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Discover James Hardie Designs that ties to the beauty of a modern home featuring into a masterpiece & the elegance of a home built for your versatility and lifespan.

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Three Birds Renovations are a HardieTM Partner.

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

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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.

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Modern Coastal renovation in Sapphire Beach using Hardie Fine Texture Cladding.

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Learn everything about the planning of some of James Hardie's renovations and collaboration with few partners to execute those plans and come up with the best results.


Checkout some of our Best Renovations till date | James Hardie Blogs

Renovations

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Explore best options for Comercial Spaces, residential, School Designs by James Hardie emphasize environmental concerns having a high level of Finishing

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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 

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A well-planned deck
Turning your traditional patio or verandah into an exciting entertainment space is the perfect way to extend your indoor living space into the outdoors. You’ll want to ensure any materials you use are hard-wearing to stand up against repeated use and the elements (from heavy rain to harsh sunshine), and the renovation itself shouldn’t break the bank. Choosing a product like HardieDeck™ means you get all the elegance of a sleek and sturdy deck without the drawbacks of traditional timber. Made from James Hardie’s™ premium fibre cement, the HardieDeck is a stylish addition to any outdoor space. It works just as well for your exterior dining area as it does around the edges of your pool. Outdoor kitchen for entertaining There’s nothing quite like firing up the barbie and inviting friends and family over for a meal out in the sunshine. A kitchen outside is a great way to use your outdoor space, but you need to ensure the materials around it will be able to withstand the hot summer days and rainy weather, and won’t get stained from spills and dropped food. Linea Weatherboard is the ideal choice for an outdoor kitchen – not only is it modern, durable and easy to install, but it’s resistant to shrinking, swelling and cracking. One last thing to remember for any outdoor kitchen: if you plan to install a barbecue on your deck, make sure the flooring is heat resistant and strong enough to support the extra weight of large appliances.

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James Hardie x Style Sourcebook: a vision for your dream home exterior

