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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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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.

Here's how the versatility of Matrix™ Cladding from James Hardie can create a durable, low maintenance and versatile modern home with perfect striking facades.

Durable, Low Maintenance & Versatile Home with Matrix™ Cladding

Matrix Cladding

Clean lines and simplicity - create the modern look in Melbourne

<p>A builder by trade, Michael Nikolovski had just purchased land in a new suburb in Melbourne and wanted to create the perfect house for his family which includes three young boys. </p>
<p>“We wanted something new and contemporary,” said Michael. “We loved the clean lines and simplicity that cladding creates. We needed a home with space to be together as a family, but also space to grow as a family.” </p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5h57TTlLrqHXTm4npxYwbm/5f3f5215813d034074f4e33b0878b7d0/HERO.PNG" alt="hero-image-1" /></p>
<h2 id="durabilityadecidingfactor">Durability a deciding factor</h2>
<p>As a builder, Michael is very aware of James Hardie products, and chose a mix of Hardie™ exterior cladding products due to their durability, low-maintenance, and warranty. He’s confident the parts of the house using James Hardie products will stand up to any punishment that the harsh Australian climate as well as his young three boys can dish out. “We’ve used so many James Hardie products throughout the home that it’s basically a Hardie House,” continued Michael. “I wanted to use a product that could be easily maintained, allowing me to enjoy family time on the weekend instead of continually patching up parts of the house down the track.”</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2PYVZugf2Egn0y3uBT8MuT/7f998ec566ab86fa35880e9b217c7ca6/HERO_2.PNG" alt="hero-image-2" /></p>
<h2 id="minimisingagaragefaade">Minimising a Garage Façade</h2>
<p>Michael’s desire for a three-car garage was a challenge due to the unique shaped block with a small 12m frontage. It was a tight space to be working with and he didn’t want a three-car garage with traditional garage doors dominating the façade and distracting from the home’s look. </p>
<p>“The garage is a dominant feature of the front of the house, so instead of traditional garage doors, we used <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT64QuznYi2vQyGJQD-K7rIvnNZ7XJtLW0E44GTy14kd8_XXfAuCKqfYaAksMEALw_wcB">Axon™ Cladding</a>. The cladding hides the garage really well and makes the garage appear as just a regular external wall of the house. It blends seamlessly with the rest of the façade and external walls.”</p>
<h2 id="inspiring3drenders">Inspiring 3D Renders</h2>
<p>In choosing his exteriors, Michael used three dimensional renders to identify the cladding types and colour palettes. “The 3D renders were great for inspiration and give you an idea of how the finished product will look, but can only give you so much, you really need to see and feel it once the job is done to get a real understanding of the final look. Once the cladding was installed and the landscaping was complete, I was very happy with the final results, it looks fantastic. We’ve had neighbours commenting on how good it looks.”</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6qjoDEoHBoqJN1k1QblNTu/b20a2859544c33dae83b19193d7fc92a/interior.PNG" alt="Interior-shot-axon" /></p>
<h2 id="endlessdesignpossibilities">Endless Design Possibilities</h2>
<p>As well as the garage doors, Hardie™ cladding has been used in the home’s al fresco entrance, through the entry door and is also used on an inside wall in the garage. “I wanted a continuous and seamless look. For a long-term investment, Hardie™ cladding presents no issues and importantly, from a building perspective, it’s easy to use. The whole build for my double-storey family home, took nine months,” said Michael. 
By utilising a range of claddings and strategically using only three exterior colours, Michael has delivered a modern home, rich in texture.  </p>
<h2 id="ahardiehouse">A Hardie™ House</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT64c0PMrZe3R5STZkR63KDPebfBQ7ocesZNdRUCqntSQT3jo8XON29waAkDVEALw_wcB">Axon™ Cladding</a> has been used for the garage doors, the middle bedroom on the first floor above the ground-floor entry, all painted in Monument. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT65NAprgOnMTK_V7wzl2o0z4tV2E8fn9_RZKkqRBPo1AI6bsIWVS7WUaAsOIEALw_wcB">Matrix™ Cladding</a> has been used on the ground entry porch area, including ceiling lining and painted in Surfmist.    <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardieflex-eaves-lining">Hardie™ Flex Eaves Lining </a>was painted in Builders White. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> has been used on the exterior of first-floor bedrooms on the left and right-hand side of the house and were painted in Surfmist.</p>

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Read article on how clean lines and simplicity create the modern look in Melbourne. Know how Axon™ cladding & flex eaves lining was used to achieve this look.

