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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.

Explore every aspect of how James Hardie developes his plans for the upper floor addition, renovation & know how the James Hardie team to put them into action.

Read Everything About Upper Floor Addition Made by James Hardie

Upper Floor Addition

A Renovation for the Ages:  Discover how this ‘90s Suburban House was Transformed into a Spacious, Multi-Generational Masterpiece

Situated on the southern edge of metropolitan Sydney and backing on to the Royal National Park, this Bundeena home is the embodiment of a modern <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/renovations">home renovation</a> adding value, style, and a place for family to come together. 
Homeowner Jen and her three children live in the home but recently welcomed Jen’s parents which was a defining moment in making the choice to do a second storey extension to the home. Originally a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/renovations">single-storey home</a>, the house has been transformed into a modern two-storey home where multi-generations can live comfortably. The new second level is practically self-contained, providing a space for Jen’s parents with bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry included to optimise privacy and provide the family with options for years to come. 
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Data from the Housing Industry Association indicates such renovations are surging. Australians want renovations which add space and increase the value of their home. Home additions which can accommodate dynamic extended families have driven the annual growth rate of alterations and additions valued over $10,000 to 111 per cent. In the 2020/21 financial year alone there was $43.0 billion worth of renovation activity (HIA National Outlook, Spring 2021). 
“The façade is your first impression of a home, your welcome, and it’s incredibly important to get the scale and materiality right here to make sure you are building a home with an inviting space that homeowners want to be in,” says Graham Irving from Arctec Circle Building Design, who worked with Jen to ensure the design of the addition provided the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-look">modern look</a> that appealed to her and updated the design of the original dated house. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4Ij4JqkMM92wLJ9atd7Gah/489fe0aead43e0c6d41cfc21e461e89c/bundeena-before-after.webp" alt="bundeena-before-after" />
For inspiration, Jen accessed designs online, visited display homes, downloaded <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/renovationguide">James Hardie’s renovation guide</a> and also viewed the style of house in surrounding neighbourhoods’ new builds so her new home would fit into the streetscape and softly blend into the bushland just metres from the back of the property. “Living on the edge of the Royal National Park, we didn’t want our home to stand out too much. Harmony with the natural setting we wake up to every day was important to us,” said Jen. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3FjVJnvL2FRd6YYo3zoC0b/8567ea7b798b20705c5aa8ddc4130922/hardie-finetexture-cladding-axon-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-body.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-axon-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-body" />
Giving the house a modern and warm vibe, a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/mixed-cladding">mixed cladding look</a> was chosen featuring neutral cladding paint colours that reflects the natural bushland surrounds. <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding">Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding</a> fibre cement panels provided the consistent embedded cement render texture look and was ideal as the primary exterior building material making an impact with its clean lines and contemporary roof line form to deliver a modern design aesthetic. To add some drama and detail, <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a> vertical groove cladding has been used as a contrasting secondary cladding feature on the front of the house at the entrance and around the living room window and at the rear of the house where the home opens to decks on each level from which to enjoy the view of the National Park which stretches until the horizon. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1NkHrsNXxigQuJ4RsODg0H/1f917f23c0d5d0bfafcc74e6ff8abde3/hardie-finetexture-cladding-axon-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-7.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-axon-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-7" />
Both the render cladding and vertical groove cladding appealed to Jen, but particularly, the Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding after it was suggested by her builder James Powditch from J.P. Build. “I really liked the simple but styled textured panelling look provided by Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding,” said Jen. The home’s original exterior was rendered brick veneer and the decision was made to cover the original brickwork with the cladding to ensure a continuous look, offering a contemporary transformation of the house. “Using the cladding instead of building with brick and then rendering was a wise decision as not only would rendering have increased both the cost and build time of the renovation, but we have all the benefits of the cladding material.” Despite their different aesthetics both cladding styles come in large panels which are installed in a similar manner which helps building efficiency.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3Td4X5i7WGWGYfyBDpqBAE/02f555ff83431e059fe454ea6b0d2615/hardie-finetexture-cladding-modern-exterior-bundeena-VIC-jameshardie-1.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-modern-exterior-bundeena-VIC-jameshardie-1" />
The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of both cladding types was ideal for the home’s location. “With our home located on the edge of the Royal National Park, we are in the worst bushfire category (BAL FZ), so knowing that Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Axon™ Cladding had a strong fire rating put my mind at ease,” said Jen. Windows also had to include shutters for the same fire safety reasons.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7FHiKU2Fx2WeqkqrxOqSTC/433e083ffa4ae084be996a12dbe8c832/axon-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-8.webp" alt="axon-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-8" />
For a timeless look, Jen has chosen a minimalist colour palette exterior paint colours keeping it to two colours and choosing a low-sheen paint that works with the modern profile to give a contemporary matte look. For this project, the Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, which is shipped pre-primed and ready to paint, has been painted in a dark Taubmans’ Wallaby to match the Colorbond roof. Axon™ Cladding, with its striking vertical lines, colour contrasts with the rest of the build by being painted in Dulux’s Winter Fog. 
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5BiA0NWmNU0l7xxATii4Wj/49578c9ae1aafc493ffb9a26173774e5/hardie-finetexture-cladding-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-6.webp" alt="hardie-finetexture-cladding-modern-exterior-bundeena-NSW-jameshardie-6" />
While increasing square feet is an obvious benefit of any home addition, it should also be an opportunity to consider your block and how you live, to define the new space and redefine the entire home. This renovation has exceeded Jen’s expectations and she could never have imagined her vision for her home looking this good. The end result is a stunning modern family home perfectly suited to the family’s lifestyle for many years to come.
Find out how to achieve a modern renovation for your home with James Hardie’s <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/renovationguide">Renovation Guide</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>

