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.
Design versatility on extension: Cladding on the building extension enables design versatility to create distinctly modern looks that juxtapose the heritage front.
Contrasting features: Contrast is the defining element between the old and the new, in the junctions of architecture or in the use of colour.
Maximised natural Light: Ample windows and openings in the extension to address the darkness of older homes, flooding the building with natural light.
Interiors: The new extension should juxtapose the heritage building with simpler cornicing and joinery. Complimenting furniture, fixtures and finishes should create cohesion between the two buildings.
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 NZ9HR
Ōkārito NZ9HR
Dulux
Rakaia NZ9DB
Rakaia NZ9DB
Dulux
Castlecliff NZ10G6
Castlecliff NZ10G6
Wattyl
Cape Horn LRV 76
Cape Horn LRV 76
Wattyl
Parched Peat LRV 24.88
Parched Peat LRV 24.88
Wattyl
Smoke Out LRV 8.06
Smoke Out LRV 8.06
Interior
Dulux
Haast Half NZ9G3
Haast Half NZ9G3
Dulux
Clifton
Clifton
Dulux
Coal Island S38CB
Coal Island S38CB
Wattyl
Feather Dawn LRV 81
Feather Dawn LRV 81
Wattyl
Tombola LRV 59
Tombola LRV 59
Wattyl
Dolphin LRV 46
Dolphin LRV 46
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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. 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.
Where
To buy our products
Get
The James Hardie Product Guide
See
James Hardie's Modern Design Forecast