Clean lines and simplicity create the modern look in Melbourne

Get the Scandi Barn style: from hygge to high ceilings

<p>Have you heard of hygge? It’s a word coined by those in the Nordic north, to describe the cosy contentment associated with enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It encompasses comfort and living well, so it makes sense that this Scandi sensibility can extend to home design too. It is most noticeable in the form of the Scandi Barn style - a popular and dramatic look that is perfect for modern living.</p>
<p>The Scandi Barn style was built to connect good design with the wellness of the inhabitants that lived inside, by complementing the surrounding natural landscape. That means minimal decoration, and open spaces for a functional approach to living.&nbsp; James Hardie ambassador&nbsp; and award-winning architect Joe Snell says it best; that the Scandinavian Barn look is one that “combines tradition with modernity.”</p>
<p>To truly answer the question of what is the Scandi Barn style, it takes nailing a variety of distinct features, to transport your home from the suburbs or countryside to the picturesque Nordic coast.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2KsLXs3VNXxhvydXiX07eo/1f63b913662ad1d6699135244a8a04d6/stria-scandibarn-exterior-adelaide-jameshardie-_7-1-scaled.webp" alt="stria-scandibarn-exterior-adelaide-jameshardie-_7-1-scaled" /></p>
<p>One great way to get the Scandi Barn look is through using versatile materials that complement the style and each other. James Hardie’s range of durable and reliable products are designed for modern homes.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="whatmakesthescandibarnstyle">What makes the Scandi Barn Style?</h2>
<p>It’s important to capture the essential features of the Scandi Barn - a prominent roof shape, no eaves, open space and bold street appeal - to make the most of the style.</p>
<p>The triangular roof shape is an important element to nail, in order to create a dramatic look that maximises space. This style is characterised by a symmetrical, steeply pitched gable roof, with clean and straight lines, and no eaves. The classic barn shape should be pitched forward from other parts of the home, to emphasise a contrast that is born of a modern philosophy of simplicity.</p>
<blockquote>
  <p>This simplicity explains the popularity of the style, says Christian Hansen, James Hardie’s Product Marketing Manager. “The Modern, Scandi Barn aesthetic is a simple diagrammatic shape. There are no eaves. The gable continues down the wall, and a black and white paint scheme makes it contemporary and stand out against the sky and surrounding structures.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>While the exterior is the true symbol of the Scandi Barn style, you can also get the look through careful design choices in the interior. The minimal approach emphasises light-filled, open spaces, with living designed around versatile communal areas.</p>
<p>The style favours neutral colours and fabrics, such as grey linens and warm timber tones, to highlight the strong relationship between design elements and nature. To stay true to the sparse Scandi interior style, you can also reduce clutter in the home by installing built-in furniture, and make the most of your high ceilings with skylights that infuse the room with light.</p>
<h2 id="thematerialstomakescandistyleareality">The materials to make Scandi style a reality</h2>