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice you have when designing for your build or renovation, especially with so much inspirational content right at your fingertips. That’s why, when you’re renovating your home, collating a mood board can do more than just inspire you. 
It’s important to ensure that your materials, finishes, fittings and colour all work together to create a cohesive end product, and a mood board can help define - and refine - your vision. 
But what happens when you’ve found the inspiration for your dream home exterior? You need to be able to break down the elements into actual products and materials, so that you can approach the rest of the design process feeling educated and empowered. 
Enter the partnership between <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/create-mood-board">Style Sourcebook</a> and James Hardie, which has one overarching goal: to connect renovators and new home builders to endless design possibilities. By introducing you to a variety of look options - for both your interior and exterior spaces - you can build up a mood board that will act as an invaluable visual guide throughout your entire journey. The <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/products?category=external-cladding">Style Sourcebook</a> platform works to give you an innovative and interactive opportunity to create mood boards for your dream home look, using real products from a huge range of retailers, which now includes James Hardie. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5fWDeyr0kkIHythiZAZkFu/278204190f4f86144d930a60ebded4bb/The_Stables_James_Hardie_moodboard.webp" alt="The_Stables_James_Hardie_moodboard" />
Take inspiration from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_stables_/">The Stables'</a> <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a> Mood board 
When renovating or designing a home, the interior is often considered first; however, with street appeal becoming more of a focus, the wide range of James Hardie exterior cladding solutions on the platform can help to further drive that interest. It’s important for homeowners to prioritise exteriors just as much as interiors in the design process to gain that street appeal they desire, and the tool now offers the integration of design for both spaces. 
<h2 id="itsaseasyasdragndrop">It's as easy as drag 'n' drop</h2>
<a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/create-mood-board">Style Sourcebook</a> goes further than just visuals, by allowing you to use real products from James Hardie and other trusted retailers that you had planned to turn to. 
According to Lisa Cousens, Founder of <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/products?category=external-cladding">Style Sourcebook</a>, the idea is that homeowners can mix and match across virtual retailers.
“Often, that can be very time consuming, if you’re doing it offline: having to get swatches and samples,” she says. “So our key feature is a drag and drop mood board tool that enables you to mix and match products.” 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3e2DnuRwLds3AtOP7wBRc/c4058298c45ec0bd334ca7f17ca4b66b/SSB-Mockup-Facade.webp" alt="SSB-Mockup-Facade" />
The partnership with James Hardie solves a key problem: the site had been able to facilitate the interior design needs of homeowners, but the exterior choices were not always able to be cohesively connected. 
<a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/products?category=external-cladding">Style Sourcebook</a> also allows you to break down all of the components of your exterior, into real products and materials. This means you can better visualise your paint, lighting and cladding - all in the one place, bringing your renovation or design vision to life with ease. 
For example, if you’re looking for a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal-style</a> in and out, you could consider weatherboards, such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ weatherboards</a> by James Hardie, which are just one click away. Or, if you’re wanting a modern design that favours clean lines, such as the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern</a> look, then your cladding of choice may be <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>. Either way, this collaboration allows you to get the best idea of what your finished product will look like, by linking the vision that you want with the specific materials needed to achieve it. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/54C9fr0tFqtEmn4G03mWfE/d80148b861cd8348038e2b6f6e4a3b65/Villa_Styling_Jmaes_Hardie_Moodboard.webp" alt="Villa_Styling_Jmaes_Hardie_Moodboard" />
Be inspired by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/villastyling/">Villa Styling's</a> <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> Mood board
<h2 id="definingyourvisionandsharingitwithyourcommunity">Defining your vision and sharing it with your community</h2>
Your <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/create-mood-board">Style Sourcebook</a> mood board can operate as an interactive shopping list that you can share with your building or design team, and allow you to pull together a vision. They also provide a constant reference point across the build, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about the specific wants and needs of your home. 
According to Lisa, “Interior designers or specifiers within the builder find it useful if the consumer brings their mood board to their selections appointment, and says ‘this is the look I’m thinking of.’ It helps them start the conversation and narrow down the choices,” she says.
With new trends constantly emerging, your mood board can be the best place to identify the look you will eventually choose for your home. There are a few examples of dominant trends on the platform. Lisa also points out that Modern Coastal has been a recent popular style. You can use the site to achieve this look, through putting together light coloured <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ weatherboards</a>, with bulky <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> around the window frames, to nail a chunky, boho look. 
Another style that leaps out on the site is the new, minimal Japandi, which focuses on clean aesthetics. If you’re wanting to recreate this style, you could search for cladding products such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>. These subtly-textured panels can be arranged to give a striking, yet pared-back look - perfect for Japanese and Scandinavian-inspired homes. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4goXp1oEDchE3CRVOX198h/2a4f07c5b7245417b7c550f29697fc84/Box_Modern_-_Studio_Black.webp" alt="Box_Modern_-_Studio_Black" />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/studioblackinteriors/">Studio Black Interior's</a> <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern</a> Mood board
<h2 id="yourstyleevolutioncourtesyofstylesourcebook">Your style evolution, courtesy of Style Sourcebook</h2>
The <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/create-mood-board">Style Sourcebook</a> design community displays the latest trends by showing you the creations of interior designers, and other at-home renovators. That way, you are exposed to new and innovative ideas for the exterior of your home. By featuring certain products on the site’s homepage, <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/products?category=external-cladding">Style Sourcebook</a> can introduce users to new looks and styles that they can then replicate in their own homes, helping users to be inspired by new and emerging exterior design trends, 
With James Hardie and <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/products?category=external-cladding">Style Sourcebook</a> teaming up to help you create the facade you’ve always wanted, it’s never been easier to realise your renovation or design vision.
Get started now! Head to <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/create-mood-board">Style Sourcebook</a> and create your mood board to start to bring your vision for the exterior of your dream home to life: <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/products?category=external-cladding">Style Sourcebook External Cladding </a>

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James Hardie collabrates with Style Sourcebook to connect renovators and new home builders to offer an endless design possibilities to your dream home exterior.

