Barn
Barn homes boast vaulted ceilings, open plan living spaces and bold street presence. A steeply pitched gable roof is a must.
Characterised by simplicity and rustic charm, the design elements of the barn style underscore the strong relationship between the structure and its surrounds. The design style is inspired by Nordic minimalism and a belief that wellness is the foundation for good design and should be accessible to all.
Barn is best summarised as a simple and contemporary take on traditional forms. Architecturally, the Barn takes the design structure of the classic barn and adopts other design concepts to maximise natural light and a pared-back palette that complements their interiors. The timeless design aesthetic allows for versatility and inspires a sense of calm and wellbeing.
Though there can be some fluidity in forms, barn style is generally separated into distinct design aesthetics, whether it’s classic, vintage, rustic or traditional.
The barn silhouette is consistent as a simple diagrammatic form adopting clean lines, the style mimicking the look and feel of craftsmanship from early settler homes ultimately fulfilling a heritage feel without sacrificing modern convenience. Interior spaces are airy and uncluttered with natural-textured furnishings and internal barn doors.
About the Trend
Design Features
Recommended products
![Stria™ Cladding 325mm](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/325mm-close-up-vertical.jpg)
Stria™ Cladding: The distinctive deep grooved lines and can be laid horizontally or vertically for an eye-catching effect to complement strong barn shapes.
![Hardie™ Flex Sheet and Hardie™ Axent™ Trim](/web/assets/gallery/_992x558_crop_center-center_82_line/JH.Kinloch.029.jpg)
Axon™ Panel Smooth: The smooth finish in combination with Hardie™ Axent™ Trim create depth, texture and height to the design.
![Oblique™ Weatherboard 200mm and 300mm](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/LOOK-AROUND_LOB_PG-20-small.jpg)
Oblique™ Weatherboard: The wide grooves and design flexibility of board widths delivers drama and visual interest to barn facades.
![Close up of Axon™ Panel Grooved Grained 133mm](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/006.jpg)
Axon™ Panel Grooved: The panels reflect the beauty and timeless detail of painted vertical joint timber, but without time-consuming board construction or durability hassles
Options in select areas:
![Hardie™ Groove Lining](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/general/IMG_4997-2.jpg)
Hardie™ Groove Lining: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings and externally on eaves and soffits.
![Oblique™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/general/House5_Hamilton-1.jpg)
Oblique™ Weatherboard: Interior feature walls
![Axon™ Panel Grooved](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/general/Axon-Panel-feature-wall_Jennian.jpg)
Axon™ Panel Grooved: Interior feature walls
Why Now?
- A surge in people retreating from urban living in favour of a slower, more uncomplicated way of life
- A preference for a greener lifestyle and greater connection to the environment
- The cost-effective nature of the minimalist Barn design, with its focus on essentials and avoidance of excess appeals to both architects and volume builders
- The Barn house is a symbol of a simpler, more authentic way of life
The Barn architectural style continues to capture the hearts and minds of New Zealanders and Australians, in appreciation of how Scandi design and lifestyle philosophy complements and enhances Southern Hemisphere lifestyles.
Recommended paint colours
Exterior
Cardrona NZ9G2
Terrible Billy NZ10H5
Blackwood Bay NZ10H2
Floral White LRV 72
Luxe Brown LRV 10.65
Soulful Grey LRV 7.22
Interior
Narrow Neck Half NZ9E6
Willow Flat S20A3
Lake Hayes
Precious Heirloom LRV 63.93
Crushed Clove LRV 33
Iron Black LRV 6.56
Global GreenTag™ GreenRate™ Level A and Product Health Declaration™ PHD Platinum Health mean our products have passed the world's toughest standards for health, eco performance and safety.
Feature case study
Back to black with Stria™ Cladding
Inspired by Scandinavian architecture, this modernist two-level home has a dramatic black exterior offset by a white feature chimney.
![Design Handbook Cover 2024](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/general/Design-Handbook-Cover-2024.png)
The Design Handbook
The Hardie™ Cladding Collection has a wide variety of products to select from, creating design versatility, in which It’s Possible™ to Make Modern like never before. It’s a movement that’s reshaping perceptions and changing the way New Zealand builds. This design handbook demonstrates that with great advice, support and inspiration, it’s possible to build a house you’re truly proud to come home to.