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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.


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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.

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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.

Know more about featured homes and homes designs with our Blogs on featured homes. Read about the rathmines home project, sustainable self sufficient homes.

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The Rathmines Home Project: Sustainable Sophistication by “The BuildHer 8”

<p>A community collaboration residential building project involving <a href="https://buildhercollective.com.au/">Buildher Collective</a> co-founders Rebeka Morgan and Kribashini Hannon, and six of their DevelopHer Masterclass graduates, The Rathmines project by “The BuildHer 8” in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Fairfield is a stunning example of a collaborative community effort.</p>
<p>BuildHer Collective’s vision for the two houses located next to each other was to create architecturally different, but complementary homes with strong clean, contemporary lines. The suburb of Fairfield is in the trendy Inner North of Melbourne, where new homes and extensions are sophisticated yet edgy, and tend to be full of character and personality, thus The BuildHer 8 delivered a clean, fresh and contemporary look, with an abundance of class. The look was softened by materials and finishes reflective of north-side Melbourne style delivering sophistication and edginess with a side of character and personality. “BuildHer Collective undertook this project to demonstrate that as women, we have the power to create so much value by coming together to develop property in a joint venture,” said Rebeka Morgan. “But first and foremost, we wanted to create value for the future homeowners by building beautiful sustainable homes, and along the way have a pile of fun and make a profit.” </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6mM6bO870BarO00YFeBnzc/8e5c9ee30f62b2d2a0efed1bdce40a91/North-House-042.jpg" alt="Rathmindes-image-hero-1" /></p>
<h2 id="sustainabilityandenergyefficiency">Sustainability and energy-efficiency</h2>
<p>BuildHer Collective took a three-pronged approach to delivering sustainability features throughout the 7-star energy rated homes. “We did this by making sure the build was energy efficient from a design perspective, looking at items such as orientation and window spaces, window shrouds, and cross ventilation,” said Rebeka.  The team then looked to material selection, increasing insulation, double glazing, and choosing the right combination of claddings to ensure there were efficiencies throughout. “Finally, we looked to low or zero carbon principles such as using recycled bricks, not connecting gas to the site and providing fantastic solar panels and Tesla Powerwalls,” said Rebeka.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6Nh0CmIXZPd6KusexcU7Cn/8d251559b5a0fed77125c2776ed2404e/North-House-047.jpg" alt="rathmindes-close-up" /></p>
<h2 id="acleanminimalistlook">A clean, minimalist look</h2>
<p>Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding has been used on the first floor of both houses. The look contrasting against the other materials, especially the recycled cream bricks, and providing a clean and minimalist look. Made from pre-textured, pre-sealed fibre cement, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> is built tough for Australian conditions but also offers unlimited design possibilities. Ready to paint and very paint-friendly, the cladding’s render texture diffuses light so colours appear matte, making the cladding perfect for dream home designs which don’t seek overly decorative styles. </p>
<blockquote>
  <p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> was perfect for our project for a couple of reasons,” said Rebeka. “Firstly, it delivered an effortless rendered look which paired so well with our painted brick cladding. Secondly, the ease of installation is such a huge advantage!”  </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rebeka notes that it only took two workers a few days to install all the sheets and they were able to easily lift them up to the second storey. “The trades found the product easy to install which was a lifesaver! With so many delays due to Covid-19 lockdowns, using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> didn’t delay the process and our timelines weren’t blown out,” said Rebeka. With no renderers, bricklayers, or specific render trades required, the cladding saves money and provides a modern, contemporary look with clean lines. Being pre-primed the paint application was also quick which made the cladding easy to work with, notes Rebeka.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> helped BuildHer Collective deliver a modern design with sustainability features throughout. “The suburb of Fairfield is in the trendy Inner North of Melbourne, where new homes and extensions are sophisticated yet edgy, and tend to be full of character and personality, so the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding </a>was great for helping us deliver that clean, fresh and contemporary look, with an abundance of class. The use of recycled brick in the North House needed to be softened and balanced out and we did that with this great product.”</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5gkWSfnux5Md83jEytl57X/d18528eff0a17dea03c862ccc5f70485/Rathmindes_hero_3.PNG" alt="rathmindes4" /></p>
<h2 id="thebuildhercollectivejourney">The BuildHer Collective Journey</h2>
<p>For BuildHer Collective it is always about the journey and the team. “We really love developing and the fabulous people that come on board! Everyone had their own unique roles and we used this to our advantage so that each participant got hands-on project experience,” said Rebeka, who also noted that all had to rally together to get some not-so-glamorous tasks done. “What people need to know is that there is never a perfect division of tasks and responsibilities, and that also ebbs and flows over the stages of a project. What is important is that everyone is leaning in and doing their best!” </p>
<p>BuildHer Collective’s DevelopHer Masterclass teaches women how to build a lifestyle around property development. “With The Rathmines, we knew this was in some ways a proof of concept that joint ventures like this can work,” said Rebeka.  “We’re proud to share that now we are regularly hearing from more women wanting joint venture opportunities! Within BuildHer Collective, we've started three more projects plus another group of members in Canberra that have come together themselves. We think people crave community collaboration, and with the right set of tools and information, anyone can do it. And that’s super exciting.”</p>
<p>Find out more about Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">here</a></p>
<p>Architects and Designers can order a Sample &amp; Accessory Kit <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">here</a></p>

Rathmine's Project by the BuildHer 8 features Hardie Fine Texture Cladding on the exterior facade of the home in Melbourne's north suburb of Fairfield.

