JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern About

In our Box Modern Handbook, architect and director of Studio Snell, Joe Snell, shares his expertise and experience in bringing the Box Modern style to life. The design is a celebration of minimalist principles and architectural details.

As part of our Design Handbook series for 2024, we’ve collaborated with leading architect, Joe Snell, to show you how to create the Box Modern look inside and out.

The Box Modern style is characterised by large blocks or cube-shaped volumes that are stacked, intersecting, or arranged to form compelling, contemporary residences.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern

Design Handbook 2024

03 Box Modern

Hardie™ exterior cladding is perfectly suited to building Box Modern homes. Bold, industrial Matrix™ Cladding can be accentuated with the strong lines of Stria™ Cladding and minimalist finish of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding to distinguish box shapes and balance out this pared-back aesthetic.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Linea™ Weatherboard

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern EasyLap™ Panel

Complementary Products

With an ultra-modern, expressed joint appearance, Matrix™ Cladding offers a bold, industrial aesthetic where an architectural panelised look is desired.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Matrix cladding

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern productrange scyon-stria-cladding

The deep, 15mm-wide grooves create strong, sleek lines ideal for contemporary designs that require a bold but pared-back aesthetic.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern stria cladding

The texture reminiscent of fine render puts focus on the building’s form and distinguishes the box shapes.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern hardie fine texture cladding

Cladding Solutions

Dulux® Domino
Wattyl The New Black
Taubmans® Trendy

Dulux® Beige Royal Quarter
Wattyl Muddy Mittens
Taubmans® Pebble Bay Quarter

Dulux® Casper White Quarter
Wattyl Purest White
Taubmans® Cradle White

Scheme Two

Use contrasting colours to distinguish intersecting box formations, or as an accent trim to outline the shape of the roofline.

Dulux® Lexicon
Wattyl Feather Dawn
Taubmans® Miss Universe

Dulux® Black Caviar
Wattyl Black Tied
Taubmans® Casino

Dulux® Timeless Grey
Wattyl Grey Slice
Taubmans® Phoenix Fossil

Scheme One

Sophisticated shades of black, white and grey, the colour palette is bold, contemporary and largely achromatic.

Experiment with contrasting block colours, details and features to enhance the form of the building and to accentuate the characteristics of the cladding.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Experiment with contrasting block colours

Box Modern

The minimal approach of a limited colour palette allows the beauty of surrounding materials and textures to come to the forefront.

Colour Palette

The hidden roof line helps to create the visually unique exterior of Box Modern homes, and the mixed materials work beautifully on the facade.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern  hidden roof line

Box Modern interiors embrace minimalism, featuring clean lines and an open floor plan to create a simple and uncluttered space.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Box Modern interiors embrace minimalism.

The deep grooves of Stria™ Cladding create strong horiztonal lines, defining the bold exterior of this.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern deep grooves of StriaTM

Parapet walls hide the roof line and make it appear flat. The capping or guttering can blend with the cladding or be used to create a dark outline to accentuate the shape against the sky.

Hidden roof line

Clean lines of vertical or horizontal cladding or even panel layouts distinguish each box shape.

Bold exterior

Painting one box white and the other dark grey amplifies façade articulation to dramatic effect. The use of black, white and grey gives a high- end feel.

Achromatic colour palette

The home has a geometric figure from every angle around the exterior, with box shapes and straight lines either standing out on their own or overlapping one another. Protruding windows and window hoods are often used to accentuate the boxy form.

Geometric shapes

Interiors evoke hotel-style glamour through open frame furniture, generosity of luxury materials such as stone benchtops, and often an achromatic colour scheme.

Interiors

Design Features

Tait, Trace Sunlounge —the ultimate luxury outdoor upholstered sunlounge features a soft form that works well with the box modern house.

Sussex, Monsoon Outdoor Shower—a contemporary design with a soft form that sets off well against Box Modern.

Heka Hoods —aluminium awning without brackets, providing minimalist styling with functional protection from the elements.

Tait, Outdoor Fire Pit — a modern design for a modern outdoor space.

