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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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Scandinavian-Inspired: Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding & Linea™ Weatherboard

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Linea™ Weatherboard combine to deliver a high quality modern home

A family’s vision for a modern coastal cabin was made into a stunning reality through a successful collaboration between homeowner/builder <a href="https://www.tystyle.com.au/">TyStyle Construction</a> and building designer <a href="https://rg-design-studio.business.site/">RG Design Studio</a>. By combining the aesthetics of a modern coastal barn with the rustic charm of a cabin, the duo leveraged the quality and versatility of Hardie™ products to achieve the desired look and functionality. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> was chosen as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to render, producing a textured finish for this modern abode. To create contrast, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> was utilised on the front façade creating clean lines and visual interest. The three Hardie™ products are part of our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a>. Created to complement each other, this curated cladding collection offers endless design possibilities so you can build modern homes from the ground up, with confidence.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6N9nZl3lnhIA58ntNByn0k/02c2d7341ff4ff3bcc7ffeb8e660263c/_DSC3765.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-exterior-modern-coastal-barn-tystyleconstruction-jameshardie" />
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6JlgnSdIAgIRIc4IavGHQn/20c1ba3481dd5c7a24fca8e84f35bfcd/_DSC3978.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-exterior-modern-coastal-barn-tystsyleconstruction-jameshardie" />
Inspired by a family trip to Tasmania, homeowners Tyson and Maddie had a clear vision of creating a modern coastal cabin that seamlessly blended with their personal style. They aimed to demonstrate that a smaller house could still deliver a "wow" factor by incorporating character, abundant natural light, and low maintenance features. Rich Graves from RG Design Studio was selected to bring the design concept to life. “We designed a home that merged the modern coastal barn aesthetic with the warmth and cosiness of a cabin, resulting in a truly unique project,” explained Rich. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7jYHWpxzYmgtPfK0YQaZM7/8b3b611e5219fc44277a29ec494446eb/_DSC4352.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-moderncoastal-exterior-tystyleconstruction-jameshardie" />
When it came to capturing the desired coastal aesthetic while prioritising durability and a top-notch finish, TyStyle Construction had no hesitation in selecting Hardie™ products. “The extensive knowledge we possessed regarding the seamless synergy between each product made the decision-making process a breeze. We knew that by choosing Hardie™ products, we were not only ensuring a cohesive and harmonious outcome but also saving valuable time in the process. It was an obvious choice that allowed us to bring our envisioned vision to life with confidence.”
<blockquote>
 "By choosing this cladding solution, we managed to shorten the construction timeline by 30%, while eliminating the need for multiple trades on site." - Tyson, TyStyle Construction
</blockquote>
To create a captivating façade, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> was chosen for its calming and mild texture. Tyson explains why this product is a firm favourite to use in his project: "Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding offers an excellent alternative to traditional rendering, providing significant time and cost savings without compromising on a sleek contemporary appearance. By choosing this cladding solution, we managed to shorten the construction timeline by 30%, while eliminating the need for multiple trades on site. This is thanks to the durable fibre cement panels that come pre-sealed and pre-textured, allowing for immediate cladding and painting. As a result, the building process is faster and more efficient – a win, win for both the client and builder.” 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3qMWiDwZOKe9HmSGJt3Oxq/8f192fe83f9eb03f0647ac7fd1bf6170/_DSC3819-Edit-1.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-linea-exterior-moderncoastal-tystyleconstruction-jameshardie" />
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1aH8UtholjiuY7KIPQ1i5F/c44c2236e95bbff0680018621704da53/_DSC4087-Edit.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-linea-weatherboard-moderncoastal-jameshardie" />
The building team selected <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> for the front exterior to create striking horizontal lines against the vertical timber and aluminium batten screens. “The particular look we were after was textural contrast, particularly for the façade as you approach the entrance,” said Tyson.
<blockquote>
 “Having used their products consistently over the years, the team appreciates the high quality, durability and performance of all products,” explains Tyson, TyStyle Construction.
</blockquote>
TyStyle Construction has a long-standing relationship with Hardie™ products, employing them in the majority of their builds. “Having used their products consistently over the years, the team appreciates the high quality, durability and performance of all products,” explains Tyson. With building exteriors exposed to the outside elements day in and day out, "Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Linea™ Weatherboard are resistant to moisture damage. In addition, the ease of installation and familiar accessories makes the project a smoother and faster process overall. 
Mitre10 was the trusted supplier of Hardie™ products throughout the project. A long-standing relationship between TyStyle Construction and their local Mitre10 store ensured open communication and smooth collaboration throughout the project. “The Mitre10 staff delivered above and beyond with their expert knowledge and fast delivery of Hardie™ products when required,” says Tyson.
The end result of this collaboration is a beautiful modern home that blends form with function. Captivating on arrival and equally enamouring inside, the coastal cabin aesthetic creates an inviting retreat for Tyson, Maddie and their three children to enjoy daily. Tyson affirms, "The versatile Hardie™ products were instrumental in achieving the desired look, skilfully blending horizontal and vertical lines to create an engaging façade. The enduring and low-maintenance attributes of the Hardie™ products enhanced the building experience, contributing to the overall success of the project - and one that can stand the test of time."
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2hvXp2CbCx4FGzlpnVeEzz/38814f154206ad14cd5a32b966b7db1f/_DSC4258-Edit_copy.webp" alt="axon-cladding-interior-tystyle-jameshardie" />
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5Svq8HjcMHd0DpJN836DvR/117f59895e9a431faad08cd6474f0e88/_DSC4240.webp" alt="axon-cladding-interior-tystyleconstruction-jameshardie" />
With the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection">Hardie™ Architectural Collection</a>, It’s Possible™️ to make modern like never before. We invite you to explore the full product range to build modern homes from the ground up, with confidence and efficiency. 
Builder: <a href="https://www.tystyle.com.au/">TyStyle Construction</a>
Building Designer: <a href="https://rg-design-studio.business.site/">RG Design Studio</a>
Photographer: Rikki Lancaster