<p>As always, using the right materials will help the house stand the test of time, while also keeping maintenance efforts low.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Versatile vertical cladding products such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie can both help you successfully achieve the Scandi Barn style. These practical and considered designs can complement and contrast with the cladding styles on other areas of the house.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, you could install vertical cladding on the upstairs exterior, and apply a different approach on the downstairs. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> by James Hardie or the subtly rendered <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Textured Cladding</a> by James Hardie can both do the job - and these products won’t warp or rot, and are moisture, insect and fire resistant.&nbsp;
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5yyRTQtPMPx1lN8q4Oi0Ji/76fe45b5d4c6ceeb94d84d2e9aea3d5a/finetexturecladding-calbungalowadd-jameshardie-scaled.webp" alt="finetexturecladding-calbungalowadd-jameshardie-scaled" />
Designed by <a href="https://www.glowbuildingdesign.com/">Glow Building Design</a></p>
<p>These fibre-cement panel options arrive pre-primed and ready to paint, and the typical approach with this style is to create a bold look with dark paint, to further foster a striking street presence.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“While many may think of light and bright colour palettes for Scandi Barns, they also have the potential for dark and brooding exteriors in greys and blacks,” says Joe Snell.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="thescandibarnstyleinpracticemeetthekewhomenbsp">The Scandi Barn style in practice: meet the Kew home&nbsp;</h2>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/ouzAP2L8f7OEq8cFW7MJT/fcb11d0229ed231297fdf6bab4316f67/matrix-scandibarn-kew-jameshardie_6-scaled.webp" alt="matrix-scandibarn-kew-jameshardie_6-scaled" /></p>
<p>The leafy Melbourne suburb of Kew may be 15,978 kilometres from Norway - but that doesn’t stop a Scandi Barn from popping up on an unassuming street.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A white-weatherboard heritage façade hides a modern Scandi Barn style extension toward the rear of the home, which is painted in a dark grey - courtesy of a shade called Black Caviar. For the striking panels, Clancy Constructions chose Matrix™ Cladding by James Hardie, due to the lightweight qualities, which make the product easy to work with and install.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But colour is not the only contrast. Highlighting the philosophy of simplicity, which underpins the style, the home owners wanted to create a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. They created a fluid outdoor entertaining space, framed by a set of sliding glass doors, which leads to a lush backyard with dark decking, in contrast to the light and neutral indoor tones.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Scandi Barn is on trend and can be seen in rural or urban settings across the country because of its simplicity, striking exposed beam ceilings, open-plan living spaces and bold street presence,” says Christian Hansen.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And last but not least - the hygge. That’s reason enough to go Scandi!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Inspired to get the Scandi look? Check out our lookbook to see what could lie ahead for your home: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modernlookbook2021">The Modern Look Book</a></p>

