It’s time to build your modern life
Building Elegance
a sponsored content series with James Hardie

Modern Bach
Open. Airy. Lightfilled
Inspired by relaxed Kiwi holidays at the beach, the Modern Bach style offers a contemporary take on traditional coastal design with laid-back spaces, modern minimalism and earthy, dark weatherboards.

Modern Bach articles
Black magic in Riverhead
Scott and Amber decided to build because they wanted to create a home that reflected who they were as a family, and that's exactly what they have achieved
Building industry pros explain the homebuilding journey
Mike and Kristina Lowe own Ōamaru-based building company McBrimar and built their semi-rural four-bedroom home.
Japandi
Serene. Easygoing. Minimalist.
Japandi brings together the best elements of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism in a hybrid architectural style, resulting in a simple and elegant home.

Japandi articles
Passive house design using axon panel
A low-maintenance, energy-efficient dream home designed to achieve NZ Passive House Certification.
Japandi minimalism in Kaikōura
A stylish new home rises from the ruins of the region's earthquake
Modern Farmhouse
Cohesive. Classic. Comforting
A seamless balance of traditional design and contemporary elements, Modern Farmhouse style blends old and new, with a focus on clean lines, open spaces and materiality.

Modern Farmhouse articles
Lifestyle and comfort combine in this Waikato home
This bright, white family home is a stand-out in the neighbourhood and has provided the best of both worlds for Lance Anderson and sons.
Wings over Whitford
Timeless design meets personal style in this handsome forever home.
Taupō home shines with elegance
When it came to choosing the best cladding for her home, Heather was happy to be guided by her design team.
Family living in Feilding
Futureproofed family living in Feilding.
Striking pavillion home bound to inspire
Nic and Hannah built a four-bedroom home with two wings and cathedral ceilings.
Designing a modern rural retreat
Neville and Shireen Nair's new build satisfies their needs without compromising their wants.
Coastal living in Ōpōtiki
Tony Palmer and Diane White built their seaside home with materials durable enough to cope with the salt air.
Modern Farmhouse case studies
Field of dreams with Oblique Weatherboard
A statement farmhouse designed for indoor outdoor living and low maintenance practicality.
Greener pastures with Oblique Weatherboard
The architect recommended Oblique Weatherboard, because it can be used both vertically and horizontally.
Double down with Oblique Weatherboard
Industrial minimalism meets empty-nester dreams for a home that's cosy on the inside and uber-cool on the outside.
Industrial minimalism design
Industrial minimalism meets empty-nester dreams for a home that's cosy on the inside and uber-cool on the outside.
Barn
Easy. Flexible. Cosy.
Barn homes boast vaulted ceilings, open plan living spaces and bold street presence. A steeply pitched gable roof is a must.

Barn articles
Knock down rebuild journey
A modern twist on a traditional weatherboard home.
Dreams come true: Couple builds their coastal oasis
A coastal setting and smart new-build mean this Auckland couple are now living their best life.
Box Modern
Bold. Contemporary. Precise.
Barn homes boast vaulted ceilings, open plan living spaces and bold street presence. A steeply pitched gable roof is a must.

Mid Century Modern
Spacious. Light. Nostalgic.
With its emphasis on practicality and functionality, Mid-Century Modern is seeing a huge resurgence, the modern classic reimagined for 21st century living. The style balances contemporary minimalism with the finesse, intelligence and spirit of Mid-Century Modern architecture and interiors.

Mid Century Modern articles
Combining vertical and horizontal design
Combining Linea Weatherboard and Stria Cladding helped bring this Kiwi couple's dream home to life.
A Mid-century marvel in Nelson
Brent and Tara wanted a design aesthetic that stood the test of time. And now they've created their 'forever home.'
Modern Heritage
Timeless. Contrasting. Creative.
The Modern Heritage architectural style elevates traditional homes through sensitive renovation and restoration, with contrast as the defining element.

Modern Classic
Elegant. Warm. Whimsical.
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.

Articles from Here partnership
This Waikanae crowd-pleaser delivers
Architectural designer Peter Davis had a challenge on his hands juggling the seemingly contradictory demands of this project on the rugged Kāpiti Coast.
Midcentury redefined
The dynamic aesthetics of mid-century modernist architecture hold up as stylish statements in this contemporary build in Riverhead.
Sun seekers realise dream
Palm Springs meets the sunny Tasman District in this playful reinterpretation of mid-century modernity.
Skinny Legend
This laid-back, clean-lined home with sea views makes the most of a tricky Waiheke Island section.
Clever box
A busy Nelson couple’s Walter’s Bluff haven balances sea views with a sturdy exterior to withstand the elements.
Alpine Contemporary
Aotearoa is blessed with dramatic landscapes. This Wanaka home is purpose-designed for the mountains.