why build new and render later? the cost of adding render and paint to brick or hebel walls could be more than the cost of simple brick veneer but this critical decision should be based on climate and building orientation and i'm surprised that your designer hasn't discussed this with you at the earliest planning stages as this decision can also affect the thickness of external walls (and internal spaces)...and, being on a steep sloping block it could be far easier and cheaper to build a lightweight building in modern steel, fibro and/or similar cladding and avoid any future need for expensive rendering (with the added cost of scaffolding and painting after you've completed retaining walls and landscaping and planting).. External walls should be finished during construction if you prefer smooth walls but, check yourhome.gov.au for info about suggested building materials for your climate

Choosing the best wall system is a complicated trade off on many number of factors. These can include structual performance, fire performance, environmental impacts, thermal and acoustic properties along side budget constraints no name just a few. Each have their own benefits and disadvantages.

Recently there has been a large influx on new rendered wall systems that are outperforming traditional rendered wall systems based upon masoanry substrates.

We have had great sucsess in using EPS wall systems in replacement of masonary on a number of our projects. Additionally as you are on a steep site, have a look at Dincel’s wall systems. Great for strong structual wall requirements as well as retaining and foundation walls which your likely to require.

We recently completed a rendered 4 storey project on a steep site. The owner required a homogeneous seamless rendered finish over the whole project.

We choose to use 4 wall systems, all rendered with acrylic render.

Retaining walls and wall requiring strong structual performance were built using the Dincel system. Other complex high compression walls were built using blockwork. Parts of the existing dwelling were brickwork whilst the majority of the top floor was built with EPS wall systems.

You may want to have a look at the Curly project within our projects menu to help your decision. Completed photos are soon to come

SIP’s wall systems may also be worth looking at.

Strange question, agree with oklouise........4 storey split level scenario/steep block/building soon would assume you've had it all design/engineered etc and hence decisions considered/resolved in this area.........be clear specifically about what you are doing and where you are doing it as orientation/climate/context etc will(should!) influence advice.....this doesn't sound like a very "simple" build and in order to be "cost effective" my advice one way or the other would have to consider various other details and project considerations....... have you got any plans / further detail you'd be happy to share?