Welcome to the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast – our first annual research report for homeowners and trade professionals on the seven popular, enduring and emerging contemporary home styles.
At James Hardie, we’re driven by a purpose to build a better future for all by understanding how people want to live. Through an extensive research piece combining advanced AI-driven technology, desktop research and interviews with architects, designers and key industry professionals, we have decoded the current and future trajectory of home design.
All our research efforts and collaborations are designed to help homeowners articulate exactly what they want and support trade professionals to deliver their clients’ dream modern homes without compromise.
Modern Farmhouse
A seamless balance of traditional design and contemporary elements, it blends old and new, with a focus on clean lines, open spaces and materiality. The classic farmhouse gabled roof and paned windows are offset by the use of James Hardie products such as Linea™ Weatherboard, which offers a modern twist to the traditional weatherboard farmhouse, and Stria™ Cladding that creates strong, sleek lines giving a modern aesthetic.
Box Modern
The Box Modern style is characterised by large blocks or cube-shaped volumes that are stacked, intersecting or arranged to form compelling, contemporary residences. The deep, wide groove of Stria™ Cladding is ideal for creating the strong, sleek lines the trend dictates, while Axon™ Panel Brushed Concrete offers a play on light and texture.
Barn
Barn homes boast vaulted ceilings, open plan living spaces and bold street presence. A steeply pitched gable roof is a must. Achieve the board and batten design with Axon™ Panel Smooth combined with Hardie™ Axent™ Trim.
Modern Bach
Inspired by relaxed Kiwi holidays at the beach, Modern Bach style offers a contemporary take on traditional coastal design with laid-back spaces, modern minimalism and earthy, dark weatherboards. Linea™ and Oblique™ Weatherboard’s provide outstanding durability and low maintenance and can withstand the harsh coastal environments.
Mid-Century Modern
With its emphasis on practicality and functionality, Mid-Century Modern is seeing a huge resurgence, the modern classic reimagined for 21ˢᵗ century living. Oblique™ Weatherboard or Axon™ Panel Brushed Concrete are ideal for modern facades and bring the trend to life.
Japandi
Japandi brings together the best elements of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism in a hybrid architectural style, resulting in a simple & elegant home. The sleek vertical lines of Axon™ Panel Grooved evoke the fine detail of a vertical joint timber, providing a distinct Japandi look.
Modern Heritage
The Modern Heritage architectural style elevates traditional homes through sensitive renovation and restoration, with contrast as the defining element. Stria™ Cladding is often a feature of these additions, with its square and angled edges offering a bold aesthetic that contrasts perfectly against heritage design.
Website link – https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/inspiration/modern-design-trends-series
Design Handbook – https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/general/James-Hardie-Design-Handbook-2024-Spreads-WEB.pdf