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Know about community collaboration residential building project, a stunning example of a collaborative community effort | James Hardie

The Rathmines Home Project: Sustainable Sophistication

11111 Cobargo: A tree-change to a sustainable, self-sufficient home

<p>Designed as an isolated rural retreat complete with stunning country views, 11111 Cobargo is located inland from Bermagui on the NSW south coast. 
Like much of regional NSW, Cobargo was ravaged by the 2019 bushfires with significant loss of life and property. The bushfires delayed the build but didn’t stop the vision of owners Brian and Matthew from becoming a reality. The house was constructed with fire-resistant materials including <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, which was particularly important following the fires. Sustainability was also of great importance, with the home being designed to be 100% off-grid, supplying all its own power, water, and wastewater needs. Environmental considerations also played into the design with low voltage lighting, low VOC paints, and more insulation than standard included.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6NzY7Bh2Ku1DmJje7OugXR/5791457e15a295833f14d1dc252603f2/Cobargo_5.webp" alt="Cobargo_5" /></p>
<h2 id="visionandinspiration">Vision and Inspiration</h2>
<p>The overall vision was to create a ‘modern farmhouse’, with Brian and Matthew loving home designs which used a combination of materials. </p>
<p>“We bought the farm 5 years ago and wanted to build our dream home on it - somewhere we would ultimately retire to but also a place where we could run some stock and grow our heritage cider apples,” said Brian, who notes they mostly found inspiration following other builds on Instagram which is also how they came across their building designer Tim Ellis from <a href="https://www.glowbuildingdesign.com/">Glow Building Design</a>. “From there, we were lucky enough to have such a fantastic designer, builder, and interior designer team that we could trust to deliver the result we wanted. We provided Tim with a Pinterest board of things we liked and he developed three concepts based on those. There were elements of all three that we liked so we ended up taking those features into the final design.”</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3tunONJoPs4QLcpTB2XLiN/9ea7abd6a0167c84ae94cb466559432b/Cobargo_4.webp" alt="Cobargo_4" /></p>
<h2 id="jameshardiemoderndesign">James Hardie &amp; Modern Design</h2>
<blockquote>
  <p>"To us, modern design means classic but with bold lines and use of modern materials,” said Brian. “We like the relative simplicity of the modern look with the use of mixed materials to build layers of texture and design features. To help us identify our vision we used mood boards and Pinterest, and drew inspiration from social media accounts, such as James Hardie, to see what the products we were considering looked like in various projects".</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For home-designers seeking to amalgamate their vision from multiple sources, the sophisticated mood board tool <a href="https://stylesourcebook.com.au/">Style Sourcebook</a>, is a terrific resource which can help you research and plan your interior and exterior spaces, including furniture, paint and tiles, and building materials such as fibre cement cladding by James Hardie.</p>
<p>Brian and Matthew were familiar with James Hardie products but it was building designer Tim Ellis who chose the materials best-suited to Brian and Matthew’s vision. This included <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a>, the latest innovation from James Hardie, which brings a tactile and light-diffusing finish to the home exterior. The pre-textured fibre cement panels connect with shiplap joints and the ready-to-paint, pre-sealed surface has a textured finish of fine render. </p>
<p>Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding offers architects and designers more creative freedom to explore the possibilities of lightweight construction and considered joint detailing. Panels are supported by a range of corner and junction accessories, also produced by James Hardie. These combined systems streamline the installation process and deliver a consistent, quality finish while upholding the integrity of the design.</p>
<blockquote>
  <p>“We have used Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding on a number of the external walls as it was recommended by our designer for its sleek, modern finish and its fire-resistant qualities. This was particularly important following the fires,” said Brian. 11111 Cobargo was Brian and Matthew’s first build so it was the first time they had used James Hardie building materials. “We love the clean look of the cladding and its durability and fire resistance, which is important in a rural setting.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/53KMVN4ywXpAlxZ6zgzpmj/68a8cb5a772ea96080f566e6dd602cd1/Cobargo_6.webp" alt="Cobargo_6" /></p>
<h2 id="thebuild">The Build</h2>
<p>The 11111 Cobargo project commenced in October 2020 and the 200m2 residence which also included a large 100m2 deck was completed in July 2021.</p>
<p>According to Brian, building designer Tim Ellis, Amie Strange from <a href="https://www.ariinteriors.com.au/">ARI Interiors</a>, and Andrew Ponsford from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/getsmartconstructions/">Get Smart Constructions</a> just 'got' the type of design and style they liked, making the whole process a joy. </p>
<p>“Amie did an amazing job on our interiors, choosing the colour scheme and feature tiling. We took a leap of faith and trusted her implicitly and we are so glad we did,” said Brian. “The interior was largely designed around Matthew’s insistence on navy kitchen cabinetry which was expertly done by Kitchens of Choice in Bermagui.” </p>
<h2 id="theresult">The Result</h2>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/7AhfokXHt4Y" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="80%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/7AhfokXHt4Y</a></p>
<p>The $750,000 project took nine months to build, and Brian and Matthew are very happy with the result. 
“It was a great journey watching the house grow from concept to reality. There are always little things you might change if you had your time again but overall, we couldn't be happier,” said Brian who encourages anyone considering a new build or renovation to jump in and just do it. “We would say the more involved and invested you are the better and surrounding yourself with a fantastic team like we had will give you the result you are looking for and make the process all that more enjoyable.”</p>
<p>Brian and Matthew, along with their two Jack Russel crosses Matilda and Henri, will now enjoy 11111 Cobargo as much as possible until they can make their part-time tree change permanent. As a career change, they have planted an orchard of heritage cider apples with plans for a cidery on-site which is all part of their dream to one day be self-sufficient and enable them to live full-time on the farm in Cobargo.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1iqWHUiBgrkJdgZfJ5agax/01f31c7a35a60dd25246f4592943e3d6/Cobargo_4__1_.webp" alt="Cobargo_4" /></p>
<p><strong>Specification Tools for Architects and Designers</strong></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/bim-downloads">BIM Downloads</a></p>