Linea Weatherboard by James Hardie clads the front exterior of TyStyle's Modern Coastal build. James Hardie's Linea Weatherboard creates striking horizontal lines against the vertical timber and aluminium battens. A simple facade with textural contrast and inviting entrance.

linea-weatherboard-exterior-modern-coastal-barn-tystyleconstruction-jameshardie

Builder TYStyle Construction and Building Designer RG Design Studio collaborate on a modern coastal home for their clients. Using a combination of products from the Hardie Architectural Collection to achieve the desired look has created harmonious and cohesive coastal aesthetic. Hardie Fine Texture Cladding, Linea Weatherboard and Axon Cladding all work together to create a captivating façade, combining calming render texture with striking horizontal lines and fine vertical detail. The Hardie Architectural Collection is a proven range of cladding profiles and textures that are trusted by trade and suppliers like Mitre10. 

Hardie™ Architectural Collection: Building quality modern homes!

New Hardie™️ Brushed Concrete Cladding delivers a stunning designer exterior while speeding up the building process 

<h3 id="showcasingthebestofdesignversatilityhardiebrushedconcretecladdinghttpswwwjameshardiecomauproductrangecategoriescladdinghardiebrushedconcretecladdingandlineaweatherboardhttpswwwjameshardiecomauproductrangecategoriescladdingscyonlineaweatherboardcombinetodeliveranurbancoastallook">Showcasing the best of design versatility, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> combine to deliver an urban coastal look</h3>
For builder Luke Orton, owner of <a href="https://www.ortonbuilding.com.au/">Orton Building</a>, creating two homes with one seamless duplex exterior has always been a project goal. When Luke’s office, within a warehouse in a semi-residential area in Wickham, New South Wales, was no longer fit for purpose and ripe for redevelopment, he jumped at the opportunity to convert the site into a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> duplex. 
“The particular look we were after was a modern coastal feel that was warm and inviting,” said Luke. “This was a warehouse conversion in what is becoming a more residential streetscape, so we wanted to make it a bit more urban and pursued an ‘urban coastal’ look.” 
To achieve this the clean and uncluttered façade, Luke used James Hardie’s latest fibre cement cladding. New <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding </a> has a unique texture, which is embedded into the panel and is reminiscent of softly brushed concrete making it distinctively tactile. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4p31L6lG4fXE1mWlDMAR9L/61665696d346c8cce6714f9a22348505/brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-18.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-18" />
Initially, foam render was the specification for the exterior, but Luke chose to use <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> as an alternative to render for the ground floor façade for its look and long-lasting durability. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™️ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> is ideal for creating modern façades and being made from Hardie™ fibre cement products, it is more hardwearing than rendered greenboard foam panels. 
“Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding could pass as a decorative render or a bagged brick look on a broad wall - it’s nice,” said Luke. Luke used Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding on the ground floor’s exterior façade from the walls and entry ways, to the planter boxes above the entry way, and to the outdoor rear courtyard to help create a seamless transition. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/32Jqdch6IFPIUhWuO94ERz/6f92520eead45872cd2dbbc9e76bd587/brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie_13__1_.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie 13 (1)" />
Complementing the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding</a> on the ground floor, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> was used across the majority of the first-floor façade. “We love Linea™ Weatherboard and are very familiar with the look it can achieve,” said Luke. When used in combination with Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding, Linea™ Weatherboard allowed Luke to achieve the modern coastal design. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in modern design and mixed cladding styles on the home façade to create an architectural feel and design diversity. It’s a very versatile trend and helps create a unique look adds Luke. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2LrYuWWubsZnvi9y55nWik/cce487521a408695a1bc09bc284d0c69/brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie_1.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie 1" />
From an installation perspective, the size of the panels allowed Luke to remove any visible horizontal joints. “Full height 3.6m Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding panels allowed us not to have horizontal lines to the front façade which was important to us,” said Luke. “When factoring in the vertical joints, we focused on panel layout to ensure the joints added to the overall design - it worked well at the front entry because it subtly broke up the façade.” Hardie™ 9mm Aluminium Horizontal Express Jointer and Hardie™ 9mm Aluminium External Slimline Corner were used to deliver the seamless look. 
As the existing warehouse was located on the boundary, Luke had to comply with fire ratings when extending the first floor. “Using Hardie™ fibre-cement cladding products as the external cladding in conjunction with a compliant fire rated wall system is great because it’s cost and time effective, is easy and quick to install, and is low maintenance”. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3YEk4xAlpP21uT22rQYcEL/54abb739af726262a783fa3c79b81925/brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-1_edit__20_.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-1 edit (20)" />
Using Hardie™ fibre-cement cladding instead of the alternative foam render or other exterior material also meant less waste and mess onsite. “Overall, there’s less trades onsite and, as a finished product with an embedded texture, there was no need for additional render,” said Luke. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding">Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding </a>and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> come pre-primed and ready to paint, saving time and money on the project. 
Hardie™ products were purchased from NHS, which Luke has a long-time relationship with. “They’re trusted and reliable, while a trade specialist also helped deliver the best results using James Hardie products,” said Luke. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6CoTud8BhJfY3HBsyCysZM/bde6022c27223ecfa0859cb4971dd7e1/brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie_12.webp" alt="brushed-concrete-cladding-modern-coastal-wickham-orton-haus-james-hardie 12" />
The end result is two stunning modern homes with a striking silhouette, complete with luxury features. Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding and Linea™ Weatherboard are perfectly suited to the homeowner’s lifestyle and will serve the homes well for many years to come.