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Discover More About Scandi Barn Style and Know the Tips on How to Get Scandi Barn Style Hygge to High Ceilings Using Axon™ Cladding & Hardie™ Fine Textured Cladding.

Get the Scandi Barn Style Hygge to High Ceilings |James Hardie

Let us help you put your inspiration in one place. Discover an easy-to-use mood board tool. The James Hardie and Style Sourcebook partnership allows you to create the facade you’ve always wanted, it’s never been easier to realise your renovation or design vision.  Style Sourcebook is a FREE easy-to-use mood board tool that helps you create beautiful, shareable mood boards that will act as an invaluable visual guide throughout your entire journey. 

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Hamptons Home Trend Forecast 2020

<p>The timeless appeal of the Hamptons look continues to endure into a new year and decade. Though, there are elements of the style that are set to shift slightly as new trends redefine the look. Here are some of the key Hamptons features forecast for an update in 2020.</p>
<h2 id="thefundamentalsofthehamptonslook">THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE HAMPTONS LOOK</h2>
<p>While elements of the Hamptons look may evolve, there are fundamentals that lie at the heart of the style that never will. </p>
<p>Hamptons homes are stylish and luxurious but with a laidback undertone. Think clean horizontal lines, breezy, light-filled open spaces and a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. </p>
<p>The hallmarks of the Hamptons look include gabled roofs, weatherboard frontages, a neutral colour scheme, and an exterior that stands out for its subtle sophistication. </p>
<p>It’s a style that is well suited to the relaxed Australian lifestyle, while also being achievable and customisable to suit a range of environments, whether coastal, country or urban. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2WPsCnn1NlHMqsq12LtOFq/aecc7f858f72296a5ce1873e342a0d2d/jh4a.webp" alt="jh4a" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a></p>
<h2 id="craftingthehamptonslook">CRAFTING THE HAMPTONS LOOK</h2>
<p>Whether you are building or renovating, James Hardie products can help you bring the popular Hamptons look to life. The clean lines of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> weatherboard are ideal for creating deep shadow external wall cladding, while <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Axent™ Trim</a>  can be used as an edge treatment to accentuate window and door frames. Carry the look through to inside with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> for stunning interior walls and ceilings.</p>
<p>While they have the look and clean lines of timber, these James Hardie products are made from durable fibre-cement, which is low maintenance, easy to assemble, and resistant to fire, moisture damage, swelling, cracking and termites
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/zBSx3ErFIv4kmeieo3Zcb/9dcd175a1adf85da5accee4a39e3b227/jh4b.webp" alt="jh4b" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axent-trim">Axent™ Trim</a></p>
<h2 id="hamptonshomestrendsfor2020">HAMPTONS HOMES TRENDS FOR 2020</h2>
<p>The Hamptons look is traditionally centred around a neutral colour palette of soothing shades of white, cream, neutral and light grey. This year sees the addition of more colour and contrast.</p>
<p>This trend is captured in a shift away from all-white to the use of more colour, with dark greys, navies and blacks making more of an appearance.</p>
<p>A popular pick being Pantone's Colour of the Year 2020, Classic Blue (19-4052). Describing it as a “reflective” and “restful” colour,  Pantone notes that Classic Blue brings “a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit, offering refuge, aiding concentration and bringing laser-like clarity”. It’s also a fitting complement to the Hamptons relaxing often nautical-themed style.</p>
<p>While these darker shades have, in the past, been used for cladding colour, in 2020 they are forecast to feature more prominently. Externally, in roofing and framings and internally, in anchoring features such as cabinetry, plantation shutters and marble shaker benches. In turn, helping to bring a more monochrome feel to the overall Hamptons colour palette
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/70Ktq2ot1j2fr5xgWiS8bg/1045a36f8b92e1e0cc4589371f19b56d/linea_880x550px__1_.webp" alt="linea_880x550px__1_" /></p>
<h2 id="mixingitup">MIXING IT UP</h2>
<p>In addition to this, 2020 is set to see different styles of Hamptons homes emerge as the look continues to be adapted to suit the lifestyle of its occupants and the landscape in which it sits. One style that is enjoying a rise in popularity is Modern Hamptons, which sees modern touches mixed into the Hamptons look. </p>
<p>For example, the sleek, simple lines and boxy shapes of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Modern look</a> may be introduced into an outdoor entertaining or pool area through the use of contrast. With mixed materials, such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> or <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™ Cladding</a> being used alongside <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a>, or in varied colours and textures
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/55pnfi1tWkvi6Bxp8pld81/bbaf332f0f3fc237c9b868b48218c7d0/jh4d.webp" alt="jh4d" />
In 2020, it’s all about making the Hamptons look work for you and your needs.</p>
<h2 id="findmorehamptonsinspirationherehttpswwwjameshardiecomaulookshamptons">Find more Hamptons inspiration <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/hamptons">here</a>.</h2>

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Discover the latest Hamptons home design trends for 2020. Get expert insights and inspiration for your home renovation project from James Hardie Australia.

