A modern home featuring minimalist design which connects the indoor and outdoor seamlessly.

Named Hart House, a reference to Mrs Hart who named Riverdale Grove in Launceston, this new build project on a sub-divided block in Launceston delivered simplicity and minimalism to owner Nathan Karas and his daughters. A teacher by trade, Nathan wanted to take on a new creative challenge, and started the journey to designing a spacious new home for his family.

“I wanted to maximise the block and utilise internal and external space as much as possible, give the illusion of light, and ensure all rooms enjoyed a view,” said Nathan.

Inspired by British architect John Poulson, Nathan wanted to deliver a modern home featuring minimalist design which connected the indoor and outdoor seamlessly. “I am a big fan of exteriors and got a lot of inspiration from Pinterest,” said Nathan. Developing mood boards, Nathan began with ten images of each room he was planning which he then filtered down to a few favourites before sending them to his designer.

With input from Nathan, Hart House was designed by S. Group architect Josh Upston. Josh proposed exterior cladding products by James Hardie as ideal to achieve the brief and design. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding has been used on the front façade, while Linea™ Weatherboards have been used at the back of the house. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding has also been used on the front fence, providing privacy to the home’s entrance courtyard, and continuing the clean lines of the garage and home behind it. While the footprint of the house fills the sub-divided block, with small pockets for courtyards, the home doesn’t feel restricted due to an abundance of natural light from windows and strategically -placed sky lights in bathrooms and bedrooms.

3D images and renders of the house sold Nathan on the use of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, and as construction took place, Nathan grew in appreciation of the product, especially enjoying its versatility when it came to potential colour schemes, with white and black tones working perfectly with the design.

“Working with Josh was very easy,” said Nathan. Nothing was too difficult, including moving rooms around to ensure the best use of space.” Local builder Paul Mackenzie, was given the freedom to interpret Josh’s design and make suggestions. “It was a great working relationship; Paul was trusted entirely and treated my house like his.”

The entire build took approximately six months, and Nathan notes that the quick and easy installation of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding was a major contributor to the fast build time. “The clean-up process was also minimised due to the use of cladding instead of brick, and the end result is visually stunning,” said Nathan. “I appreciate the durability of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and how implementing colour schemes can be easily done, by painting directly onto the cladding’s pre-textured surface. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding fits in with the simplicity brief and contrasts perfectly with the landscaping,” said Nathan.

Nathan thoroughly enjoyed the experience of building his new family home, with his ideas translated into beautiful spaces. “The process wasn’t too stressful and I had a good team around me.” For those seeking to undertake a new build, he suggests following your heart to deliver something that will add value. “Take the time to research and discuss the project and be comfortable with your designer/architect and builder. It’s ideal to be budget conscience and be aware of costs, but maintain enough flexibility to allow for changes and getting what you want.”