How Box Modern design drives efficiencies in building, energy and adaptability

Construction costs might still be on the rise, but modular and flexible designs are no longer a luxury – they’re a necessity. That’s where Box Modern design comes in. Characterised by its sharp angles, clean lines and modular shapes, the style is as beautiful as it is efficient. So, for homeowners who are driven by performance and streamlined construction, Box Modern homes deliver more than just good looks.

As Rebeka Morgan, Co-Founder of BuildHer Collective, said: “With cost-of-living pressures, we need to ensure we are building homes that are fit for every budget, and we do this by considering the building methods carefully, using products like James Hardie’s portfolio of fibre cement exterior solutions, and by creating efficient builds that minimise waste and laborious detailing.”

A timeless style designed for now and the future

Box Modern is instantly recognisable from its modular aesthetic: stacked and intersecting cubic forms, flat rooflines and minimal ornamentation. As a simplified structure, its design options are both cost-efficient and totally flexible. Reflecting on a recent project that exemplifies the form, Rebeka said:

“The Jessie Street project demonstrates that building efficiencies are about more than saving costs – they’re about creating homes that are adaptable to evolving family needs, durable in their materials, streamlined in their construction methods without losing quality or style, and low maintenance for long-term savings.”

The versatility of Box Modern living

What sets Box Modern apart is its adaptability to modern living. With multi-level layouts, zoned spaces and easy-to-customise floorplans, it’s a style that suits everyone, from growing families to downsizers and everyone in between.

“Flexible floorplans with multi-purpose spaces that can adapt to different life stages or functions (are key),” Rebeka said. “A family home that is generational will have many different uses and stages throughout the time – from bustling with little kids, to a teenager’s retreat, functional with downsizers and then possibly back to split generational living.”

Box Modern’s stacked structures also allow for separate entrances and private zones – ideal for home offices, Airbnbs or intergenerational households.

Energy efficiency made easy

The Box Modern style is also suited to passive design principles, which can help reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems and expensive utility bills.

“Passive design principles, such as large windows for natural light and ventilation, were paired with modern insulation techniques,” Rebeka said of the Jessie Street project. “The home exceeded the new 6-star energy ratings.”

Thoughtful placement of large, square windows can make the most sunlight in winter and encourage natural cross-ventilation in summer. Meanwhile, features like uPVC windows and parapet rooflines support insulation and airflow control.

Budget-friendly building without compromise

Box Modern homes come with a range of advantages, especially in terms of affordability. Their simple geometry can help to shorten construction timelines and cut down on waste.

“The Jessie Street home leveraged a streamlined design code, including flat rooflines and a modular grid pattern, which simplified construction processes while maintaining the custom, luxury feel,” Rebeka said.

“We also chose to introduce a post between the large doors from inside to outside to reduce the size of the lintel needed, to ultimately make it more efficient to build.”

She added that other cost-saving design touches for a Box Modern home could include:

• Building outdoor pergolas under upper floors to save on material costs.
• Strategic roof designs so there’s no need for complex detailing.
• Zoning that gets rid of unnecessary interior walls and opens up the space.
• Using exterior solutions by James Hardie to simplify and elevate your build.

At the heart of the Jessie Street project – and many Box Modern builds – is the Hardie™ Architectural Collection. These modern fibre cement exterior solutions deliver strong visual appeal, energy efficiency and long-term durability.

“Using fibre cement exteriors by James Hardie that are durable and weather-resistant was a key decision in creating a home that is both resilient and cost-effective long-term,” Rebeka said. “Hardie™ cladding products require minimal upkeep, reducing the homeowner’s lifetime maintenance investment.”

Some of her recommendations for Box Modern homes include:

Stria™ Cladding Fine Texture: Sharp v-grooves and fine render finish make this the perfect fit for Box Modern builds. When installed horizontally, it creates the look of scored concrete for strong, clean lines that bring out the best in geometric architecture.

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding: An ideal top-floor solution with a sand-like matte texture that complements Box Modern’s minimalist design ethos. It’s lightweight, which makes it easier to install and reduces the structural load.

Matrix™ Cladding: For dramatic expression, this has an ultra-modern look with panel layouts and expressed joints that take the stacked-box appearance to another level.

Building better homes with smart collaboration

Rebeka noted that collaboration and design foresight played a big role in the success of the Jessie Street project: “By leveraging James Hardie brand products and solutions alongside tools that facilitate visualisation, collaboration and efficiency, we can deliver homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also inclusive and forward-thinking.”

Design tools like 3D rendering and smart site planning can help reduce waste and improve the overall build experience, while seamless transitions between spaces guarantee functionality and elegance can coexist.