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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

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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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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 

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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.

Explore the design inspiration and building tips for double story homes. Discover the latest trends and expert advice to help you create your dream home.

Get the Double Story Design Inspiration & Building Tips

Double Story

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding Delivers Durable, Seamless Render-Look on this Scandi-inspired-New Build

Queensland-based new-build specialists <a href="https://idbgroup.com.au/">Innovative Design and Build Group</a> have created a stunning home using <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/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>. Both products are integral to the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> which features curated fibre cement products with textural and profile combinations to deliver endless design possibilities. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1v8HrPNKbSWPycnu0OhRCk/e6ed7e6d31b2ad1b24d5ed2ab5789ddb/linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-4" />
The remarkable Scandinavian-inspired home, designed by <a href="https://www.invilla.com.au/">Invilla Architecture</a>, and built by Warren Jones and his team at Innovative Design and Build Group, took inspiration from the simple silhouettes and well-defined lines of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-look">modern design</a> through the diverse use of textures and material palette. The contrasting claddings accentuate the home’s architectural elements while creating a cohesive, contemporary aesthetic. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> wraps the ground floor, whilst <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> features on the first storey’s exterior. Linea™ Weatherboard has been also used in bulkheads and planter boxes to hide the roofline from the backyard.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6HI5HEtQOVHqFdd0qtIFNY/6c4d26620e07cd4cac9d94f845b2758e/linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-3.webp" alt="linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-3" />
Linea™ Weatherboard was specified in the plans while Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, which Warren had used on one previous project, was chosen to meet the generic render finish specified, notes Warren, while also appreciating the savings on build costs. “Traditional render on blue board poses significant challenges if the blue board isn’t installed correctly. With Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, the joins are seamless and we know that there won’t be any issues from a poor rendering job.”
<blockquote>
 “We wanted to create a stunning home which is low maintenance and of high quality, therefore Hardie™ products were the perfect choice” says Warren. 
</blockquote>
In using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> for just the second time, Warren notes there is a definitive and noticeable reduction in rendering trades and the associated mess and clean-up. “Rendering by its very nature is very messy, so there was a reduction in trades on-site as well as less clean-up. As well as eliminating installation and clean-up time and costs, the render-look of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding delivers an almost identical result to render.” For convenience, all Hardie™ fibre cement products which form the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> are pre-primed and ready to paint, helping lower time and costs further. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/46dNLoxJT1TwOyazO3XJDA/e3e80b02f5965d6df24ef7bf6d4b4dc4/nojhproduct-interior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-6.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-6" />
As well as delivering the look and reducing costs and time, Warren and his team appreciate the durability of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Linea™ Weatherboard . “Installing Hardie™ products on a new build gives us more confidence when it comes to the longevity of the build and adds a key selling point when it comes to putting the home on the market,” said Warren. “We wanted to create a stunning home which is low maintenance and of high quality, therefore Hardie™ products were the perfect choice” says Warren. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5BJMQj3iPiSzgvtZpb1rb3/be129f0296886e214f9dcb2cf1d589b8/linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-5.webp" alt="linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-5" />
<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-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> combined to deliver the bespoke, modern, Scandi-inspired look Warren and his partners were after. “The combination of the Hardie™ products worked well,” said Warren. “The joints between both types of cladding are seamless, neat, and look impressive. In general, Hardie™ accessories streamline installation, and complete the home’s clean professional look. Specifically, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/linea-aluminium-corner-soaker">Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers for 180mm wide boards</a> added further precision to the Linea™ Weatherboard corners. I would definitely recommend the combination and the accessories.”
‘Bretts’ in Brisbane is Warren’s long-time preferred supplier and he is proud of the relationship Innovative Design and Build Group has with them. “At Bretts we have access to their whole team who have fantastic product knowledge of Hardie™ products and beyond, especially when it comes to the accessories,” said Warren. 
Using Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding has further impressed Warren and he will continue to use it on future projects. 
Learn more about the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a> and how Hardie™ fibre cement products have been combined to build modern homes from the ground up, with confidence. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2OtgalWflMsBxjH2MRjKAM/ae3de7725a1bc4a8dcc4d3ddc30eff3c/nojhproduct-interior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-7.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-7" />
Builder: <a href="https://idbgroup.com.au/">Innovative Design and Build Group</a>
Architect: <a href="https://www.invilla.com.au/">Invilla Architecture</a>
Photographer: <a href="https://www.niracreative.com/">Nira Creative</a>
©2023 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denote a trademark or registered trademark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

Exterior cladding by James Hardie has been specified by builders Innovative Design and Build Group for this scandinavian-inspired modern coastal new build. Combining Linea Weatherboard and Hardie Fine Texture Cladding creates a cohesive modern design and saved the builder time and money. 

linea-finetexture-cladding-exterior-moderncoastal-coorparoo-innovativedesignandbuildgroup-jameshardie-1 bloghero

Innovative Design and Build Group have create a Scandinavian-inspired new modern home using a combination of exterior cladding by James Hardie. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Linea™ Weatherboard accentuate the home's architectural design elements to deliver a modern, cohesive aesthetic. James Hardie's Hardie Fine Texture Cladding is a panel cladding product that offers a rendered finish without the need for specialist render trades and massively reducing the build time. All Hardie fibre cement products are pre-primed and ready to paint, helping to reduce time and costs further. 

Blog | James Hardie | Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Linea™ Weatherboard delivers Scandinavian-inspired new build for builder Innovative Design and Build Group.