Get Your Dream Home Exterior with James Hardie & Style Sourcebook

Mini Makeovers: The Ins and Outs of Renovating a Smaller Home

Renovations are often mistakenly viewed as a project for larger homes in need of a dire facelift. When rather, the current trend of downsizing homes provides opportunities to undergo “mini makeovers” and promote aesthetics over size.
A renovation needn’t be daunting if it is pre-planned and expectations are set from the beginning.&nbsp;To begin we’ll be looking at two of the core elements of renovating a smaller home: creating space and light.
<h2 id="1creatingspace">1. CREATING SPACE</h2>
While décor has an incredible potential to maximise space through mirrors and reflective furnishings, the alternative is to physically create space through a few structural changes.
<h3 id="ceilings">CEILINGS</h3>
With single storeys, there is of course the opportunity to extend upwards. But you can also look at vaulting a ceiling by breaking into some attic space. Install a skylight to draw in natural light and paint the roof in a white or light hue to give the room an airy, breezy feel.
Utilise a pitched roofline and skylights to add space to a single storey home.
<h3 id="walls">WALLS</h3>
Physically removing a wall to adopt a modern open floorplan creates floor-flow and continuity between spaces.
Look to see if there are any non-purposeful corridors or closed areas that could be removed to merge spaces such as the kitchen and living area.
An engineer can advise if a wall can be removed. It's best to avoid removing load-bearing walls as they will need to be replaced with beams that may protrude or add bulk to your ceiling.
If your home or budget doesn’t allow for a raised ceiling, get clever with some indoor design including vertical patterned wallpaper or a cladding product like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a>.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> linear application can create warmth and elongate the height of the room. When applied at half-height, it also gives a lovely coastal, Hamptons look. Stria could also be applied to shorter room dividers if you’re looking for continuity with the walls.
<h2 id="2welcomeinlight">2. WELCOME IN LIGHT</h2>
<h3 id="windows">WINDOWS</h3>
Light is the epitome of the Hamptons and modern home. Look to increase window sizes or install bi-fold or French doors to create an indoor-outdoor aesthetic.
Windows immediately add spaciousness to a room, increase interior daylighting and allow for increased ventilation.
TIP: Ensure you install energy efficient glass in order to moderate indoor temperature loss across the seasons.
Keep window furnishings light and sheer or install plantation shutters for increased privacy and to complete the Hamptons look.
<h2 id="prioritisewhite">PRIORITISE WHITE</h2>
It’s no secret that white and light hues create the illusion of more space but they also support increased natural light. The Light Reflective Value (LRV) measures a colour’s reflection of light from 0% to 100%. 100% is assumed to be perfectly white and black being 0%.
So look to the much underrated paintbrush to update your space. Incorporate light, crisp tones or experiment with pastels to ceilings, walls and floors. Complementing hues are key.
<h2 id="outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>
Outside, a white exterior is going to reflect sunlight and keep your home cool. Painting your eaves will also bring natural light into your home and even if you opt for a dark exterior, balancing with white trimmings will give smaller homes a larger look.
Updating your façade can also bring value to a home. While rendering is a modern choice, an alternative is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>. It offers a clean weatherboard aesthetic without the challenges of wood (shrinkage, swelling etc.)
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>was the perfect choice for this Hamptons home on Sydney's Northern Beaches as it's resistant to moisture and other coastal elements.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> creates a timeless&nbsp;Hamptons aesthetic offering a beautiful application that gives the view of a seaside home or country.
For a more modern look,&nbsp;use&nbsp;400mm wide <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>&nbsp;to achieve a clean spatial exterior finish.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> 400mm has been used to give this modern extension a clean, contemporary finish that sits perfectly with the flat roof line.
*Renovation Note: Before renovating please consider any potential permits, body corporation rules or land regulations required for your renovation. Cosmetic changes are one thing, but structural require certified evaluation.
A building manager can help you navigate this process with your local council and liaison directly with licensed contractors.*

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Thinking about renovating a smaller home? Read our guide to learn tips and tricks for renovate to make the most out of your space using James Hardie's products.

The Ins and Outs of Renovating a Smaller Home

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Georges River Crescent – Luxury Mid Century Modern Look Duplex – the completed project

