with geometric shapes, for example, and a colour palette that matches your lifestyle and surrounding environment.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1AxyXHfP7gJT3cR8aVcHbV/ff74db70f4aee60750065c531a67b714/jh2c.webp" alt="jh2c" />
<h2 id="bringingjameshardietothemixedmaterialsparty">BRINGING JAMES HARDIE TO THE MIXED-MATERIALS PARTY</h2>
James Hardie is the master of the modern look, and a variety of visually stunning – and hardwearing – materials can be employed in your next renovation or build.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ weatherboard</a> is just as at home on a Hamptons-style property as it is on a minimalist design nestled in the heart of a bustling city. Paint it in dark colours for an intense contrast to neighbouring whites and creams. Best of all you get the brilliant weatherboard look without the time-consuming maintenance of timber.
Cladding is also key in a mixed-materials modern look. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ cladding</a> creates dramatic façades with clean, vertical lines, whereas <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™ cladding</a> adds a bold, industrial aesthetic with geometric panels that offer something truly different.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4hvAGHybikMDWTK0mCRqQg/f4348c91d03ec58201dccf63f370a330/jh2b.webp" alt="jh2b" />
<h2 id="whichstyleofmodernareyou">WHICH STYLE OF ‘MODERN’ ARE YOU?</h2>
Aside from the Designer Mixed Materials look where pure variety is the spice of life, there are several other design types that are taking the Australian property market by storm:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mid-century-modern">Mid-century Modern</a>: This style focuses on glass, nature and simple silhouettes to achieve a look that is fully aware of its surroundings. Unobstructed elements showing how the property was built, such as exposed steel beams and cladding, are key to this design type.</li>
<li>Minimalism: Pared-back exterior, minimal joints and lines, large expanses of glass for natural lighting – it’s all about being simple yet striking with a minimalist home design.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a>: Whether you’re on the coast or in the heart of the CBD, this look uses soft curved shapes, eaves returns and balustrades to bring the heart of the beach into your home.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a>: Combining traditional with modern, this design is typified by steep-pitched rooves, minimal window use and a strong diagrammatic house shape.</li>
</ul>
The best part about the modern look is you aren’t boxed into any one particular style. Like the feel of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mid-century-modern">Mid-century Modern</a>? You can play around with both and take it to another level with mixed materials.
Want to learn more about the modern look and which products can elevate your next build or renovation? Contact <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/">James Hardie</a> on 13 11 03 or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/find-a-stockist">find a stockist near you.</a>

jh2a

Discover about the variety of mixed materials used in the building block for getting a true modern look & how to create a visually striking scene from the street.

Use contrasting textures to create a modern look  - James Hardie

Bring your dream facade to life with James Hardie and Style Sourcebook

The façade of a home is often overlooked, however, it’s one of the most important elements for creating instant street appeal. Visualising and creating a design for your façade is just as important as designing your interior, and the two should complement each other to marry the exterior and interior spaces. The key to a well-designed home is knowing the style you like and the elements that achieve the look. For most people, it’s a challenge on where to begin!
Collating a mood board can help define and refine your vision for your home exterior. Mood boards should include images that showcase colours you like and textures and materials you want to use. Take into consideration each aspect of your façade including exterior walls, roof, front door, fence and accompanying furniture.
James Hardie has recently partnered with <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/">Style Sourcebook</a>, a sophisticated mood board tool to connect renovators and new home builders to endless design possibilities, and has invited key design influencers to create mood boards with a focus on Modern Looks. Here you’ll see inspiring interpretations of modern design and how you can mix and match materials to create your own unique style.
<h2 id="boxmodern">Box Modern</h2>
This look emphasises the arrangement of different shaped boxes to create a contemporary home. “The box shape is a modern design element used in architecture to create clean lines and strip back design to its purest form,” says Maria Cerne, Interior Designer at <a href="https://www.studioblack.com.au/">Studio Black Interiors</a>.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/Oxor11M6M5Z6cKYLocMBB/0ca22bfe258df3382e29d166bc0731f6/Box_Modern_-_Studio_Black.webp" alt="Box_Modern_-_Studio_Black" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern</a> mood board designed by <a href="https://www.studioblack.com.au/">Studio Black Interiors</a>. 
The key elements in creating a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">box modern</a> facade are to use the clean lines of vertical, horizontal, or even panel cladding to distinguish each box shape. James Hardie products, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> are ideal in this application. Paired with a palette of dark and light colours in tones of black, white and grey, creates a home that has a sophisticated and high-end feel.
<h2 id="midcenturymodern">Mid Century Modern</h2>
Taking inspiration from the 1930s to the 1970s, a main principle of this look is ‘form follows function’, meaning the purpose often comes before the design. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6iKZbLo5i3eumBD2SyHv5x/5559e3500c216993a523ca9b46d05533/Mid_Century_Modern_-_Oleander_and_Finch.webp" alt="Mid_Century_Modern_-_Oleander_and_Finch" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern</a> mood board by <a href="https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/">Oleander and Finch</a>.
<blockquote>
 “There are a few sure ways to achieve a mid-century façade. Try a pop of bold colour on the front door and sticking to clean lines and geometric shapes just as you would with mid-century interiors. The earthy hues, Linea™ Weatherboards, timbers, stone and texture cladding used in this colour palette reflect the handcrafted organic nature of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century Modern</a> design. Landscaping should be minimal. Think plants indigenous to your area, and a focus on marrying the interior with the exterior,” says <a href="https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/">Oleander and Finch, Interior Designer</a>.
</blockquote>
<h2 id="mixedcladding">Mixed Cladding</h2>
This look is all about mixing, matching and layering different materials and styles of cladding to create an interesting and unique look with design variation. 
<blockquote>
 “To achieve a coastal luxe <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mixed-cladding">mixed cladding</a> look, I recommend using a blend of Linea™ Weatherboards, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™ Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie in whisper white. The softness of whisper white, offset by texture of stone and timber, plus a feature doorway complements James Hardie’s range and completes the final look,” says Ashley Madison, Creative Founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/am_interiordesign_studio/">AM Interior Studio</a>.
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6OE6tNhmmAkcgvXYtpeLHw/552aaed551383db79cb33d51589d7092/AM_Interior_Design_Mixed_cladding.webp" alt="AM_Interior_Design_Mixed_cladding" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mixed-cladding">Mixed Cladding</a> mood board by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/am_interiordesign_studio/">AM Interior Studio</a>.
Mixing <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> with its deep shadow lines with a vertical joint cladding such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix Cladding™</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> will provide instant street appeal. To create a contemporary aesthetic, carefully place windows at the same height, and to complete your modern look, choose a monochrome colour palette but finish the last 10% of your colour palette with timber tones or an unexpected pop of colour.
<h2 id="moderncoastal">Modern Coastal</h2>
Reflective of Australia’s beach shack history, the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> look is a combination of crisp white weatherboards and contemporary clean lines with a luxury outdoor living vibe.
<blockquote>
 “When creating a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> façade, start with the main exterior element – weatherboards as it covers the entirety of the home. It is important to mix textures such as weatherboards with timber, bricks, natural stone and tiles,” says Court + Riss, Co-Founders of <a href="https://www.boneandblanc.com.au/">Bone+Blanc Interior Design Studio</a>.
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3H2HAlAcTLvOStMU8tfpqZ/0a2612999d3ca60eed508e52de781e35/Modern_Coastal_-_Bone___Blanc.webp" alt="Modern_Coastal_-_Bone___Blanc" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> mood board by <a href="https://www.boneandblanc.com.au/">Bone+Blanc Interior Design Studio</a>
Key elements to create the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> look include crisp white [Linea™ Weatherboards](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Axent™ Trim</a> by James Hardie, a roof style that provides a simple designer look (flat, gable or skillion) and large, impressive windows placed carefully in the façade. Embrace the relaxed coastal styling with wide stacking doors, deck chairs, outdoor umbrellas, neutral and natural textures and lots of outdoor plants.
<h2 id="scandibarn">Scandi Barn</h2>
The popularity of modern farmhouses and barn-style homes in Australia have increased. The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a> look encourages simplicity, minimalism with a touch of Scandinavian influence. 
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a> look is characterised by its steeply pitched gable roof of 35 to 45 degrees, with corrugated steel sheets preferred over tiles as the material of choice. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> by James Hardie provide the perfect façade, and in choosing a bold colour palette, you can bring your dream home to life. Interiors showcase the pure barn shape with vaulted ceilings with its open floor plan with skylights, light timber floors and the use of neutral and natural materials.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/vgQ34KXW8SrQ1eLK0ffNN/334a8c0c6b5fe9f8207797a179969e3c/Scandi_Barn_-_The_Stables.webp" alt="Scandi_Barn_-_The_Stables" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a> mood board by <a href="http://www.thestables.com.au/">The Stables.</a>
To get creative, start your mood board and bring your design vision to life, visit <a href="https://www.stylesourcebook.com.au">Style Sourcebook here</a>.