Award Winning Design with Rooms to a View

Picture this: a semi-retired couple looking to relocate from country Victoria to the seaside township of Point Lonsdale, Victoria. The couple had purchased a beautiful block of land in a newly established estate, replete with amazing views over the golf course and out to the horizon.
The brief to their building designer, Dylan Barber, of Dylan Barber Building Design, was detailed, but open to suggestions, new ideas and inspiration. The task was to design a four-bedroom, two storey home that was <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-look">modern</a> on the inside and out - a forever home. “The design had to accommodate the couple not just for now, but well into the future,” says Dylan. “The living spaces had to feel comfortable, relaxing and spacious, as this is where they wanted to spend most of their time.” The design had to also take into consideration strict developer guidelines.
It was also important that the home suited the family’s lifestyle. Leone works as an occupational therapist, so the consideration for movement to around spaces and sensory qualities was important. Rod, on the other hand, was happy as long as there was enough space in the garage to park his golf cart, but a large balcony where he could cook a barbeque and watch the footy or cricket over a couple of beers were equally important. The design had to factor in the location and connection to a pool; an item the couple both desired.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/331Yj7EWUAyLVj0sKivFu/bf6c1ec0a6b09afafb74bce95021e168/axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-3_copy.webp" alt="axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-3 copy" />
<h2 id="bringingthedesigntolife">Bringing the design to life</h2>
Recently awarded the James Hardie Award at the Design Matters Victoria Building Design Awards, this award winning home, named Patching Residence, boasts an impressive modern façade with its large cantilevered first floor. The implementation of vertical <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie (painted Dulux Monument) and painted brickwork (painted Dulux White on White) deliver a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-look">modern look</a>, while the inclusion of natural stone and timber lining help soften the tone and allow for a more relaxed, contemporary feel.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3Joece477L9q3WEVn8pG2W/0c23a5d77e385c8ce93cecae6f71e6d2/axon-modern-exterior-patching-pt-lonsdale-jameshardie-1_copy.webp" alt="axon-modern-exterior-patching-pt-lonsdale-jameshardie-1 " />
Externally, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mixed-cladding">modern mixed materials</a> were selected as the primary claddings, not only for their aesthetics, but more importantly for their durability, low maintenance and lifespan. A brick base provides a solid base structure downstairs, whilst <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> creates a striking, yet lightweight contemporary look for the top floor of the home. 
<blockquote>
 “To me, modern design means classic but with bold lines and use of modern materials,” said Dylan. “I like the relative simplicity of the modern look with the use of mixed materials to build layers of texture and design features. Axon™ Cladding fibre cement stood out as the perfect building material to bring the design to life.” 
</blockquote>
The home includes many special features, providing added excitement and interest. The staircase, with its double height window and natural stone feature wall, is a welcome surprise for visitors entering the home, and the owners are able to view this beautiful feature from all parts of the upper floor living space.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/HqQJ8JVf0GrgUJZS0y9uw/29c0aa2fd0f6de31e0875b1c0d53bc2d/nojhproduct-interior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-12_copy.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-12 copy" />
The living area has been placed on the upper floor, which takes advantage of the spectacular views and adds a sense of light. High ceilings emphasise space and volume and maximise the views over the golf course and pool area.
The large balcony provides the couple with an outdoor space, where they can relax outdoors and enjoy the sunsets. The south-west balcony wall also offers room for an outdoor barbeque and TV. Even better, it affords protection from the prevailing weather. The roof over the balcony helps reduce afternoon summer sunlight. An additional small balcony overlooks the pool and allows the couple to capture the morning sun, while ample natural ventilation is received through the opposing glass sliding doors to the living area.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/39yZcelz9boBmcvZH4oTxj/24e5e9f6c8582a70976c8488630ee2f6/axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-9_copy.webp" alt="axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-9 copy" />
During the warmer months the owners can enjoy relaxing and cooling off around the pool. While they also enjoy magnificent views out to the golf course, the view to the pool from all living areas encases the comfort and tranquillity that the space affords all year round. 
The master bedroom and Leone’s study has been located on the same level as the living zone to reduce movement between floors. The bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows capture the morning and midday sun and provide a view to the pool below. A large eave minimises summer sun from entering while an external timber batten screen provides a sense of seclusion. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3JWWRPTcfmozc5dLv0xSRD/14af998d13710b9d5671ddd4af435ef8/nojhproduct-interior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-11_copy.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-11 copy" />
<h2 id="enhancinghumanhealthandconnectionwiththeenvironment">Enhancing human health and connection with the environment</h2>
“The home has been designed to maximise views, natural sunlight and ventilation, providing warmth and comfort to its spaces,” says Dylan. “We’ve positioned the living areas to have a northerly orientation that maximise solar gains, and a large eave located on the north-western elevation helps minimise direct light into the home during the hotter months.” The use of real-time 3D shadow diagrams confirmed the amount of sunlight provided throughout each month of the year.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6AX5Z2xFq6jwRw5NzdlZEf/91a49bde9dbbbeb85665830cd86620d6/nojhproduct-interior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-20_copy.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-20 copy" />
The efficient relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces has helped maximise lifestyle amenity for the owners. The front balcony plays an important role in social interaction with the community. This space allows the owners to feel connected with the neighbours as they pass by.
The inclusion of natural material such as stone and timber internally enhances the comfort of the occupants, while views to the pool add to the calming and peaceful environment. Bringing the outside in with subtle touches such as organic blue and green toned tiles in the bathrooms continues the relaxed feeling, as does the textural touches of pops of green and blue in the choice of soft furnishings.
The building receives effective cross-flow ventilation through its large doors, located on opposing sides of the upper and lower floor living areas, delivering clean, fresh air into the home.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5XDePCu9GKfoMrYhOjkaBa/51166ba4bf1823eb7fbe2154de4eba88/axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-4_copy.webp" alt="axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-4 copy" />
The home also includes 10.24k/w (32 x 320w) photovoltaic solar panels and a heat pump for the pool. A 2000 litre water tank is used for collecting and storing rainwater, as well as being connected to the toilets for flushing.
<h2 id="buildingforafuture">Building for a future</h2>
The lift was an important element of the design, ensuring the longevity of this home for its owners. While it may not be the current primary access to the first floor, this inclusion gives the owners peace of mind knowing they will have complete access throughout the home into the later years of their lives.
Both occupants continue to work part-time, and as such, the home is equipped with a dedicated study on the upper floor overlooking the pool, while a desk to the downstairs living room has been integrated in the joinery.
The home is heated by a hydronic slab and radiator panel heating, while a gas log heater to the upper floor living space provides a cosy fire place, and instant heating during the cooler months. The thermal comfort of the home is enhanced with the inclusion of exposed concrete flooring along with stone walls - both providing internal thermal mass to help store collected solar energy.
Dylan concludes, “The home has been designed to not only meet the needs of the current owners but to naturally accommodate new occupants in the future. However, for now, the owners will be enjoying their beautiful new home for years to come.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5XBM4qTBwT3xhGX0OlT5NW/14634ae88bfb5d1aef803abad652f13f/axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-2_copy.webp" alt="axon-modern-exterior-patchingresidence-pointlonsdale-jameshardie-2 copy" />
Designer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dylan_barber_building_design/">Dylan Barber Building Design</a>
Builder: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jconconstruction/">JCON Construction</a>
Photographer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nikoleramsay/">Nikole Ramsay</a>
TM or R denote an unregistered trademark or registered trademark of James Hardie Technology Limited. Design Matters, Dulux, White on White and Monument are trade marks of their respective owners.