COBARGO 

Here's Is How a House Was Constructed with Fire-Resistant Materials Including Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, by Particularly Following the Importance of Sustainability.

A Tree Changed to a Sustainable Home | James Hardie Blogs

Transforming this family home into a treasured modern abode

<p>Step one, buy an unpolished property. Next, flip it. Then cash out. That was the plan when Amy and Bodhi secured their purchase in Old Sapphire, Coffs Harbour. </p>
<p>But like most things in life, plans changed. And for this young couple that change came when two months after purchasing, Amy and Bodhi found out they were pregnant. </p>
<p>And so just like that the plans for the house changed too, making way for their forever home. </p>
<h2 id="birdsofafeatherareinspiredtogether">Birds of a feather are inspired together</h2>
<p>Leading the renovation charge was Amy, a young, bright woman with a “never give-up” attitude. Amy was on a mission. No longer was she looking for a quick home flip, the new strategy was investing in high-quality, durable products and teaming up with a builder that could endure her persistence and be her ‘yes’ man. </p>
<p>That ‘yes’ started with a look, one inspired by Amy’s go-to inspiration station Three Birds Renovations. Professional renovating trio Bonnie, Erin, and Lana share their knowledge with their large following of mostly women, inspiring them to take the reins of their own home renovations and re-dos. For Amy, these women’s ability to transform homes with such simple, effortless style was a source of confidence and a guiding light for her own renovation. </p>
<p>Amy says that ‘The Three Birds team had just done this big, beautiful white house in Northern NSW (House 10). That started my inspiration for both the materials and the look we were going for too.’ </p>
<p>That’s when Amy was introduced to James Hardie. ‘Three Birds Renovations use Hardie™ products in almost every house, and they look completely different in every house. You can see the quality in the work, and that’s really what I wanted’ she commented. </p>
<p>Watching home transformation after home transformation with the help of James Hardie, Amy reached for her computer and started researching. It was here that she discovered <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> - falling in love with its clean and modern look. </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/27w1whEUqAig7ZDuLVg7ki/7a3fdb9041e5708e696f113843eba263/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_15_1353.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_15_1353" /></p>
<h2 id="coastalmeetsmodernfamilyabode">Coastal meets modern family abode</h2>
<p>To modernise her home, she used her family’s lifestyle as motivation. Both her and Bodhi are relaxed, coastal people that love the outdoors, and they wanted their house to reflect that. </p>
<p>Open plan living areas and large windows connecting indoors to outdoors creating light-filled spaces are a staple of modern home. This, combined with a relaxing coastal style pool and pergola, and use of white and natural tones allowed Amy to really create the haven of a home she and Bodhi desired. </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7EN3u6ptbOxgSuIUOXdB1i/82e2176dccfe0051f372862d02aa7121/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_17_1525.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_17_1525" /></p>
<p>It had to be ‘open, just really open plan’ Amy remarks. ‘Where we could walk from one end of the home to the other without walls in the way. We wanted to feel like we had space and were outside all the time.’ To create this spacious, light-filled atmosphere, Amy and her builder designed the home to have as many windows as possible… which meant having an exterior material that could be easily shaped around them. </p>
<p>For Amy and Bodhi, the outside façade is as important as the inside. To obtain that sleek, modern rendered look while also allowing light to pour in, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding was the obvious choice. </p>
<p>Amy admits she is particular in her tastes. She didn’t want a product that gave her home a cookie-cutter finish, rather something that emulated their outdoor, coastal lifestyle and unique style. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> turned out to be the perfect solution for Amy to establish the sleek, modern rendered design she desired.</p>
<p>Aesthetically, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> has a gorgeous simplicity to it that puts focus on the shape of the building without busy lines. It’s reminiscent of render without the hassle of having to bring renderers on site because the texture is already embedded in the fire cement panels. </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4IOrBIwxZYbSONzWTBpWNB/1695ca5ff3f70657198c835b36ba124f/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_16_1457.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_16_1457" /></p>
<p>Amy used an all-white colour palette and the texture gives the paint a nice matte finish. However, the choices are endless as the panels are pre-sealed and ready to be painted with any low sheen exterior paint colour.</p>
<h2 id="addingsomeshinetooldsapphire">Adding some shine to Old Sapphire</h2>
<p>‘We bought in an area literally called Old Sapphire, everything is built 50 years ago. Now our house stands out in the best way possible, and at least six other houses in the area have followed suit’ Amy proudly noted. ‘People actually stop to ask us how we did it and use it for inspiration to transform their own houses.’ </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6MfAcxVnBGHcviThEm54zG/f9e186f7f63ddfb456a4d1a3f2e894f6/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_12_1068.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_12_1068" /></p>
<p>Most of all, Amy was surprised by how affordable the entire process was and encourages others to not be limited by what they think something will cost. </p>
<p>Her advice to others is ‘when it comes to achieving your vision for your home, the too hard basket just doesn’t exist.’
‘Instead of just painting your house and saying that will do, you can go out and find products like <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> that gives you the exact look you want without breaking the bank.’ </p>
<p>In doing so, Amy says that she and Bodhi have increased the value of their home far more than what they spent and have started a renovation movement within their suburb. </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5AKcG47j3ChAU3a47roxeA/d2fe17d02db5ce1ee08a91ce47a569a0/LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_13_1179.webp" alt="LoRes_JamesHardie_SapphireBeach_13_1179" /></p>
<p>But best of all, Amy’s hidden gem turned into a diamond that will be treasured by her now 18-month-old daughter, husband, and second baby on the way.</p>
<p>Looking to transform your home into a treasured family abode? Find inspiration just like Amy from our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/jameshardieaus/">Pinterest Board</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modernlookbook2021">Modern Look Book</a>, or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/home-renovation-guide">Renovation Guide</a>. </p>