Orton Haus by Orton Building clad in Linea Weatherboard and Hardie Brushed Concrete Cladding

brushed-concrete-linea-modern-exterior-wickham-ortonhaus-jameshardie-24 edit (6)

Discover a stunning Hardie™️ Brushed concrete cladding that speeds up the building process. Explore the efficient & elegant solutions for your modern home by James Hardie

Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding: Designer Exterior, Faster Build 

Kings Meadows: The bridge to modern design and a new journey in life

Starting a new chapter in life is an exciting prospect and one that homeowners Greg and Rose were ready to embrace when they found a unique block of land in Kings Meadows, Tasmania, which would enable them to build an equally unique home. Following a lengthy and fruitless search for an existing home, Greg and Rose realised a new build would give them scope to create a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-look">modern home</a> that would accommodate their needs as they moved into the next stage of their lives. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6FK8Fw5jop0Q1W9Pgj2o4J/7af9a19afe59db565035fb14d00ccb34/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_19__3_.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 19 (3)" />
Launceston is built on hilly terrain and whilst the chosen site for this build was an extreme slope affording incredible views across the valley below, it did pose a challenge when settling on a design. The homeowners approached <a href="https://sgroup.com.au/">S. Group</a> architect Josh Upston to design a house that was sympathetic to the block. They provided Josh with just two briefs; the first to create a bridge or boardwalk to the house that was level with the road above and the second was to incorporate a tower.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/cRoqmmX348wCOApexzqkp/e1a133dcb38fd9a10564c4b8e703f01f/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_21.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 21" />
<blockquote>
 Construction materials such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> are ideal for hillside builds due to easy installation, durability and minimal footprint on the block. 
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2sURXvT2jL3sAK7YYXcEvY/8ebdee2203ae9c24f4fb281362d0cdc1/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_13__1_.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 13 (1)" />
“Given the slope, the whole intention from the client was to allow for a level easy access point to the home and to maximise the incredible views,” said Josh Upston, Associate Architect of S. Group. “S. Group were familiar with the area, having designed another house in the same street. We understood the engineering and design complexities of the environment. Surrounded by neighbouring houses built in the 80s and 90s, we needed to ensure privacy for our clients which also formed an integral part of positioning the house on the block and its design.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4YRIYwSJQqSPGpL8NAGX47/b47718e8fc955e3d17b96de558d8e91c/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_233__1_.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 233 (1)" />
<blockquote>
 “The vertical grooves of Stria™ Cladding was an obvious choice for the tower in order to create verticality and the pre-textured sheets of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding allowed for that grounding on the back end." Josh Upston, S.Group
</blockquote>
Cladding for the exterior was always going to be a critical feature in breaking down the form and scale to define the three distinct levels of the house. S. Group is very familiar with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding products</a>, with the entire range having contributed to the practice’s design aesthetic over the years. In addition to creating a modern silhouette, the ease of installation and flexibility to incorporate colour are key factors why S. Group is drawn to Hardie™ exterior cladding products.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6PEVmFxixCNLl2h73xNU0z/ccc0e1eda263a483b5cf2f71c11aa48c/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_28.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 28" />
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3M4e0Fb8sKV78MEkO6uGDd/d2dc3567ce9dd9e554d935d75b71c18d/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_24__1_.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 24 (1)" />
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“We decided to use a mix of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> for the entire facade,” said Josh. “The vertical grooves of Stria™ Cladding was an obvious choice for the tower in order to create verticality and the pre-textured sheets of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding allowed for that grounding on the back end. The tower acts as a centre spine to connect the three floors, multiple levels in a home design are not common in Launceston and given the block constraints we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this result as efficiently without using exterior cladding.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3YpVphm0injmDXGSm457XU/8f259557fe6c08d5c93ae10155cc5e9f/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_238.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 238" />
Construction materials such as <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-stria-cladding">Stria™ Cladding</a> are ideal for hillside builds due to easy installation, durability and minimal footprint on the block. S. Group were able to create a modern silhouette with a floating living room and deck, whilst minimising the environmental impact eliminating the need for heavy vehicles and various trades during construction. 
The homeowners were particularly drawn to what they describe as a ‘ripple effect’ of the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> pre-textured surface. Hardie™ exterior cladding was also highly appealing to the homeowners as it offered them the option of being able to choose any paint colour for the façade. Important to them was ensuring a seamless connection between the house and the incredible mountain vista and the option of adding their own creative touch whilst ensuring the finish did not distract from the striking architectural design. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/0DqmTZHAS53xVV80nlV5v/4f59c2d376acde644f0dd108d930e59a/fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s_146__2_.webp" alt="fine-texture-stria-325-405-mixed-cladding-kings-meadows-s 146 (2)" />
The introduction of colour through paint was key in creating this cohesion. The rich dark charcoal of Wattyl’s Colorbond® Monument® offset by the softer, warm neutral tones of Colorbond® Surfmist® paired well to create a sensorial effect where light and shadow was key in forming a relationship between the landscape and the building. The cladding acted as a canvas, its texture diffusing light giving the paint a matte finish and the vertical joint lines a subtlety that allowed bold forms and the large window frames to stand out. 
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“With such a large build and in using mixed materials throughout, attention to even the finest detail was crucial. We used Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding on the larger sections of the exterior, and followed best practice panel layout, making sure the horizontal joint lines continued around the building from front to back in order to create a sense of symmetry. Colour played an important role in achieving this result and in creating the clean lines we expect to see in modern design,” said Josh.
Incorporating mixed materials in this build, S. Group were able to create a sense of interest and individuality. “Early in the mornings when there is a large amount of condensation in the air, the Stria™ Cladding almost takes on the appearance of charred timber and at other times during the day when the sun is out it’s evocative of a metal finish. As an architect it’s great to use a single product range that can provide such a varied look and feel, we can go from bold to pared back depending on the light or time of day,” commented Josh. 
The homeowners recognised this build was going to throw a number of challenges right from the start, the steep block in particular, yet it was the mountain view that kept them motivated. “Working with S. Group and Josh in particular was easy, he listened and understood exactly what we were hoping to achieve,” said Greg. “We love everything about our new home and couldn’t be happier with the choices we made from design to even the simplest of fittings. 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOeDen33JtU" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOeDen33JtU</a>
“The parameters of our block meant a modern design was really the best if not only option. Throughout the design process Josh was clear on the importance of choosing the right materials to support a modern build, how we might solve our access issues and how we’d create an open plan living space that was vertical. Our goal from the outset was to create a home that is interesting in form from the exterior and offered easy living on the inside. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/categories/cladding">Hardie™ exterior cladding </a>allowed us to achieve this in spades and the view isn’t bad either, it’s constantly changing and is a joy to wake each morning to see it through fresh eyes,” concluded Greg.
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Credits
Architect: <a href="https://sgroup.com.au/">S. Group</a> 
Photographer: <a href="https://www.nessvphotography.com/">Ness Vanderburgh</a>