Scandi Barn - The Stables

Discover the key to a well-designed contemporary home by knowing which façade style you like which includes exterior walls, roof, front door, fence and furniture.

Know How to Bring Your Dream FaçAde to Reality with James Hardie

An interior architect shows how to use different materials on the exterior

Using a mix of cladding adds richness to home designs and streetscapes. James Hardie sat down for a virtual coffee with <a href="https://gilchristhomes.com.au/">Gilchrist Homes</a> to find out their secret for getting the mixed cladding look right. The focus of our discussion was their head-turning, award winning Elwood Display home in Wodonga on the border of NSW and Victoria, which was designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.ausplandesign.com.au/">Ausplan Group</a> for their client <a href="https://greenesthouse.com.au/about">Greenest House.</a>
It’s important to work with the Built Form Design Guidelines provided by the council or developer. Typically, they don’t want insipid home designs. They want interesting house designs in a style that suits the suburb and makes a positive contribution to the street. Inviting streetscapes are good for the wellbeing of communities and house prices.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6CMZfF26wFST0fH9FsDLWt/2f58a6a41d80d9ddd3869bb7926c1356/facade_gilchrist_homes_elwood_display_jameshardie_1.webp" alt="facade_gilchrist_homes_elwood_display_jameshardie_1" />
Form meets function. The bold 30 degree roof pitch looks amazing, and is the optimium angle for the solar panels.
<a href="https://gilchristhomes.com.au/">Gilchrist Homes</a> build custom homes which aim to achieve a perfect balance of good design, energy efficiency and functionality.
Their approach to design is unique but effective. Leah Gilchrist, from the family business, is an interior architect. Naturally she’s responsible for beautiful and well thought-out the living spaces. Surprisingly though, she has a big influence on the exterior and tends to challenge convention. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/79ukk4SwggO2pNoWLPhER7/0bf5002619931401cafd5086c4caaa2e/interior_gilchrist_homes_elwood_display_jameshardie_9.webp" alt="interior_gilchrist_homes_elwood_display_jameshardie_9" />
Large windows flood the living area with light. They provide passive heating as the winter sun warms the concrete floor.
Interior design works in layers. Start with a neutral wall colour and then bring in shape with interesting furniture. Then bring in texture with a rug or fabrics. Then bring in pops of colour with styling items like cushions.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/JA3DuUgPzpjhtyoW4BVUt/5eba9f06bfe9aced6c6c3c2b85af122d/hardie-finetexturecladding-gilchrist-homes-elwood-display-jameshardie-10__1_.webp" alt="hardie-finetexturecladding-gilchrist-homes-elwood-display-jameshardie-10__1_" />
With high walls, interesting angles and large openings it makes sense to get a render-like finish from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> than cumbersome masonry.
Leah’s approach exteriors cladding seems to involve layers too. Take the indoor-outdoor entertaining area for example. To make the wall a simple canvas, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> was used first. It has a subtle render texture which diffuses light giving the grey paint a contemporary matte finish. It’s calming and helps put emphasis on the shape of the building. To add texture and visual warmth, vertical joint timber cladding has been used. Then there’s the dominant feature, the sculptural metalwork. This will look even more spectacular when the deciduous vine grows up the horizontal wires to the roof peak and shades the outdoor area in summer.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2YQ7gMv0qKA9afFkN7eOSQ/f5ae71defe43e18bda70bc9a5fdb0de2/hardie-finetexturecladding-gilchrist-homes-elwood-display-jameshardie-5.webp" alt="hardie-finetexturecladding-gilchrist-homes-elwood-display-jameshardie-5" />
The cladding has a fine render texture embedded in the fibre cement to do away with the problems traditional cement render has.
Matt Gilchrist, Managing Director of <a href="https://gilchristhomes.com.au/">Gilchrist Homes</a>, says “While people love the look of our Elwood Display home, it’s rare we build the same house twice. We’re a custom home builder and we listen to the homeowner and build to the story of their family and contribute our expertise in design and energy efficiency”.
The Elwood Display home achieves a remarkable energy star rating of 7.7 with standard insulation and single layer glass. The Albury Wodonga area has hot summers and freezing winters which help demonstrate the thermal performance of the design.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/58tnfoMr584RNa4Csp11Xu/db1f7ef343326d822426a23c4677cc1c/hardie-finetexturecladding-gilchrist-homes-elwood-display-jameshardie-8.webp" alt="hardie-finetexturecladding-gilchrist-homes-elwood-display-jameshardie-8" />
Dark colours don’t need to be avoided. The durable fibre cement Hardie Cladding is installed on a cavity with a reflective foil weather barrier to reduce heat transfer.
What’s a Gilchrist Home like to live in? Kiah Beaumont, Construction Manager says “We aim for a high-end feel by being smart where we spend money. We invest more time in the planning phase up front and bring clients on the design journey so they understand the orientation and placement of the rooms and are confident with the finishes chosen. As a result, the build time is typically fast. As quick as just 4 months.
<a href="https://youtu.be/aCjjUj7sC4w" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/aCjjUj7sC4w</a>
<a href="https://gilchristhomes.com.au/">Gilchrist Homes</a> are passionate about innovation. They were one of the first Victorian home builders to use <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>. They find designing and building homes to be a joyful and rewarding process. Even more rewarding since the Elwood Display home has just won “Best Display Home valued $350,000 to $500,000” in the Regional Building Awards held by the Master Builders Association of Victoria.
If you’re looking to build in the Albury Wodonga area and appreciate good design make an appointment to visit a display home <a href="https://gilchristhomes.com.au/">here</a>. 
For more information about this home visit Greenest House <a href="https://greenesthouse.com.au/projects/lanning-street">here </a>

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Single storey homes are cheaper and faster to build than double storey homes, but they require more land. People commonly choose single story homes for their life stage or accessibility. Those building forever homes, elderly and families with young children want designs without stairs. Single level homes can be good for keeping families connected with each other, as opposed to double storey homes where children have their own living area upstairs.