<a href="https://jameshardie.com.au/blog/a-mid-century-modern-duplex-from-the-team-at-futureflip/">Previously we shared with you the installation process</a> for this mid century modern home from <a href="https://futureflip.com.au/">Futureflip</a>. The Georges River Crescent project is now finished and we are excited to share with you the completed project.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5hWTFxqEBlCQpW51BTyLfK/732e3a31caa0319b9e72b7dad6fc14ac/linea-futureflip-installation-video-georgesrivercrescent-exterior-jameshardie-15-1536x1024.webp" alt="linea-futureflip-installation-video-georgesrivercrescent-exterior-jameshardie-15-1536x1024" />
To achieve this <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-look">modern look</a>, <a href="https://futureflip.com.au/">Futureflip</a> used James Hardie <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> finished with the latest exterior paint trends – Monument &amp; Natural Light by <a href="https://wattyl.com.au/">Wattyl</a>. The deep shadow of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/applications/weatherboards">weatherboards</a> adds an elegant feel and sense of texture and depth to the façade. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> was used on the ceilings and eaves – this gives the look of tongue and groove timber and adds style and character with the geometric lines of the panels.
Futureflip chose James Hardie fibre cement products not only because they look great but because of their known durability. Futureflip can be confident that their home designs will look amazing for their clients for many years to come.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2kYE2nMmH7soP7fwoAamtQ/ac0579947d6f84515d146cf26f211cd5/linea-futureflip-installation-video-georgesrivercrescent-exterior-jameshardie-14-1536x1024.webp" alt="linea-futureflip-installation-video-georgesrivercrescent-exterior-jameshardie-14-1536x1024" />
This luxury mid century modern home has a strong connection to nature with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the beautiful views and large open plan living area – which are all hallmarks to the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mid-century-modern">mid century modern look</a>.
We love the look of this home – watch the video below to see the completed project.
<a href="https://youtu.be/gtUgOCcJb4o" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0"></a>
For more information on Linea™ Weatherboards <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">click here</a>
For more information on HardieGroove™ Lining <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/hardiegroove-lining">click here</a>

A completed Luxury Mid Century Modern Duplex Home.


Mid Century modern look with Linea™ Weatherboard

Get a complete look of the Georges River Crescent a mid-century modern look duplex. Futureflip used James Hardie fibre cement cladding for long-lasting durability


Luxury Mid-Century Duplex a Completed Project by James Hardie

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Tips for a Hamptons-style Outdoor Room with Natalee Bowen

