Modern Heritage
The Modern Heritage architectural style elevates traditional homes through sensitive renovation and restoration, with contrast as the defining element.
Balancing old and new, the Modern Heritage style elevates traditional homes through restrained, minimalist renovation. Modern Heritage homes are typically adopted as an extension to a classic style, with new, clean architectural additions serving to streamline and update the decorative riches and character of period homes. Modern Heritage styles also modernise floor plans, fixtures and fittings, allowing for exposure and revelation of the existing building.
Modern Heritage homes are being reimagined in many elegant ways, making them feel unique whilst retaining a strong sense of history and character. The shared principles of volume, proportion and scale remain, whilst the look, internal flow and feel of the home receives a sympathetic update. Contrast is the defining element between the old and the new, both in the junctions of architecture and in the use of colour.
The design process for Modern Heritage homes is one of "restoration and sensitive changes”. The new addition removes intricacies and is formed through simplicity and a linear approach. Typically, flat roofs for extensions complement trace historical structures but with closest matching flashings, gutters and barges.
Often the incorporation of glazed walls or textured cladding add a modern twist to the façade. The new extension should juxtapose the heritage building with simpler cornicing and joinery. Complimenting furniture, materials, fixtures and finishes are in keeping with the heritage and character of the original house and should create cohesion between the old and new.
About the Trend
Design Features
Flexible roof: The roof style can either match or contrast the existing structure with closest matching flashings, gutters and barges. Flat roofs are often adopted in the back with minimal millwork retained on the roof edges to retain heritage characteristics.
Modern extension: The style allows for revelation of the existing building and celebrates the original materials and the history of alterations. The modern extension should complement the character of the home whilst blending into modernity.
Wellbeing: Small, terraced houses often have a sheltered area or courtyard at the back for modern living bring the outside in, while larger homes can feature multiple verandahs or patios for a deeper connection to nature.
Maximised natural Light: Ample windows and openings in the extension to address the darkness of older homes, flooding the building with natural light.
Interiors: Modern Heritage designs prioritise efficient building techniques and thoughtful updates to create contemporary, open-plan, multipurpose living spaces while maintaining their traditional charm.
Recommended products
Oblique™ Weatherboard: The unique square and angled edges evoke a bold, contemporary aesthetic which juxtaposes perfectly against heritage facades.
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 Brushed Concrete: The embedded textured finish gives renovations and extensions a modern, minimalist aesthetic to delicately contrast the heritage building
Linea™ Weatherboard: The strong shadow lines of this weatherboard nods to a traditional heritage weatherboard with a modern twist. Painted dark with Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers differentiates from a more traditional look which has trim covering the corners.
Options in select areas:
Hardie™ Groove Lining: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings and externally on eaves and soffits.
Why Now?
- An increased yearning for heritage familiarity and escapism from our unsettled and overstimulated world
- A passion or preserving heritage features whilst embracing modern minimalism and comforts
- The chance to leverage new construction technology and integrate modern architecture codes into heritage architecture
- The opportunity to undertake new renovation and extension projects without moving from heritage properties
Modern Heritage is the ideal style for homeowners seeking a bold, contemporary addition to their existing heritage home.
Recommended paint colours
Exterior
Dulux
Ōkārito
Ōkārito
Dulux
Colorsteel® Scoria
Colorsteel® Scoria
Dulux
Rakaia
Rakaia
Dulux
Colorsteel® Mist Green
Colorsteel® Mist Green
Dulux
Castlecliff
Castlecliff
Dulux
Blackwood Bay
Blackwood Bay
Interior
Dulux
Ōkārito
Ōkārito
Dulux
Sandfly Point Quarter
Sandfly Point Quarter
Dulux
Haast Half
Haast Half
Dulux
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu
Dulux
Clifton
Clifton
Dulux
Coal Island
Coal Island
Stria™ Cladding
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Feature case study
Reverent Revival, Stria™ Cladding
Historic from the front and contemporary from the back, this church-conversion, modern heritage project used Stria™ Cladding painted dark.
The Design Handbook
BUILD YOUR MODERN LIFE
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.
Where
To buy our products
Get
The James Hardie Product Guide
See
James Hardie's Modern Design Forecast