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Here is how a family home transformed into a treasured modern home with the help of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and other James Hardie products.

A Family Home to a Modern Abode | James Hardie Blogs

Bold design and a welcoming facade helps AK Building Design win the award 

<p>For a nation that hugs the coast like it doesn't want to let go, owning a beachfront home is part of the Australian dream. A glimpse of crystal clear water out of the windows is the pinnacle of relaxed, coastal living. However, the design challenge is making a beachfront home look modern, through the use of cutting-edge materials and clever design to highlight those ocean views. </p>
<p>It was using the right materials to achieve the customer brief of a stunning ocean view that won <a href="https://akbuildingdesign.com.au/">AK Building Design</a> the title of Best Use of James Hardie Products at the 2021 Building Design Queensland Awards.</p>
<p>The BDQ awards bring together the best building designers in the sunshine state, to showcase their innovative thinking. The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern-style</a> Rainbow Residence was a clear favourite for its integration of products by James Hardie on the facade, helping the contemporary, sleek property achieve its elevation, form and bold design. </p>
<p>The wow-factor of the home was dialed up with an expansive oceanfront view, with the height of the home stepped-out over a number of levels. Its clean angles and neutral tones helped it stand out as a modern version of resort-style living. </p>
<p>The external facade achieves its bold vertical lines with the use of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie. This cladding also highlights the stand-out features of the Rainbow Residence - including a large cantilever at the rear of the home, clad in the lightweight material. The use of this cladding keeps the facade uncluttered and minimal, adding to its welcoming street appeal while not overcomplicating the space. </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6YcIWL8EzNarrDZvJnyQJh/4f1c95d0142e5308727c548b59348f4b/axon-cladding-boxmodern-exterior-rainbowresidence-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="axon-cladding-boxmodern-exterior-rainbowresidence-jameshardie-1" /></p>
<h2 id="ahomeamongthepalmtrees">A home among the palm trees</h2>
<p>The idyllic town of Rainbow Beach in Queensland embodies the best of Australian oceanfront culture - a relaxed community, with an emphasis on making the best of the great outdoors. When <a href="https://akbuildingdesign.com.au/">AK Building Design</a> received the brief for the home, they say that the owners wanted a modern beachfront home that would not be too imposing in the peaceful street, while still incorporating unique design features including a boxy look somewhere. The idea was that the home would interact with its surroundings - as well as having a killer, unobstructed view of the ocean. </p>
<p>The rear of the residence was designed to be the ultimate ‘wow’ location and this is where the boxy look took stage. The end product was a perfect example of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern</a> home: hidden, flat roof lines, different ‘boxes’ in suitable scale, arranged across levels and cladding surrounding the stand-out features. </p>
<p>Using <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> on the exterior of the home meant that the team could bring this vision to life. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/box-modern">Box Modern</a> homes rely on the cladding to play the most important role, in helping to distinguish each separate box shape. The clean, vertical cladding lines meant that the form of the home could be clearly defined, keeping in with the style. </p>
