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.
Box modern is characterised by the arrangement and treatment of distinct boxes, elevating the simple shape into an elegant evolution of modernist design principles.
Drawing on the geometric forms of the International Style of the early 20th century, it features large blocks or cube-shaped volumes that are stacked, intersecting, or arranged to form residences.
One of the key features of Box Modern home designs is the focus on big, sharp geometric shapes to create a visually unique exterior. These designs include the "stacked" box style, the cube, and the box with angles. The stacked box gives the appearance of multiple shapes stacked on top of one another. The cube emphasises clean, straight lines and is the ultimate form of minimalist modernism. Lastly, the box with angles uses angled windows and sloped roofs to define a visual spectacle.
Box Modern is best summarised as controlled, precise, clearly contemporary architecture. Box Modern homes incorporate minimalist principles and showcase technical details such as shape, roofline, and cladding.
In combination with contrasting colours and bold materials, the results are visually exciting and dynamic. Interiors evoke hotel-style glamour through open frame furniture, generosity of luxury materials such as stone benchtops, and a monochromatic colour scheme.
About the Trend
Design Features
Recommended products
![Linea™ Weatherboard](/web/assets/gallery/_309x464_crop_center-center_line/JH.Oamaru.240-4.jpg)
Linea™ Weatherboard: The strong shadow lines of this weatherboard, painted dark add a modern twist. Using with Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers differentiates from a more traditional look which has trim covering the corners.
![Axon™ Brushed Concrete](/web/assets/general/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/Brushed-Concrete-Sample-small.jpg)
Axon™ Panel Brushed Concrete: The texture of the panels transforms with light and proximity, creating a smooth, contemporary appearance from a distance, but unexpectedly tactile up close.
![Stria™ Cladding 325mm](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/325mm-close-up-vertical.jpg)
Stria™ Cladding: The deep, 15mm-wide grooves create strong, sleek lines ideal for contemporary designs that require a bold but pared-back aesthetic.
![Axon™ Panel Grooved 133mm cladding](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/007.jpg)
Axon™ Panel Grooved: The vertical groove lines make an impact to simple box designs by bringing variety and textural interest to external walls.
Options in select areas:
![Hardie™ Groove Lining](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/gallery/142A6348.jpg)
Hardie™ Groove Lining: Interior feature walls
![Axon™ Panel Grooved](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/gallery/Axon-Panel.jpg)
Axon Panel Grooved: Interior feature walls
Why Now?
- The global pandemic, increasing climate change concerns and the cost-of-living crisis drive an increased yearning for the safety of home
- The Box Modern style delivers on the need for privacy and solitude, providing a “blank canvas” look to suit individual preferences
- The architecture embraces bold and dynamic design through parapet walls, cantilevered rooms and exaggerated asymmetrical forms
- Box Modern design lends itself to people looking to “update” to more performance-enhanced and optimised options
The Box Modern home is gaining momentum as more home owners embrace and appreciate the practical benefits as well as the satisfaction of incorporating new technological advances into their homes.
Recommended paint colours
Exterior
Mt Inaccessible NZ10H4
Colorsteel® Flaxpod®
Blackwood Bay NZ10H2
Cold Rush LRV 62.00
Pitchstone LRV 14.19
Black Tied LRV 6.64
Interior
Haast Half NZ9G3
Mt Aspiring NZ9H4
Pūkaki Half NZ9B5
White LRV 92
Modern Glitch LRV 55.27
Burmese Gold LRV 39
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
Axon™ Panel used to build a bespoke home
Designing and building a forever home on a budget requires a little “outside the box” thinking, together with some significant forward planning. For new homeowners Kirsty and Tim Walters, achieving their bespoke beachside house in Orewa for the price of a standard design took years of planning.
![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.