DesignByThem Dial Hose Hanger — an ultra-minimalist hose reel for a modern home

Robert Plum, House Numbers and Letters — have a clean and clear design that suits a Box Modern home.

Exterior

41Zero42, Clay 41— a solid, full coloured body porcelain with a stucco, pressed clay finish. The earthy texture provides softness and relief.

POLYTEC, Plantation Ash —features a subtle woodgrain embossing
with an overall matt finish.

Sussex, Calibre basin mixer—uses the sleek lines and shapes inspired by contemporary architecture to create a simple,
striking homewares.

Autex Acoustics — developed to expand not just our palette but also your design possibilities while working hard to reduce reverberation and control background chatter.

Tretford, goat hair carpet — durable and comes in 60 colour options to match your Box Modern home perfectly.

Interior

In the Box Modern home, every fixture, furnishing and material can add to the design story, expressing a love and appreciation for functionality and contemporary minimalism in the everyday.

Complete the Look

Builders' Choice: Crafting Modern Farmhouse Perfection with the Hardie™ Architectural Collection

In the picturesque landscape where the coast meets the countryside, [Bakker Homes](https://bakkerhomes.com.au/) brought their dream home to life – a Modern Farmhouse inspired by Scandinavian architecture and contemporary New Zealand Barn Houses. The creation of this home was an easy process guided by a blend of aesthetics and practicality.

As a builder, selecting the right materials is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. Having used Hardie™ products in previous builds, they felt confident to use Hardie™ products again on this project as they knew they would achieve the look they wanted with their high quality. For the exterior, three products from the [Hardie™ Architectural Collection](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection) became the backbone of the project. "We were originally looking to use completely different products but loved the look of the [Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding), [Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) and the [Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-brushed-concrete-cladding)," explained the homeowner and builder Carina Bakker. “Using products that were all designed to complement each other made the design process so easy.”

![oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/38ZZNm3jdiX0QZQe8kcQIV/2ed16b154654d43966fd9490a525a9c8/oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi__1_.webp)

The Modern Farmhouse style of architecture seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements, resulting in a home that is the perfect combination of old and new. This style satisfies the desire for both modern functionality and the comfort of traditional design and craftsmanship, with the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic creating a bridge between past and present.

To create this look, Bakker Homes installed Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding painted in Dulux® Black around the master suite, garage and pool house walls. “We installed the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding vertically with a mix of both 200mm and 300mm widths. The unique pattern we installed was big, small, big, big, small, big, small, small, big – a pattern without it being a noticeable pattern.” Carina explained. The rest of the home was clad in Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding painted Dulux®  Natural White. “The Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding definitely gave the house depth and rhythm. The windows blended with the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding and contrasted with the Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding, which are hallmarks of the Modern Farmhouse look.”

The four projecting gables on the house are Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding painted Dulux®  Black with merbau cladding to internal of gables.  Merbau oversized posts at the front and rear of the house, along with decking and under the fascia at the rear, further accentuated the architectural details. 
“Installation of the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding was relatively quick and easy. The structural integrity of the board made sure that any imperfections within the wall frame were nullified, leaving a smooth well defined finish. The smooth face of the board made it easy to patch and fill.  We gapped all the joints, this was quick and easy, as was the painting.” Carina explained.

![oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/1EKJGxGvPSdIk2nBCILm32/c3db1faa42f3f2b1c6ae9e7f69493102/oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi__3_.webp)

“The larger boards of the Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding were very easy to install. It was a better alternative to render and more cost effective. It was the perfect texture for the Modern farmhouse look.”

![oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3ECkuk54yo1Ejp9n6mYN3n/091b2e2f0f17d279252ef35dc1186ef5/oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi__2_.webp)

As an owner-builder project, Bakker Homes encountered unique challenges, particularly concerning bushfire zone regulations. "The house is in a bushfire zone, and the cladding had to meet the bushfire rating of BAL 40," they shared. The selected Hardie™ products met the BAL rating, providing the necessary durability and safety standards.

