FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Give your home a fresh facelift with new exterior materials — chose from cladding, render, paint or stone
The exterior of your home is the first thing people see – which gives you the perfect opportunity to make a statement. “Cladding is a fantastic way to add texture and character to the exterior of a house,” says Sonia Simpfendorfer, creative director at Nexus Designs. It can also be used to disguise a less-than-perfect facade, adds Damien Abicic, architect and principal at Pivot Studio: “Your building might be a simple box, but beautiful cladding or an interesting combination of cladding materials can make it appear spectacular.”
Choose right, and cladding offers much more than just good looks, says David McCrae, principal at mm+j architects. “It can also provide thermal and sound insulation, as well as fire resistance, which can save you money, boost your privacy and provide protection.”
cladding
Lightweight cladding materials such as metal and fibre-cement sheeting are quick and easy to install, and perfect for adding drama to the outside of your home. They can be cut, carved or even curved to different shapes, and combined with other materials, such as timber, brick and stone.
Up the interest level with metals such as Corten steel (which weathers to a rusted patina), aluminium, zinc or copper. Many new styles feature grooves and threedimensional profiles that will create intriguing shadow play on your facade.
If you have a coastal home, consider classic weatherboards or new-look minimalist panels. “We’ve seen an increase in demand for panels with vertical lines, thinner-groove profiles, and unsealed cladding that is left to naturally weather and silver off,” says Jason O’Hagan, managing director at Weathertex, which specialises in timber cladding.
To add a rich and earthy look to your exterior, think about innovative Terracade cladding, a fired terracotta clay that comes in a range of nature-inspired hues from deep red to light grey in matt, grooved and glazed finishes. “Terracade offers a stylish, maintenance-free finish that is energy-efficient, naturally retains its colour and withstands weather extremes,” says Brett Ward, general manager of Brickworks (Terracade’s parent company). Terracotta is innately durable and colour-fast, and this product comes with a 100-year product warranty.
paint
For a fast and affordable exterior upgrade, nothing beats paint. And it’s not just for walls, says Erin Hearns, assistant colour manager at Haymes Paint. “Even roofs, guttering and garage doors can be updated with paint.” Be sure to choose a finish that will last, says Andrea Lucena-Orr, colour planning and communications manager at Dulux. “Choose a quality paint that is designed to withstand extreme heat and heavy rain, and offers UV, stain and mould resistance.”
Exterior paint palettes are increasingly drawn from the Australian landscape, says Sonia Simpfendorfer. “Clay colours, brown and earthy tones are gaining momentum – and grey isn’t going anywhere.” Andrea concurs, adding, “Soft grey-greens, sage greens and grey-beiges are popular and work with many home styles. Then add a pop of colour by painting the door a bright shade.”
natural finishes
Natural cladding materials, such as timber and stone, are firmly in the spotlight in 2019. Designers are using them to soften harsh architectural lines, as well as mixing them with other materials and finishes, such as brick, render, concrete and steel, to create multi-layered exteriors that connect seamlessly with the environment. According to David McCrae, charred timber cladding and recycled Australian species are the ones to watch.
Stone is another appealing option. “Its natural variation adds texture and depth, and blends the boundaries between inside and out,” says Jen Stumbles, co-owner of Eco Outdoor. Get the look of solid stone blocks in lightweight, easy-to-install wall panels from companies such as Eco Outdoor and PGH Bricks & Pavers. For an on-trend look, opt for styles with a rugged, organic edge, she says: “Crazy paving has moved from floors to walls, creating a striking look.”
render
If you’re looking for more depth than paint or want to conceal a less-thanpristine facade on a budget, consider render. It provides a tough, long-lasting and water-resistant finish, and can be applied to anything from brick and plasterboard to concrete.
“Modern renders are so versatile,” says Christine Cameron, co-owner of Rockcote. “Choose from fine, medium and coarse grain, which can be applied in different ways to achieve anything from a smooth, modern aesthetic or a rustic effect to a marble or stone look.” Colourwise, grey renders are holding strong, she says. “We are also seeing a return to warmer, desert-inspired neutrals.”