Patching Residence is an award winning home designed by Dylan Barber Building Design. The modern home features Axon Cladding on the cantilevered first storey.

axon-modern-exterior-patching-pt-lonsdale-jameshardie-1

Double storey homes can be built on smaller blocks allowing home buyers to spend more money on their home and less on the land. Lot sizes can be as tiny as 250 sqms. For larger lots, double storey homes allow for yard space to be retained for children, pets and pools.

Two storey homes are popular with families with school age children who need more space. Typically living areas are on the lower level so they connect to outdoor areas and bedrooms are upstairs. Some families insist on living areas on each level. One for children and the other as a sanctuary for parents.

If building a high set home obtains a view, then the living area should be built with a large deck on the upper level and the lower level, which will be darker can be used for bedrooms. Care should be taken to choose a quality floor substrate with underlay and carpet so those sleeping aren’t woken by others walking around upstairs.

If you’re going to have stairs make them a grand design feature. They can be an excuse to create a void which lets light deep into the home.

Double storey homes can look grand and architectural in the following styles:

- Box Modern. A flat roof design, where the shape of the home is a combination of 3 or 4 offset boxes, often in different textures or shades of colour. Some project, others recede and those on the upper level are cantilevered out to provide protective cover underneath.
- Minimalist. Consider two boxes with a pared back aesthetic. Focus on balance and proportion to achieve a zen-like calm.
- Mixed Materials. When your home is a similar layout to your neighbour’s mix and personalise the cladding choices to create streetscape diversity.
- Hamptons. Two storey Hamptons home designs are grand. They provide a large canvas for beautiful eave details, posts and balustrades.

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Case Studies & News

Introduce drama and detail to your walls with the clean vertical lines of Axon™ Cladding. Incorporating the beauty and fine detail of painted [vertical joint timber](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/eaves-soffits/hardiegroove-lining), but without time-consuming board construction or durability hassles, Axon is a range of vertically grooved panels with the detail of vertical joint timber. Featuring a stepped shiplap joint on the long edges for easy installation, it can be gun nailed and cut cleanly with a circular saw using a dust-reducing fibre cement blade. The ideal option for contemporary upper storey and ground floor extensions and suited to modern and beachy building styles, vertical lines make an impact with line and form and bring variety and textural interest to external walls.

Bring drama and detail to your walls with vertical lines.

Axon™

Axon™ Cladding - Create a strong visual impact on your walls with vertical Joint Cladding Panels by James Hardie. Prefect product for ground floor extensions.

Enhance Your Home with James Hardie's  Axon™ Cladding

The clean horizontal lines of Linea™ weatherboards work beautifully on the expansive [external walls](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding) of modern architecture. Ideal for creating a Hamptons or coastal inspired look when combined with contrasting Axent Trims in new homes or renovations, Linea can also be confidently painted in dark colours. Innovative and durable, Linea weatherboards are resistant to shrinking, swelling and cracking and will hold paint longer than wood. Featuring the distinctive charm of a deep shadow weatherboard without the maintenance of timber, the unmatched thickness for fibre cement weatherboards of 16mm which also enable handy tongue and groove short ends for clean butt joins even off-stud.

A deep shadow weatherboard for contemporary homes.

Linea

Linea™ Weatherboard is a product of Scyon formulation. Scyon Linea™ Weatherboards is easy to install, fire-resistant & durable for external home walls.

Elevate Your Home with James Hardie  Linea™ Weatherboards

Delightful double storey homes make the most of small lots and their second levels can give them architectural appeal.

product-project 4 banner doubleStorey

Double storey homes can be built on smaller blocks allowing home buyers to spend more money on their home and less on the land. Lot sizes can be as tiny as 250 sqms. For larger lots, double storey homes allow for yard space to be retained for children, pets and pools.

Two storey homes are popular with families with school age children who need more space. Typically living areas are on the lower level so they connect to outdoor areas and bedrooms are upstairs. Some families insist on living areas on each level. One for children and the other as a sanctuary for parents.

If building a high set home obtains a view, then the living area should be built with a large deck on the upper level and the lower level, which will be darker can be used for bedrooms. Care should be taken to choose a quality floor substrate with underlay and carpet so those sleeping aren’t woken by others walking around upstairs.

If you’re going to have stairs make them a grand design feature. They can be an excuse to create a void which lets light deep into the home.

Double storey homes can look grand and architectural in the following styles:
<ul>
	<li>Box Modern. A flat roof design, where the shape of the home is a combination of 3 or 4 offset boxes, often in different textures or shades of colour. Some project, others recede and those on the upper level are cantilevered out to provide protective cover underneath.</li>
	<li>Minimalist. Consider two boxes with a pared back aesthetic. Focus on balance and proportion to achieve a zen-like calm.</li>
	<li>Mixed Materials. When your home is a similar layout to your neighbour’s mix and personalise the cladding choices to create streetscape diversity.</li>
	<li>Hamptons. Two storey Hamptons home designs are grand. They provide a large canvas for beautiful eave details, posts and balustrades.</li>
</ul>

Double Storey Street Appeal

Hardie™ Double Storey House comes in various styles like Box Modern, Minimalist, Mixed Materials, Hamptons. explore through our delightful Two Storey House Designs.

Double Storey Homes - Two Storey House Plans | James Hardie

Double Storey New Homes

Know how the Dylan Barber Building Design which delivered a Patching Residence wins the Design Matters Award for Best Use of James Hardie cladding products.

