A Modern Heritage Revival with the Hardie™ Architectural Collection

James Menzel, an owner builder, has brought a breath of fresh air to an inner-city cottage terrace home. A single-story extension has been seamlessly integrated into the existing structure, marrying timeless charm with contemporary design.

Modern Heritage, born from the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast, is a response to an increased yearning for heritage familiarity and escapism from our unsettled and overstimulated world. It reflects a passion for preserving heritage features while embracing modern minimalism and comforts.

It offers homeowners the opportunity to leverage new technology and integrate modern architecture codes into heritage architecture. In addition, Modern Heritage allows homeowners to undertake new renovation and extension projects without needing to move from their heritage properties.

Restoration and renovation with the Hardie™ Architectural Collection

Modern Heritage homes epitomise a thoughtful fusion of past and present, where classic structures are revitalised through modern extensions.

As the owner builder, James Menzel teamed up with the renowned architecture firm, Goodwin Scarfone Belgiorno-Nettis, to embody the Modern Heritage trend that celebrates the past while embracing the future.

"I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries of conventional design while honouring the rich architectural traditions of our community," shares James Menzel.

At the core of their restoration lay a profound appreciation for the architectural heritage of their neighbourhood. "The enduring allure of the cottage terrace style inspired me to embark on a journey to pay homage to this tradition while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist," says James.

The foundation of their project was laid with the introduction of the Hardie™ Architectural Collection, which became integral to their vision. From this collection, the team handpicked three complementary products: Matrix™ Cladding, Linea™ Weatherboard, and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding, with each playing a significant role.

Matrix™ Cladding, Linea™ Weatherboard, and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding bring this home to life

"Linea™ Weatherboard flawlessly encapsulated the charm of traditional weatherboard while ensuring longevity through its resistance to shrinking, swelling, and warping. This can help to maintain the paint finish for longer.”

“Additionally, the varied widths of 200mm and 300mm Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding, coupled with the bold industrial aesthetics of Matrix™ Cladding, created a captivating interplay, enhancing the overall design," notes James.

"A critical consideration in our process was achieving a delicate balance between preserving the original weatherboard facade at the front of the terrace and introducing a modern aesthetic at the rear," explains James.

"Our vision revolved around achieving symmetry and perspective, with the layout of the house facilitating a harmonious fusion of old-world charm and contemporary style."

“Complemented again by the quaint timber picket fence and contrasting light and dark colours, we were able to exemplify the contrasting aesthetic of the renovation without being too overbearing. We still get comments from neighbours and people walking by about how much they love this aspect of the house.”

Cladding that balances the old and new

James's decision to embrace Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding early in the process underscored his commitment to innovation and differentiation.

"Our bold choice of materials contributed significantly to the project's sense of individuality and character, setting it apart from the mundane," he emphasises.

James's prior positive experiences with Hardie™ products instilled him with confidence, “In construction, we’re always up against balancing budget and time constraints. Familiarity with James Hardie and the assurance of readily available support, and ease of installation, allowed us to navigate the project with ease,” he adds.

Reflecting on their journey, James is really pleased with their choice of Hardie™ exterior cladding. "The durability and aesthetic appeal of the Hardie™ products have played a pivotal role in our affection for our home," shares Menzel.

Wanting to learn more about how to create the Modern Heritage style? James Hardie offers a range of resources and expert advice, from design inspiration to installation guides. Find out more about our Hardie™ Architectural Collection.