Hamptons Home Trend Forecast 2020 With James Hardie

Bringing a touch of Scandinavia to Kew, Victoria

<p>In the lush suburb of Kew, one of the most enviable pockets of inner Melbourne, homeowners Mark and Suzette returned from 20 years abroad to settle back into the property they’d purchased years earlier.</p>
<p>The Edwardian home built in 1994, however, <a href="https://jameshardie.com.au/blog/is-this-scandi-barn-sanctuary-melbournes-best-kept-secret/">needed plenty of work</a>, and so they brought on an experienced architect and building team to add a Scandinavian twist to their forever home.</p>
<p>We sat down with Shaun Clancy from <a href="http://clancyconstructions.com.au/">Clancy Constructions</a> about creating this stunning <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/scandi-barn">Scandi Barn</a> extension, and why James Hardie products were the perfect choice for the transformation.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6RVmpbIuYUNsN7dEKHne7Y/1362f365bb62560ccd17abb41793d49c/MHP_ScandiBarn_KewVIC_JH_1079-1643x2048.webp" alt="MHP_ScandiBarn_KewVIC_JH_1079-1643x2048" /></p>
<h2 id="marryinghistorywithmoderncharm">MARRYING HISTORY WITH MODERN CHARM</h2>
<p>Think about all the different ways you could extend an Edwardian period home – your first thought probably would not be to build a <a href="https://jameshardie.com.au/blog/introducing-the-scandinavian-barn-look/">Scandi Barn-style</a> addition. But that’s exactly what Mark and Suzette wanted for their paradise in Kew: the classic pitched roof, the pared-back simplicity and the durable <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">cladding</a>, painted in Dulux Black Caviar.</p>
<p><em>> “The owners wanted to respect the heritage elements in the original home while complementing them with something that wasn’t overbearing,” says Shaun from Clancy Constructions.</em></p>
<p><em>> “Scandi Barn was the ideal design choice because it complements the existing roofline. It also helps that James Hardie understands the look and has a cost-effective product range to suit all types of renovations.”</em></p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1NVPZGVHeKHriaoKy98ASX/d1fba890c010cec30c88aa1ad2207137/matrix-scandibarn-modern-exterior-kew-jameshardie-_22-sml-1.webp" alt="matrix-scandibarn-modern-exterior-kew-jameshardie-_22-sml-1" /></p>
<h2 id="therightproductsforascandibarnlook">THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR A SCANDI BARN LOOK</h2>
<p>Shaun loves the fact that James Hardie products are lightweight yet hard wearing, not to mention easy to work with and install.</p>
<p><em>> “We were able to achieve a true Scandi Barn look for this particular project thanks to the Matrix panels, which made it really easy to get those sharp, striking Scandinavian lines,” says Shaun.</em></p>
<p><em>> “We’ve been working with James Hardie products for more than a decade, and because they offer such ease-of-use we were able to cut them to size to suit this project’s unique requirements. That meant we could achieve the quintessential modern Scandi Barn look while seamlessly blending the new extension with the original heritage elements of the home.”</em></p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3KfXVsm9rS7azLkGQIKFYL/bd7db986002dad1639ab8b51718d2941/matrix-scandibarn-modern-exterior-kew-jameshardie-26-sml-1.webp" alt="matrix-scandibarn-modern-exterior-kew-jameshardie-26-sml-1" /></p>
<h2 id="overcomingthechallengesofascandibarnextensionwithjameshardie">OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF A SCANDI BARN EXTENSION WITH JAMES HARDIE</h2>
<p>As with any renovation or major extension, challenges are bound to arise during the course of the build. That’s why using the right team, the right products and the right expertise are all essential for a hassle-free project.</p>
<p><em>> “Tying the new extension to the existing structure was far and away the biggest challenge, but knowing we could cut the Matrix cladding on-site to suit our structural requirements – and blend them together – meant there were no delays,” Shaun says.</em></p>
<p><em>> “In fact, working with James Hardie products actually expedited the overall build time. Since all the works were carried out by the carpenter, we didn’t need to rely on any other trades.”</em></p>
<p>Mark and Suzette couldn’t be happier with the finished project. Newly retired and now back in Australian permanently, the couple says this will definitely be their forever home – and their visually stunning Scandi Barn extension is the ideal cherry on top of the cake. You can visit Clancy Construction’s <a href="http://clancyconstructions.com.au/">website</a> or their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clancyconstructions/">Instagram</a> to see more of their beautiful builds!</p>
<p>Looking to join the Scandi Barn revolution or simply want some ideas for your next renovation? <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/jameshardieau/">Get inspired on our Pinterest page.</a> You can also <a href="https://jameshardie.com.au/blog/is-this-scandi-barn-sanctuary-melbournes-best-kept-secret/">read more about Melbourne’s best-kept Scandi Barn secret right here.</a></p>

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Scandi Barn

Discover a stunning Scandinavian-inspired home renovation in Kew, Victoria using Matrix™ Cladding. Explore the transformation & get inspired for your next renovation.