Entry way via bridge to this Kings Meadows home clad in Hardie Fine Texture Cladding and Stria Cladding.

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Discover the inspiring story of how the Kings Meadows Bridge project transformed a community and symbolized a new chapter with help of modern home design.

Gable-end pavilions wrapped in the crisp lines of Linea™ Weatherboard

Wrapping this 100-square-metre holiday house, Linea™ Weatherboard provides a classic, neutral skin to fit comfortably within an existing beach community.
Spring Beach in Tasmania features an eclectic mix of holiday homes, with the enduring character defined by humble weatherboard cabins built after WWII.
For architect Daniel Lane of <a href="https://prestonlane.com.au/">Preston Lane</a>, designing a new structure within this community became a study in simplicity. Based on a T-shaped plan and surrounded by native eucalyptus, it brings together off-whites, neutral greys and honey-toned timber in a quiet backdrop for family holidays.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4D2Q47TIFX6NQHkTXnPJ31/3ffde2381109f5a379fe8697e50bd27c/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-25.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-25" />
<h2 id="revisitingthebeachvernacular">Revisiting the beach vernacular</h2>
The project is defined by two gabled forms – the main house to the east and the carport to the west – connected by a sheltered walkway. The gables face the street, forming a silhouette that connects the new architecture with the vernacular at Spring Beach. 
‘It was important to our clients that the house fit naturally into this existing community of holiday buildings,’ explains Lane. ‘The classic gable profile, clad in weatherboards and corrugated iron, offered an aesthetic that tied in with the original building typologies. We’ve given it a modern update, using fine, minimal detailing and the narrow board and sharp shadow lines of Linea™ Weatherboard.’
The crisp white <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> by James Hardie sits in contrast to the raw texture of the concrete-block plinth, fireplace and spine wall. Oiled silvertop ash adds a splash of texture and colour in selected niches inside and out. This restrained palette of materials connects all aesthetic elements of the building into a harmonious whole.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3mPuFNePjti5JuoIisXnvI/a845ae5da231b30a4fe94a601e771660/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-16__3_.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-16 (3)" />
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<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7xJAo9Wf9o0J7dsY8gIV7a/8ab5c0fe98dff5d38ab9d3793f561e6c/nojhproduct-interior-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-33.webp" alt="nojhproduct-interior-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-33" />
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In addition to its strong materiality and climate-moderating features, the concrete spine wall forms a protected link between carport and house and demarcates the ‘public’ spaces from the ‘private’ spaces when inside the house. 
<blockquote>
 ‘The white façade is a canvas for the play of light and shadow cast by the surrounding eucalyptus,’ says Lane. ‘And even when the sun is not shining directly on the façade, the shadow lines of Linea™ Weatherboard make the house feel textured and tactile. With its sharp aesthetic, it’s more of a modern weatherboard. We looked at vertical cladding options, but Linea™ Weatherboard gave us more depth, shadow and contrast across the façade.’
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7zimj4jojZdjaKNR77dgef/4d57aa705b5b28f9b55b0d03bd5339aa/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-22.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-22" />
Working closely with the structural engineer, the architects made sure the house was straightforward to build and therefore maintain. Clear, simple alignments in plan and elevation reduce complexity, creating efficiencies during construction.
<h2 id="lowmaintenanceinformscladdingselection">Low maintenance informs cladding selection</h2>
While budget was a consideration across size, details and materials, maintenance was the primary driver in this remote holiday location. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> is a cost-effective weatherboard option that also provides long term maintenance benefits.
With minimal maintenance such as periodic wash downs and repainting in accordance with paint manufacturer guidelines, you can keep your home looking great for many years to come. Also the cladding is also fire-rated to BAL-40, meaning it is fire resistant and more helpful for fire-prone regions.
<h2 id="detailingwithlineaweatherboard">Detailing with Linea™ Weatherboard</h2>
The architect used James Hardie’s proprietary edge details – <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/accessory/linea-aluminium-corner-soaker">Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soaker</a>. Weatherboards are mitred at the corners, avoiding external scribers and keeping lines and profiles clean and refined. Along the eastern wall, Lane built out the timber frame by an extra 40mm to give a deeper reveal to the box windows in the living room. An aluminium hood creates further depth on the corner facing the road and driveway entrance.
Lane projected the house itself slightly past the blockwork base for depth and shadow to create a feeling of weight and solidity. The shift in plane further delineates the change in material, so the gabled form reads with the greatest clarity.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/B4Uh4aQrDrfZwidOOxEZJ/da69bc8dcc08f80c6d75736711862054/linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-18.webp" alt="linea-weatherboard-modern-TAS-bluffhouse-prestonlane-langfordprojects-adamgibsonphoto-jameshardie-18" />
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‘Gutters are stepped in closer to the timber frame to further accentuate the clean lines of the weatherboard-clad house,’ says Lane, ‘making the gutters look integrated and not simply tacked onto the exterior. We used a few tricks of the trade to provide that depth where we needed it, and then streamlined other details to accentuate the design ideas driving the project.
‘We’ve designed quite a few projects with these kinds of materials now, and we like to keep the ideas as simple and elegant as possible to let the materials speak for themselves. We seek solutions that will stand the test of time, by not only creating functional and adaptable spaces, but also developing timeless designs that will still look right five, ten, fifty years from now.’
