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James Hardie’s Modern Homes Forecast 2025
James Hardie’s Modern Homes Forecast 2025 reveals the design trends shaping the future of Australian homes, providing valuable insights for architects, builders and homeowners alike.
With its latest Modern Homes Forecast, James Hardie provides a research-driven perspective on how Australians are designing and building for the future. As the nation’s leading cladding brand, James Hardie has established itself as the go-to authority on modern exteriors, offering high-performance building products that combine durability with timeless style. Proudly Australian-made for Australian homes, the company has been delivering trusted building solutions to the market for more than 100 years.
Launched last year, the Modern Homes Forecast is an annual initiative that identifies the global and local factors influencing how Australians want to live – and how these preferences are reflected in modern home design. Leveraging a unique body of research, the report explores the key shifts shaping residential architecture. The 2025 report, unveiled by interior design expert Neale Whitaker, introduces eight architectural styles that define contemporary Australian living: Box Modern, Modern Farmhouse, Modern Heritage, Japandi, Barn, Modern Coastal, Mid-Century Modern and Modern Classical. These styles are guided by four key lifestyle themes – building efficiencies, flexibility, resilience and wellbeing, each addressing the evolving needs of Australians.
James Hardie’s research blends global trends, AI-driven analytics and insights from leading industry professionals to provide a comprehensive perspective on the future of residential architecture. The report is complemented by eight new Design Handbooks developed in collaboration with architects, builders and designers. These resources serve as practical guides for homeowners and professionals looking to achieve high-quality, modern designs within budget constraints. As economic pressures mount, James Hardie is delivering cost-effective solutions that ensure homes remain both stylish and resilient.
“The insights in the 2025 James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast indicate Australians are moving towards homes that play a role in restoring wellbeing, offer spaces for creativity and self-expression, and are built for resilience and longevity in the climate crisis,” says Whitaker. “In 2025, we see a revolutionary step towards the future of home design, as we make a shift towards flexible homes that serve more purposes and suit a range of budgets.”
The report also highlights broader environmental and societal shifts driving architectural trends. With increasing climate volatility and rising energy costs, homeowners are prioritising sustainability, thermal efficiency and structural resilience. Advanced filtration systems, indoor-outdoor integration and materials designed to withstand extreme weather are becoming integral to modern home construction.
As part of its commitment to ongoing innovation, James Hardie has introduced Stria Cladding Fine Texture, an extension of the popular Stria Cladding range. With its distinctive clean lines and options for vertical and horizontal application, Stria Cladding Fine Texture offers a contemporary aesthetic suited to Modern Classical and Box Modern facades. This durable, low-maintenance solution is an affordable yet refined cladding option.
With its annual Modern Homes Forecast, James Hardie continues to highlight the trends shaping the future of Australia’s architectural landscape. By leveraging industry expertise, research-driven insights and innovative product solutions, the forecast helps make modern home design more accessible and forward-thinking.
