Always in style

Across the architectural world, trends come and go.

From the timberwork of Tudor to concrete minimalism, the sprawling outback style with wrap-around verandas or compact neo-terrace designs, anything and everything has been tried… with a lot destined to be a renovation project once the latest fad has faded.

But one style that has not only lasted but has embedded itself into our national aesthetic is the Mid Century Modern.

Created in the middle of the 2000s in America, it’s a style that allows for a large footprint with high windows, flowing spaces inside, flat or raked rooflines and most importantly for Australia, a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

It’s versatile, very liveable and it looks great, says The Block’s award-winning architect Julian Brenchley, and it’s perfect for The Block Island.

This year houses three, four and five all share elements of the Mid Century Modern style, he says, and there’s a very good reason for that.

“Mid Century Modern architecture comes in a few forms - often simple/robust floor plans with skillion and butterfly roofs - that are largely ‘informed’ by function,” Julian says.

“For The Block, we needed a building form that gave us the “wow” factor in the living space, and also enclosed the upper rumpus/guest spaces, without the overall shape looking like an after-thought.

“The Mid Century Modern asymmetric butterfly roof form solves functionality and aesthetics, thanks to James Hardie”. 

In The Block Island’s house three, built by Victorian best mates Ricky and Haydn for example, Hardie’s Oblique Cladding was perfect for bringing that Mid Century Modern style to life inside and out, with the vertical grooves reminiscent of the wood panelling trend of 1970’s.

By alternating two board widths to create a staggered combination, the result is the perfect base for the boys’ sense of playfulness, nostalgia and freedom.

“What I loved was you can set the boards in real one-of-a-kind ways, then it’s pre-primed so you can paint it in one-of-a-kind colours - I mean seriously you could paint every panel a different colour if you want! – so you can literally make a one-of-a-kind house!” says Ricky.

“So, we had that Modern Colonial look, but in a way that was just ours.”

As a Tradie, Ricky says that was just as important as the fact the James Hardie collection ticked all his boxes for durability, super important in a coastal area where any metal cladding would deteriorate and the fact it was simple to install.

“It looks fantastic and then to be able to put it inside or outside that's honestly makes it a perfect product for building,” he says.

“I'd never used the James Hardie products before The Block but I absolutely have every intention of using it on any builds I do from here on!”

In house four, Queensland mum and dad Kylie and Brad combined the Hardie Stria and Fine Texture cladding with Axent Trim to pay homage to the mixed materiality of original Mid-Century Modern homes, while acknowledging the Modern Coastal and Palm Springs.

And in House 5, Adelaide newlyweds Kristian and Mimi‘s home blend the Box Modern design style with Mid Century Modern, by using Hardie’s Brushed Concrete and Oblique Cladding to create an updated look for a home that was well in need of a make-over.

By mixing and matching the James Hardie products with an eye to creating a unique vibe for each home, Julian and The Block contestants have shown again why Mid Century Modern is here to stay.

“The mid-century modern style is a timeless, functional, relaxed and visually strong approach,” Julian says, adding that the already chic look can easily be adapted to create a unique look for homes while still staying true to the aesthetic.

“As an architect of 30 years experience, the clean lines of the mid century modern aesthetic are very appealing, and certainly dramatic…and sets the Block apart as an inspirational and aspirational real estate offering.

“And it looks damn cool too!”

For more from James Hardie, visit their website.