With boundless coastlines, a breathtaking outback, sightseeing for days, and year-round agreeable weather, it’s no wonder Australia has a love affair with our land down under. With outdoor living playing such an intrinsic part of the Australian lifestyle, it only makes sense that one of our favourite home design styles embraces all that is beautiful about the great outdoors. Hamptons style combines comfort, elegance, and natural surrounds in one highly covetable design trend, and Australia can’t get enough.
To get the scoop on all things Hamptons outdoor style, we sat down with a professional designer and Hamptons expert, Natalee Bowen.
<h2 id="outdoorbuildings">OUTDOOR BUILDINGS</h2>
To wholeheartedly embrace Hamptons style is to wholeheartedly embrace the great outdoors, and what better way to do this than by adding one or two outdoor buildings to your design scheme. For design expert, Natalee, “Hamptons style is all about creating the summer resort style of living. An alfresco kitchen, outdoor pool and adjacent pool house, or something as simple as large sliding doors that open up your home to the backyard are all ideal for creating a complete outdoor entertaining space. You want to feel like your home is a holiday destination all year round,” she adds.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5UPmegma2I4NfYakB8KkZy/299c8f848889276674e005bc84390f99/linea-moderncoastal-glennhaven-TBRphoto-jameshardie_40_orcsqz.webp" alt="linea-moderncoastal-glennhaven-TBRphoto-jameshardie_40_orcsqz" />
Three Birds Renovations create an oasis for relaxation! This outdoor room is complete with a day bed and outdoor fireplace for resort-style luxury!
<h2 id="structuralstyles">STRUCTURAL STYLES</h2>
Whether you’re working with an interior or exterior, Hamptons style is all about intricate structures. If you include a covered verandah in your design scheme, consider adding a pitched gable roof to keep in line with the traditional look of Hamptons style roofing, advises Natalee. Don’t forget to include that quintessential weatherboard look on the exterior of your verandah or outdoor room with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>. The weatherboard look that’s created with the cement composite profile is as close to traditional Hamptons style weatherboard as you can get and instantly infuses a charming coastal ambience. “It’s all about creating long, clean lines and deep shadows with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>”, says Natalee.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5JAOSKijxPNPXuVDNDvpqi/e510e3dd0a25bc2bae3af4f76afc29e9/linea-moderncoastal-glennhaven-TBRphoto-jameshardie_12_r3jqox.webp" alt="linea-moderncoastal-glennhaven-TBRphoto-jameshardie_12_r3jqox" />The durability and classic look of<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard"> Linea Weatherboard</a> made it the perfect choice for Three Birds Renovations to bring this outdoor kitchen to life.
The devil is all in the detail when creating a Hamptons outdoor room, verandah or complementary structures such as balustrades, eaves, cupolas, and arbours. “Australian’s are continually being drawn to more elegant and sophisticated design elements”, says Natalee. This can be adopted with upstairs balconies and detailed balustrades. “Vertical or crisscrossed timber balustrades in calming whites or a contrasting shade is one of those classic architectural details that adds a touch of elegance to a Hamptons home”, says Natalee. What’s more, additions such as these mingle beautifully with exterior materials such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>.
<h2 id="fabulousfloorwork">FABULOUS FLOORWORK</h2>
While there’s no denying that the elegance of Hamptons style immediately draws eyes upwards to features like weatherboard and impressive roofing, it pays to focus on embellishments below your feet as well. For Natalee, a Hamptons style floor is all about wooden flooring. “If you’re dressing the floors in your outdoor room, I love wide oak floorboards in either an American mocha shade or stained dark oak to create an open and breezy flow to the rest of the house.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5Fqt3cWPL4ONdNAfP9BgLO/2ec1408cdf422897d02278aeb9ed0e15/linea-moderncoastal-glennhaven-TBRphoto-jameshardie_4_euaxn1.webp" alt="linea-moderncoastal-glennhaven-TBRphoto-jameshardie_4_euaxn1" />High ceilings, an outdoor kitchen and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> are three of the essential elements that create a Hamptons-style outdoor room.
If you’re laying flooring outdoors in an entryway or driveway, stone is a popular choice for Hamptons style. “Natural textures like stone work wonders in a Hamptons style home because you’re once again bringing in that natural element”, says Natalee. “Using natural materials such as stone is also a great way to bring in the Hamptons colour palette of whites, neutrals and greys”, she adds.
<h2 id="alfrescoaccents">ALFRESCO ACCENTS</h2>
When it comes to creating Hamptons style with your alfresco accents, “The key words are timeless elegance”, says Natalee. “Many homeowners get confused between Hamptons and beachy or Hamptons and country,” she adds. To avoid zigzagging between contrasting design styles and staying true to traditional Hamptons style, Natalee advises focusing on texture and colour palette. “A soothing colour scheme of pastels, all-white or soft grey that takes inspiration from the ocean along with natural materials like rattan and timber will bring an instant feeling of freshness to your home.” When choosing décor or furniture items for your verandah, always opt for natural materials such as timber cabinetry or cane chairs.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/wi0CBPGmy9fhdz6JuggcV/6829d61b41a227de620ce03b86a0b8cd/hardiegroove-hamptons-mindarie-jameshardie-202005-4__1_.webp" alt="hardiegroove-hamptons-mindarie-jameshardie-202005-4__1_" />Natalee suggests using a neutral colour palette and natural textures to give your Hamptons outdoor room a relaxing, elegant and timeless appeal.
Another common misjudgement when creating a Hamptons style décor scheme is confusing coastal charm with coastal kitsch by over-decorating. To combat this, Natalee recommends pairing back on your décor items and only bringing in natural elements with jute or sisal rugs, a shell or two here and there, and pops of colour with plants and linen cushions. If you really want to make a bold splash in your verandah or outdoor room, you can’t go wrong with a beaded chandelier.

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Know how Hampton's style that combines comfort, elegance and natural environment in a highly sought-after design trend to embraces beautiful and great outdoors.