—
CREDITS
Product: <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>
Architect: <a href="https://prestonlane.com.au/">Preston Lane</a>
Builder: <a href="https://www.langfordprojects.com.au/">Langford Projects</a>
Photographer: <a href="https://adamgibson.com.au/">Adam Gibson</a>
©2023 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denote a trademark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd

Tasmanian beach-side home clad in Linea Weatherboards. A 2-pavillion structure designed by Preston Lane Architects with simplicity in mind. The home is built by Langford Projects. 

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Discover how the Linea™ Weatherboard by James Hardie provides a classic, neutral skin to fit comfortablity with its Gable-end pavilions wrapped in the crisp lines .

Gable-end pavilions wrapped in crisp lines of Linea™ Weatherboard

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding brings depth and rhythm to this contemporary home

<h2 id="pairingrecycledbrickswithverticalgrooveshiplapboardsforaclassicfarmstylegableconnectsthismodernfamilyhometolocalheritage">Pairing recycled bricks with vertical-groove shiplap boards for a classic farm-style gable connects this modern family home to local heritage.</h2>
When building his new home on the rural outskirts of Christchurch, Myles Laing, managing director of construction company Laing Properties, searched locally for design inspiration. He loved The Tannery, a retail destination inside a converted brick factory. Its style, fusing industrial chic with vintage charm, was suited to the Canterbury climate and construction know-how. So he paired recycled bricks with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> – which he’d used on several Laing Properties homes – and went to his designer Nathan Punton of PXA Architects to make the vision a reality.
‘Myles asked us specifically to use Oblique™ Cladding,’ says Nathan. ‘His company had installed it in a series of their prefabricated houses, and Myles liked the way the shiplap boards could be painted dark colours and came in extra-long lengths.’
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/33Mu9TkfxxaVqRLKd1itgN/811891d5b626ba143b66c6be09f12fa0/oblique-hero-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-1__1_.webp" alt="oblique-hero-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-1 (1)" />
<blockquote>
 Order a Sample of Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding 
 <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-a-sample">Order a sample</a> to help visualise your design decision.
</blockquote>
<h2 id="classicformwithamodernlook">Classic form with a modern look</h2>
The house comprises two gabled pavilions, one for living and one for sleeping, along with a three-car garage arranged to convert one end into a fourth bedroom at a later date if required. As the site is set on former farmland close to the surrounding Port Hills, Myles and his wife Lucinda wanted the feeling of country living for family life, reflected in the classic farm-style gable.
‘We chose to define the separate wings in different claddings for contrast,’ says Nathan. ‘Myles and Lucinda chose brick for the sleeping pavilion and garage, while the living pavilion has <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>.’
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/XgSygDbJvi5jBKJxBJpPW/66ee8a28f4af0343d9d352417d87d01c/oblique-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-6.webp" alt="oblique-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-6" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Oblique™ Cladding</a> comes in two widths, 200mm and 300mm, and Nathan combined both in a randomised pattern. The pattern brings depth and character to the long and end elevations, as well as generous proportions and a modern look on account of the boards’ width.
<h2 id="shadowandlight">Shadow and light</h2>
Essential to this visual effect is the way the grooves are cut in the individual boards – one side of the groove is angled whilst the other is vertical, creating a juxtaposition of shadow and highlight. Combined with the two width options, the product allows architects to create patterns and rhythms and an ever-shifting interplay of shadow and light.
While the two board widths allow for aligning with windows and architectural features, the 4.2-metre board length also provides for a premium finish. ‘We use Oblique™ Cladding a lot of the time due to the board length,’ says Nathan. ‘We don’t need to do a flashing joint – we can just use the full 4.2-metre piece for a full gable end and the 2.7-metre piece for the side elevations.’
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7s7kntKnZiobiIckfTSEHl/73837f90bd26625e79fba2b5719c7b7d/oblique-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-4__1_.webp" alt="oblique-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-4 (1)" />
<h2 id="darkcoloursandperformance">Dark colours and performance</h2>
Myles and Lucinda chose an earthy black, Resene Element, to paint their <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a>, which is often not possible with timber products. At 14mm thick, the premium fibre cement board not only looks good and provides the home with structural performance, it also contributes to interior comfort and liveability. ’There’s good, robust board density with Oblique,’ says Nathan. ‘As the house is on a main road, we had noise requirements, so the density of the 14mm board helped to achieve the sound transmission rating required by the building code for living spaces.’
To blend their home into the natural environment, the couple have planted trees and plants in contrasting colours that look great against the dark-painted <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding">Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding</a> and vintage bricks. And knowing just how well Oblique™ looks on Myles’s own home, as well as its easy installation, his company recommends it to clients who want a modern vertical profile cladding that is easy to maintain.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4BvF23boUgMG7oS1TKUdZ2/5710dbcccf22b67df7cf3742cd500c97/oblique-bespoke-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-2.webp" alt="oblique-bespoke-scandi-exterior-kennedysbush-newzealand-jameshardie-2" />
On the inside, lofty ceilings, large windows and open-plan living help to create a sense of connection and space. The Laings accentuated the feeling of spaciousness with a crisp palette of white and timber tones. Lucinda says the home feels like ‘being on holiday in Byron Bay and Bali, with a light, beachy theme’.

