PB 1A104676 2024-02-13 12.56.06

In our Modern Farmhouse Design Handbook, Oak & Orange share their expertise and experience in bringing the Modern Farmhouse look to life. It’s all about finding the balance between traditional and modern through a range of beautiful design elements.

As part of our Design Handbook series for 2024, we’ve collaborated with leading design team Oak & Orange to show you how to create the Modern Farmhouse look inside and out.

A seamless balance of traditional design and contemporary elements, modern farmhouse style references classic architecture with a focus on clean lines, open spaces and materiality.

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Design Handbook 2024

01 Modern Farmhouse

Ready to specify Hardie™ fibre cement products in your next project?

The Hardie™ range of cladding and trims are perfectly suited to building Modern Farmhouses – with a range of tactile finishes and textures ensuring that the architectural features and design accents are always looking their best. 

Hardie™ Groove Lining (interior)

Hardie™ Deck

Axent™ Trim

Axent™ Trim to create board and batten cladding

Complement your home cladding:

The narrow 133mm groove spacing creates a highly detailed aesthetic, adding a craftsmanship feel to the facade

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cladding-solution

The subtle fine render texture allows bold cladding or other exterior features like large paned windows to stand out.

Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding

Straight and bevelled grooves add an Australian ‘shed’ twist on the farmhouse look.

Close up product shot of Hardie Oblique Cladding with both the 200mm and 300mm wide boards alternating.

JH Product Mortises HardieObliqueCladding Square

Cladding Solutions

Dulux COLOURBOND® Basalt®
Wattyl COLOURBOND® steel Basalt®
Taubmans Basalt

Dulux Teahouse
Wattyl Star Energy
Taubmans Victorian Pewter

Dulux Endless Dusk
Wattyl Low Cloud
Taubmans Windsor

Dark Scheme

Dulux COLOURBOND® Monument®
Wattyl COLOURBOND® steel Monument®
Taubmans Monument

Dulux Silver Tea Set
Wattyl Spirit Grey
Taubmans Silver Blaze

Dulux Snowy Mountain Half
Wattyl Stalactite
Taubmans Tahira White

Light Scheme

The right neutral colour palette across exterior and interior spaces is fundamental to realising the Modern Farmhouse home style.

For the exterior, lean towards darker colour schemes in cooler  climates and opt for the brighter whites in warmer climates, ready to reflect the hot sun. 

colour-palette-large

Hardie™ Oblique Cladding

We’ve carefully defined both light and dark colour directions to achieve the Modern Farmhouse look. The scheme you choose will depend on what works best in your geographic location, climate and light.

Colour Palette

Multiple, interconnecting pavilions feature the classic gabled roof and create a compound that celebrates clean lines and open space. 

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Grand outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas in complementary neutrals are a signature look of the Modern Farmhouse. 

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The style is a contemporary expression of classical farmhouse architecture, combining multiple, interconnecting pavilions with the classic farmhouse gabled roof. It can also feature board and batten cladding for a perfect balance of old and new.

Farmhouse-inspired architecture

Natural-look materials on the façade, such as vertical joint cladding, are contrasted with black or metallic accents, such as window frames or lights which add definition and sophistication.

Contrasting materials

Neutral colours beige, grey and white allow for the materials and textures to be the focus and create an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

Neutral colour palette

Large, square or rectangular paned windows create a warm and inviting ambiance. Signature black window frames add a sleek element to the traditional farmhouse aesthetic.

Paned windows

Go classic or modern in your selections, choosing well proportioned, super-comfy pieces in neutral tones. Consider adding accents of black or metallic fixtures to bring the textural, monochromatic and minimal aesthetic to life.

Interiors

Design Features

Visit our display homes to see innovation  and practicality, and ask our home advisors about building your dream home.

JAM2389 Design Handbook Box Modern diminutive style with efficiency and sustainability

Find a Display Home

Bask Outdoor Living, Colorado Chairs and Lancaster Table — this combination demonstrates how the blend of complementary materials in a neautral palette can create the signature texural, tonal look of the Modern Farmhouse style.

Barn Light Australia, Cottage & Farmhouse lighting range —the industrial look of these lights will help modernise the traditional farmhouse look.

Life Interiors, Lake Bench — add a touch of Modern Farmhouse style to your porch or alfresco area.