Award Winning Design with Rooms - Patching Residence 

Hamptons in the Highlands: Building the Hamptons Dream

A tree change and love of the look were two of the key factors that led Wendy and Richard Gordon to build their dream Hamptons style home. Nestled on 2 acres of lush countryside in the beautiful Southern Highlands, Wendy and Richard’s self-titled ‘Hamptons in the Highlands’ home is a sublime marriage between elegant Hamptons and classic country style.
We spoke to Wendy about setting up her home in the Highlands and how she adapted a classic Hamptons look for a country setting.
<h2 id="ahighlandshideaway">A HIGHLANDS HIDEAWAY</h2>
<blockquote>
 “We were holidaying in the Southern Highlands three years ago and saw some land for sale, so we decided it was time for a change”, Wendy recalls.
</blockquote>
For Wendy, Richard and their two children, the Southern Highlands has always been a favourite home away from their actual home in Newcastle. “We’ve been visiting the Southern Highlands for years and as much as we loved living in Newcastle, my husband missed the comforting seasonal changes that he grew up with in Scotland, and that you can experience living in the Highlands”, she adds.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7bvkc6GmuLqj71GI1kjhdU/de6cdaf9db933deface7154a8fb63b9e/hamptons-in-the-highlands-facade-shot.webp" alt="hamptons-in-the-highlands-facade-shot" />
A weekend break in Bowral couldn’t have come at a better time for Wendy and Richard to snap up 2 acres of picturesque countryside that would become the site for their forever family home.
<h2 id="ahamptonsdreamcomestolife">A HAMPTONS DREAM COMES TO LIFE</h2>
Wendy’s vision for her forever family home has always been Hamptons style. “I’ve long been a lover of Hamptons style and have followed the US influence of the trend for well over ten years. I grew up loving the Hamptons look and I developed an appreciation of blue and white interiors through my Mother, who always loved blue and white”, she says.
Designing their house plans was a labour of love for Wendy and Richard, who sourced their dream plans from US house plans database, <a href="https://www.eplans.com/">ePlans</a> and then used these to work collaboratively with a local builder to bring their Hamptons style vision to life.
The vision they have created is a two-storey Hamptons masterpiece complete with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large kitchen, butler’s pantry, mud room, raked ceilings, and a signature ‘Highland Room’.
<h2 id="coastalmeetscountry">COASTAL MEETS COUNTRY</h2>
With country views on all sides including snippets of Mount Gibraltar, Wendy and Richard’s original ‘Hamptons in the Highlands’ project evolved to become a coastal meets country abode.
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 “Our style is part classic coastal Hamptons part modern farmhouse, which works so well in the Highlands”, explains Wendy.
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A timber-look exterior was always on the agenda for Wendy and Richard’s modern Hamptons farmhouse. “Timber weatherboards are such an intrinsic Hamptons style. We had a timber exterior on our home in Newcastle and said we’d never go with natural timber again because of the cost and upkeep”, Wendy clarifies.
<blockquote>
 <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">“Linea™ Weatherboard</a> 150mm was the best choice to create the timber-look exterior we wanted. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> also has excellent insulation, which is vital in the Highlands.”
</blockquote>
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> BAL rating is up to BAL-FZ which makes it perfect for the bush setting and gives Wendy, Richard and their family peace of mind.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> has been used on the entire exterior of the house including a three-car garage, loft and cupola, and painted in Dulux™ Timeless Grey. “We also have plans to use <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> on the exterior of our pool house!”, Wendy adds.
The Hamptons textures are continued indoors with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> used on the interior wall paneling.
<h2 id="interiordetails">INTERIOR DETAILS</h2>
Wendy’s vision of a Hamptons farmhouse infuses from all angles of the house. From the English-made Falcon stove with adjoining hearth in the shaker style kitchen, to the two sets of timber barn doors leading to the mudroom and laundry on one side, and the Highland Room on the other, complete with the exposed brick fireplace as a central feature in the Highland Room.
Sourcing most of the interior décor, fabrics, light fittings and furniture herself, Wendy went as far as the US and the UK to procure some of the interior fabrics and pendant lights to ensure she got the look just right. Whites, greys and blues are the hero colours of the interior décor scheme and contrast beautifully with the dark engineered floorboards to bring in a farmhouse touch.
While the kitchen is usually the hub of a house, Wendy and Richard cleverly designed two hubs for their family home: the kitchen/living area and their Highland Room.
“The Highland Room is really quite special. We have the high raked ceilings, the Travertine™ stone floors, two large pendant lights, a large fan and of course the brick fireplace”, says Wendy. The entirety of the eastern side of the Highland Room opens via bi-fold doors, perfect for outdoor living and entertaining.
Wendy, Richard and their family opened their stunning new home to close friends and family the minute their build was completed in April 2018, and are looking forward to creating lasting memories around their fireplace and (in the not too distant future) alfresco pool area.
<h2 id="wendyandrichardsfivetipsforcreatingahamptonsstylefarmhouse">WENDY AND RICHARD’S FIVE TIPS FOR CREATING A HAMPTONS STYLE FARMHOUSE</h2>
<ol>
<li>If your build is predominantly Hamptons style, ensure you choose the right builder and products to bring the look to life, for example, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> for the exterior.</li>
<li>Colours from the white, blue, grey and black scales scream Hamptons style farmhouse.</li>
<li>Designing your own staircase with high ceilings is a great way to add some Hamptons grandeur.</li>
<li>Don’t be afraid to get creative with your interior lighting. Rustic pendants and glass lanterns work well to bring in a country/farmhouse vibe.</li>
<li>Add bay windows and window seats will bring in a touch of Hamptons luxury.</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="factfile">FACT FILE</h2>
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> 150mm
Weatherboard colour: Dulux Timeless Grey

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Know how the Hamptons in the Highlands is a partnership between elegant Hamptons & a classic country style. Homeowner Wendy speaks about her dream home in the Highlands

Hamptons in the Highlands: Building the Hamptons home of Dreams

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Lightweight Materials Enable the Construction of a Bold Design

