Modern Classic
Modern Classical style reflects the ideals of leisure and wealth and is designed to make a statement while exuding warmth, relaxation and ease. Neoclassical forms are updated with soft textures and greenery to create a resort-style slice of Europe that is suited to New Zealand lifestyles.
The elegance of a block neoclassical exterior is combined with the more natural tones typical of Mediterranean style homes, creating a balance between classic and whimsical. Strong visual elements such as symmetrical or asymmetrical archways, carved doors, black steel and metalwork on windows, balconies, and door frames help create a blend of classic sophistication and modern charm. Light colours or muted two-tone colour palettes create a sense of warmth.
Awnings and balconies add both practicality with shade, and aesthetic appeal by enhancing outdoor living spaces, adding to the charm of this style.
Outdoor spaces feature expansive courtyards, terraces and patios, perfect for entertaining all year round. Interiors feature curvatures, natural light, neutral coloured and textured materials and simple shapes.
The Modern Classical style creates a versatile foundation ideal for multi-generational and duplex living. Flexible floor plans ensure seamless adaptability, accommodating a range of interior styles while meeting the diverse needs of evolving family dynamics.
About the Trend
Design Features
Recommended products

Axon™ Panel Brushed Concrete: The embedded textured finish gives renovations and extensions a modern, minimalist aesthetic to delicately contrast the heritage building

Axon™ Panel Smooth, with a paint finish: A panel with a shiplap vertical joint. It can be finished with a site applied roll on textured acrylic paint for that rendered look, or you can paint it smooth

Stria™ Cladding: For added interest include a horizontal groove feature. Stria™ Cladding 325mm or 405mm installed horizontally creates a modern masonry look.

Axon™ Panel Smooth, with a rendered finish: A panel with a shiplap vertical joint. It can be finished with a full mesh textured coat system for a lightweight plaster finish.
Options in select areas:

Hardie™ Groove Lining: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings

Axon™ Panel Brushed Concrete: Use for feature interior walls
Recommended paint colours
Exterior
Ōkārito
Cardrona
Mt Aspiring Quarter
Sandfly Point
Darfield
Te Kuiti
Interior
Mt Aspiring Quarter
Sandfly Point
Howick Half
Shelly Beach
Baylys Beach
Potters Park
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.

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. Whether you are planning a renovation, new build, or extension, this forecast will be an invaluable tool on your journey. Welcome to the James Hardie Design Handbook. It's time to Build Your Modern Life.