Explore the Natalee Bowen's Tips for Hamptons Style Outdoors

Adjusting Work Practices Whilst We Socially Distance | By James Hardie

As we continue to function whilst observing the social distancing rules, there are no more handshakes, and kitchen-table meetings are now taking place in the virtual world. The current situation demands that we make changes to keep everyone healthy and comfortable with how business is done.
By implementing some simple new processes and rethinking your approach to service, you can make your clients feel more at ease during this uncertain time. To help you get started, consider using these three customer service adjustments, some of which you can implement immediately.
<h2 id="communicateproactively">Communicate proactively.</h2>
Acknowledge the situation head on and show that you’re taking it seriously. Consider outlining on your website or social media the precautionary steps you’re taking to keep your customers, your employees and yourself safe. Be sure to follow through with everything you’ve outlined.
<h2 id="institutevirtualbusinesspractices">Institute virtual business practices.</h2>
Technology is your friend during social distancing. Even if you don’t think a process can be done remotely, Google it first and you may be surprised. Here are just a few examples of touchless business practices you can start in short order:
<ul>
<li>Use videoconference tools such as Zoom or Google Hangouts to virtually meet with homeowners face to face whenever possible. For more formal customer meetings, try these tips for a professional and successful virtual meeting.</li>
<li>Reduce or eliminate site visits with online meeting services and image sharing.</li>
<li>Use e-signatures in all possible cases. If your clients need hardcopies of papers, deliver them yourself (but don’t hand them to the client directly) or drop them in the mail.</li>
<li>You can also implement low-tech solutions, like calling your customer from your truck instead of instead of knocking on the door.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ensureyouronsitecrewsareonboard">Ensure your on-site crews are on board.</h2>
Your crews represent your business and homeowners will be watching. Make sure you align with your crews on the safety precautions that you’ve outlined to your customers and review procedures mandated by the government authorities for jobsite safety. Here are some resources:
<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://hia.com.au/covid-19">HIA</a> have a library of resources to help you with these challenges.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.masterbuilders.com.au/Resources/Covid-19-Hub">Master Builders Association</a> have created a hub of information and resources with all that you need to know</li>
<li>The <a href="https://awci.org.au/news-events/coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/">AWCI</a> has a helpful hub of all that you need should know to protect your business from COVID-19.
When it comes to customer service during the social distancing era, be safe, thoughtful and empathetic. This is a sensitive situation, and people are going through a lot right now, so be sure to keep that in mind. Listen to your customer’s concerns, make them feel heard, and accommodate reasonable requests when possible. A little extra effort can go a long way and customers won’t forget it.</li>
</ul>

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Discover how James Hardie has adjusted work practices to comply with social distancing while continuing to provide high-quality building products and services.

Adjusting Work Practices Whilst We Socially Distance

Reverse Brick Veneer construction technique – Brolga Project

On the construction of the recent <a href="https://jameshardie.com.au/blog/brolga-box-modern-meets-palm-springs-the-completed-project/">Brolga project</a>, <a href="https://futureflip.com.au/">Futureflip</a> used an energy efficient construction technique called reverse brick veneer. This technique allows you to minimize energy consumption but still achieve a modern look home – it’s seen as one of the most energy efficient ways to build.
With the reverse brick technique, the brick wall is built on the inside, instead of the outside of the frame. The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">cladding</a> is then fixed to the frame which forms the outside of the wall. By keeping the thermal mass closer to the inside of the wall, the inside temperature is retained for longer – this means less energy is used for heating and cooling your home. And importantly, the cladding on the outside delivers a desirable modern look home instead of a dated brick house.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4OtIzvPLdPwxoLLyIjbiAv/4724db1289041d189b5fae241bb21e6e/linea-modern-brolga-jameshardie-12-1536x1024.jpg" alt="linea-modern-brolga-jameshardie-12-1536x1024" />
The reverse brick veneer technique is thermally, environmentally and financially efficient and it also looks great. Futureflip have used James Hardie <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> to achieve this <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern</a> meets Palm Springs Look. By using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> painted in a fresh, white colour palette, Futureflip have created this stunning modern home with clean, sleek lines that epitomise modern architecture.
Watch the video below to see how Futureflip used reverse brick veneer on their Brolga project.
<a href="https://youtu.be/PAOr64wMCZs" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0"></a>
For more information on Linea™ Weatherboards visit <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">here</a>.

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Discover how the reverse brick veneer construction technique was used in the Brolga Project and its benefits in creating energy-efficient and modern homes.

Reverse Brick Veneer Construction Technique - Brolga Project

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Incorporating Rigid Air Barriers as the Foundation of Modern Facade Design (Whitepaper)