<h2 id="themodernlook">THE MODERN LOOK</h2>
With views to the horizon, this beachside eyrie sits high on the hill at Yallingup, a popular tourist town 260km south of Perth famous for the beaches, limestone caves and rugged vistas of the nearby Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
We’re strong advocates on the Scyon range of materials and the results in this project are simply stunning.
Charged by their clients to create a ‘forever home’ for their growing brood, local architect Justin Everitt and builder Mike Valmadre joined forces to deliver a multi-level masterpiece worthy of its vantage position and spectacular surrounds.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1gdytJ19hxh1JJi4EtMXtI/66bb4543bf454a9c7789205108966cfd/yallingup-3-1.webp" alt="yallingup-3-1" />
<h2 id="harmoniousandhardwearning">HARMONIOUS AND HARDWEARNING</h2>
With a track record constructing West Australian coastal homes sympathetic to their environs, Mike and Fraser recommended the clients consider incorporating Scyon Walls products extensively in the build.
“We see Scyon as an elegant alternative to heavy masonry products – it provides equivalent strength in a lightweight guise and that ticks a lot of boxes for us,” Fraser says.
“The Yallingup project incorporated some very bold design elements and we found <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Scyon Linea weatherboards</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon vertical cladding</a> were the perfect material match. They allowed us to break up what would otherwise have been fairly monolithic surface finishes with arresting horizontal and vertical detailing.”
Scyon Linea has become synonymous with modern coastal architecture in the region and is in tune with the home’s surfside setting, Valmadre believes.
“It seemed such a fitting choice for this design,” he says. “We really love the strong shadow detail the product has when the sun hits it from just the right direction – and the fact it is stable and very low maintenance.”
<h2 id="timeandbudget">TIME AND BUDGET</h2>
Eschewing the rendered brickwork used on the Yallingup home’s basement level in favour of Scyon cladding on the upper floors resulted in a shorter construction time and lower building costs.
“Scaffolding can be a significant cost on multi-storey homes like this one,” Valmadre says.
“Utilising lightweight materials allowed us to reduce the length of time it was required and condense the overall engineering requirements for the project.”
The stud framed Scyon walls on the home’s upper levels incorporate significant insulation; a feature which would not have been possible, had brickwork been used.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon</a> vertical cladding helps differentiate surfaces to prevent a ‘monolithic’ finish.
 <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/NMVSVhRLXvE3oZGOAwuh2/d146793098c2d038c7637a0329b32632/yallingup-1.webp" alt="yallingup-1" />
<h2 id="planningthedream">PLANNING THE DREAM</h2>
How to design a home that’s perfect for now but which can evolve to meet the needs of a family as children come, grow, go and return? Everitt’s answer was a three-storey dwelling with multiple living zones, which capitalises on iconic views and turns the challenges of a steeply sloping block to advantage.
Cutting deeply into the site enabled the provision of a double garage, home gym, storage facility and boat shed at basement level, while a stairwell and lift shaft provide access to the heart of the house – the ground and first floors. The former houses three bedrooms, a children’s activity room, home office, bathroom, powder room, laundry, swimming pool and a covered verandah which boasts panoramic ocean views.
Upstairs, the master bedroom opens into a resort-style ensuite and walk-in-robe, while the home’s spectacular professional kitchen and open plan living and dining areas flow seamlessly to a covered alfresco terrace with 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean.
Considerable collaboration between builder Mike Valmadre and in-house building designer Fraser McAlpine was necessary to overcome the challenges posed by the site and ensure Everitt’s vision was translated into a durable dwelling compliant with the building code and capable of withstanding coastal conditions.
“The block had a fall of almost seven metres, there were some building height restrictions and there was an old cottage on site that we had to demolish,” Valmadre says.
“Making the most of the spectacular ocean views to the west and Cape Naturaliste to the north meant we had to look at some deep overhangs for summer shading and determine the optimum placement of windows and external doors.
“We were also mindful that using robust building materials would be key to minimising maintenance costs down the track, given this home’s extensive exposure to the elements.
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<h2 id="happyfamily">HAPPY FAMILY</h2>
Has the project met the clients’ hopes for a hilltop haven they’re happy to call home, today and into the future? A resounding yes, according to the Valmadre team.
“The end result is a spectacular home that the family loves – and an iconic house with a strong street presence,” Mike says.
“We’re strong advocates on the Scyon range of materials and the results in this project are simply stunning.”

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Explore how lightweight construction materials, such as fibre cement, enabling builders to create bold designs that challenge traditional notions of construction.