Heating and cooling is also cheaper and more efficient with a single storey home. They’re easier to clean too. Vacuum cleaners don’t ‘have to be dragged up and down stairs and gutters aren’t dangerously high. Single storey homes have a smaller façade area and risk making an unimaginative contribution to streetscapes. Especially with the narrowing of lot sizes. The problem is that double garages dominate and little can be done with just the front room and entry way that remain. Dull designs have little more than a hip roof, rendered walls and a portico over the entry way.

More adventurous homes adopt a distinct styles such as:

- The Hamptons look. A gable roof, weatherboard cladding, front veranda and ornate sconce lighting and fretwork.
- Mid century modern look. A flat or gently sloping skillion or gable roof with large windows and some natural textures or a pop of daring colour.
- Modern coastal look. A shed or skillion roof with a single slope with a large protective overhang, weatherboards and veranda prompting and outdoor lifestyle.
- Scandi barn look. This bold style combines a steeply pitched gable roof, timber-style fibre cement cladding and black and white colour palette.

Well designed one storey homes can benefit from abundant natural light and open plan living spaces that seamlessly connect with outdoor rooms.

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Hardie™ Single Storey House comes in various looks like Hamptons Look, Modern Coastal Look and Scandi Barn Look. explore through our delightful Single Storey House Designs.

Single Storey Home Design Ideas and Plans | James Hardie

Single Storey New Homes

An interior architect shows how to use mix of different materials like Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Axon™ Cladding on the exterior of homes.

How To Use Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding In Interior Design

How Axon™ Cladding by James Hardie brought enviable urban luxury to Highett 

Often, homes end up reflecting their surroundings; they take their cues from parklands, the sea, countryside, or modern suburbia. They bring the various features of the location, into the design, exterior and interior, to better blend in with their chosen environment. 
It’s hard to put a label on the new townhouse by <a href="http://mancinimade.com.au/">Mancini Made</a> in the Highland Reserve, in Highett. Located a mere 16 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, and a short walk from Port Phillip Bay, you’ve already got an immaculate blend of city and sea. Throw in the quiet, suburban green space that is Highland Reserve itself, and you’ve got a home among the gum trees as well.
Location aside, the home itself is a lesson in modern design and living, combining innovative building techniques and materials. The design-and-built team at Mancini used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding </a>by James Hardie, to produce a spacious, durable and versatile model of contemporary living. And all with a truck load of street appeal.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7BE4hHmXVKiyjfGBaHXvbx/290d1c8e29407c70ba21c87495530ecc/2.jpg" alt="Mancini made" />
<h2 id="howmancinimadebroughtthevisiontolife">How Mancini Made brought the vision to life</h2>
When award-winning Melbourne design company Mancini Made approached the brief for the Highlands Reserve property, they kept three words in mind: enviable, urban, luxury.
“We take pride in each custom-designed, precision-built project because Mancini Made is not just a business; it’s a passion,” says director Anthony Mancini. 
The bayside property needed a streetfront facade that could blend in with the fringe of the park. It also needed to align with modern design techniques, which is where the use of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> came in. 
Split over two levels, the four bedroom space seamlessly combines inside and outside with an expansive living area that opens out into an alfresco space. Moving upstairs, the retreat-like area is designed to maximise space with high ceilings and strategically-placed skylights and wide-framed windows to draw in natural light. 
The Mancini team focuses on precision construction and design-and-build of high-end homes, townhouses and apartments - and Axon™ Cladding is a perfectly precise partner. To create these homes to an uncompromising standard, Mancini Made embraces the use of top-notch materials. According to Anthony, “Axon™ Cladding is best if you’re covering large areas. It looks great if used well, including colour selection. It’s a great alternative to many other materials.” 
<h2 id="thecosmopolitancladdingtosuitanyhome">The cosmopolitan cladding to suit any home</h2>
The cladding was used to create an upper level of clean, black vertical lines, rising to a striking gabled roof. The design of the Axon™ Cladding 133mm Smooth product creates textural interest on the walls, while also adding clean vertical lines to bring out the bold shape of the building itself. The darkness of the cladding provides a dramatic contrast with the soft white exterior brick on the lower level of the home, creating an interesting yet uncomplicated look for the home. 
<blockquote>
 “The linear design with a shadow line effect is a great visual,” says Anthony, “because you don’t have to over-design or over complicate the building with shapes and colours. Less is more in our style and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> helped us achieve this.”
</blockquote>
The immaculate attention to detail on the panels means that you can avoid having to go through the time-consuming process of constructing the boards, while still achieving that exact same look of vertical joint timber. Fibre cement has an advantage over timber, as the cladding won’t have any longevity issues. It doesn’t shrink, swell or warp, which means that it retains its looks for longer. The durability of the product also means that it’s resistant to fire, termites and damage from moisture, which makes it the perfect choice for an exterior facade. 
“We’re always looking to create a response that is appropriate to its surroundings with attention to materiality,” says Anthony. “This ensures projects will continue to improve over time.” 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/20P1EsNcs8KA04JWYzVQ7D/99b8d212ce24fecdc877f4fb4b88bcc1/1.jpg" alt="mancini-made3" />
<h2 id="installationmadeeasy">Installation made easy</h2>
As a design-and-build company, Mancini Made wants to use products that look good, have practical benefits, and are easy for their building team to install. Saving time on the build is a win-win for all involved, and using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding </a>was a great way to do that. 
The cladding features a shiplap joint on the long edges for ease of installation, and it can be gun nailed to timber frames, or screwed to light gauge steel frames. Axon™ Cladding arrives pre-primed and ready for paint, and the thinness of the panel means that space can be prioritised in the home, instead of using heavier and thicker masonry like brick. 
Finding a gem of a location like the Highland Reserve in Highlett is a great way to get the best of bayside, cosmopolitan and parkland. Add on to that a great new build by Mancini Made, which puts contemporary cladding at the heart of the design, and you’ve got everything you could ever want for your home. 
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Learn more about how Axon™ Cladding can help your home stand out on the street</a>

mancini made hero

Here's how James Hardie's Axon™ Cladding helped Highett to create a spacious, durable and versatile model of modern living to achieve outstanding urban luxury.