Hardie Fine Texture Cladding and Axon Cladding used on a upper floor extension of a home in Bundeena NSW.

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Discover how this ‘90s Suburban House was Transformed into a Spacious, Multi-Generational Masterpiece with the help of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding

90s Suburban House Transformed to a Multi-Generational Masterpiece

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

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

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

The Ins and Outs of Renovating a Smaller Home

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Modern Hamptons in Highett: A New Home Build With A Difference

Building a dream family home is more than just choosing bricks and mortar, it’s about building a lifestyle. As a builder, Joe Dimech had the luxury of designing whatever style of home he wanted and with the best materials on the market. For Joe, his wife Jenny and their children, the Hamptons style and Linea Weatherboard™ were the right ingredients for their complete lifestyle change.
<h2 id="openingnewdoors">OPENING NEW DOORS</h2>
For Joe and his family, relocating from their three-acre property in Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula to Highett just outside the CBD was a lifestyle change they were more than willing to make. With three teenagers, two of which are visually impaired and unable to drive, Joe and Jenny decided it was time to swap the seaside for the city. Moving the family closer to public transport, universities and other amenities was important for Joe’s growing teenagers and the family’s changing lifestyle needs
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2rBiWtxju2yZ9kgypbrCb7/0a74caf1596326f23d24b69345458e3d/leneeva-facade.webp" alt="leneeva-facade" />
<h2 id="fulfillingafamilydream">FULFILLING A FAMILY DREAM</h2>
As the managing director of the building company <a href="https://www.leneeva.com.au/">Leneeva Homes</a>, Joe is no stranger to the building game. Being able to build a dream family home precisely to his and his family’s liking has always been a goal for Joe, and he knew he always wanted a Hamptons style home. When, in 2016, an old weatherboard cottage on a decent block of land close to necessary amenities became available, the Dimech’s knew that they had found the perfect site to lay down their roots and prepared to call Highett their new home.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/7wyftiroumYIHNzKtVHWUE/0a1c43e46e2b2502d5a1cb44795d5c0f/cropped-3.webp" alt="cropped-3" />
<h2 id="contemporaryhamptonsstyle">CONTEMPORARY HAMPTONS STYLE</h2>
A modern Hamptons style house was always on the agenda for the Dimech’s new home build. “The facade and the look was something we weren’t going to compromise on at all. It was always going to be a fully cladded Hamptons look. The Hamptons look to us is timeless”, says Joe.
Having run his own building company and experience working with many clients over the years, Joe had a wealth of design inspiration to draw from when building his dream home. However, there was no doubt in Joe’s mind that Hamptons style was going to be his family’s design choice. A weatherboard exterior, spacious open-planned living, two master bedrooms (for increased living flexibility), and an outdoor kitchen were just some of the essentials Joe wanted in his new lifestyle home.
After knocking down the existing cottage, Joe put pen to paper and sketched a contemporary family home complete with two floors, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, an outdoor pool, gas fireplace and wine cellar.
<h2 id="modernmaterialsforamodernhome">MODERN MATERIALS FOR A MODERN HOME</h2>
As a builder having built many homes over the years, Joe knows only too well the importance of building with high-quality, durable materials. Choosing Linea Weatherboard to fulfil their brief for a timber-look house was a no-brainer. “Our previous two houses were weatherboard, so we’ve always loved that look. We wanted that same look for our new build, minus the maintenance of real timber”, explains Joe.
Aside from giving the Dimech home the look of timber minus the maintenance, choosing Linea Weatherboard in the 180-millimetre profile fulfilled the family’s vision of creating a modern Hamptons style home. They wanted an exterior style that would not only look visually appealing but would remain timeless for years to come. Hamptons style and Linea Weatherboard were the perfect match for Joe’s vision. The deep shadow lines that are created with Linea Weatherboard’s 16-mm thick profile, is what gives a home that high-end, timeless exterior that’s reminiscent of the grandeur of Hamptons style homes.
<blockquote>