Designed with Lightweight Materials for Constructions

Heavenly Hamptons – a coastal sea change to an award-winning home

When Trailea and her family decided to swap the hustle and bustle of Sydney life for the coastal quiet of Port Macquarie, never did they dream they would end up with an award-winning Hamptons home that still amazes passers-by three years later.
We chatted to Trailea Stewart about her love of Hamptons style, what it means to her to own an award-winning house, and why she would choose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard </a>again and again.
<h2 id="fromthecitytothecoast">FROM THE CITY TO THE COAST</h2>
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 “I suppose you could call this our sea change take-two”, jokes Trailea: mother and owner of Trailea Design &amp; Interiors. The Stewart’s permanent sea change take-two came in 2015 after they had already attempted a move from Kenthurst to Port Macquarie in 2006 but ended up moving back to Kenthurst in 2007. Trailea, her husband Phil and their four children knew that this sea change was going to stick when they found the perfect waterfront property overlooking Port Macquarie’s picturesque Hastings River.
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As a designer herself, Trailea has been longing to design and build their dream family home for years. The vision she had for their forever family home had always been Hamptons style. “Hamptons homes give the feeling of love and attention to detail. They are genuinely classic and timeless,” says Trailea. For a family as close-knit as the Stewarts, home is certainly where the heart is.
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<h2 id="heavenlyhamptonsstyle">HEAVENLY HAMPTONS STYLE</h2>
The pictorials of Country Style, Home Beautiful, and House and Garden allowed Trailea to visually translate her vision to building designer James Collins from Collin W Collins Pty Ltd and building company Shipway Constructions. And what a vision that turned out to be. Shingled roof tiles, horizontal weatherboard, white trims, decorative fretwork and coastal colours are just a few of the defining Hamptons style additions that make up the exterior of the Stewart home.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/69M72Q43huHD8DMdg1bxup/0ffd27dd583b73f593026b7c32f69577/anchorage-2__2_.webp" alt="anchorage-2" />
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">wraparound Linea Weatherboard</a> 180-millimetre in Dulux™ Guild Grey is a standout feature of the home. “We looked at Linea Weatherboard when we lived on our rural property because it’s fire, termite and moisture resistant,” explains Trailea. “When we moved to Port Macquarie there was no question that we’d look at using Linea Weatherboard again”.
The Stewarts chose <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea Weatherboard</a> from the Scyon™ Walls range by James Hardie™ for both aesthetic and pragmatic reasons. Firstly, Linea Weatherboard helped them to capture the seamless horizontal lines and shadow effects, created by the 180-millimetre profile, that are the essence of a true Hamptons style exterior. And secondly, they wanted the durability and ease of use, “Linea Weatherboard was quick and easy to install for our builder, which helped with our very tight deadline. The weatherboard came up looking smooth and absolutely beautiful when painted and creates that traditional and timeless coastal feel, which is exactly what Hamptons style is”, says Trailea.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6DFnEeFB83W5UYCe1oRKCD/a46cbc3fe0489b56e7e69e969317287a/coastal-sea-2-1600x1002.webp" alt="coastal-sea-2-1600x1002" />
The elegance of the grey weatherboard is matched with white trim on all exterior doors and windows using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axent-trim">Axent™ Trim.</a> This highly durable timber look product accentuates the weatherboard while adding definition to the windows and doors in true Hamptons style.
The intricate and luxurious detailing that’s so intrinsically Hamptons style is continued indoors with muted blues and whites, detailed cabinetry, wainscot panelling, chandeliers, French doors, plush fabrics and plantation shutters. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> was installed in the porch and foyer ceiling to add to the coastal ambience and elegance of the home.
<h2 id="entertainersdream">ENTERTAINER’S DREAM</h2>
For Trailea, “Hamptons style creates a homely feeling – whether you’re on the outside looking in or on the inside looking out.” From its waterfront location to the covered alfresco eating area, saltwater pool, open-planned kitchen/living area, and upstairs family room, it’s clear that this home is an entertainer’s dream, and this was always Trailea’s vision. Aside from having four kids living under one roof, Trailea’s love of cooking and providing a space for loved ones to gather gave the Stewart’s the perfect excuse to create a homely haven for them and their friends.
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<h2 id="andtheawardgoesto">AND THE AWARD GOES TO</h2>
If you’d asked Trailea what her goal for creating her dream home was, she certainly wouldn’t have said to become an award-winner at the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA). Winning three awards at the 2018 National Awards, including ‘Home with the Best Use of James Hardie Products’ and ‘Winner for New Residential Buildings’, was a very pleasant bonus for Trailea and her family. “I cannot describe how grateful I am knowing that other people appreciate and acknowledge the effort and attention to detail that has gone into our home”, says Trailea.
<h2 id="factfilebr">FACT FILE: </h2>
Linea Weatherboard 180mm 
Exterior Linea Weatherboard and trims: Dulux Guild Grey 
Window trims: Pearl White 
Internal walls, details: Dulux Antique White quarter strength 
Shingles: Boral Vogue roof tile in charcoal grey 
Building Designer: <a href="https://collinswcollins.com.au/">Collins W Collins</a> 
Builder: <a href="https://shipwayconstructions.com.au/">Shipway Constructions</a>

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The coastal quiet of Port Macquarie, never did they dream they would end up with an award-winning Hamptons home that still amazes passers-by three years later

Heavenly Hamptons - change to an award-winning home

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Upgrading While Downsizing: A Modern Australian Masterpiece: 

