Barn

Barn homes boast vaulted ceilings, open plan living spaces and bold street presence.  A steeply pitched gable roof is a must.

Characterised by simplicity and rustic charm, the design elements of the barn style underscore the strong relationship between the structure and its surrounds. The design style is inspired by Nordic minimalism and a belief that wellness is the foundation for good design and should be accessible to all.

Barn is best summarised as a simple and contemporary take on traditional forms. Architecturally, the Barn takes the design structure of the classic barn and adopts other design concepts to maximise natural light and a pared-back palette that complements their interiors. The timeless design aesthetic allows for versatility and inspires a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Though there can be some fluidity in forms, barn style is generally separated into distinct design aesthetics, whether it’s classic, vintage, rustic or traditional. 

The barn silhouette is consistent as a simple diagrammatic form adopting clean lines, the style mimicking the look and feel of craftsmanship from early settler homes ultimately fulfilling a heritage feel without sacrificing modern convenience. Interior spaces are airy and uncluttered with natural-textured furnishings and internal barn doors.

About the Trend

Design Features

Steeply pitched roof: A symmetrical gable roof should be elevated and high set with a pitch of 35 to 45 degrees. There should also be either a complete absence of eaves or oversized eaves. It is not uncommon to have just one peak, with a maximum of two rooflines.
Detailed exterior: Vertical or horizontal exterior detail is a must for a feel of craftsmanship. Vertical joint cladding can handle dark colours and provides an artisan look.
Barn shape: Homes should be designed to make the barn shape appear distinctive from other parts of the house. The result should be a simple diagrammatic form created by the barn eaves.
Large windows: Floor to ceiling windows accentuate the length of the house. Combine with outdoor decks and large sliding doors to connect with nature.
Interiors: Airy and uncluttered with natural-textured furnishings and internal barn doors.

Recommended products

Stria™ Cladding 325mm

Stria™ Cladding: The distinctive deep grooved lines and can be laid horizontally or vertically for an eye-catching effect to complement strong barn shapes.

Hardie™ Flex Sheet and Hardie™ Axent™ Trim

Axon™ Panel Smooth: The smooth finish in combination with Hardie™ Axent™ Trim create depth, texture and height to the design.

Oblique™ Weatherboard 200mm and 300mm

Oblique™ Weatherboard: The wide grooves and design flexibility of board widths delivers drama and visual interest to barn facades.

Close up of Axon™ Panel Grooved Grained 133mm

Axon™ Panel Grooved: The panels reflect the beauty and timeless detail of painted vertical joint timber, but without time-consuming board construction or durability hassles

Options in select areas:

Hardie™ Groove Lining

Hardie™ Groove Lining: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings and externally on eaves and soffits.

Oblique™ Weatherboard

Oblique™ Weatherboard: Interior feature walls

Axon™ Panel Grooved

Axon™ Panel Grooved: Interior feature walls

Why Now?

  • A surge in people retreating from urban living in favour of a slower, more uncomplicated way of life
  • A preference for a greener lifestyle and greater connection to the environment
  • The cost-effective nature of the minimalist Barn design, with its focus on essentials and avoidance of excess appeals to both architects and volume builders
  • The Barn house is a symbol of a simpler, more authentic way of life

The Barn architectural style continues to capture the hearts and minds of New Zealanders and Australians, in appreciation of how Scandi design and lifestyle philosophy complements and enhances Southern Hemisphere lifestyles.

Recommended paint colours

Exterior

Dulux
Cardrona
NZ9G2
Dulux
Terrible Billy
NZ10H5
Dulux
Blackwood Bay
NZ10H2
Wattyl
Floral White
LRV 72
Wattyl
Luxe Brown
LRV 10.65
Wattyl
Soulful Grey
LRV 7.22

Interior

Dulux
Narrow Neck Half
NZ9E6
Dulux
Willow Flat
S20A3
Dulux
Lake Hayes
Wattyl
Precious Heirloom
LRV 63.93
Wattyl
Crushed Clove
LRV 33
Wattyl
Iron Black
LRV 6.56
Standard greentag
Standard healthrate

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.

Feature case study

Back to black with Stria Cladding

Inspired by Scandinavian architecture, this modernist two-level home has a dramatic black exterior offset by a white feature chimney.

READ MORE
Design Handbook Cover 2024

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

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  • 30 Main Road, Waikanae
  • 40B Johns Rd, Belfast, Christchurch
  • 50, Lochridge Drive, Kinloch, 3300, Waikato
  • 136 Highland Crescent, Te Awamutu
  • 145 Kaniere Road, Kaniere, Hokitika
  • 19 Clydesdale Drive, Holmes Hill, Oamaru
  • 52, Summersfield Boulevard, Appleby, 7081, Tasman
  • 74 Pelorus Avenue, Poraiti, Napier
  • 163 Brookside Road, Rolleston
  • 37 Meadowstone Street, Gleniti, Timaru
  • 21 Skibbereen Drive, Halswell, Christchurch
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  • 108 Fairway Drive, Morrinsville
  • 274, Te Rapa Road, Beerescourt, Hamilton, 3200, Waikato
  • 37, Okaia Drive, Kinloch, 3377, Waikato
  • 7, Tūhua Close, Wharewaka, Taupō, 3378, Waikato
  • 2, Walsh Road, 2110, Auckland
  • Rotorua Grove, Aotea, Porirua, 5024, Wellington
  • 2, Buddle Road, Paerata, 2676, Auckland
  • 11, Highland Drive, Acacia Bay, Taupō, 3385, Waikato
  • 714, Te Kowhai Road, Te Kowhai, 3288, Waikato
  • 501, Webb Drive, Chartwell, Hamilton, Waikato
  • Kahukaka Road, One Tree Point, 0118, Northland
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  • 29, Kimbrae Drive, Hamilton, 3210, Waikato
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  • Jonah Lomu Drive, Paerata, 2676, Auckland
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  • 12, Harriet Johnston Drive, Pokeno, 2472, Waikato
  • Podgora Avenue, Kumeu, 0891, Auckland
  • Kapia Road, Massey, 0614, Auckland
  • Walter Lawry Road, Paerata, 2676, Auckland
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  • 109, Wairau Drive, Tikipunga, Whangarei, 0112, Northland
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30 Main Road, Waikanae