 “Linea Weatherboard is the best weatherboard product on the market. All you need to do is install it, paint it, and you’re done. It doesn’t rot, it doesn’t weather and you’ll get to enjoy it forever”, says Joe.
 “Consistency is key with James Hardie™ products – you always know that you’re getting a good quality product”, he adds.
</blockquote>
Joe ensured that every aspect of the new Dimech home tied in with the Hamptons look of relaxed, elegant and modern living. From the oak floors to the natural stone fireplace, timber panel accents, coastal-style kitchen and of course Linea Weatherboard, every element in this Hamptons style house exudes comfort, sophistication and family-first living. The Dimech’s chose calming neutral colours to achieve a Hamptons look internally and externally. For the external Linea Weatherboard, they chose Colorbond™ Shale Grey, Colorbond Surfmist for the garage doors and all window trims, and Colorbond Monument for the front door and gutters. Internally, they chose Taubmans™ Pebble Bay.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6itDWB4TJv9jF4ZPtuXxxA/f98a0cc86773d107064e7b9517768a70/cropped-4.webp" alt="cropped-4" />
<h2 id="thehamptonsinhighett">THE HAMPTONS IN HIGHETT</h2>
One year after deciding it was time for a new start, the Dimech family are relishing in their new Hamptons style home. With features such as an open-plan kitchen, alfresco dining area and swimming pool, the home facilitates a comfortable lifestyle that’s enjoyable for the whole family. In addition, the home won the HIA Victorian Project Home of the Year award for 2018.
It’s the little details that help bring this home to life and create a story. The house number was the original from the old house on the property, and the mantle over the fireplace is made from timber that was recovered from the home of Jenny’s grandfather.
The best part for Joe is knowing that every day he will drive up the driveway and see a brand-new house, even 10 years on from now he will still be admiring the longevity of his home.
<blockquote>
 “We wanted a low-maintenance Hamptons home for our family, and we got our dream.”
</blockquote>
<h2 id="factfile">FACT FILE</h2>
Linea Weatherboard 180mm
External Linea Weatherboard – Colorbond™ Shale Grey
Garage doors and window trims – Colorbond Surfmist
External front door and gutters – Colorbond Monument
Internally – Taubmans™ Pebble Bay.

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Discover how the Modern Hamptons style was brought to life in this new home build in Highett. using James Hardie's Hamptons style and Linea Weatherboard™.

Modern Hamptons in Highett: A Home Build With A Difference

Home Renovation Guide

<h2 id="yourgotoguidetohelpyouachievetherenovationyouvebeendreamingof">Your go-to guide to help you achieve the renovation you’ve been dreaming of.</h2>
Many of us want more – more space, more light, more rooms. A little more money on sale day? And some of us want less – less heat in summer, less maintenance, fewer restrictions to our lifestyle.
Our reno journeys often follow the same path. They can be exciting, overwhelming and exhilarating. This guide can help steer you through every stage in the process. You’ll see tips and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/inspirationGallery">inspo</a> to help you find your style inside and out. Advice on hiring experts and how to select the right <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/scyon-cladding-solutions">products</a> to bring it all together.
A home renovation is always a challenge. But with the right help and advice, you can manage the project today and your home will be magnificent in years to come.
This guide is easy to browse and digest. It’s broken up into 3 sections:
<ul>
<li>Get Started – understanding your why and creating your vision.</li>
<li>Get Planning – finding out the right materials, the right builder and rooms to prioritise.</li>
<li>Get Building – Working with a builder and staying on time and on budget.</li>
</ul>
It also has helpful advice from experts:
<ul>
<li>Natalee Bowen of Indah Island, Hamptons designer and builder.</li>
<li>Joe Snell, architect and author of “Your Best Home”</li>
<li>Neil Hipwell of Futureflip, influential luxury home and duplex builder.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="downloadjameshardiehomerenovationguidehttpswwwjameshardiecomaurenovationguidehere">Download <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/renovationguide">James Hardie Home Renovation Guide</a> here.</h2>

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Here's how you can the right help and advice for home renovation, so that you can manage the project and your home will be magnificent in years to come.