<h2 id="introduction">INTRODUCTION</h2>
Good façade design plays a critical role in high performing Australian buildings – from managing condensation and preventing water penetration, to resisting the spread of fire on the exterior of buildings. In today’s market, a variety of cladding materials are available, including fibre cement, terracotta and zinc to name a few, giving architects and builders significant design flexibility. However, despite the range of solutions on the market, traditional façade design and installation methods have been falling short in some key areas.
According to a 2019 study by Deakin University in conjunction with Griffith University and other research partners, building defects relating to components of external wall systems, specifically the building fabric and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">exterior cladding</a>, are common across the country.[i] The study analysed 2012 building defect reports across multiple states, finding that 33% of issues were related to water penetration and moisture caused by non-compliant or poorly-fitted cladding, or ineffective waterproofing.[ii] According to recent industry reports, cladding defects related to fire performance are also rampant.[iii]
In Australia, new buildings are emerging that push the limits of architectural complexity, heights and beauty. Presenting a unique design challenge due to more extreme weather conditions at greater heights, exteriors with more joints and junctions and elevated requirements for airtightness, efficiency and durability, these new structures have made compliance more difficult using traditional methods. New, holistic approaches to building facade design and construction are needed to meet strict demands for weather and airtightness, energy efficiency, resilience and fire protection.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/rab-board">Rigid air barriers</a> have emerged as the foundational component for external wall systems of the future. A new approach to façade design in Australia, rigid air barrier panels are high-performance weather barriers that are specially designed to meet changing industry requirements and withstand Australia’s unpredictable climate.
Download the whitepaper for the full story on how rigid air barriers such as the James Hardie RAB™ Board, can be incorporated into high performing facades, withstanding the most challenging of weather conditions.
<a href="https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/resources/whitepapers/rigid-air-barriers-modern-facade-design?andsrc=resource-tab">DOWNLOAD FULL WHITEPAPER HERE</a>
[i] Johnson, Nicole and Sacha Reid. “An Examination of Building Defects in Residential Multi-owned Properties.” Griffith University. <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/831279/Examining-Building-Defects-Research-Report.pdf">https://www.griffith.edu.au/_data/assets/pdffile/0030/831279/Examining-Building-Defects-Research-Report.pdf</a> (accessed 23 April 2020).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Construction Forestry Maritime Mining And Energy Union. “Shaky Foundations: The National Crisis in Construction.” CFMMEU. <a href="https://www.cfmmeu.org.au/sites/www.cfmmeu.org.au/files/uploads/CFMEU-Shaky-Foundations-FINAL.pdf">https://www.cfmmeu.org.au/sites/www.cfmmeu.org.au/files/uploads/CFMEU-Shaky-Foundations-FINAL.pdf</a> (accessed 23 April 2020).

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Here's how incorporating rigid air barriers can improve the performance and aesthetics of modern facade design in James Hardie's informative whitepaper.

Incorporating Rigid Air Barriers in Modern Facade Design

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Tips for using Instagram to grow your business

There’s a huge audience of potential customers waiting for you on Instagram. In fact, Instagram has over 1 billion active users and, according to Instagram, 60% of people say that they discover new products on their platform. That’s a huge opportunity to find the right followers and encourage them to choose your business for their project.
Most importantly, it’s possible that Instagram will be the first place that a prospect finds your business and interacts with your brand. In order to stand out in the crowd and build meaningful connections, it’s important to get the basics right first.
But are you asking yourself where do I even start? What is this ‘hashtag’ thing and why is Instagram telling me ‘Stories’? We’ve got your back. Without overwhelming you with the science behind Instagram, we’ve created a simple cheat sheet for you to refer to which can be viewed and downloaded below.
<h2 id="herearejustafewofthetipsthatourcheatsheethastooffer">Here are just a few of the tips that our cheat sheet has to offer:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Starting Out: Make sure you switch to “business profile” mode. Business profiles allow greater insight/analytics and give you the option to invest in paid advertising for your content.</li>
<li>Following: Grow your profile by following the right people in your industry. Spend some time curating the pages you follow so the content on your feed is always relevant.</li>
<li>Engaging: Use hashtags to search for consumers looking for similar products to yours &amp; actively engage with them online by liking their posts, commenting and asking questions.</li>
</ul>
Whilst an estimated 75% of Australian businesses will already be on Instagram in 2020, It’s not too late to get started if you don’t already have an account. The platform continually rolls out business specific features and there is perhaps no better time to build your <a href="https://www.instagram.com/">Instagram</a> presence from scratch. And once you are up and running, you will quickly learn what your community likes to hear from you.
Don’t forget to follow us <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jameshardieau/">@jameshardieau</a> and tag us in your projects with #jameshardieau for the chance to be featured on our page.
<a href="https://assets.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7b9ThJDsFARhYgoWpHo8vF/36e2a090447c5948e12e7db8aeddd04d/JH-Infographic-Social-Media-Cheat-Sheet-FINAL.pdf">Download our Instagram Cheat Sheet</a>

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Learn how to use Instagram to promote your business, engage with customers, and drive traffic to your website with these helpful tips from James Hardie.

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