James Hardie releases Modern Homes Forecast 2024

A contemporary take on traditional coastal design, Modern Coastal homes blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Crisp white weatherboards, wide stacking doors, and clerestory windows define this style, offering laid-back luxury inspired by Australia's beach shack history.Cladding manufacturer and supplier James Hardie has released the findings of its first annual research initiative, the Modern Homes Forecast 2024, a study of the trajectory of contemporary home design in Australia.

Facilitated by research experts Fiftyfive5, the study focused on architectural features, as well as exterior and interior design trends. The findings were ascertained from the collation of desktop research, AI insights, and expert interviews with architects, designers, and industry journalists.

Research was gathered from thousands of individual sources, including more than 28,340 posts from more than 200 global designers and influencers. These outcomes were then analysed against more than three million search terms.

In examining the housing design landscape, it was crucial to first understand the external factors driving change - forces that shape the way we want to live, and subsequently steer the direction of residential design.

On a local scale, Australia is experiencing a shift in family dynamics and living arrangements. Couples without children are projected to become the most common family type over the next five years. In addition, the cost of living and cultural influences have prompted people to consider multigenerational living arrangements, with 20 percent of the population now residing in multigenerational households.

Regional migration in Australia has increased by 16 percent from pre-pandemic figures. Simultaneously, there is a rising discontent with urban living - a dissatisfaction that resulted in regional migration upsurging from 10 percent in 2020 to 14 percent in 2023. This migration trend suggests a re-evaluation of lifestyle preferences.

More than 53 percent of Australians are currently working from home, prioritising and upgrading home offices to meet evolving work-from-home needs.

The advent of the digital consumer has resulted in an explosion of design trends and accompanying technologies used to create the 'dream home'. This technological landscape sees users demanding higher quality products and more customisation in housing design. Climate change is another external factor driving design, partly driven by the 2022 National Construction Code, which mandates that all new homes in Australia must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating.

In addition to assessing these external factors, the Modern Homes Forecast 2024 revealed seven lasting, popular and emerging residential styles: Modern Farmhouse, Box Modern, Modern Heritage, Mid-Century Modern, Japandi, Barn and Modern Coastal.

Modern Farmhouse: Bringing together traditional and contemporary features, this style prioritises modern functionality combined with comforting, classic features. Neutral colour schemes, open-plan layouts and the frequent integration of black window frames characterise this style.

Box Modern: This style is defined by large blocks or cube-shaped volumes that are stacked, intersecting, or arranged to form compelling, contemporary residences.

Modern Heritage: Characteristed by historical homes sensitively restored, boldly renovated or extended, Modern Heritage balances old and new through contrasting features.

Mid-Century Modern: A juxtaposition of clean, geometric lines with organic shapes and bright accents.

Japandi: Combining Scandinavian functionality with Japanese minimalism, Japandi is reflected by the use of natural materials, neutral and warm colours and indoor/outdoor living.

Barn: Inspired by Nordic minimalism and a desire to connect with nature, this architectural genre emphasises clean lines and craftsmanship. A pitched roof, open-plan living and the use of natural materials define this style.

Modern Coastal: Modern Coastal homes blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Crisp white weatherboards, wide stacking doors and clerestory windows are all features of this style.

Upon completing the study, James Hardie has produced a series of Design Handbooks to offer insights into each of the seven architectural styles. The handbooks demonstrate design features, material textures and colour palettes of each style, along with a selection of James Hardie exterior cladding options to assist with bringing the vision to life.

To find out more about the study, its findings or cladding solutions, visit the James Hardie website.