<p>For the Rainbow Residence, this was especially relevant at the rear of the home, which had two large boxes protruding out over the alfresco area. The outdoors area was designed as a reflection of the coastal lifestyle: with large decking and a glittering pool to escape the heat of the day - shaded by the cleverly-designed upstairs boxes. The dark grey Stria™ Cladding on both of these rear boxes helped to differentiate them from the white body of the home, making them stand out as key design features.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5CtMfAk4zdwV2oBLNX6soR/1bc40f05c78dccaf036b2636244a9dff/axon-cladding-boxmodern-exterior-rainbowresidence-jameshardie-2.webp" alt="axon-cladding-boxmodern-exterior-rainbowresidence-jameshardie-2" /></p>
<h2 id="achallengingyetrewardingoutlook">A challenging - yet rewarding - outlook</h2>
<p>To deliver on the brief for ocean views, <a href="https://akbuildingdesign.com.au/">AK Building Design</a> took drone footage to assist with sight lines above the foredune vegetation. As there were unique views at differing locations and heights on the site, the team designed an easy climb between the purposely positioned levels to the cleverly created observation deck at the max build height. The observation level, complete with entertaining facilities, took full potential of the location and guaranteed the owners of the best view possible - including structural provisions for future change if desired.</p>
<p>To build something this high and this close to the beach it was crucial that the materials used were fit for purpose. Using Stria™ Cladding as the home’s external cladding meant that they could deliver on the brief, as the cladding is not prone to rotting or warping and will never rust when installed correctly. The cladding also surrounds the stand-out cantilevers, which the team employed to simplify the ‘floating’ levels at the rear of the home. This ‘floating’ look was achieved with careful construction by the team at <a href="https://nickhayesconstructions.com.au/">Nick Hayes Constructions</a>, who brought the design to life. The master bedroom floats out over the alfresco area, helping to shade the space from the heat of day, as well as providing an incredible view.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2YcSaxEsC5HnohmlHAKuV6/088340ad92450626a54e145b62261f7a/axon-cladding-boxmodern-exterior-rainbowresidence-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="axon-cladding-boxmodern-exterior-rainbowresidence-jameshardie-4" /></p>
<h2 id="streetappealthatstandsuptotheelements">Street appeal that stands up to the elements</h2>
<p>Blending into the quiet town while retaining street appeal was also important to the owners of the Rainbow Residence. That’s why the building design team took an understated approach to the facade, reserving the wow factor for the rear. </p>
<p>The facade - and the home as a whole - still needed to handle whatever the oceanfront location could throw at it. That’s why the fibre cement composition of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> was so important to the overall strength of the home. James Hardie’s fibre cement is durable, as well as being resistant to fire, termites and damage from moisture - important when you’re close to the ocean or a body of water. </p>
<p>Fibre cement can also help in the harsh, tropical Queensland summers. Heavier materials - such as brick - have a high thermal mass, meaning that they can hold on to the external temperatures for longer. Fibre cement cladding can instead help regulate temperature more effectively inside the home. When the cladding is coupled with effective insulation, it can help to protect the home from the elements, while ensuring that the indoor areas are not affected by the weather outside.</p>
<p>Through using Stria™ Cladding to transform the idea of a beachfront home into a modern residence that uses cutting-edge design, it was clear that <a href="https://akbuildingdesign.com.au/">AK Building Design</a> had truly nailed the brief, in every way. </p>
<p>Photographer: Lucas Muro (@lucasmurophotographer)</p>
<p><strong>Looking for the cladding to support your next project? <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">Take a look at Stria™ Cladding here. </a></strong></p>

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Discover the right use of building materials to achieve the brief of an ocean view and reasons to win the title of Best Use of James Hardie timber cladding products.