The project's success was not only attributed to the quality of Hardie™ products but also to the versatility they offered in design. "Using 3 different products from the Hardie™ Architectural Collection allowed us to achieve the desired look while complementing each other seamlessly," remarked Carina Bakker Homes.

![oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi (4)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5JZ1pofdb2klUzl733GcH2/4bf88382f39287ec8c2d151cc56650bb/oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi__4_.webp)

“At Bunnings Port Stephens, we always turn to their helpful and knowledgeable staff, and thanks to their assistance, we were able to achieve our dream Modern Farmhouse with the Hardie™ Architectural Collection” said Carina.

As they continue their journey in home construction and design, Hardie™ remains their trusted partner in bringing visions to life. Carina Bakker found the product installation easy which helped saving time and money in the project. Their success story proves Hardie™ products are the go-to for builders aiming for excellence. It's not just about building homes; it's about turning dreams into reality, one board at a time.


oblique-brushedconcrete-hardiefi

axon-cladding-exterior-modernher (9)

Hardie Home™ Guides Bright Section where you can discover various ideas and build your dream home. Get inspired from tips and tricks described and build your project.

Explore Hardie™ Home Guide's Bright Ideas Section

What makes a Modern Heritage style house successful? We’re exploring how to turn your renovation into something truly special and unique

Modern Heritage style house design: blending old with new

Modern Heritage home design: how to blend modern and heritage design elements

Modern Farmhouse

Knowing what exterior style you want to achieve with a new build or renovation is the first step in creating your dream home with the helpful tools finish your home building.

Discover Hardie™ Home Guides Helpful Tools

Dreaming of a Modern Farmhouse style home? Explore its most important features and learn how to brief your design team

How to brief your architect or designer on Modern Farmhouse style

Modern Farmhouse: how to brief your design team

How these owner-builders created a timeless Modern Heritage home

If only one word could be used to sum up the Modern Heritage house design trend, it would be ‘contrast’. This is the defining point between old and new, with the highly decorative elements of period homes contrasting with the simplicity and linear approach of modern renovations.
These properties have become increasingly popular throughout Australia, particularly in inner-city suburbs where homes from the 1900s are renovated in a way that doesn’t detract from the history of the structure.

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## Simpler home living
Drawing inspiration from simpler home living, the Modern Heritage house trend allows homeowners to take advantage of the past while addressing the future needs of their home with a blend of old and new.

This is showcased by Elise Weavers and Sam Russell of [@working.on.walter](https://www.instagram.com/working.on.walter/). The pair purchased their second home – but their first renovation – right at the start of the pandemic, and they immediately knew they were in for a long-term project.

“When we purchased the home in Ascot Vale, it was just a 1900s single-fronted Victorian terrace house covered by a ’70s renovation with brick-look cladding over the original weatherboards,” Weavers says.

Weavers herself took over the design, with Russell using his building expertise to manage the construction side of the renovation. Right from the outset, Weavers said the couple were intent on a Modern Heritage house.

“The vision was very clear from the initial concept design phase and didn’t change over time,” she says. “We wanted a modern black gable form in contrast to the period façade of the Victorian terrace.”

![axon-cladding-exterior-modernheritage-ascotvale-buildhercollective-jameshardie-3](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2Ro7F4YjO5xCt6bQoemQtM/607da81dcba6f3eef6cb0f0f76cb8e1e/axon-cladding-exterior-modernheritage-ascotvale-buildhercollective-jameshardie-3.webp)

## Choosing a versatile yet highly practical cladding solution
“We wanted to use [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) because of its modern vertical profile that contrasts with the horizontal blockwork weatherboards of the Victorian façade,” Weavers says.

But there was another reason why Hardie™ exterior cladding was chosen. As they were building on the boundary of the property, Russell says they were required to build a wall with an adequate Fire Level Rating (FRL). It also had to match the aesthetic of Modern Heritage homes and be highly durable – something that fibre cement delivers far better than timber. The good news for these homeowners is that durable Modern Heritage cladding with adequate FRL – specifically 60/60/60 – can be achieved using [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) and the [Hardie™ Smart Boundary Wall System](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardiesmart-fire-&-acoustic-wall-systems-boundary-wall-system).

