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Jump Onboard and Ride the Wave of Corrugated Iron

From Queenslanders to our contemporary city terraces, corrugated iron is iconic in Australian architecture

Rebecca Gross 16 June 2014

Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."

Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More

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Corrugated iron has been in and out of architectural fashion. But right now, we can safely say it is in, offering a sustainable, modern – and even nostalgic – option in house design. As a lightweight, strong and durable material that weathers well, corrugated iron has been a recognisable element in Australian architecture for more than 150 years. Its undulations bring texture, contrast, shadow and light to Queenslanders, bungalows, contemporary urban homes and modern rural dwellings.

From heritage styles to today’s sustainable minimalism, here are some great examples of corrugated iron in architecture.

Earthsong Architecture

The history of corrugated iron
The British invented and patented corrugated iron in 1829 and it quickly appeared in Australia in the 1850s. Architects and builders first used it to shelter verandahs from the sun, but soon began to cover whole houses, so much so the material became a clear characteristic of Queenslander bungalows. In fact, Queenslander homes came to be known as “timber-and-tins” due to their steep-pitched corrugated-iron roofs.

Daniel Ash Architects

Used today on the roofs of cottages and bungalows to create a heritage feel, the corrugated iron is built to last and is actually now made from steel.

MJ Architecture

In contrast to the more heritage-style of use, this sharply angled corrugated-iron roof adds visual drama to what is otherwise a home that makes use of simple geometric and liveable forms.

Daniel Ash Architects

Use in rural dwellings
In this “contemporary rural” project architect Daniel Ash evoked a distinctive Australian feel by creating a modern dwelling which references a range of country buildings such as the iconic shearing shed. Using a simple palette of quintessentially Australian materials – corrugated iron and wood – the building is simple and not overly fussy. Rather it plays on the undulations of the corrugated iron to create a visually interesting home.

Mihaly Slocombe

The rural associations of corrugated iron give it a an organic sense of engagement with the Australian landscape. In this project, the exterior of the house, clad in corrugated iron, nestles into the native Australian garden. Less formal and less precious than other building materials, corrugated iron is available in different gauges of thickness and different size corrugations that give both light and textural effects.

Bark Design Architects

Use in beach houses
Set within in the bushland of Australia’s coastal region, this house is sensitive to its surrounding environment. Using corrugated iron and ventilating louvres, the architect has explored the dynamics of light and shadow, the filtering of natural breezes and the integration of indoors and out. The horizontal corrugations mesh beautifully and effectively with the louvres to keep both a visual and sensory air of lightness about the house.

Quicksmart Homes

The Quickshack is an innovative self-contained modular accommodation. Here, corrugated iron is a colourful addition to the prefabricated home that is designed to decrease cost and construction time. Large vertical corrugations fit in perfectly with the horizontal lines of this rectangular box.

Jeni Lee

Use in (sub)urban living
Corrugated iron is a fun and whimsical addition to this suburban home in Norwood, Adelaide. It partially clads a new extension to the historic bungalow, accenting and visually highlighting a series of angular and rounded architectural forms.

Step inside this home

McCoppin Studios

This urban facade is clad entirely in corrugated iron, utilising it in both its horizontal and vertical form. It gives texture and dimension to what is otherwise a very simple house frontage. As the corrugations catch light and cast shadows, the facade is visually ever changing throughout the day.

Matt Elkan Architect

Other uses for corrugated iron…

Water tank: If you’re not ready to commit to the architectural wave of corrugated iron, then water tanks are an alternative to incorporating it in your home. Iconic features on Australia’s rural landscape water tanks transition to most any rural, suburban, or urban setting (given you have the space), bringing traditional touches to contemporary design.

Let It Rain: 20 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Water Tank

Renovation Design Group

Inside the house: This contemporary kitchen brings corrugated iron indoors with a series of slanted steel panels pierced with rectangular skylights. It fits perfectly with the kitchen’s smart colour palette, including black cupboard doors, a concrete benchtop and stainless-steel fixtures.

Quezada Architecture

As a likeness: Here, timber is used in vertical strips to give a similar visual effect to corrugated iron. Rather than the cool visual and sensory effect of corrugated iron, this look has an overall feeling of organic warmth while retaining those hypnotic lines.

MORE
The Queenslander: Beautiful, Enduring and Here to Stay
6 Australian Bush Houses Redefine Rustic Charm
Aussie Rules: 10 Key Australian Looks We Know and Love
Roots of Style: How Did Your Australian Home Get Its Look?

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Lainie

there's nothing like rain on a corrugated iron roof!

2 Likes 28 August 2014 at 12:30pm

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nangkita

We used corrugated iron for all external cladding and roof and after 8 yrs living in this home are extremely happy with its performance. We have not installed air conditioning, but used passive design, have a slow combustion wood heater and have no problems with heating or cooling. In our area we range down to about -3 deg C in winter to high 30 to low 40's deg C in summer. It's a great building material.