Expert Eye: 11 Exterior Cladding Materials for Wow Factor

There's a world of cladding options out there for your next project, if you know where to look

Rebecca NaughtinApril 12, 2017

Well before graduating, Naughtin had already experienced the realities of working in an architectural office, initially working with architect Ivan Rijavec and then following in the studio of Harmer Architecture. Although computers are now at the forefront of architecture, Naughtin was part of a team which was keen to engage with the latest technology. The Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory, headed by Professor Mark Burry at RMIT and responsible for the restoration of Antonio Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, formed an important part of Naughtin’s architectural trajectory. “We also worked with Frank Ghery’s studio and MIT. During that period I would have travelled at least half a dozen times to the United States and to Europe.” A trip with Professor Shane Murray, now dean of architecture at Monash University, was a study tour with leading cultural tour company Australians Studying Abroad (ASA). “At that point, I started to become more discerning, perhaps more critical of what I saw, seeing things more objectively.” So when Naughtin graduated from RMIT University with a first class honours, she was both more than capable and confident of taking up a full-time position with Bruce Allen Architects, suitably located at Stanhill, designed by architect Sir Roy Grounds. And with experience, as well as a desire to be more involved in the design process, Naughtin decided to form her own practice, Rebecca Nuagtin Architects (RNA) four years later in 2012. Although her administrative skills were sharpened and put to good use with her colleague architect Bruce Allen, she was keen to develop relationships with clients. “I would like to say that I have a good sense of humour, something that I think is important when you’re an architect. But that’s not to say that I don’t take my work and each client very seriously. It’s also important in my profession to be transparent,” says Naughtin. Another skill identified by Naughtin as being important is the ability to foresee issues or problems well before they arise, whether these be design-related, structural or cost-related. Naughtin also has the ability to ‘read’ clients, understanding what they are really hoping to achieve, as opposed to what they may initially present as being important to them, or alternatively something seen in a magazine or on television. “Delivering an endless wish-list is all doable. But it’s not something that will sustain a relationship or deliver the most appropriate outcome.” Naughtin and her team have built up a reputation for the residential work they have produced in the years since RNA was established. Capable of handling larger projects, be they commercial, institutional or educational, Naughtin sees the importance of starting with domestic work. “A house gives you the opportunity to solve the minutest problems. It’s an extremely complex area that takes time and enormous emotional commitment, for both client and architect. But it’s the satisfaction that it brings, when you know that every possible issue has been addressed and the client knows they have been given much more than was initially expected,” adds Naughtin. Text by Stephen Crafti

External material selection can often make or break your project – no matter how well-designed your new home or addition, the right cladding can take it to the next level in both form and function. Let’s explore the benefits of a few well-known cladding systems, and a few that you may not have considered for your next project.

Destination Living

1. Silvertop ash
There are so many different timber claddings available, but one that looks better as it ages is silvertop ash. Sometimes referred to as coast ash, this hardwood can come in a series of profiles and is definitely on trend at the moment. This species is a Class 2 timber, so it is very durable when installed above ground, especially if it is well maintained with oils or repellants.

Many people prefer to let the timber ‘grey off’, which can happen over varying periods of time depending on the location; for example, it will grey off faster by the sea. It provides good fire resistance and can be used for decking, screens, flooring and furniture so you can create a consistent appearance inside and out. Most stock comes from re-growth forests and is usually less expensive than a Class 1 cladding timber such as ironbark.

b+g design inc.

2. Concrete
On this home, the off-form concrete walls were built up with featured timbers to create a mould, and then concrete was poured into the cavity between the boards to set, with reinforcement. The pattern can be varied – ribbed, flat or wood-grained, for example. The result is a highly-textured concrete panel.

Used widely during the modernist and Brutalist periods, off-form concrete has several beneficial properties, such as thermal, fire and acoustic performance, and longevity. The concrete can come in a variety of colours and the quality can vary. The product should be sealed for longevity.
Kiwi homes that make the most of concrete

Rebecca Naughtin Architect

3. Rheinzink
Used for roofs and drainage for more than 150 years, Rheinzink provides an innovative solution for any project. The products range from roofing and drainage systems to dynamic facade systems. With superior durability, the product forms a natural patina over time. Our practice often uses Rheinzink in areas affected by Heritage Overlays, due to the longevity and uniqueness of the material. Titanium zinc is a natural material and is 100-per-cent recyclable.

James Hardie Australia

4. Scyon Linea weatherboard
James Hardie released this product a few years ago and it is a favourite when a durable material with the charm of hardwood weatherboards is needed. As Scyon Linea is a cement product, it is resistant to termites, has terrific acoustic and thermal performance when compared to hardwood, and comes pre-primed so it’s easy to paint. The boards don’t need to be painted as often as weatherboards so they are also low maintenance. Scyon Linea comes in classic and more modern profiles to suit many different applications.

B.E Architecture

5. Tiles
Whether natural stone, ceramic or porcelain, tiles add a certain sense of elegance to a project. The bluestone tile used in this project is playful yet ordered. The tile size is proportional to the overall building mass, and the green wall softens the angular form.

Browse more Australian contemporary home exteriors

Auhaus Architecture

6. Shadowclad
Often seen in coastal and more economical builds, Shadowclad plywood panels have become a staple of many renovations and new homes on a budget. It is a natural wood that is sustainably sourced, and is lightweight so it is easy to handle during the build. Consider using as a ‘background’ material and spend more on a feature material, or use for a bold statement all over. The Shadowclad plywood on this beach house has a black stain/oiled finish.

7. Green wall
Have you ever considered a green wall as a facade? One of the issues with green walls is the potential for the plants to get out of control and take over gutters and downpipes. The trick is to stop the spiral of green before plants hit your flashings to reduce the risk of the interference. The good thing is that the green wall can sit on top of a more economical cladding system.

Austin Maynard Architects

8. Shingles
The natural rustic charm of shingles is responsible for them make a comeback. With the benefits of being low maintenance, durable and having great insulation qualities, western red cedar shingles tick a lot of boxes when it comes to the environment. They can be used in most fire-prone areas and can be easily handled on site.

Zentec

9. Bricks
Bricks were the staple for building in the last century, but with so much choice now, they are often overlooked. However, with so many different textures, colours, patterns and prices, bricks give homeowners an energy-efficient, weatherproof, sustainable and secure building material. With the right design, bricks will offer your project a chance to stand the test of time.

Kieron Gait Architects

10. Polycarbonate and translucent panels
Many homeowners may draw a connection between polycarbonate sheet, and products such as Laserlite, the corrugated sheet that you may see over pergola beams. However, there are more sophisticated versions of microcell sheets available, including Danpalon Glazing Systems. These are light-emitting, easy to install and have free thermal movement. The system gives your home privacy during the day and ambience at night. If you require light and privacy, this could be your solution.

The translucent trend of polycarbonate panels

11. Stucco
This is where you can differentiate your finish from a flat, cement render. Using a larger aggregate in the binder, stucco can be applied to a variety of more economical materials such as concrete brick, Hebel (autoclaved aerated concrete), or even foam cladding. You can use a colour in the mix, or paint it afterwards.

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Have you found a great external material that you want to share? Tell us about it in the Comments.

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