When Renata Brodecky decided to downsize from her five-bedroom, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/projects/double-storey-new-homes">double-storey house</a> in Bentleigh, she never anticipated she’d be able to build her dream home on the same plot of land.
Having spent 45 years in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb, all of Renata’s friends and family were close by. She didn’t want to move to a different area, but no nearby properties suited her taste or needs.
<h2 id="improvingthestandardofurbaninfill">IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF URBAN INFILL</h2>
That’s when she decided to build her ideal home on the same plot. But Renata was adamant she didn’t want to demolish her original home.
“I feel proud that we didn’t demolish the existing home,” Renata says. “I built that home 30 years ago and still today it is a great house. It would have been wasteful to demolish the existing house when it still has many good years left in it.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1e68JQn5yJPoKGQb7YTQdn/b2140b035d4d35a8a74e1ae87782a3bf/aa-image-5.webp" alt="aa-image-5" />
Renata sought out skillful professionals who could bring this dream to life. In working with Atlas Architects, Renata was able to design a space so that her lifestyle would shine, while also future-proofing the home – by securing her master bedroom and ensuite were downstairs.
“The easy option would have been to demolish the existing house and build two new homes. However, Atlas Architects were able to come up with a concept that retained the existing house while accommodating everything I wanted in my design brief.”
<h2 id="agrandvisionofmodernaustralianarchitecture">A GRAND VISION OF MODERN AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE</h2>
This brief was for a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/hamptons/contemporary-hamptons">contemporary architectural style</a> that included several key features: courtyard, entertaining deck, balcony to optimise city views, a dining table that could seat at least 12 people (for entertaining), gas fireplace, reconstituted stone benches, and more.
In order to achieve this minimalist yet modern Australian build, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding </a>from the Scyon Walls range by James Hardie was used to provide a look of clean, uninterrupted lines. The use of cladding also highlighted the different angles and depths of the external walls
Aaron Neighbour, Director at Atlas Architects, describes how certain details in the design brought Renata’s grand vision to life.
“The contrast between natural timber cladding and black <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon Cladding</a> highlights the porch entry, which creates a focal point,” he says. “The pergola cantilevers over the deck area, defining the outdoor room without impeding on the circulation and function of the space.
“The facade has large open windows to capture the city views. This creates a sense of openness from the internal spaces as well as from the street. The deep steel window box detail on the ground floor and deep window reveal on the first floor add depth and shadow to the façade.”
<h2 id="notjustavisualspectaclefunctionalandpractical">NOT JUST A VISUAL SPECTACLE – FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL</h2>
Despite a strong design vision for her new home, Renata also focused on the practical elements – such as deciding that certain amenities would stay on the ground floor
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2HsINPiITfecjjBp6OnRe4/4bd90e4bbab136ff286cde35c01a67d2/a-image-7.webp" alt="a-image-7" />
It’s also a home for all seasons and all types of living. Whether Renata is staying at home alone or entertaining for her large family over Christmas, the house is able to adapt and provide a functional space where everything simply works. This includes light, airy spaces thanks to large windows, and sliding doors for easy access to outdoors.
“The dining area can expand to the outdoor deck, creating a larger entertaining space,” she says. “The outdoor barbecue area connects directly to the indoor kitchen through a window servicing the two spaces. Upstairs there is a guest suite with a private bedroom and bathroom. There is also an upstairs living room that opens onto a balcony and has city views, perfect for enjoying the New Year’s Eve fireworks display
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Then there’s the garden area. For this, Renata employed her son Martin’s landscape design firm, Ironbark Designs, to deliver her vision. The result was a low-maintenance, practical garden with everything she needs.
“I love my little garden,” Renata says. “It’s easy to manage and it provides the perfect amount of greenery, which I can see from inside. The garden is low maintenance with astroturf to the rear yard. I also have plenty of internal plants and succulents which bring greenery into the house.
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<h2 id="buildingafirmfoundationwiththerightpeople">BUILDING A FIRM FOUNDATION WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE</h2>
In addition to aligning herself with architects who made the design and planning phases run smoothly, Renata needed a builder with high-quality project management skills to ensure an efficient build.
Secon Constructions fit the bill perfectly and worked in tandem with Atlas Architects to help realise Renata’s dream. But creating a new home from scratch on a block of land with Renata’s original home didn’t come without its challenges.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/IzAheHe9yrfDQ1v3qzQLX/446646f2bdded72c114b60d94633b3b6/aa-image-8.webp" alt="aa-image-8" />
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 "Council’s initial response was not supportive of the development, so we had to make additional effort to articulate the building façade and volume,” says Ton Vu, Director at Atlas Architects. “The design outcome and expression were to minimise any impact on the neighbour’s amenities, while still achieving the architectural vision. We worked closely with a town planning consultant to address every aspect of the ResCode and local council concerns.”
</blockquote>
And because the build location and design were tight, Peter Considine, Director at Secon Constructions, needed a solution that would allow them to work efficiently while aligning with residential development standards.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">“Axon Cladding</a> enabled us to store and install the sheets off the scaffolding we had erected, instead of having a workstation on the ground and trying to pass up each sheet individually. It only took two men to install, whereas other systems – such as foam and render – consist of other trades and more materials. Also being a sheet-product installation, the job was completed in a much shorter timeframe.”
<h2 id="anewleaseonlife">A NEW LEASE ON LIFE</h2>
With everything singing in harmony – design, build and landscape – it wasn’t long before Renata found herself in her new standalone home. While smaller, it’s a much more practical space that affords Renata her solitude while also meeting all her lifestyle needs, and being next door to her original five-bedroom home.
“I am so happy with the end result,” she says. “It is exactly what I wanted. I love that my new standalone home is detached from the existing house. There is no body corporate and I have my own little property that has everything I need. I managed to stay in the area, close to my children and friends, in a home better than I could have imagined.”

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Discover how architects built a dream home by upgrading while downsizing. See how Axon™ cladding and roofing helped create this modern Australian masterpiece.

A Modern Australian Masterpiece: Upgrading While Downsizing

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Modern Love: Guy and Jules Sebastian’s Dream Family Home