Bespoke pattern oblique in a scandi barn style.

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Know How Pairing the Recycled Bricks with Vertical-Groove Shiplap Boards for a Classic Farm-Style Gable Connects This Modern Family Home to Local Heritage.

Discover Hardie™ Oblique Cladding: Depth and Rhythm for Modern Homes

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding adds detail and durability to the interior of a prefabricated luxury retreat

<h2 id="locatedinthemclarenvalewinegrowingregionthisoffgridpavilionuseshardiefinetexturecladdingontheinsideforitsrenderedlookandlowmaintenanceinatourismenvironment">Located in the McLaren Vale wine-growing region, this off-grid pavilion uses Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding on the inside for its rendered look and low maintenance in a tourism environment.</h2>
Architecture practice Das Studio has designed a one-bedroom luxury retreat for its director’s shared startup ESCA, which builds, transports, leases and maintains five-star eco accommodation in beautiful rural destinations where construction access is limited. ‘We work with landowners to provide guest suites that allow them to generate extra income from their land,’ explains Das Studio founder Sara Horstmann. ‘The idea is to provide premium-quality, off-grid retreats that are built efficiently offsite, then transported to remote locations where materials and labour are in short supply.’ 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/56qq57awmJHmjCIN2ikg2V/c24717396d9e038f266542c4e5ca1458/nojhproduct-boxmodern-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="nojhproduct-boxmodern-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-1" />
In 2018, the team worked with the landowners of a beautiful working vineyard in Blewitt Springs, south of Adelaide, to develop an immersive retreat in harmony with the property’s existing architecture. A year later, the vineyard approached them for a second suite. ‘The new design draws on the golden afternoon light of its site,’ says Sara. ‘After building it in a facility in Adelaide, we then transported it to site, timing it for minimum disruption at the vineyard. The retreat is bespoke and luxurious – internally it’s very hard to tell it is a prefabricated building.’
<h2 id="acompactformonaconfinedfootprint">A compact form on a confined footprint</h2>
The suite has a compact footprint, its size dictated by the limitations of cranage and transportation. With 47 square metres internally and a 23-square-metre exterior deck, it caters to changing weather conditions and sunlight orientation through the seasons. Floor-to-ceiling glazing provides 270-degree views to the vineyard and adjacent farmland.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6oXT1oAwNvrFMl3c2yFWek/07bbf2b593e7befb84ae9f19cd528c90/hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-5.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-5" />
The build’s impact on the natural environment was substantially reduced by a limited construction time on site (approximately one month for earthworks, wastewater systems, above-ground footings, delivery and commissioning). Designed to be self-sufficient, the retreat harvests water that is used across the site, and has an aerobic wastewater system, while high-performance materials and systems reduce energy input.
Internally the amenities compare to those of a five-star hotel, with a full kitchen, space for living, a bedroom, hidden laundry amenities, storeroom, underfloor heating and a wood-burning fire. A central plinth between the main living and sleeping areas allows for views of the vines beyond, and acts as a fire enclosure, wood store, television backdrop and bedhead.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4lvtrAfTfWGO58Sx5teq7U/fafe1acc7f20f570ec2812db5adf1930/hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-2.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-2" />
<blockquote>
 ‘We needed a textural product that would be durable and easy to maintain,’ says Das Studio's Sara Horstmann about their McLaren Vale retreat. ‘The Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding looks just like natural render and matches our design vision perfectly.’
</blockquote>
<h2 id="longlastingmaterialsthatconnectwiththenaturalenvironment">Long-lasting materials that connect with the natural environment</h2>
The interior is designed to connect with the textures and colours of the surrounding site – golden late-afternoon sun, vine leaves after harvest – adding warmth into the building. Honey-toned chevron oak floors reference the French influence of the vineyard’s existing accommodation, while walls are lined with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/hardie-fine-texture-cladding-wins-good-design-award">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> and complemented with battens in Tasmanian oak that have been stained to match the floorboards.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1S0RTA2vI2XzIbKhvSoR7v/b6e46ab3aff1bd16a7f03b411db2543d/palette.webp" alt="palette-blewittsprings-dasstudio-jameshardie" />
Das Studio’s innovative use of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> as an interior lining was driven by function, cost and looks. A robust solution that takes the knocks of its hospitality setting, the fibre-cement based panel requires minimal maintenance. The full-height (2.7-metre) pre-textured panels are installed with a vertical batten that ‘wraps’ from the ceiling down the walls. The panel module and the render-look finish have a subtle Japanese aesthetic. ‘Visually, the texture of the walls catches the light and transforms the space across the day,’ says Sara. ‘You can also paint it in any colour. In this interior, we have used Dulux Natural White™.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3i3BcthLjYfgu7XnSuy5mJ/8aa252fdd04f09371aff931f44035515/hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-6.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-6" />
‘We needed a textural product that could withstand the bumps and scratches that inevitably occur in tourism accommodation, yet would still look at home alongside premium finishes,’ she explains. ‘It would deliver the texture and tactility of Venetian plaster products, but be durable and easier to maintain. We are very happy with the end result, because the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> looks just like natural render and matches our design vision perfectly.’
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2UcpO5otByjztcfirTDe1Y/aebd972ddcbd5fd93274c87401627ea9/hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-4" />
<blockquote>
 Das Studio’s innovative use of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding as an interior lining for a McLaren Vale retreat was driven by function, cost and looks. A robust solution that takes the knocks of its hospitality setting, the fibre-cement based panel requires minimal maintenance. 
</blockquote>
<h2 id="makingconstructioneasierandfaster">Making construction easier and faster</h2>
The lightweight panels are easy to handle and durable for transportation. ‘A prefabricated building can sometimes sit on a truck for up to nine hours while it’s being moved to site, and is often transported as a finished product,’ explains Sara. ‘Materials and finishes need to cope with movement, as you can’t always easily fix transportation damage once on site in a remote area.’
The construction timeline for our ESCA suites is fast – close to 10 weeks compared to a standard six to nine months – with the site works happening concurrently. The panelised product by James Hardie simplified the build and meant that fewer trades were required to complete the project.
Architect: <a href="https://das-studio.com.au/">Das Studio</a>
Photographer: <a href="https://anthonybasheer.com/">Anthony Basheer</a>
<blockquote>
 Ready to specify Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding?
 Order a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/order-your-sample-kit">Sample Kit</a>
</blockquote>

Located in the McLaren Vale wine-growing region, this off-grid pavilion uses Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding on the inside for its rendered look and low maintenance in a tourism environment.

hardie-finetexture-cladding-interior-blewittsprings-dasstudio-highres-jameshardie-5

Here is how a small luxury retreat in McLaren Vale uses Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding to enhance the interior with a rendered look and which has low maintenance.

Know Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding Add Interior Detail & Durability to Home