“With the boundary we have here, there's only a small 200-millimetre gap between the old external wall of the building next door and our building,” he says. “So I was able to build the frame on the ground, clad it, and lift it up and erect it that way.”

Weavers says using Hardie cladding meant they could create a seamless transition between old and new: “The new wall needed to align with the existing hallway wall, so we were restricted in wall thickness,” she says. “We were able to align the old and the new by using the [Hardie™ Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) BAL-rated wall system, which is much narrower than a brick or block wall.”

Both Weavers and Russell were very familiar with the range of Hardie™ exterior cladding products. “I had used [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) previously on other jobs and I knew it was going to be very efficient and easy to install for an owner-builder like myself,” Russell says. “It was me who did all the installing, so I didn't have to get bricklayers and other people like that involved.

“We also used the [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) behind the barbeque. Because the product is deemed non-combustible, which means it won’t contribute to the spread of fire, it was installed there to give us peace of mind.”

![axon-cladding-exterior-modernheritage-ascotvale-buildhercollective-jameshardie-5](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3eSYvdy1Ea2fzPWOVnA17K/8f4231e330d475c91c877dd28e303b49/axon-cladding-exterior-modernheritage-ascotvale-buildhercollective-jameshardie-5.webp)

## Meeting budget and technical requirements
Because of the logistics and compliance needs of their Modern Heritage renovation, Weavers says it just made good sense to use [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding). Not only did it help elevate their overall heritage house design, it also ensured a hallmark ‘contrast’ between the traditional structure and the modern extension.

“It fulfilled the design brief and achieved the requirements such as BAL rating and energy rating,” Weavers says. “It’s cost-effective and fast to install.

“Because the [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) sheets come in large sizes, they can be installed easily with two people. The product is also straightforward to install.”

For Russell, he says it made his life during the build so much easier: “Where we joined from old to new, the [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) being flat made it very easy to butt the weatherboard straight in and give it a nice slim look.”

Plus, having the ability to go into their local store and pick up what they needed at any time meant they weren’t constrained by traders and deliveries: “The [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/applications/cavity-construction/scyon-axon-cladding) itself and also all the flashing glues that are needed are readily available at most hardware stores, so it's great if you forget something or you need an extra piece – it's so easy to get,” he says.

Acquiring most of their cladding from Bell Plaster Supplies in Pascoe Vale, a quick visit to their local Bunnings in Maribyrnong ensured any one-off cladding sheets could be purchased as required, keeping the pair on track to building their dream Modern Heritage home.

“The period façade is timeless,” Weavers says. “But I also don’t like imitation and I think it’s pointless to pretend that you haven’t done a modern extension. We have been able to express that and make it a complete contrast. The cladding helps to really highlight the beautiful stages of the Victorian terrace, and also makes the modern extension stand out more.”

If you’re planning a renovation, find out more about how to bring the [Modern Heritage](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/modern-homes-forecast/modern-heritage) look to life. 

![axon-cladding-exterior-modernher (13)](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/3KrpYxyWChrPM5Uz0xYpSx/d52ac9d4896fbd602b4ef91beaffc814/axon-cladding-exterior-modernher__13_.webp)

axon-cladding-exterior-modernheritage-ascotvale-buildhercollective-jameshardie-1

Learn how the couple behind Working on Walter poured their hearts into a Modern Heritage house reno, with Axon™ Cladding as the glue tying it all together.

How Axon™ Cladding elevates Modern Heritage house design

On-trend designs: Modern Heritage case study

Modern farmhouse

With a team you can build Mountains. Refer to Hardie's guides and together let's build or renovate your dream home.

With a team yopu can build Mountains. Refer to Hardie's guides and together let's build or renovate your dream home.

Hardie™ Home Guide - Team Players

Explore a stunning Modern Farmhouse home by Oak & Orange, who share their expert tips on how to create a Modern Farmhouse  style home inside and out

Modern Farmhouse: Oak & Orange and Better Built Homes

Oak and Orange’s design tips for Modern Farmhouse style

axon-cladding-exterior-modernher

Learn about the rise of the Modern Heritage style and how homeowners are renovating their heritage properties to suit their modern lifestyles.