Home Renovation Guide - James Hardie

Contemporary and relaxed – a Modern Coastal Renovation

What do you get when you take talented architects, a can-do builder and a family in desperate need of more space? The answer is a 1930s home transformed into a <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> masterpiece. Bringing together the old and new, this home in Hobart’s Sandy Bay will now undoubtedly stand the test of time.
<h2 id="meetthereadfamily">Meet the Read family</h2>
Frazer and Amanda always wanted their property in Hobart’s Sandy Bay to be their ‘forever home’. They were always fond of the house — it’s views of the Derwent River and the surrounding suburb — and knew it was where they wanted to raise their family.
As their family grew — first they welcomed daughter Esther, followed by Faye and finally Martha — it was time to renovate their two-bedroom, one bathroom home.
Knocking down the home was never an option. “A lot of people thought that we should knock down the house and rebuild. That wasn’t something that we wanted to do at all,” says Amanda.
With the help of Daniel Lane and Bek Verrier from <a href="https://prestonlane.com.au">Preston Lane Architects</a>, alongside Michael Boyes from MGB Construction, this modern renovation was about to exceed all expectations and reward their faith
<h2 id="creatingamoderncoastalhome">Creating a Modern Coastal home</h2>
Creating a perfect <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/looks/modern/modern-coastal">Modern Coastal</a> home that incorporated the original features of the home, complemented their lifestyle and suited the suburb, were all important considerations during the renovation process.
“It was important to us that the house actually fitted within the street really nicely,” says Frazer. “It also had to be something that we’d feel proud of coming home to.”
“Our builder and our architects were really, really involved with the whole process and they definitely got us on a lot of product choices,” shares Frazer.
Michael Boyes from MGB Construction, who has been in the construction industry for more than 40 years, explained the reasons behind his choices. “<a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> was specified by the architect on this job, but as a builder, I’ve used it on other jobs where it was used to define the new extension of the house. It’s very easy to get a transition line between the old and the new, whether it’s brickwork or existing weatherboards.”
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/4ozEEkdEJV6wxXQUuIWJxT/e2edf65eaa4bc396fac99984f8051488/linea-modern-coastal-exterior-Sandy-Bay-jameshardie-34-Large-1536x1034.webp" alt="linea-modern-coastal-exterior-Sandy-Bay-jameshardie-34-Large-1536x1034" />
“What I like about <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> is the clean, smooth lines, seamless corners and just the ease of installation. They come in nice long, straight lengths and comparative to a timber weatherboard, there’s very little preparation. The boards go on, they’re fixed on, gapped and painted. And the good thing about it is that long term, there’s no rotting. They’re set for life.”
When it comes to paint, the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> boards were coated in Wattyl’s Cattle Dog Cluster Quarter. Downstairs, the lower level of the home was painted to match Colorbond’s Monument steel.
“It really just gives a modern look,” adds Michael.
Frazer and Amanda agreed. Before they knew it, they too couldn’t get enough of Linea.
“We arrived at the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> product because we knew where the board looked right. We understood the architect and the builder had both worked with it before and highly recommended it,” says Frazer. “And this was a no brainer to them. It was always the product that they were going to go with.”
“The <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> board felt relaxed and coastal,” adds Frazer.
“We lived in the house while it was being renovated, which was quite challenging and funny,” shares Amanda. “I think it was really great for the kids to live here and see how hard and clever people work. The girls really got to see how hard it is to make things and do things. I definitely think they look after the house better for that reason.”
<a href="https://youtu.be/QLr2uTjx1FY" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://youtu.be/QLr2uTjx1FY</a>
Download our <a href="https://assets.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/42vS6X4VfEHyPkvMHmowPc/f76b39c301a3ea7f475d3625f1155b34/James-Hardie-Home-Renovation-Guide-2020-1.pdf">Home Renovation Guide</a> to get all the tips and tricks you need to start transforming your home. Or if you want a bit of design inspo first, get some ideas from our <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/inspirationGallery">Inspiration Gallery.</a>

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Discover the journey of a modern coastal renovation that combines contemporary design with Linea™ Weatherboard that help to achieve this stunning transformation.