External Cladding Design & Welcoming FaçAde Wins | James Hardie Blogs

A clever modern beauty: The Bird House

<p>The Bird House is an award-winning <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/hamptons/contemporary-hamptons">contemporary home</a> on the Gold Coast, counting in not just the 2018 Australian Institute of Architects’ Regional Project of the Year (Gold Coast), or the 2013 Master Builders (Gold Coast) President’s Award, but among many more. It’s not hard to see why when you learn that it’s the personal home and work of partners and architects – Mark and Angela Jamison of <a href="https://www.jamisonarchitects.com.au/">Jamison Architects.</a> We spoke to them to learn more about this special project.</p>
<h2 id="amodernfamilyhomesetamongstthetrees">A MODERN FAMILY HOME SET AMONGST THE TREES</h2>
<p>On a block surrounded by bushland and boasting stunning vistas, the vision for The Bird House was to create a family home that was strongly connected to the nature around it. Indeed, its name is inspired by the idea that – from the inside of the home – it feels like you are in a birdhouse surrounded by trees.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5YDLhAGEDuXBd1adzuHJ4/746cd71021c59ff680575269b0353919/bird-house-in-the-trees.webp" alt="bird-house-in-the-trees" />
as architects known for their unique, contemporary designs, Mark and Angela also wanted to create a home that touched on both Minimalist and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mid-century-modern">Mid-Century modern</a> inspired looks and responded appropriately to the South-East Queensland climate and locality with an architectural design that had a sense of place.</p>
<h2 id="cleverdesignforlifestyle">CLEVER DESIGN FOR LIFESTYLE</h2>
<p>Central to bringing their vision to life was a simple but highly effective design concept. A home that consists of two pavilions – one <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/projects/single-storey-new-homes">single-storey</a> and one <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/double-story">double</a> – connected by a central, open, multi-functional grassed courtyard.</p>
<p>The design resolution is a response to the requirements; a family home and separate working studio that would be architecturally unique, functional and enjoyable on a modest budget, Mark and Angela explain.</p>
<p>The courtyard is surrounded by pivoting laser-cut screens, that are both decorative and functional. “The pivoting laser-cut screens help to define the courtyard allowing the space to be intimate and private or open and connected to the surrounding landscape,” Mark and Angela explain.  “Shadows create movement and shade in the space by day and by night the open courtyard frames a starry sky.”</p>
<p>Similar fixed screens used as interior wall partitions encourage natural cross-ventilation, and subsequently, reduce energy consumption throughout the house.</p>
<p>The connection between the indoors and the outdoors exemplified in the design of the home, was strengthened through the colour palette and materials used.</p>
<h2 id="connectingtheindoorsandoutdoors">CONNECTING THE INDOORS AND OUTDOORS</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> from James Hardie’s Scyon range was used as the main external cladding on the home. It then continues internally, from the double-height entrance to the second-floor living areas and kitchen, creating a striking, textural backdrop and wall to the entry and staircase. Visually the open space over the staircase and entry is enhanced by the continuous use of the Linea Weatherboard running seamlessly between outside and inside to connect the indoors to the outdoors.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5hEhZGV5EPv9AhY6sZYNKB/8f9b2f8e7b2438394ace2465cabc286f/linea-weatherboard-bird-house.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-bird-house" />
A durable and contemporary fibre-cement weatherboard, the Linea Weatherboard was painted in Dulux ‘Ploughed Earth’. While Colorbond in ‘Jasper’ was used on the garage door and roof. The colour palette inspired by the earthy tones of the bushland landscape surrounding the home.</p>
<p>Mark and Angela add, “The colour of the joinery and window framing reflects the dark bark on the surrounding ironbarks, the species also selected for the timber flooring.”</p>
<p>From the inside of the house looking out, the continuous ceiling and soffits allow the full height black window frames to recede with the view of the surrounding greenery.</p>
<h2 id="strikingtherightbalance">STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE</h2>
<p>As both its residents and architects, Mark and Angela believe The Bird House speaks to the importance of considered design. “The home was experimental and an exemplar that architecture can enhance one’s wellbeing, lifestyle and be affordable.”</p>
<h2 id="toptipsforgettingthelook">TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE LOOK</h2>
<ul>
<li>The design of a home should respond to the needs and requirements of its residents– design for lifestyle!</li>
<li>The design, materials and colour palette of a house can help to create a connection between the interior and exterior.</li>
<li>The use of clever design features, such as the pivoting laser-cut screens, can be multi-purpose. In this instance, to define and separate spaces, create shade and privacy, and promote natural cross ventilation</li>
</ul>

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The Bird House is an award-winning, modern-day beauty using Linea™ Weatherboard. know more from the architects of the masterpiece of Architects Mark and Angle Jamison.