Urban Luxury From James Hardie's Axon™ Cladding

A modern example of how style, sophistication and seclusion can meet.

We all want a space that we can call our own - even more so when so much of our lives are so public. Our modern lives now live on feeds and tags and timelines - but we all want a home where we can retreat to our world. A private place that gives us all the comfort we need as well as reflecting how we live modern life.
Privacy - with a capital P - was key to the brief given to the team behind <a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au">Reece Keil Design</a>, with their customer looking for a open-plan, single storey villa that could be built in Queensland’s suburban Miami. They also wanted to live their lives hidden from view, yet have a year-round resort feel; and from that description sprang <a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au/villa-sunshine/">Villa Sunshine</a> - a home that’s a modern example of how style, sophistication and seclusion can meet. 
<a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au/villa-sunshine/">Villa Sunshine</a> also took out the Best Use of James Hardie Award at the annual <a href="https://bdaa.com.au/">BDAA</a> Awards, after the James Hardie judging panel fell in love with a facade that was protective, yet not imposing. The team created the villa’s height by using the tactile <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie, which meant that the client’s goal of visual privacy from neighbours and the street was achieved. 
<h2 id="acladdingthatsmadeforthesunshinestate">A cladding that’s made for the sunshine state</h2>
Working with a small lot, the team had to transform a 405m2 site into a welcoming retreat. Basking in the sunny Queensland glow, it was also important to ensure that the facade could stand up to the elements, while still having a hefty amount of street appeal. When viewed from the street, the facade shape and size was also designed to offset the tall, overhanging neighbouring properties. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2JRHqN8DCLFoFkEgfvBGFB/8b47dfcf7f2b13c36457047bc62f0afa/Web_Res-33.webp" alt="Web_Res-33" />
The team chose to use <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> 133 Grained as a crucial part of the home’s facade, due to its ability to add the appearance of height to the property, ensuring that the client’s privacy is put first. 
<blockquote>
 “It’s quick and effortless to install, and the grained texture finish paired with the recessed vertical lines on the surface of the board add depth and height to a wall face,” says Reece Keil, the designer of the project. 
 “This was an important aspect to the success of this design; creating a sense of space within a confined space.”
</blockquote>
The property features the panels in both dark grey and white, providing a dramatic yet intriguing look that can be glimpsed from the street. 
The judging panel agreed, describing the home as a “refreshing, modern design that makes terrific use of the small lot size.” The panel also highlighted the illusion of height achieved through the use of the cladding, “whilst also allowing for a tactile finish.” 
There were a few key reasons to choose the fibre cement cladding, rather than alternative facades, such as brick or timber. The cladding takes up less space than brick as well as being flexible and easy for builders to install and work with. Cladding is fixed to the building frame, adding less weight to the home, instead of the more cumbersome brick option, which is typically installed on a specially-designed slab. 
Being made from long-lasting and durable fibre cement means that Axon™ Cladding can retain the aesthetic charm of timber, but without the longevity issues of shrinking, swelling and warping. The cladding is also resistant to moisture and fire damage, as well as being a low-maintenance material, to match the low-maintenance ethos of the home. The durability and reliability of the cladding was key, when considering that the exterior would be exposed to a significant amount of exposure to sun in Queensland. 
<h2 id="theprominenceofpassivedesign">The prominence of passive design</h2>
When the James Hardie panel judged the entries for the BDAA Design Awards, there were a few reasons that <a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au/villa-sunshine/">Villa Sunshine</a> stood out - and its embrace of passive performance was a key element. 
While <a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au/villa-sunshine/">Villa Sunshine</a> is placed on the small block, the team used positioning to ensure that it could benefit from natural sources of heating and cooling, through the sun and breezes. The careful design and orientation of the home took into consideration elements such as the pool, which <a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au">Reece Keil Design</a> positioned to sit in the sun all day, maximising natural heat. The team also took into account the south-easterly breezes that could help cool down the outdoor space. The lightweight construction of Axon™ Cladding, when combined with insulation, also helps to keep the home at a cool temperature. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7q2aFbqIYsL76pje6ki0w6/9182723ed77317b3e5d1d0714602787f/Web_Res-31.webp" alt="Web_Res-31" />
Passive design also came into play with the privacy brief. The team were able to use styling tactics, such as planting hedges and shrubbery along the fence lines to block the lines of sight from the neighbours, and also doubled as shade for the footpaths. By limiting the windows toward the back of the home as well, these rooms could stay private, while also not getting too much afternoon sun, and ensuring that the interior of the home remained cool. While the outside of the home basks in the balmy Queensland sun, while the inside provides a cool retreat from the heat of the day. 
<h2 id="internalcalmtomatchamodernexterior">Internal calm to match a modern exterior</h2>
When entering <a href="https://www.reecekeildesign.com.au/villa-sunshine/">Villa Sunshine</a>, you undergo a seamless transition: from contemporary facade to those same, modern values carried throughout the home. 
A neutral grey forms the basis of the interior structure, appearing on the concrete walls of the bathroom, and mellowing to a cool, cloud-coloured marble on the kitchen island. Black fittings - from the sinks to the lights - ground the space by providing a great contrast to the lighter colours, while high ceilings help diffuse the copious amounts of light. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1fk7q6OerJgAY7NUOChqkO/41cb4e9f26b3ac57bd5673cfe4f47396/Web_Res-16.webp" alt="Web_Res-16" />
The main living space of the home is completely open-plan, featuring an oversize vaulted ceiling with exposed beams that serve to accentuate the height. The space also opens out onto the alfresco areas and other outdoor spaces, connecting indoor and outdoor while still remaining visually protected. 
Coupling clever and deliberate design, while using the right facade material in <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>, the team at Reece Keil were able to create the perfect, private sanctuary. And they managed to win the Best Use of James Hardie Award as well - a well-deserved achievement that our judging panel deemed ‘spectacular.’
<a href="https://youtu.be/YGZjz8yRt20" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/YGZjz8yRt20</a>
Learn more about how Axon™ Cladding can transform your home <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">here</a> 
Order a Sample <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-a-sample">Here</a>

Axon™ Cladding by James Hardie used on an award winning home, Villa Sunshine.