Axon™ Cladding meets the bushfire rating & creates an artistic canvas

<h2 id="smallinfootprintbutbigonambitionthiscolourfulcreativerefugerespondstoachallengingbushenvironmentonthevictoriacoastline">Small in footprint but big on ambition, this colourful creative refuge responds to a challenging bush environment on the Victoria coastline.</h2>
Located in the small seaside village of Walkerville, the Jackie Winter Waters retreat designed by architect Imogen Pullar sits on a steep, bush-strewn hillside, overlooking South Gippsland’s spectacular coastline and the rolling surf of Waratah Bay. In an environment with a high bushfire risk, the building envelope needed to be fire resistant, with a robust exterior that is made playful by a colourful mural which peeks out above the treetops.
The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> by James Hardie adheres to Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements, up to BAL40, and also becomes the canvas for a hand-painted artwork. Entitled Deep Drift, this 3D mural offers an unexpected conversation starter that engages visitors’ curiosity at the front door. Symbolising the power and beauty of the natural environment, it is the work of local artists April Phillips, Beci Orpin, Carla McRae and David Booth. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4ElSrRABvIXlKPrDklXyAN/bf81c8bd3b1735ee00400d88f110709f/axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-5.webp" alt="axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-5" />
<h2 id="asustainableminimalistapproachtodesign">A sustainable, minimalist approach to design</h2>
The original design brief to Melbourne-based Imogen Pullar was for a sculptural home, built to BAL-40 fire rating, that references its patron, the creative agency Jacky Winter Group. It also needed to incorporate solar power, on-site wastewater management and water tanks. However, the steep site presented the architects with complex issues around managing erosion and site drainage, predicating a small, lightweight building that captures the magnificent views to Wilson’s Promontory National Park.
With an overall footprint of just 30 square metres, the home allows visitors to experience the beauty of the epic surroundings within a minimalist design that includes the essentials for cooking, bathing and resting. A large Corten-steel deck wraps the home, providing a functional platform for outdoor living with well-equipped dining and lounging areas, along with an outdoor shower and fire pit.
The interior includes a 14-square-metre mezzanine, and is adaptable to suit one person or a family with kids, with overlapping functions and comfortable built-in furniture. ‘We approached it much like a caravan design,’ says Imogen. ‘The house sits in a sleepy beachside village among 1960s fibro shacks with very straightforward detailing, so we replicated this local ethos. We kept the design robust, simple, and easy to fix and maintain – avoiding anything too fancy or bespoke. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/299o3xr1TN6LKiXkTMqSHs/af9d683255640cd735fa7e5df3917d40/axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-4.webp" alt="axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-4" />
‘Keeping the speed of construction and costs in mind, we selected locally made, off-the-shelf materials as much as possible. The grooved fibre-cement panels meant we could use standard detailing, making the exterior speedy to build. The fibre-cement Axon™ Cladding met all our practical criteria and also allowed us to create something unique and interesting as a canvas for the mural.’
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1zyy7OxuhoI6DGGeJbpgcV/a6b8e98a2b46afe7d4f24bb1fa3b1382/axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-2.webp" alt="axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-2" />
<h2 id="claddingsmartlyforextremeenvironmentalconditions">Cladding smartly for extreme environmental conditions</h2>
After numerous cladding comparisons, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> was chosen for its BAL-40 compliance, allowing the exterior of the building to be painted in ‘playful camouflage’, while its grooved profile reflects the beachside aesthetic and gives the material depth, highlights and shadows. ‘The James Hardie website features a matrix of products that suit different fire ratings,’ explains Imogen. ‘It also provided all the digital files we needed for proper detailing and building code compliance.’