Offering a touch of Scandinavia to Kew, Victoria

Escape Tradition Exteriors: Unveiling the Designer Mixed-Materials Look

<p>Breaking free from the traditional – and often bland – exteriors of long-established homes, the designer mixed materials look is a both an exterior and interior representation of modern, sophisticated functionality.</p>
<p>And it’s no fad. Research from James Hardie suggests <a href="https://theinteriorsaddict.com/mixed-material-facades-favoured-by-young-home-builders">only one in three people</a> who’ve built in the past five years (or plan to do so in the near future) want brick cladding or veneer facades. Instead, they’re using cladding and colour to create contrast, layers and focal points for a truly unique, designer home.</p>
<h2 id="theexteriorhallmarks">THE EXTERIOR HALLMARKS</h2>
<p>One of the biggest trends in the designer mixed materials look is shapes. A far cry from the traditional brick-and-mortar shapes of decades past, this sharp look is all about a striking visual from the outset.</p>
<p>For example, Jordan Walker from Odyssey Studios says, “Designers are trending towards using neutral, linear shapes as a backdrop for irregular geometry or a wild change of material.”</p>
<p>This feeds into the modern design tactic of using new materials, especially premium cement cladding, to create strong and prominent shapes. The best part is that these materials are typically lightweight, so designers can play around with unique rooflines and unusual shapes while still making it suitable for open-plan areas, and even overhangs – which would be impossible with heavier products.</p>
<p>One final hallmark of a designer mixed materials exterior is the facade. Typically, with a traditional <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/hamptons/australian-hamptons">Australian home</a> you’ll see brick cladding or veneer facades, but now home owners are embracing articulated and cantilevered facades.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1do2W5CjHS11lTXJh24AZI/823e6e5233b1b23115e8345fd3321ed2/matrix-stria-mixed-cladding-williamstown-james-hardie_6.webp" alt="matrix-stria-mixed-cladding-williamstown-james-hardie_6" />
When it comes to the Designer Mixed-Materials look, it’s all about playing around with shapes and challenging the boundaries!</p>
<h2 id="achievingtherightlook">ACHIEVING THE RIGHT LOOK</h2>
<p>The best part about the designer mixed materials look is that there’s a wealth of variety at your fingertips – you’re not locked into a single style. The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™ Cladding range</a>, for example, delivers visually resplendent rectangular panel arrays for feature walls or to highlight unique architectural forms.</p>
<p>These come in brick, vertical, horizontal or square panel layouts, each offering an individual exterior that will always achieve the look you want.</p>
<p>If strong vertical lines are essential to your designer home but you want to soften the industrial look that often follows it, the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding range</a> offers precisely grooved sheets that mimic the detail of vertical joint timber – without the hassle and maintenance.</p>
<h2 id="ontheinside">ON THE INSIDE</h2>
<p>You needn’t have a large block of land to build your ultimate home with a designer look. Bring the mixed materials aesthetic indoors by using a combination of textures and finishes across all rooms – bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, living areas and more.</p>
<p>‘Matchy-matchy’ has gone the way of the dodo and the designer mixed materials appeal is no longer a trend, especially inside the home – it’s a deliberate shift in mainstream design.</p>
<p>There are three ‘rules’ of mixed materials and they go against the traditional norms:</p>
<ul>
<li>Don’t choose one finish and use it on every fitting and every piece of hardware throughout your home. Mix things up.</li>
<li>Don’t build all your furnishings around one beautiful piece of furniture. Mix things up.</li>
<li>Don’t always stick to the brief. Be free to deviate from the original plan, incorporating a variety of different styles, furnishings and looks to create something uniquely you. Mix things up.</li>
</ul>
<p>For inner-city homes that may not have an overwhelming freedom of space, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/scyon-cladding-solutions">Sycon™ fibre-cement cladding</a> can be applied directly onto your frames, opening up your interior living space.</p>
<h2 id="designforlifestyle">DESIGN FOR LIFESTYLE</h2>
<p>As Jordan Walker says, “Every great home should be a celebration of its owners and occupants, so don’t be afraid to stamp your personality on it!”</p>
<p>So, take into account a few different factors: your lifestyle, the environment around you (is your home surrounded by lush greenery, in a concrete jungle or set in the heart of bushland?), and of course your personality.</p>
<p>Rather than choosing a ‘set’ style, buyers and builders alike want a modern designer look that encapsulates a number of different styles. Lean, angular lines are common throughout, as are typically monochrome palettes and open-plan spaces. On the out are balustrades and eaves, leaving room for statement exterior pieces that truly set your home apart.</p>
<p>It’s all about what you want out of your home. And with designer mixed materials, you can make almost any dream a reality.</p>
<h2 id="quicktipsforgettingthedesignermixedmaterialslook">QUICK TIPS FOR GETTING THE DESIGNER MIXED-MATERIALS LOOK</h2>
<ul>
<li>All about combinations of materials: Cladding, steel, wood and plywood work very well together.</li>
<li>Textures: A mix of different textures eliminates any risk of looking traditional or ‘boring’, always providing a sharp architectural design.</li>
<li>Practicality is key: Certain cladding materials are compliant with strict bushfire regulations – so they don’t only provide a stunning look, but also act as a safeguard against fires.</li>
<li>Authentic: Timbers, metals and stone are gritty, resilient and honest materials that partner well with a variety of exterior products.</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you’re looking to build a truly unique home or want to elevate your current property with standout cladding, colour, facades and more – a designer mixed materials look could be the ultimate solution.</p>