Tower Garage Doors, Hamptons range — perfectly suited to Modern Farmhosue style and fully customisable to suit your home.

Wideline Aluminium Windows — paned windows with sleek lines, customizable finishes, superb functionality and minimal maintenance.

Exterior

Reece, Posh Canterbury Gooseneck Basin Mixer Tap, Matte Black—a simple design with soft traditional features.

Home Blinds Australia — these Australian made, premium curtains offer textural linens for a luxurious and warm effect.

Lo & Co, Kintore Lever — featuring soft diamond knurling, crafted in solid brass with an electroplated ages brass finish to put a modern twist on the look.

Rugs for Good, Marigold Linear Textural Rug — this neutral tone rug will bring warmth to cosy spaces.

Greystone Tiles, Bejmat Snow Terracotta Morroccan Subway Tile — a handmade, glazed white tile for the perfect balance of modern and organic qualities.

Interior

A few finishing touches that will help you execute the Modern Farmhouse style perfectly — timber and stone finishes, industrial hardware, nubby linens— all combining to create the perfect balance between modern and traditional elements.

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://bakkerdesign.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](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/blog/on-trend-designs-modern-farmhouse-case-study) 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

Blend modern aesthetics with farmhouse charm using Hardie Architectural Cladding. Discover benefits and design possibilities for your next home project.

Modern Farmhouse Perfection with the Hardie Architectural Cladding

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

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

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

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

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

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/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](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/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](https://www.jameshardie.com.au/productrange/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 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.

Hardie Oblique Cladding Enhances 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.

oblique-cladding-exterior-modernfarmhouse-gumdale-jameshardie-5

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 

 More Modern Farmhouse inspiration:

‘A neutral colour palette is essential to Modern Farmhouse interiors. This look creates an atmosphere of calm and serenity that really turns a house into a real sanctuary.’ – Sarah, Oak & Orange

A neutral colour palette adds modern luxury to interiors with natural stone and limestone finishes.

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The contrast of materials, organic stone textures against clean, crisp cladding adds depth to the home.

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Wrap the whole house in board and batten style cladding for a neat, uniform finish.

material and texture 3

Use Axon™ Cladding for a modern take on interior vertical joint lining.

material and texture 4

Light hardwood floors bring an additional connection to nature.

material and texture 5

Dark trim, roofing and frames contrast with light walls to dramatic effect.

material and texture 6

Natural stone accents contrast the clean lines of Axon™ Cladding and lend earthy texture.

material and texture 7

Materials & Textures

JAM2335 Modern Homes Forecast

Download a copy of the Handbook

Order a sample from the Hardie™ Architectural Collection.

Order your free sample.

Login to myHardies™ to find out more about how to build the Modern Farmhouse look.

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Modern Farmhouse Design Handbook

In a blending of concepts, Modern Farmhouse design riffs off the classic foundations of traditional living while allowing for a more modern use of space inside. This might manifest as traditional exterior aesthetics like weatherboard cladding, shutters and gabled rooflines with an open-concept interior where the kitchen, living and dining rooms anchor the layout as one cavernous space. Interior furnishing should have hints of both new and vintage, such as black or metallic fixtures, organic textures and simple yet grand furniture. The interior style allows for an interplay between heritage charm and modern luxury, with farmhouse cavernous ceilings, natural stone and limestone finishes enhanced by sleek kitchen amenities, modern lighting and seamless indoor/outdoor living.

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Axon™ Cladding contrasted with black accents, such as window frames or lights, add definition and sophistication.

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Signature black frames and modern light fixtures add sleek elements to this traditional farmhouse aesthetic, featuring Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding

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The Modern Farmhouse design on this Oak & Orange home riffs off the classic with a traditional exterior and gabled roof. Built by Better Built Homes.

Clean-lines-and-minimalist-design

Style Overview

Farmhouse Ranch

These homes are typically single storey with split levels and feature an open floor plan. Some common exterior features include a low-pitch roof, overhanging eaves, large windows on all sides of the house.

Hamptons Farmhouse

This style can use a dark or light colour palette, often featuring gabled roof and dark trim. The home feels aspirational, and draws on modern farmhouse ideals of blending Hampton heritage homes with sleek, angular dimensions without coastal influence.