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3tMnG10ozu7Fcf91VjhEnn/c27ae86681a5412202f8685e95a36a79/axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-3.webp" alt="axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-3" />
<blockquote>
 At the Jackie Winter Waters retreat in coastal Victoria, Axon™ Cladding was chosen for its BAL-40 compliance, allowing the exterior to be painted in ‘playful camouflage’, while its grooved profile reflects the beachside aesthetic and adds depth, highlights and shadows. 
</blockquote>
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/lVGX6295KAZEmicKwY8pK/ccfff7a44e2979827ed461e7afe91752/axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-1" />
<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> also meets the requirements of the corrosive coastal environment within the strict budget. ‘We researched metal and fibre-cement options at the outset,’ explains Imogen. ‘Metal battens were not suitable in the marine environment, so the whole building structure is timber. This is beneficial as there are minimal thermal bridges through the building envelope, and timber is a low-carbon material. We used timber battens behind Axon™ to provide a ventilation and drainage cavity behind the cladding and to allow the vapour-permeable wrap to breathe.’ 
Modular materials were needed to ensure ease of construction, minimal wastage and minimal cutting. ‘We wanted to use cost-effective, sustainable and reusable materials bolted together, rather than glued or welded, so the house can be disassembled at the end of its life,’ says Imogen. ‘The interior paints are all low-VOC and materials can be recycled or upcycled.’
Even with its modest footprint, the house doesn’t feel small. It has expansive views to the forest to the north and east over the sea. It has enabled a meditative place for visitors to experience the beauty of the environment – for artist residencies, family breaks and individual retreats, as well as a weekender rental.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7isQCldqQSAw7m88DMF7ki/2b2fb40219b290f81022e9e0c807b136/axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-6_copy.webp" alt="axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-6 copy" />
<blockquote>
 The Jackie Winter Waters retreat sits on a steep, bush-strewn hillside above Waratah Bay. With the high bushfire risk, the building envelope needed to be fully fire-proofed with a robust exterior – a brief ably met by James Hardie’s Axon™ Cladding. 
</blockquote>
<h2 id="sustainabilityatjameshardie">Sustainability at James Hardie</h2>
In the manufacture of Axon™ Cladding and other products from James Hardie, we have decreased our landfill waste through LEAN, and increased beneficial reuse of our manufacturing waste, and we no longer use coal burners in our process. The annual <a href="https://assets.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/19aIafVlG6kHTlxaVBBBQr/aab20485704045c08fed6d2288f2d5d7/JH-Sustainability-Report-FY-2022.pdf">Sustainability Report</a> provides all the data and activities of the business, as we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the building industry.
Architect: <a href="https://imogenpullar.com/">Imogen Pullar</a>
Builder: <a href="https://www.mvhconstructions.com/">MVH Constructions</a>
Deck built by: <a href="http://www.mcnuttndorff.com.au/">McNuttnDorff Landscapes</a>
Photographer: <a href="https://www.marniehawson.com.au/">Marnie Hawson</a>

Small in footprint but big on ambition, this colourful tiny home uses Axon™ Cladding in its response to a challenging bush environment on the Victoria coastline.

axon-cladding-modern-magic-beach-house-jackywinterwaters-imogenpullar-marniehawsonphotos-jameshardie-6

Jackie Winter Waters

Achieve artistic expression while meeting bushfire ratings with Axon™ Cladding. Learn more about its benefits of the Axon™ Cladding with James Hardie Australia.

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