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Know how smart design created Villa Sunshine’s perfect paradise with James Hardie's fibre cement cladding product, Axon cladding.  Blogs By James Hardie

Villa Sunshine Built with Hardie's Fibre Cement & Axon™Cladding

A true Tuscan treat: the Florence house brings contemporary living to Brisbane

Sitting at the poolside alfresco patio, looking up past the oversized windows at the rooftop terrace set against a brilliant blue sky, you could be anywhere in the world. And that was the brief - to transport a little bit of Italy over to a new Brisbane build, bridging a 16,000 kilometre distance in the process. The response? A new home design that brings the best of Tuscan style conveniently into the heart of the newly named Olympic city.
Produced by <a href="https://www.signaturepropertypartners.com.au/about-1">Signature Property Partners</a> and nicknamed the ‘Florence’, the home is unlike most on the market, with a clear dedication to echoing design of a different time - Renaissance-era Italy, to be exact.&nbsp;
The triple storey home is a stone’s throw from the city in Coorparoo, four kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, and is designed to emphasise modern, convenient design, through its space and style. Its striking facade uses a mixture of textures, contrasting timber tones to warm up the facade's colour palette with smooth rendering - and 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms make it the ultimate in luxurious and modern family living.&nbsp;
These generous spaces required clean and bold lines to complement the bold exterior style, which is why the team turned to <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> by James Hardie.
While the style of the home is Tuscan, this cladding is anything but rustic. It has a consistent, fine render texture with subtle and perfectly spaced joins, to give&nbsp; a feel of modern precision. The fibre cement panels are embedded with a fine render texture that helps to ground the home with a contemporary style, allowing the modern features to shine through.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G82spjBkLU" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G82spjBkLU</a>
<h2 id="therightmaterialsforamoderntakeontuscany">The right materials for a modern take on Tuscany</h2>
The grand scale of the Florence house means that more is more - three storeys, three metre-high ceilings, a six metre void, and even a large rooftop terrace that offers the best of views.&nbsp;
To ensure that a structure with this much to offer wasn’t imposing was a key decision for the designers. That’s where Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding came in. Its lightweight construction and uncomplicated, subtly rendered facade proved to be more flexible to install than brick, while helping to simplify the exterior walls.&nbsp;
In a home that needs to fill its spaces, the render also helps to diffuse light, giving the white walls a contemporary matte appearance. The consistent finish on the walls allows the shape of the home to stand out, while not overcomplicating the space.&nbsp;
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3O4GffLYY5AYGQKMofBsA2/4b08d3d048da31bd2710a9d6201ee0d7/no_fc_modern_facade_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_5-scaled.webp" alt="no_fc_modern_facade_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_5-scaled" />
<h2 id="bringingflorencesfeaturestotheforenbsp">Bringing Florence’s features to the fore&nbsp;</h2>
Making a triple-storey home look light and weightless can be a challenge, but without the heaviness of masonry, that look and feel was achieved with Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding.&nbsp;
While the panels have the strength of cement, they sacrifice very little floor space. as they take up less room than bulkier options such as brick. Using innovative building techniques instead of heavier masonry also allows for door and over-sized window spaces to be maximised, letting more light in to add to the airiness of the style.&nbsp;
This design flexibility and the pared-back aesthetic of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> allows the bolder stylistic choices to stand out more, including the cantilevers used on the upper levels. The durability of the panels also help to protect the home from the elements, so you can love where you live for longer.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2ngrZrHcDAS2GqCM3dZofw/43cd3c18a01127eda796ddb8c2807680/hardie_fine_texture_cladding_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_3-scaled.webp" alt="hardie_fine_texture_cladding_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_3-scaled" />
The composition of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> is resistant to fire, termites and damage from moisture, which makes it the perfect choice for cladding used near water. Florence makes the most of this durability, by using it down to the pool area, promoting a relaxed atmosphere in the outdoor area.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howcladdingcanhelpindoorsandoutdoorsmeetnbsp">How cladding can help indoors and outdoors meet&nbsp;</h2>
While the exterior of the Florence house is certainly impressive, the interior holds just as much intrigue. Most houses can’t boast the array of modern features that Florence has: a Spanish lift, outfitted in stainless steel, a sweeping spiral staircase, and two bars - one on the ground floor, and another on the terrace.&nbsp;
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5VgZWFpdj8kkORQHyGbxmV/2fce810ab43835be3f84564c3413a3d7/interior_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_1-scaled.webp" alt="interior_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_1-scaled" />
But one of the most impressive features of the home is the connection that it creates between the indoor spaces and the outdoor area, through innovative use of glass feature doors and windows. Using fibre cement cladding around these elements means that the glass space can be extended, with dark, stand-out frames surrounding the doors and windows. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding unites both aesthetics and functionality to truly serve this home in the best way possible.&nbsp;
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5FKlP4xXtxilgOvWRVIWGh/52c6057dd0812c82019cb4a664635075/balcony_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_4-scaled.webp" alt="balcony_modern_corparoo_signature_properties_jameshardie_4-scaled" />
When considering a design for your home, looking overseas for inspiration can feel worlds away from home. But you can achieve your vision when you use the right materials and create your own contemporary oasis right here in Australia.
Excited to learn more about how you can design your dream home? Find out more here: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>

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Know how the right material for modern take help the Florence house bring contemporary living to Brisbane | James Hardie