Transform your heritage home with a Modern Heritage reno

Get inspired to elevate your heritage home to suit your modern lifestyle

Three Birds Renovations' Erin's House 16 Modern Farmhouse clad in Hardie Oblique Cladding.

oblique-exterior-modernfarmhouse-glenhaven-house16-threebirdsrenovations-jameshardie-21

Happy with your Modern Farmhouse exterior but not sure how to bring a Modern Farmhouse interior to life? Get all the details on how to finish your kitchen, bathroom, landscaping and more.

Modern Farmhouse style and finishing touches

How to put the finishing touches on your Modern Farmhouse

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding takes this Modern Farmhouse to new heights.

Stylishly blending rustic charm with modern elements, contemporary barn-style homes are becoming more prolific around Australia as homeowners seek a fusion of traditional warmth and sleek sophistication.

But how can you create a farmhouse design that captures on-trend features while still incorporating the timelessness of the style? By integrating [Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding) in its recent Summer Farmhouse build, Bellevue Design and Construction is setting a new standard for what can be achieved in the Modern Farmhouse style.

## A sprawling farmhouse with all the trimmings

When Jak Lok and Philip Chak of [Bellevue Design and Construction](https://bellevuednc.com.au/) were approached to design a house – one that would be suitable on an acreage and just 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD – they knew they had their work cut out for them.

“Our client wanted a unique house design in a premium location, and they were planning to have farm animals like horses, alpacas and chickens,” Lok says. “They wanted this house to be different and to stand out from the rest."

“After the COVID lockdowns, their vision was to have a place that had everything on-site. That included a resort-style pool, sunken fireplace, outdoor pool house, tennis court, gym and theatre room.”

After locking in the brief, Lok and Chak immediately envisioned a modern American farmhouse. That meant wide frontage, plenty of character in the materials being used, and a high-pitched gable roof with vertical profile cladding. It would be an awe-inspiring sight when finished, but it would also be one of the most challenging homes Bellevue Design and Construction had ever built – due in large part to the steepness of the roof design.

“We knew we needed a vertical cladding exterior to achieve this Modern Farmhouse look,” Lok explains. So we gave our James Hardie rep a call to see if any products would be suitable.”
![ORTOLAN newcleveland 046](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/5eLm2XRFR3kkzeSFxcAyhF/e3084056779e8a39d61fee5acf5c9899/_ORTOLAN_newcleveland_046.webp)

## Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding steps up to the challenge

The Bellevue team knew they wanted a standout product that would take the Modern Farmhouse style to the next level. So when they spoke to their James Hardie representative and explained the brief in detail, it became immediately clear that Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding would be the perfect fit.

“As soon as we saw the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding, though, we knew it was the one and we had to have it.”

Lok and his team used two types of [Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/hardie-oblique-cladding) on all the external walls of the Summer Farmhouse project – both the 300mm and 200mm profiles. He says it just made sense to feature it so strongly throughout the home.

“It was the look we were trying to achieve,” he says. “We could not find a better product. We wanted vertical cladding almost like the [Axon™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/scyon-axon-cladding) but with a more visible profile, which would give the farmhouse a bit more character."

“If it wasn’t for the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding we wouldn’t have achieved the look that we were after.”
![ORTOLAN newcleveland 159](//images.ctfassets.net/rg5y8r6t6cjr/2qhmvt5Grffx75RACtKHzm/811d9e854961c454ebcc3515a0ece294/_ORTOLAN_newcleveland_159.webp)

## Taking the Modern Farmhouse style to new heights

Even though it was a product they had never used before, Lok says the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding was very easy to install and made light work of the exterior. He was especially pleased that nail holes are hidden and when overlapping the cladding it simply locks into place.

“Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding definitely saved a lot of time,” he says. “Our second option was just timber batten, and that would have taken a lot longer to install. It also wouldn’t have stood out and been as unique as Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding is.”

Being a custom builder, Lok says he loves building different styles of homes, and Hardie™ products make his job much easier. 