The Bird House: A clever modern beauty using Linea™ Weatherboard

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The perfect wrap for a stunning waterside home

<p>Steven Walker, Wayne Goodwin and their team at Kookaburra Homes love nothing more than working on unique and complex projects for owners who appreciate their outstanding commitment to excellence. “Clients who come to us for custom designed homes have often built before so they understand the importance of quality in the final result,” says Steven.</p>
<h2 id="thatswhycloserelationshipswithoursupplierkeithtimberandwithjameshardietmaresoimportanttheybothfocusjustasmuchaswedoonthecustomeranddeliveringthatqualitytheyexpectfromkookaburra">“THAT’S WHY CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR SUPPLIER KEITH TIMBER AND WITH JAMES HARDIETM ARE SO IMPORTANT. THEY BOTH FOCUS JUST AS MUCH AS WE DO ON THE CUSTOMER AND DELIVERING THAT QUALITY THEY EXPECT FROM KOOKABURRA.”</h2>
<p>In tackling a two-storey pole home in the Mannum Waters marina, Kookaburra were challenged by a sloping block, as well as the overall scale of the home. “Going up another level was the ideal way to maximise water views and internal space,” says Steven. “But right before starting construction we realised the cladding we originally chose wasn’t right for such a tall building. It was a fairly narrow board and we had concerns it would deliver a flimsy, pre-fabricated look when applied across the whole building.”
So Steve and Wayne turned to Keith Timber and James HardieTM to help Kookaburra troubleshoot this all-important design change. “Our James HardieTM rep suggested <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-stria-cladding">StriaTM</a> from their cladding range,” says Steven.</p>
<p>“As a wider board with a thicker profile, it’s the perfect solution for achieving that quality finish in a lightweight material. The full wrap In StriaTM looks contemporary and refined so the home stands out for all the right reasons. Plus, we used roughly half the number of boards compared with the original product, so it was a much faster install too.”</p>

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Here's how a combination of Stria™ cladding and natural timber created the perfect exterior finish for a stunning waterside modern home. know more on James Hardie Blog.

The Perfect Wrap for a Stunning Waterside Modern Home

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A Modern Barn Haven in Queensland

<p>This stunning Barn style home in Brisbane is the work of Toowong-based architects, kahrtel. Built in 2015, this new home build is full of surprises that redefine the modern look. We spoke to Chloe Middleton of kahrtel to learn more about this unique Queensland residence.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5YPSWNab1jOS9yMhdrsV4m/19d6aca39162c01c20308ef995f01f58/SBPhoto_NundahHouse_11.webp" alt="Scandi Barn Linea weatherboard 180mm, Nundah, QLD, Front wide " /></p>
<h2 id="meldingthetraditionalandthemodern">MELDING THE TRADITIONAL AND THE MODERN</h2>
<p>Located on a block just over 700m2 in size in the northern Brisbane suburb of Nundah, the home is located on a street with an eclectic mix of houses old and new.</p>
<p>"This home was designed to be sympathetic to the diversity in the street," says Chloe. "It’s a mix of contemporary modern and traditional Queenslander weatherboard."</p>
<p>She notes that the house’s most distinctive feature is it’s Scandinavian Barn style roofline. “It was a one-off design at the time but has since sparked many similar ones around the suburb.”</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6masVHKQiI85EN99KvuPPR/c98258026a7c2be167ed22c012fe1bb8/SBPhoto_NundahHouse_211.webp" alt="SBPhoto_NundahHouse_211" /></p>
<h2 id="cleanlinesandelementsofsurprise">CLEAN LINES AND ELEMENTS OF SURPRISE</h2>
<p>This private residence beautifully captures the Nordic simplicity of the modern  <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/barn">Barn style</a> home.</p>
<p>This is showcased in the home’s geometric lines and signature steeply pitched, eaves-free gable roof. As well as its simple, constrained palette of crisp whites, warm wood tones, and dark accents, which run harmoniously throughout the whole house, inside and out. The dark accents helping to seamlessly connect the home’s interior and exterior living spaces.</p>
<p>Clever elements of surprise were also used as a key design driver. For example, the large solid sliding panels and other cleverly placed obscure openings create privacy but also allow residents to open up and reveal the framed idyllic views enjoyed from the property.</p>
<p>Chloe highlights the use of solid sliding doors – instead of glass doors – where city views are dramatically revealed every time they are opened as an example of this.</p>
<p>“Combined with the balustrades made from <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>, the need for privacy also contributes a strong windowless aesthetic, which makes the design fresh.”</p>
<p>“The pared-back aesthetic and clean lines are executed brilliantly with details like gutters hidden behind the fascia,” says Chloe.</p>
<p>She notes that garages can often be a blot on a beautiful home. “But this one blends allowing the upper level to be the focal point with minimal distraction.”</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3dguNCm6Gg2v2596OV67TP/f807e273523cff805c87b3f252d4fb70/linea-Scandibarn-nundah-jameshardie_7.jpg" alt="linea-Scandibarn-nundah-jameshardie 7" /></p>
<h2 id="theperfectmarriageofmaterialsanddesign">THE PERFECT MARRIAGE OF MATERIALS AND DESIGN</h2>
<p>The simplicity and classic look of Linea™ Weatherboard is an ideal complement to the Barn home.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> brings a premium, contemporary look to this home. While the product has the same streamlined appearance as timber, it doesn’t require the upkeep or have the susceptibility to heat and moisture damage that timber does.</p>
<p>The modern <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/barn">Barn style</a> is a timeless design aesthetic, which, when crafted with the right materials will prove to be a low maintenance look that will stand the test of time. Just like this home.</p>
<h2 id="toptipsforgettingthelook">TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE LOOK</h2>
<ul>
<li>Design your home to be sympathetic to the surrounding environment.</li>
<li>A pared-back aesthetic, geometric lines and a simple contrasting palette are central to achieving the Barn look.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> is an ideal complement to the modern Scandinavian Barn style home.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
  <p>For more Barn design inspiration, explore the complete Modern Homes Forecast and download the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/barn">Barn Design Handbook</a>.</p>
</blockquote>

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Explore the stunning modern Scandinavian haven in Queensland. Discover how James Hardie cladding products were used to create this sleek and stylish home.