Florence house brings contemporary living to Brisbane | BY James Hardie

Transforming this family home into a treasured modern abode

Step one, buy an unpolished property. Next, flip it. Then cash out. That was the plan when Amy and Bodhi secured their purchase in Old Sapphire, Coffs Harbour. 
But like most things in life, plans changed. And for this young couple that change came when two months after purchasing, Amy and Bodhi found out they were pregnant. 
And so just like that the plans for the house changed too, making way for their forever home. 
<h2 id="birdsofafeatherareinspiredtogether">Birds of a feather are inspired together</h2>
Leading the renovation charge was Amy, a young, bright woman with a “never give-up” attitude. Amy was on a mission. No longer was she looking for a quick home flip, the new strategy was investing in high-quality, durable products and teaming up with a builder that could endure her persistence and be her ‘yes’ man. 
That ‘yes’ started with a look, one inspired by Amy’s go-to inspiration station Three Birds Renovations. Professional renovating trio Bonnie, Erin, and Lana share their knowledge with their large following of mostly women, inspiring them to take the reins of their own home renovations and re-dos. For Amy, these women’s ability to transform homes with such simple, effortless style was a source of confidence and a guiding light for her own renovation. 
Amy says that ‘The Three Birds team had just done this big, beautiful white house in Northern NSW (House 10). That started my inspiration for both the materials and the look we were going for too.’ 
That’s when Amy was introduced to James Hardie. ‘Three Birds Renovations use Hardie™ products in almost every house, and they look completely different in every house. You can see the quality in the work, and that’s really what I wanted’ she commented. 
Watching home transformation after home transformation with the help of James Hardie, Amy reached for her computer and started researching. It was here that she discovered <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> - falling in love with its clean and modern look. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/27w1whEUqAig7ZDuLVg7ki/7a3fdb9041e5708e696f113843eba263/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_15_1353.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_15_1353" />
<h2 id="coastalmeetsmodernfamilyabode">Coastal meets modern family abode</h2>
To modernise her home, she used her family’s lifestyle as motivation. Both her and Bodhi are relaxed, coastal people that love the outdoors, and they wanted their house to reflect that. 
Open plan living areas and large windows connecting indoors to outdoors creating light-filled spaces are a staple of modern home. This, combined with a relaxing coastal style pool and pergola, and use of white and natural tones allowed Amy to really create the haven of a home she and Bodhi desired. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7EN3u6ptbOxgSuIUOXdB1i/82e2176dccfe0051f372862d02aa7121/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_17_1525.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_17_1525" />
It had to be ‘open, just really open plan’ Amy remarks. ‘Where we could walk from one end of the home to the other without walls in the way. We wanted to feel like we had space and were outside all the time.’ To create this spacious, light-filled atmosphere, Amy and her builder designed the home to have as many windows as possible… which meant having an exterior material that could be easily shaped around them. 
For Amy and Bodhi, the outside façade is as important as the inside. To obtain that sleek, modern rendered look while also allowing light to pour in, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding was the obvious choice. 
Amy admits she is particular in her tastes. She didn’t want a product that gave her home a cookie-cutter finish, rather something that emulated their outdoor, coastal lifestyle and unique style. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> turned out to be the perfect solution for Amy to establish the sleek, modern rendered design she desired.
Aesthetically, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> has a gorgeous simplicity to it that puts focus on the shape of the building without busy lines. It’s reminiscent of render without the hassle of having to bring renderers on site because the texture is already embedded in the fire cement panels. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4IOrBIwxZYbSONzWTBpWNB/1695ca5ff3f70657198c835b36ba124f/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_16_1457.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_16_1457" />
Amy used an all-white colour palette and the texture gives the paint a nice matte finish. However, the choices are endless as the panels are pre-sealed and ready to be painted with any low sheen exterior paint colour.
<h2 id="addingsomeshinetooldsapphire">Adding some shine to Old Sapphire</h2>
‘We bought in an area literally called Old Sapphire, everything is built 50 years ago. Now our house stands out in the best way possible, and at least six other houses in the area have followed suit’ Amy proudly noted. ‘People actually stop to ask us how we did it and use it for inspiration to transform their own houses.’ 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6MfAcxVnBGHcviThEm54zG/f9e186f7f63ddfb456a4d1a3f2e894f6/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_12_1068.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_12_1068" />
Most of all, Amy was surprised by how affordable the entire process was and encourages others to not be limited by what they think something will cost. 
Her advice to others is ‘when it comes to achieving your vision for your home, the too hard basket just doesn’t exist.’
‘Instead of just painting your house and saying that will do, you can go out and find products like <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> that gives you the exact look you want without breaking the bank.’ 
In doing so, Amy says that she and Bodhi have increased the value of their home far more than what they spent and have started a renovation movement within their suburb. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5AKcG47j3ChAU3a47roxeA/d2fe17d02db5ce1ee08a91ce47a569a0/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_13_1179.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_13_1179" />
But best of all, Amy’s hidden gem turned into a diamond that will be treasured by her now 18-month-old daughter, husband, and second baby on the way.
Looking to transform your home into a treasured family abode? Find inspiration just like Amy from our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/jameshardieaus/">Pinterest Board</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modernlookbook2021">Modern Look Book</a>, or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/home-renovation-guide">Renovation Guide</a>.

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Here is how a family home transformed into a treasured modern home with the help of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and other James Hardie products.

A Family Home to a Modern Abode | James Hardie Blogs

Rethink what is possible: James Hardie + Retallack Thompson Collaboration

To celebrate the launch of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, James Hardie has partnered with architects Jemima Retallack and Mitchell Thompson of Sydney firm, <a href="https://retallackthompson.com/">Retallack Thompson</a>. Using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and its supporting range of corner and junction accessories, Retallack Thompson has explored new possibilities in contemporary residential architecture. The result is Corner House a conceptual extension to a Federation-era brick bungalow in a typical inner-city, Sydney suburb.
“Our ambition was to create something distinctive that suggests a way we could live in a casual way with an intimate connection to the garden,” Jemima Retallack explains. Corner House proposes an ‘L’-shaped backyard extension paired with a central courtyard garden. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> is proposed to wrap the contemporary living room and galley kitchen as well as establish the perimeter fence. The concept gives a unified expression to both house and garden wall suggesting that the interior and exterior realms both contribute to making meaningful living spaces. “The idea of a perimeter wall containing the whole site allows the building and fence to merge, so it suggests the garden might be a place you can spend time in, as much as inside,” Retallack explains.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2pm7CO6I9iErrNM0keHXNQ/10756c53802f9bbec66cd2275f6e03d0/hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie_1.webp" alt="hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie_1" />
<blockquote>
 <a href="https://www2.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">ORDER A SAMPLE & ACCESSORIES KIT HERE</a>
</blockquote>
“In our work we often treat the garden as a “room” rather than an outdoor space,” Thompson says. “More garden / less house is a mantra we work by.” The scale and privacy afforded by the courtyard garden encourages life to spill onto the lawn. The courtyard also offers a nature-focused outlook and creates a casual outdoor gathering space. “The arrival courtyard would act as a cloistered informal garden space that you arrive into via a pathway down the side of the house,” Retallack explains. “We imagine that there’s a park around the corner and people are coming and going and there’s an engagement via the fence with the street and neighbourhood.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/rlfasMTx0C2FuwSKb3n8I/b823acb20b8aa7d9f518192018d374f3/hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie_4.webp" alt="hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie_4" />
To the pre-textured cladding, a paint render in grey-green was proposed. “The idea of living in a garden influenced the colour choice,” Thompson says. “It’s a very natural colour and evokes an Australian setting, even in a suburb close to the city.” The colour gives a nod to the vestige eucalypts that characterise so many Australian backyards. The pre-textured cladding brings a light-diffusing finish to the striking, grey-green addition. “The cladding has a transcendent quality,” Retallack says. “It is receptive to changing light across its surface. It darkens with shadows cast by foliage and lightens towards the sky.” At close range, the pre-textured finish invites touch, while never visually overwhelming adjacent building materials such as brick.
Conscious of minimising waste, <a href="https://retallackthompson.com/">Retallack Thompson</a> designed Corner House to employ whole panels. “We wanted to work with the panels not against them,” Retallack says. “So the windows and openings are a result of the dimension of each panel.” The living room is sized at two panels high with a monumental corner window, proposed at two panels wide. “We know it is important to consider how to manage the efficiency and cost of construction,” Thompsons says. “Anything that can expedite that process is good for everyone.” The pre-textured panels can be lifted into place by just two tradespeople ensuring labour costs are minimised during construction.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/WAqzgX8fR0r6C2WkQFX4K/7e47e8ade75d00d8fc1edb6a660a0c2c/hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie_3.webp" alt="hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie_3" />
Bespoke Details to support Corner House
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1YNIJOZZ3CakUkVN7VrGOI/e88e246af9de2a8a331a17497e4ca7df/JH21086_HFTC_Lineburg_Wang_B.webp" alt="JH21086_HFTC_Lineburg_Wang_B" />
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2UEuamg91gXg1WZ2OUZug5/4e58f9a53009f52f9c3147a52cb29d52/JH21086_HFTC_Lineburg_Wang_C.webp" alt="JH21086_HFTC_Lineburg_Wang_C" />
Words by Michelle Bailey
<a href="https://youtu.be/3iWow_TER3k" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/3iWow_TER3k</a>
More about Retallack Thompson
<a href="https://retallackthompson.com/">Retallack Thompson</a> are Sydney-based architects seeking to create timeless and enduring architecture, interior and landscape design. They are optimists, and believe that there is potential beauty in all spaces. They look to make the smallest of manoeuvres, that render the greatest effect, and understand spaces are formed by our relationships with each other, landscape and the world beyond. Their approach to sustainability is to create buildings people love.
More about Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> is the latest innovation from James Hardie. The pre-textured fibre cement panel is connected to each other with shiplap joints, bringing subtle shadow lines and a gentle vertical rhythm to the facade. The surface, which is pre-sealed and ready to paint, has a texture reminiscent of fine render which diffuses light to give a matte finish.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> offers architects and designers more creative freedom to explore the possibilities of lightweight construction and considered joint detailing. Individual panels are supported by a range of corner and junction accessories by James Hardie, specially designed to streamline the installation process and deliver a consistent, quality finish upholding the integrity of the design.
Available in 1200 wide sheets in common wall heights up to 3600 for minimal joints and maximum coverage. The ideal cladding choice for non-combustible construction with the added performance benefits of fibre cement such as long term durability and low maintenance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>
ORDER A SAMPLE KIT <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">HERE</a>
VISIT OUR SPECIFIER PAGE <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/specifier">HERE</a>