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Striking facade with James Hardie's Designer Mixed Materials Look using Axon™ & Matrix™ Cladding. Explore the possibilities for a unique and stylish home exterior.

Introducing the Designer Mixed-Materials Look

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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/categories/cladding/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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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.

Discover Scandi Barn Sanctuary, Melbourne's Best Kept Secret

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A lightning fast builder delivers nearly 100 homes in 18 months!

<h2 id="thisbrandnewtownhouseprecinctbringscontemporaryhomestoanestablishedsuburb">THIS BRAND NEW TOWNHOUSE PRECINCT BRINGS CONTEMPORARY HOMES TO AN ESTABLISHED SUBURB</h2>
<p>Located at the foot of the stunning Dandenong ranges and just over 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, it’s no wonder Springvale is a popular spot for home buyers. With some smart design and planning, TownLiving by Metricon have very quickly brought to market a range of integrated townhouses, providing a popular alternative to established homes on the marke.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5mZfwxAkFLXAViQO9G3EFk/ff17af9fe016b71dded7b931991d4afd/DSC_8859-1568x1147.webp" alt="DSC_8859-1568x1147" /></p>
<h2 id="rarefindinapopularresidentialhub">RARE FIND IN A POPULAR RESIDENTIAL HUB</h2>
<p>After snapping up a former Dandenong council site in Springvale, TownLiving by Metricon and their project team immediately got to work on a planto bring modern homes to this desirable suburb. “This community has plenty of buyers who prefer a modern, low-maintenance home,” says Andy Bilgen, Business Development and Operations Manager for TownLiving by Metricon. “Normally you’d have to go further out from Melbourne to one of the brand new developments to find this type of property. So there was great value for us in maximising yield on a site like View Road as we knew they’d be popular. We pre-sold 80% before construction even began, thanks to a very effective marketing campaign.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4gTvTGADWjvRL95O1CgFkk/5617d47217b192df58e4f4c6ea122864/DSC_8880-1-1568x1045.webp" alt="DSC_8880-1-1568x1045" /></p>
<h2 id="bringingvarietytothestreetscapewithmixedmaterials">BRINGING VARIETY TO THE STREETSCAPE WITH MIXED MATERIALS</h2>
<p>Making sure prospective buyers could appreciate the high quality architectural design was a very important part of the marketing campaign for these properties. “Because of the dimensions of the site, all 98 properties were arranged in two continuous rows on each side of a central access road,” says Andy. “So we applied a combination of materials to change things up. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™</a> from the James Hardie cladding range are ideal for delivering this variety in a material that’s very easy to handle and apply. From just a few different products we’ve create a whole range of distinctive features for these contemporary façades.”</p>
<h2 id="claddingchoiceisaclearwinnerforspeedandconvenience">CLADDING CHOICE IS A CLEAR WINNER FOR SPEED AND CONVENIENCE</h2>
<p>As a large scale construction business, Metricon always invest significant research and development time in a project like View Road. “When we’re designing any home we look carefully at buildability to ensure construction will be as fast and effective as possible,” says Andy. “The design team consult the construction team on how easy or difficult it’s going to be to work with their proposed plans and materials schedule.”</p>
<blockquote>
  <p>“We always get good feedback on James Hardie cladding because it accelerates the whole construction process. It’s robust and easy to handle with minimal risk of damage before or after install. It’s up and painted in no time so you’re very quickly off the scaffold looking at a clean, quality finish. On this particular project we finished the 98th house just 18 months after starting the first one.”</p>
</blockquote>

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Here's how James Hardie's fibre cement cladding solution enabled a quick, efficient and quality construction of almost 100 homes in just 18 months.