A Contemporary and Relaxed Modern Coastal Renovation

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The Beach Hut That Creates a Contrast

It’s hard to imagine contrast as a stylistic theme of an almost exclusively white home, but for media personality, Deborah Hutton’s newly renovated forever beach house, it can be seen in every detail through the use of light and shadows. Read on to see how Deborah renovated her home to achieve her dream look.
Affectionately known as ‘The Beach Hutt’ in reference to the nickname ‘The Hutt’ given to her by a close friend, the beautiful two storey property on Sydney’s eastern coastline is one that only Deborah could have designed.
<h2 id="thebeachhouselook">THE BEACH HOUSE LOOK</h2>
“My home has been a passion project for the last 10 months and I have created the beach house of my dreams, not just a house at the beach. When I look at it I see elements of my grandparents’ traditional weatherboard Queenslander, a beach house I used to own, the Hamptons style I’ve fallen in love with and so much more. I’ve really poured my heart and soul into it,” says Deborah.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/NWiO5gI0nwdgAklOxnDGJ/063b6fec267f19922a4917d17e38d14f/deborah-hutton-sunset.webp" alt="deborah-hutton-sunset" />
The moment you turn the corner onto Deborah’s quiet coastal cul-de-sac, the brilliant white home stands out in contrast to the yellows and browns of the neighbouring properties. The home captures the brightness of the location while creating interest with a slowly shifting play of light created by <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> which is used around the full façade of the home.
<blockquote>
 “One of my first big decisions was choosing <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a>. I had this vision of the light and shadow effect you see in coastal and Hamptons houses, so when I saw the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> at the Sydney Home Show and found out they were more durable than timber and needed less touch ups I knew I wanted them for my home.”
 I’ve added stone cladding in soft greys to the front and the natural shapes and texture of the rock contrast against the uniform straight lines of the weatherboard really well. It’s a look that runs through the home, creating a flow from the outside in,” she adds.
</blockquote>
<h2 id="continuingthelookinside">CONTINUING THE LOOK INSIDE</h2>
Inside, the lower level includes the guest-bedroom-come-media-room, an intimate and cosy space that, with its Resene Shadowy Blue walls and dark artwork, contrasts with the rest of the house. Completing the guest quarters is the downstairs bathroom which is flooded with light thanks to floor to ceiling windows that back onto the private side passage. Here Deborah has created an illusion of depth by covering the outside wall with artificial Boston ivy. Inside, the shadow lines of the façade are subtly referenced with the softer, squared groove profile of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding">Axon™ Cladding</a>, which is resistant to water damage making it perfect for wet areas, while tiles are used in the shower itself.
From the guest quarters the light of the bedroom invites you toward the back of the home, a beautiful personal space enhanced by plush carpet. “It’s the only room that doesn’t have floorboards. I wanted a cosier feel. There’s just something about your feet sinking into a soft carpet in the morning that’s comforting. I love the look and texture of its uneven pile and picked the thickest underlay I could find to give it a plush feeling.”
With its own ensuite, the room is a personal haven that is filled with light from another set of floor to ceiling windows. “I’m so thankful to my architect Phil Leamon, who came in partway through the project and added floor to ceiling windows throughout the house. Without his input, I would have lost a lot of light and some of the view of the amazing coastline,” says Deborah.
The view is one of the home’s best assets and has been captured magnificently, but not without its own challenges adds Deborah. “I love the view, but it comes with daily north easterly winds at 3pm like clockwork. If I’d not lived here before I would never have considered it, but now I discovered Lift&amp;Lock, double glazed sliding doors from Enviro Windows to block out the sound, which makes a huge difference.
<blockquote>
 “The exposed location on the clifftop means the back garden and balcony above takes on the elements, which is where my <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a> and <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> come into their own. They create the look I want and resist flaking, warping and swelling so require fewer touch ups. What’s more they’re also resistant to fire and damage from termites and moisture so they’ll last a long time. The texture they create is a perfect backdrop to my outdoor copper shower too, which is a hidden gem of the garden.”
</blockquote>
As you head up to the living area, the first thing you see is the all-white, pitched ceiling where contrasting shapes engage the eye. A backdrop of <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> with a subtle v-groove profile creates soft horizontal shadows, which are contrasted by a series of large solid beams. This play of light draws the eye through another set of floor to ceiling windows, out onto the balcony where the roof overhangs, creating a blurred line between the interior and exterior.