hardiefinetexturecladding-retallackthompson-jameshardie-2-scaled

Know About the Collab of James Hardie with Jemima Retallack and Mitchell Thompson, Using Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Its Supporting Range of Accessories.

James Hardie Collaborates with Retallack and Thompson

Rethink what is possible: James Hardie + Preston Lane Collaboration

Architects Nathanael Preston and Daniel Lane of Melbourne and Hobart architecture firm, <a href="https://prestonlane.com.au/">Preston Lane</a> have been exploring new architectural facade concepts using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and its supporting range of junction and corner accessories. Their speculative project, Zig-Zag House, creates a striking form and proposes an arresting addition to a Melbourne laneway. Zig Zag House reimagines what is possible with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7DGo90PN3AExVaP9FNpVHi/7174c9879b60b0aa9d73f99063601d63/JAMES_HARDIE_V1.webp" alt="JAMES HARDIE V1" />
<blockquote>
 <a href="https://www2.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">ORDER A SAMPLE & ACCESSORIES KIT HERE</a>
</blockquote>
“The experimental nature of this collaboration prompted us to think about <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> differently,” Preston explains. “What we discovered is that the lightweight, user-friendly panels can be used to create some new and really interesting concepts.” Using 600mm wide <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> panels arranged at 90 degrees with internal and external corner junctions, Preston Lane created the concertina facade concept. Their design proposes a contemporary two-storey residential extension to complement a traditional Melbourne Edwardian brick terrace. “We thought a flat facade could look austere," Lane says. "But with the fine texture finish and this folding form, it appears dynamic and captures great shadows as the sun moves across it.” Elegantly framed by a custom ridge cap, the folding facade incorporates an integrated glazing unit that would frame views of the neighbourhood.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/76Ph3AVbsctZUb9sEZXNyS/66a6a2c4df80372e37ac92957dd59930/JAMES_HARDIE_V3.webp" alt="JAMES HARDIE V3" />
The lightweight cladding wrapping the upper storey ensures floor area is maximised and the ground level can exploit large, open spans. From the ground floor, the social rooms are designed to open onto a sunny courtyard. “An ambition of every project we work on is to establish a strong relationship with the outside,” Preston says. “Generally, older houses have small windows and poor outdoor connections so it’s something we’re always trying to remedy in contemporary architecture.” The idea to include a central courtyard brings a nature-focused outlook while ensuring the interior feels expansive and has ample daylight and airflow. “In places like Melbourne and Hobart it can get quite cold so to be sat inside and still feel like you’re part of the outside is critical,” Lane explains. “Integrating architecture and landscape helps to strengthen that connection.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1fM2pwbcWW5YHKK7wrWAhp/f133a369298776a7037bb90f1ca3c58d/JAMES_HARDIE_V2.webp" alt="JAMES HARDIE V2" />
The relationship between the interior and exterior as well as adjacent rooms has been carefully considered in the design of Zig-Zag House. “Getting those relationships between spaces is something we work hard to achieve,” Lane says. “We play with scale and material finish to achieve balance and ensure spaces feel open and connected and not vacant.” The dining room is a good example; it is designed to be open to the kitchen inside and the herb garden outside. “There’s a built-in banquette seat that the dining table pushes against,” Preston explains. “You can sit there with the sun on your back, with garden between you and the laneway, and you can reach out and snip off your basil for your bolognese or your thyme for your chicken.” 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/BG62gz3DRn90iPUTAjfeR/9741a157c6207b603996b8c661a5289d/JH21086_HFTC_Ext_Corner.webp" alt="JH21086 HFTC Ext Corner" />
The corridor bridging old and new is also afforded special attention. Here the concertina folds of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> are painted grey, distinguishing them from the upper storey while bringing a tactile and luminous backdrop to the courtyard garden. “Given the recent experience of lockdown, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, we wanted to integrate a study that would have a view out and be a space that everyone would want to work from,” Lane says. 
<blockquote>
 Capturing a view of the garden, the workspace is positioned beside a glazed section of the concertina envelope. “I think it’s something we’ve been trying to integrate into our project for years,” Lane explains. “Study spaces like these have become critical to ensuring we can successfully work from home.”
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/Nja5SPYw16c0b62Y2pxAQ/ff43a5ba87df47bdc7bd082780d6cb82/JAMES_HARDIE_D2.webp" alt="JAMES HARDIE D2" />
“For us, good design means being comfortable inside but also being aware of the sky and the landscape around you while feeling that you are part of a community,” Preston explains. With its eye-catching form, Zig-Zag House encourages chance interaction between home and passers-by. “We wanted to open the living spaces up to the street while balancing privacy with the opportunity for outlook,” Preston says. “We think it would be fun to interact with the zig-zagging edges of this form, to be under it and next to it. For those walking past, the experience of the architecture changes with the approach and the journey beyond the house.” The versatility of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> means there are no limits to the formal expression of the envelope. <a href="https://prestonlane.com.au/">Preston Lane’s</a> design demonstrates that distinctive forms can be both affordable and achievable with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>.
Words by <a href="http://michellebailey.com.au/">Michelle Bailey</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/3iWow_TER3k" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/3iWow_TER3k</a>
More about Preston Lane 
<a href="https://www.prestonlane.com.au">Preston Lane Architects</a> is an award-winning architectural practice based in Melbourne and Hobart, that focuses on providing innovative and successful design solutions for their clients. They have an appetite for design and strongly believe that high quality design outcomes add value.
The practice, lead by directors, Daniel Lane and Nathanael Preston, undertake projects of varying size, complexity and cost including commercial, retail, hospitality, government, industrial, heritage and residential including new houses and renovations/extensions.
More about Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> is the latest innovation from James Hardie. The pre-textured fibre cement panel is connected to each other with shiplap joints, bringing subtle shadow lines and a gentle vertical rhythm to the facade. The surface, which is pre-sealed and ready to paint, has a texture reminiscent of fine render which diffuses light to give a matte finish.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> offers architects and designers more creative freedom to explore the possibilities of lightweight construction and considered joint detailing. Individual panels are supported by a range of corner and junction accessories by James Hardie, specially designed to streamline the installation process and deliver a consistent, quality finish upholding the integrity of the design.
Available in 1200 wide sheets in common wall heights up to 3600 for minimal joints and maximum coverage. The ideal cladding choice for non-combustible construction with the added performance benefits of fibre cement such as long term durability and low maintenance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>
ORDER A SAMPLE KIT <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">HERE</a>
VISIT OUR SPECIFIER PAGE <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/specifier">HERE</a>

JAMES HARDIE V4-sml

Nathanael Preston and Daniel Lane, and Preston Lane used the fibre cement product, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding to know the concept of architectural façade.

