Modern Farmhouse Built To Perfection

When Krista and Richard Coningham started planning their dream home on a lifestyle block overlooking the Wither Hills, they knew they wanted something special. But what began as a vision for a dark, modern barn evolved into something even better – a light and bright contemporary farmhouse that perfectly balances form and function.

The couple spent three years living in the old farmhouse on the property while developing plans for their new 366m² home with Jennian Homes Marlborough. During the design process, their build consultant showed them an image that made them pivot away from black.

"She showed us an image of a white weatherboard home that completely changed our direction. We began imagining a softer, more timeless white-on-white scheme," says Krista.

The resulting design embraces minimalist principles with clean lines, neutral tones and a strong focus on family living and entertaining. Soaring vaulted ceilings are accented by exposed black steel beams, while extensive outdoor living areas feature an outdoor fire and louvre roof – perfect for Marlborough's indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

When it came to choosing exterior cladding materials, Krista and Richard needed products that would deliver both the aesthetic they wanted and the durability required for their rural location. 

"After exploring countless options online and drawing inspiration from James Hardie's gallery, we decided on the Oblique™ Weatherboard. Its clean vertical lines gave the home a contemporary edge while also adding a sense of height and balance, which worked perfectly with the wide proportions of our design. It allowed us to maintain that modern barn feel but with a brighter, more refined character.”

The vertical installation of Oblique™ Weatherboard proved ideal for the home's long footprint, creating visual interest and helping the structure feel taller and more balanced. Painted in Resene Wan White, the weatherboard cladding provides a crisp, contemporary canvas that highlights the home's architectural features while standing up to the region's variable weather conditions.

For the Coninghams, choosing James Hardie Oblique™ Weatherboard meant selecting a product engineered for longevity and ease of care. The fibre cement material stands strong against fire, rot, moisture and the elements – critical considerations for a rural property surrounded by vineyards. What’s more, their chosen cladding product arrived pre-primed and ready for painting, making it a cost-effective choice that simplified the building process.

Inside, the home continues the monochromatic theme with a neutral decor punctuated by warm wood tones and touches of deep green in the main bedroom. The open-plan design creates the kind of gathering spaces the family envisioned from the start. 

"We wanted to create a home that would allow our boys to have space to entertain friends. This house truly feels like a place where connections are made and cherished memories are built.”

The Coninghams' advice for others embarking on a building journey? Take time to find the right team who understands your vision and can deliver within budget. Their partnership with Jennian Homes Marlborough and careful product selection – including James Hardie Oblique™ Weatherboard has resulted in a contemporary farmhouse that's built to last and designed for living.