This first impression of the living area could have been very different if it wasn’t for Deborah’s vision. “I think I must have fought every designer, architect and builder on the staircase. Everyone told me to move it to a corner, but I knew that I wanted to see that view straight on. I also love the way that the brightness of the ceiling with all that detail leads your eye toward the sky. Again, the highlight windows are an addition made by Phil. He noticed that I had a solid gable and was amazed that I wasn’t going to have windows all the way up. It wasn’t part of the original plan, but as soon as he suggested it we started on the paperwork and updated the design.”
The central position of the staircase has also made room for details that are tailor made to Deborah’s love of cooking and entertaining. Hidden behind vertical panelling along the right hand wall and down from a handsome kitchen area sit a butler’s pantry, a small powder room and even a wine cellar that holds around 350 bottles.
“I love my layout and my wall space has been put to good use. My one big indulgence here is the custom wine cellar by Vine &amp; Vault. It’s a great party piece to surprise guests with,” Deborah continues.
The rest of the open plan floor includes a living space, kitchen and dining area which have been designed meticulously by Deborah to reflect her personality she adds:
“The house feels more like home than it ever did because I’ve had so much input. The layout of the fireplace, windows and furniture comes from a beach house I used to own. It’s the space I had laid out in my mind first and I ordered my oversized three seater sofas from America a year in advance, even though everyone warned me it would be a nightmare, it was fine. The same goes for the Ralph Lauren lights that hang over the kitchen bench – the wait was worth it.”
INSPIRED? START PLANNING YOUR DREAM HAMPTONS HOME!
<h2 id="therenovationprocess">THE RENOVATION PROCESS</h2>
This long-term planning of even the smallest details, as well as living next door to the renovation, helped Deborah avoid most issues. However one area that was particularly troublesome was the western balcony, which features solid panels lined with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboard</a> suspended slightly off the ground by a series of Hamptons style pillars. The look is completed by a small rail, a nod to the balustrade on the original designs.
<blockquote>
 “That balcony! It’s been a group effort to get it right. I knew that I wanted to maintain my privacy from the street side, so a pillared railing was out of the question, but a full wall would look blocky. I went from draftsman, to designer, to architect in pursuit of a design that could work. In the end it was actually a friend who had renovated a few homes in Brisbane that hit upon the basis of the final look.
</blockquote>
I then met with Hamptons designer Natalee Bowen and she suggested that I clad the interior wall with <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-linea-weatherboard">Linea™ Weatherboards</a>. I knew instantly that it was the missing piece. The boards mirror the rest of the façade and continues that play of light into the living area. The deeper shadow lines also contrast with the <a href="https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/interior-linings/hardiegroove-lining">Hardie™ Groove Lining</a> that continues from the interior onto the overhang above the balcony,” Deborah enthuses.
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/6RmAPesJ3oJ7CpLSHIVsQo/97427cbeb26169e88886b0b60875af75/deborah-hutton-linea-balcony.webp" alt="deborah-hutton-linea-balcony" />
Despite this relatively minor issue, the renovation finished one month ahead of time which she attributes to a number of factors starting with living in the home before renovating, her strong vision and meticulous planning.
<blockquote>
 “I still can’t believe I did all this in nine months. It helped that I had a defined understanding of what the house was and what it needed to be. I could visualise the space, how the light hit it through the day, which parts of the house are visible from outside and so on.”
</blockquote>
Another factor that Deborah sites as being crucial to the project is her relationship with her builders at Virtue Projects.
“I’m actually going to miss my builders now the reno is done. I must have spoken to them every day. I think this was possibly the most important part of keeping a project on track. Every build is full of last minute decisions, so you need to be on call to see the issue and make a decision. You can also nip any problems in the bud before they get out of control.
<blockquote>
 “I also found briefing the builders with images was extremely helpful. Apparently some renovators don’t do this. I showed my guys images of my old beach house, Hamptons homes and many, many others to get the look right.”
</blockquote>
From the moment you see the house, it’s evident that the look is indeed “right” and built on contrasts, from light and shadow, to soft carpets and hard wood floors. It’s a completely individual, classic and seemingly casual look, that’s delivered through carefully considered details and planning.
“I think I’ve made more than a pretty house. While I love how it looks, it’s the way the home is tailor-made to my memories, my interests and my lifestyle, even down to the name, that makes it special to me. From the moment I see the Linea Weatherboard gleaming in the sun and the palm trees moving in the wind I know it’s the home I want to come home to.”

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A modern beach hut achieved a unique look using a mixture of Axon™ Cladding & Linea™ Weatherboard. Learn about James Hardie's products for exterior home design.

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