<h2 id="modernlovethedreamfamilyhome">MODERN LOVE: THE DREAM FAMILY HOME</h2>
Guy and Jules Sebastian purchased their home in the Sydney beachside suburb of Maroubra in 2013, after selling their property in Clovelly. The singer and stylist/presenter couple wanted more space for their growing family and to host visiting family and friends. While they initially planned to renovate the existing house, they decided, due to its age and restrictive layout, to demolish it and rebuild.
Lovers of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">modern look</a>, Guy and Jules commissioned Joe Snell of <a href="http://www.snellarchitects.com.au/">Snell Architecture and Interiors</a> to help them create their dream family home.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4qjn0fUfGA6bqYyfsv2qXX/3536f6466364dfb1a7e5cae6f0290428/Sebastians-High-Res-38-1296x1536.webp" alt="Sebastians-High-Res-38-1296x1536" />
Above the sliding door, the monocromatic colour palette continues with white <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> in the 325mm board profile.
<h2 id="uniquelymodern">UNIQUELY MODERN</h2>
The glamorous couple, who have two boys, Hudson and Archer, wanted to create a modern home that was truly unique and unlike anything they had seen before.
<blockquote>
 “Both Guy and Jules have a great sense of style and a real eye for design, and thus their brief was strong and simple,“ says Joe, who worked closely with the couple on the house design.
 “This was to be their forever home and they wanted a modern restrained palette using concrete, steel, glass, black and white. Of course, it had to be warm, friendly and comfortable as well,”
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<h2 id="strikingtherightbalance">STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE</h2>
Guy and Jules wanted the house to be “tough yet inviting”. The design had to ensure privacy from the front but flow into communal living spaces – such as the tennis court and swimming pool – and evoke a sense of freedom and openness.
“We wanted the space to be functional and family-friendly with the ability to entertain but still snuggle on the couch at the end of the day,” they explain.
Much care was taken to ensure that all the materials used in the build were applied thoughtfully. Joe says: “The concrete panels, the black steel and windows with panoramic glass, and the white cladding were the key elements that were the simple yet strong features of the design. Each has a different strength and feeling, and they are arranged to complement and enhance each other, and come together as a whole.”
It’s a modern look that blends the classic with the industrial, through the use of raw materials, a minimal aesthetic and the integration of timeless elements, such as terrazzo and marble.
Guy says they particularly love the front foyer of their home. “It takes our breath away every single day. The spiral staircase, polished concrete floors and grand piano are just heaven. We love playing and singing in that space and filling our home with joy and music.”<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3hBoy4gPtgGIkqfYUu7fu5/99af2c1ae4ac985d5d95eff9806dea5a/Sebastians-High-Res-85-1521x2048.webp" alt="Sebastians-High-Res-85-1521x2048" />
The clean lines of pre-cast cement panels, black steel window frames and horizontal Stria cladding.
<h2 id="workingtogether">WORKING TOGETHER</h2>
Collaboration, consultation and research helped to ensure the success of the new build. This involved visits to showrooms and design stores, lots of time spent on Pinterest, along with many in-depth conversations and on-going updates between Joe and Guy and Jules throughout the course of the project.
<blockquote>
 “Listening and responding is the key to the design process,” says Joe. “Guy and Jules were the main inspiration, as we talked at great length about what they wanted in a home and what they were inspired by.”
</blockquote>
The couple attributes Joe’s immense eye for detail and artistic sensibility to bringing the look together. “Joe asked us a lot of questions about our lifestyle and what we wanted from our family home. We seriously cannot believe how incredible an artist he is and how much he nailed the design.”
<h2 id="cohesiveapplication">COHESIVE APPLICATION</h2>
Joe believes that clean lines and confident styling that lacks clutter are an integral part of creating a truly modern look in a home. He notes that James Hardie’s fibre cement products are well understood by builders and have many different finishing details to choose from to achieve the look.
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/products/external-cladding/scyon-stria-cladding/">James Hardie’s Stria™ </a>Cladding 325mm from the Scyon range was used for the main house and painted white. Joe explains, “We wanted to achieve a horizontal look in the white cladding, so we staggered the minimal vertical joint so that it was lost further allowing the horizontal to be even more dominant.”
Stria cladding comes in 4.2 metre long boards that slot together with a shiplap joint on the long edges. The boards are made from low density Scyon formulation fibre cement which allows them to be 14mm thick. As a result deep, distinctive horizontal grooves are created providing the clean lines that suit modern design.
The end result is a house that both blends in and stands out in its beachside location. “The house is on a long hill of neighbouring houses of many different styles and genres,” Joe says.
<blockquote>
 “The building has its own identity but is not out of place in the street. The natural colouring of the concrete and monochromes of black and white settle the house into its suburban coastal environment.”
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2nb6yodu4pE6T4DeljlIPz/2bf774699fc13b1333a7bdb30ad1773e/Sebastians-High-Res-54.webp" alt="Sebastians-High-Res-54" />
The Stria cladding 325mm boards are butt-joined and corners are mitred to achieve uninterrupted lines.
<h2 id="astrikingandfunctionalfamilyhome">A STRIKING AND FUNCTIONAL FAMILY HOME</h2>
The Sebastian family are very much enjoying their new home. “The home is built for entertaining with the two living areas opening up to a central courtyard with a fire pit,” Guy and Jules explain.
<blockquote>
 “There’s loads of space for the kids to play too, including their own living area that we can see at all times. We love our family and friends and want them to bring their kids over and feel comfortable that there is room to run around but we can still keep an eye on them.”
</blockquote>
The house is everything the family hoped for. A unique, functional and modern home with plenty of space for their boys and visiting friends and family and a place they love living in and spending time together.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4AIKipqYg2hB6XL0T1aoR1/349e820959ac902c913acebb7f2430a6/Sebastians-High-Res-24-1536x1024.webp" alt="Sebastians-High-Res-24-1536x1024" />
Blending indoor and outdoor living areas is a hallmark of modern design.
<h2 id="toptipsforbuildingamodernhome">TOP TIPS FOR BUILDING A MODERN HOME:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Pinterest was big for us: You need to let your taste breathe for an extended period of time because it does tend to change once you dive into the design world and discover different materials.</li>
<li>It’s in the detail: The gratitude you will feel for the extra effort will definitely pay off.</li>
<li>When you’ve built it, light it! Lighting is everything, especially with beautiful raw materials.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1uv8NTwmHBqzX0xXah9Wkf/3dff0f7ee9ffc7b4b35b5e0f3731f83e/Sebastians-52-1536x1024.webp" alt="Sebastians-52-1536x1024" />
James Hardie’s Stria™ Cladding</li>
</ul>

Sebastians-74

Here's how Guy & Jules Sebastian's renovation of their family home using Stria™ cladding. See how they turned their vision into reality with modern design.

Renovation of Sebastian’s Dream Home using James Hardie's Product

The Jacaranda mixed materials duplex – the completed project

<a href="https://jameshardie.com.au/blog/the-jacaranda-duplex-mixed-materials-make-a-personalised-home/">Previously we shared with you</a> the installation process for this modern mixed materials project from <a href="https://futureflip.com.au/">Futureflip.</a>
The Jacaranda project is now finished and we are excited to share with you the end result. The Jacaranda project is a great example of how different materials and textures can give a home a modern and personalised look, creating layers and focal points that differentiate a home from those around it.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5c3yVfiGjH9CICazOnzHZy/cfd9bb1d0ac22812a1aea51875854b30/jacaranda2.webp" alt="jacaranda2" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">James Hardie’s Linea™ Weatherboards</a> bring striking design elements to this home, contrasting with the exposed brickwork and other mixed material elements. The deep shadow line on the 180mm Linea™ Weatherboards not only look great but help to add great depth and character. Linea™ Weatherboards are also extremely durable and resistant to shrinking, swelling and cracking, and come pre-primed and ready-to-paint.
<blockquote>
 We recommend <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> to our customers because they work really well with our industrial modern aesthetic. We’re so excited how this project turned out – and we bet our client can’t wait to move in next week.
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5KfWTFN5tXUmVIKjpdxSZm/334fc115f0a3ec359eb618947d44f18e/jacaranda3.webp" alt="jacaranda3" />
Watch the video below to see the completed project and how Futureflip have used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> in harmony with other building materials (such as recycled brick) to create this modern mixed materials home.
<a href="https://youtu.be/wKE_rnAbVLc" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0"></a>

imgonline-com-ua-CompressToSize-VYtwRAuPWzp

The Jacaranda Project is a great example of how Weatherboards and other variety of materials/ textures can give a home a modern and personalised look to stand out


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