James Hardie and Preston Lane Collaboration | James Hardie Blogs

Rethink what is possible: James Hardie + Lineburg Wang Collaboration

Continuing the launch of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, James Hardie announces its second design collaboration - this time with architects Michael Lineburg and Lynn Wang of Brisbane firm, Lineburg Wang. With <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and its supporting range of junction and corner accessories, Lineburg Wang explores new architectural concepts for the contemporary home. Their ideas come to life with Pleated House a conceptual extension to a Queenslander in inner-city Brisbane.
Pleated House connects a traditional timber Queenslander to the sloping terrain of a typical Brisbane backyard. The handsome extension creates light-filled, contemporary rooms that open onto a terraced garden. “The concept retains the old Queenslander and imagines the new extension as an ‘anchor’ - something that ties the house to the rolling hillside,” Lynn explains. “We wanted to ensure the contemporary architecture didn’t collide with or overwhelm the Queenslander, so it’s designed to be sensitive to and relate to the original house but also be distinct from it.” The extension comprises a double-height kitchen and living room with a mezzanine bedroom positioned to look beyond interior spaces toward framed vistas of sky and landscape. The terraced garden centres around a monolithic fireplace and flue, rising skyward to bring gravitas to the outdoor-living arena.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7zH3TNYYZQWvARcY1QON1/1f0e97f682a8ce02d0debe40f322781a/img_out_01_edit_NWI-scaled.webp" alt="img_out_01_edit_NWI-scaled" />
<blockquote>
 <a href="https://www2.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">ORDER A SAMPLE & ACCESSORIES KIT HERE</a>
</blockquote>
The exercise to explore the possibilities and benefits of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> prompted Michael and Lynn to return to first principles of design. “We always enjoy the challenge of exploring new products and new ways of construction - whether they be with bricks or blocks or sheet products,” Michael says. 
“There is a perception that sheet cladding can be one dimensional, but we don’t think so. We wanted to demonstrate how a sense of movement can be achieved through the layering and pleating of panels and how a sense of depth can be amplified when textured surfaces combine with sunlight and shadow.”
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> wraps the tall rooms of the extension giving its robust form a luminescent, textural finish. “We wanted to celebrate the fact that the cladding is self-sufficient in the sense that it doesn’t rely on cover battens or stop mouldings to be waterproof,” Lynn says. “The cladding can turn a corner seamlessly and abut another sheet with a simple shiplapped joint.” The facade of Pleated House expresses the subtlety and rhythm of such panel connections. A strong datum is struck by horizontal joints establishing the pleated expression of overlapping edges - similar to the way the chamfer boards of the adjacent Queenslander overlap. “We wanted to amplify the textural quality of the cladding to create depth in the facade,” Michael says. “So, we used full-length, 3600mm panels to create a top-heavy form and a pleated, layered detail that accentuates the shadow and texture already inherent in the cladding.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4E3kjUh7hQ1rD1Pcf0HVQM/3a329f04e3d2802004b48238d97d699c/JH21086_HFTC_Lineburg_Wang_With_Render.webp" alt="JH21086_HFTC_Lineburg_Wang_With_Render" />
To promote cost efficiency and ease of construction, Lineburg Wang designed the extension to embrace the inherent qualities of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>. “The dimension of the sheet guided the size of the bespoke windows and doors,” Lynn says. “The tall window, for example, sits in the place of a 3.6 x 1.2 metre panel with the sliding door the equivalent dimension of 5 panels.” To reinforce a sense of mass, windows and doors have deep, oversized reveals. This is particularly apparent on the ground floor, where the exterior wall folds inside to create a metre deep recess. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/9mm-external-slimline-corner-3000mm-long">Hardie™ 9mm Aluminium External Slimline Corners</a> are integrated to achieve crisp corner junctions.
Pleated House progresses ideas about contemporary living and the evolving relationship between the social rooms of the home and the exterior realm. “The kitchen has become a key social space - the heart of the home. It is rarely the back-of-house zone it once was,” Michael says. “So, our concept focuses on the kitchen as a social room adjacent to outdoor space, offering connection to both its immediate and broader landscape.” Pleated House embraces the subtle and nuanced to carefully stitch together component parts and reinforce a sense of cohesion and freedom in our domestic lives.
Words by <a href="http://michellebailey.com.au/">Michelle Bailey</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/3iWow_TER3k" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/3iWow_TER3k</a>
More about Lineberg Wang
<a href="https://www.lineburgwang.com/">Lineberg Wang</a> is a Brisbane based architectural firm focussed on bespoke residential and commercial projects. In 2020 Houses Magazine awarded then Winner of the Emerging Architecture Practice prize saying "Lineburg Wang’s depth of interrogation of each new residential brief is impressive, solving pragmatic concerns with poeticism. Although there is a consistent and gentle aesthetic evident in the work, the practice takes a sensitive and contextual approach to each unique design problem."
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/jMHUXdozbNFcQ06tnSIoB/183e03b728d5f1cf9e92b79f44b12c3c/img_out_03_send_lw_edit_export.webp" alt="img_out_03_send_lw_edit_export" />
More about Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>&nbsp;is the latest innovation from James Hardie. The pre-textured fibre cement panel is connected to each other with shiplap joints, bringing subtle shadow lines and a gentle vertical rhythm to the facade. The surface, which is pre-sealed and ready to paint, has a texture reminiscent of fine render which diffuses light to give a matte finish.
Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding offers architects and designers more creative freedom to explore the possibilities of lightweight construction and considered joint detailing. Individual panels are supported by a range of corner and junction accessories by James Hardie, specially designed to streamline the installation process and deliver a consistent, quality finish upholding the integrity of the design.
Available in 1200 wide sheets in common wall heights up to 3600 for minimal joints and maximum coverage. The ideal cladding choice for non-combustible construction with the added performance benefits of fibre cement such as long term durability and low maintenance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie Fine Texture Cladding</a>
ORDER A SAMPLE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">HERE</a>
VISIT OUR SPECIFIER PAGE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/specifier?_ga=2.177411365.1459705798.1630990600-1746229881.1612824286">HERE</a>

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Know about the Collab of James Hardie with architects Michael Lineburg and Lynn Wang, Using Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and its supporting range of accessories.

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