A modern Scandi Barn haven in Queensland features Hardie™ exterior cladding

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Is This Scandi Barn Sanctuary Melbourne’s Best Kept Secret?

<p>Shaun Clancy at Clancy Constructions in Kew, Vic recently renovated this period property for Mark and Suzette into a chic Scandi Barn (You can find Clancy Constructions using postcode 3101 on <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/find-a-builder">James Hardie’s Find A Builder page</a>.</p>
<p>When Mark and Suzette returned home to Melbourne after living abroad for 20 years, they were ready to transform their house into a home. The couple decided to renovate an Edwardian period property they had purchased years earlier, which by Suzette’s own admission needed some work. “We’d always thought that we were going to just chop off the back of the house and take it to the tip, because it was just terrible.”</p>
<p>The result? A forever home that seamlessly blends the old with the new.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/T8qmoobHG3yBmY24XUz3v/13f2094b503c32b921c4ff3fd88ff41f/MHP_ScandiBarn_KewVIC_JH_2331-1536x1024.webp" alt="MHP_ScandiBarn_KewVIC_JH_2331-1536x1024" /></p>
<h2 id="meetmarkandsuzette">MEET MARK AND SUZETTE</h2>
<p>When Mark and Suzette decided to return to their Melbourne roots after a long stint overseas, they had two options: buy a new property, or renovate the one they owned.</p>
<p>“We bought this house in 1994 and lived in it for a few years before we moved offshore. We really liked the house and its historical nature. On coming back to Australia, we were considering what we would do and we thought we’d really like to renovate” says Mark.</p>
<p>And with that decision, the renovation process began!</p>
<h2 id="creatingascandibarnhome">CREATING A SCANDI BARN HOME</h2>
<p>For the new addition, Mark and Suzette wanted to respect the heritage elements of the home, after all, it was part of what made them fall in love with the home in the first place. “We wanted it to compliment the old historical nature of the property rather than be overbearing,” adds Mark. It was the couple’s architect who introduced them to James Hardie’s <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix</a> product. As for the builder, Shaun Clancy, he couldn’t have been happier. “The architect specified the products used on this project,” says Shaun, who is a fan of James Hardie products himself, sharing: “we’ve been working with James Hardie products for 10 years.”</p>
<p>“We were after a Scandi Barn look for this particular project and we were able to achieve those really sharp lines by using Matrix panels,” says Shaun. “The installation detail and process is very easy. The product is lightweight and easy to work with,” Shaun explains. The colour used on Matrix is Dulux Black Caviar while the front façade and architrave around the window are Dulux Hog Bristle.</p>
<h2 id="theendresult">THE END RESULT</h2>
<p>Home owner Mark points out that the nod to Scandi Barn is clear with the pitched shape of the roof. “It really complements the existing roofline that was on the old part of the house, and marries the heritage with the new,” says Mark. And aside from selecting the perfect exterior cladding, there was one other important factor in achieving a seamless renovation: “I think we got it right because of the people that we engaged. In the end, you do put a lot of trust into the people, the contractors, the architects and the subcontractors that come onto site. I think we were genuinely lucky in that we did engage people that we both trusted and who ultimately delivered on our vision,” shares Mark. Would builder Shaun recommend James Hardie? You bet.</p>
<p>“I’d recommend all of the James Hardie product range. It’s simple and easy to work with. It’s cost effective. It’s not complicated. The range is very adaptable for all projects, whether it’s ground floor, first floor or even internal.” Adds Shaun, “the James Hardie product range is very hard wearing. It doesn’t break down over time.” As for Mark and Suzette, they are beyond happy with the end result. “I think it looks better than what we were expecting! We’re both retired now so it was always going to be the one and only. It’s definitely going to be our forever home,” says Mark.</p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/KdrPE8990oA" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0"></a></p>
<p>We know how overwhelming a renovation could get- to make your life easier we have put together a <a href="https://assets.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5eJz0jesvcsxGuwtayKXva/e3ced293611e3885d5528ae12c5eb571/JamesHardie_Renovation_Budget_Checklist.pdf">Budget_Checklist</a> that you can use to have your budget under control. Thank us later for it</p>

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Scandi Barn

Get an inside look at the unique Scandi Barn Sanctuary in Melbourne, using stunning design and James Hardie's Matrix™ cladding. Explore the beauty of this hidden gem.

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