A lightning fast build delivers nearly 100 homes in 18 months

Contemporary style with warmth and class

<h2 id="thesepracticalandbeautifulhomessetthebarhighforspaceandliveability">THESE PRACTICAL AND BEAUTIFUL HOMES SET THE BAR HIGH FOR SPACE AND LIVEABILITY</h2>
<p>Bordering a green parkland oasis in Clayton South, the Jackson Green development has become a sought after location for a variety of buyers. Offering beautiful streetscapes and a wide choice of three and four-bedroom floor plans, the townhouse precinct sets new standards for quality in medium-density living.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4AfzFVk9gg8G0XX4nFD0Xr/b253cc415e7ac1d82a3ac4066909122e/DSC_9127-1568x1036.webp" alt="DSC_9127-1568x1036" /></p>
<h2 id="bringingwarmthtoamodernfaade">BRINGING WARMTH TO A MODERN FAÇADE</h2>
<p>In a leafy location in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, the homes at Jackson Green are popular with buyers. “The whole community has a great balance of green space and convenient access to amenities” says Michael Battistella, National General Manager with <a href="https://www.burbank.com.au/victoria/burbank-projects/">Burbank Projects</a>, the building team on the project. “The design for the townhouses continues that careful balance between natural and built environments. They present as contemporary and clean without being cold.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Cladding</a> products from James Hardie provided Michael and his team with the right palette of textures, colours and forms to achieve this blended and balanced façade.</p>
<p>“The finishes play a massive role in creating this look that’s homely and inviting, with a touch of class,” says Michael. “James Hardie cladding products come together so well on a project like this. The linear texture from the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™</a> boards contrasts with the modular <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/scyon-matrix-cladding">Matrix™</a> panels and you can add colour changes for even more visual variety.”</p>
<p>Product stability makes these materials popular with the construction team as well as the designers. “Our trades also enjoy working with these products thanks to their stability and consistency,” says Michael “Being cement based products, they stay where you put them. There’s no shrinking or settling so it’s easier to get the cladding finish looking just as good as it should.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2jnyjpcIB5YSf4zcMVHQrz/e1fc2743cf2235828a8a358bac97e0d0/DSC_9208-1568x1045.webp" alt="DSC_9208-1568x1045" /></p>
<h2 id="technicalsupportforspeedandaqualityfinish">TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR SPEED AND A QUALITY FINISH</h2>
<p>As well as improving the quality of finish, reliable products like these also speed up installation. “If used correctly, lightweight materials are definitely more efficient to work with,” says Michael. “Getting the details right is definitely important to the end result and James Hardie provide all the technical back up you need to get it right first time. Their detail library is very comprehensive so you can look up how to get a perfect finish on a window frame or internal corner and just follow the steps. And if there’s something we need more guidance on, our rep is more than happy to meet us on site and provide that next level support.”</p>
<p>In following these instructions, the team can also be confident the structure and materials will be backed by comprehensive warranties provided by James Hardie.</p>
<blockquote>
  <p>“When you’re building properties in high volumes like this you can’t afford to be going back to do the work again or rectify problems.” says Michael. “We see James Hardie as the brand we want behind our brand, because their products and support give us reassurance that the job is done to the highest standard.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="apriceworthpayingforpremiumdesign">A PRICE WORTH PAYING FOR PREMIUM DESIGN</h2>
<p>According to Michael, the quality of design and construction puts these properties into a premium price range for the area.</p>
<blockquote>
  <p>“There are a lot of people looking for that turnkey home, one that has everything included and won’t make demands on their time with maintenance. As the builder for the townhouse complex at Jackson Green, it’s important to us that buyers get that security and confidence they’re looking for in a brand new home. It’s a testament to that quality we’ve delivered that these townhouses have sold for a price that’s above the median for Clayton South.”</p>
</blockquote>

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Here's how James Hardie's Axon™ Cladding, EasyLap™ Panel and expertise have transformed the design of the Jackson Green Townhouses, enhancing with durability and style.

Matrix Cladding

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