“We use Hardie™ products for the majority of our houses due to the wide range of options that are suitable for our designs, and they achieve the look that our clients are after,” he says. This includes the [Hardie™ Architectural Collection](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/hardie-architectural-collection), which delivers endless possibilities to achieve a range of looks.

Lok personally adores the Summer Farmhouse’s outdoor entertainment space, as well as the main living area with the loft and feature ceiling. With a happy design and building team, and even happier clients, Bellevue took the best of luxury farmhouse design and delivered a finished product that will keep guests inspired for years to come. 

Want to take advantage of the modern design forecast and give your clients the home they’ve been dreaming about? Learn more about how [Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/categories/cladding/hardie-fine-texture-cladding) is perfect for a Modern Farmhouse exterior and interiors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Double Storey Street Appeal

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

Double Storey Homes - Two Storey House Plans | James Hardie

Summer Farmhouse

Learn how Bellevue hit the brief and delivered a Modern Farmhouse style home that will stand the test of time thanks to Hardie™ Oblique™ cladding.

How Hardie™  Oblique™ Cladding is enhancing Modern Farmhouse designs

On-trend designs: Modern Farmhouse case study

Modern Farmhouse is a contemporary expression of classical farmhouse architecture as seen here with Hardie Oblique Cladding.

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How a builder turned homeowner used Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding to design and build their dream Modern Farmhouse property.

How Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding inspired this Modern Farmhouse home

Bringing the homeowner’s vision to life: Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding for a Modern Farmhouse

Three Birds Renovations, Lana, Erin and Bonnie, stand in the alfresco outdoor entertaining area of their newly renovated House 16.

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Three Birds Renovations are known for their statement-making homes. Explore Erin’s Modern Farmhouse-style house

Modern Farmhouse-style house 16 by Three Birds Renovations

Modern Farmhouse: Erin’s House by Three Birds Renovations 

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A Modern Heritage style house ticks a lot of boxes: charming, characterful and with modern conveniences. Here’s how to take on its design challenges 

Modern Heritage style house design: common challenges solved

Overcoming common challenges in Modern Heritage house design 

‘With contrasting colours and bold materials, the results are visually exciting and dynamic.’ – Joe Snell, Studio Snell

The achromatic use of black, white and and grey accented with metallics and timber gives a high-end feel to the interior.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern achromatic use of black.

For pathways and landscaping use geometric stepping stones set in pebbels to reflect the clean lines of the Box Modern style.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern pathways and landscaping

Complement your cladding choice using timber accents for the garage door or main entrance.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern timber accents for the garage

Add texture and visual interest using ceramic tile or stacked patterns in small considered areas.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern ceramic tile or stacked patterns

Natural stone ensures a luxurious aesthetic when used as a feature element of interiors.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Natural stone ensures a luxurious aesthetic

Woodgrains on floors and cabinetry help to soften and add a sense of warmth to spaces.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Woodgrains on floors and cabinetry.

Keep soft furinshings like carpets, rugs and other textiles simple, and use solid colours in muted tones.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern soft furinshings like carpets, rugs and other

Metallics work well in a brushed or chrome finish to contrast and elevate surrounding materials like concrete and stone.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Metallics work well in a brushed or chrome finish

Materials & Textures

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Box Modern | Modern Homes Forecast 2024

1. The clean horizontal lines of Stria™ Cladding contrast the panel layouts of Matrix™ Cladding to distinguish each box shape.

2. The use of Axon™ Cladding installed horizontally adds texture and warmth to the home.

3. The bold, angular style of Box Modern stands out on the streetscape.

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The Box Modern style is characterised by large blocks or cube-shaped volumes that are stacked, intersecting, or arranged to form compelling, contemporary residences.

Style Overview

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern diminutive style with efficiency and sustainability

A diminutive style with efficiency and sustainability at its core, possessing an immersive understanding of their typically remote surroundings. Characterised as modular forms with flat or shed roofs, light and height is also a defining feature of the style.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern Inner-City Box

Popular on urban blocks as a knockdown- rebuild solution, the inner-city box works to maximise interior space on smaller frontages without compromising on privacy.