Topic: Architectural Design

Cladding has not only become a vital factor to protect your property from the elements, but it can make your property stand out from the rest. It has quickly gained popularity in Australia and is one of the biggest and most dramatic design features that can be added to a property.
Cladding is the application of an outer layer to a property’s exterior walls that is designed to provide thermal insulation, protects property from weather conditions and improves and enhances the look and design of the building.

Your choice of architectural cladding has been shown to dramatically add cost and value so it is important to understand each type and how it can affect your property’s aesthetic.
When you decide on what type of cladding is right for you in terms of your desired look, there are a few factors that you have to keep in consideration.
Cladding provides both thermal and sound insulation and can increase your property’s fire protection, which is essential for properties in the harsh Australian climate. Other factors that you can examine are the sustainability of the cladding materials, and both the monetary and environmental costs.
Choosing the type of cladding for your property should be done in the same way that you would approach the interior design choices of your property. Aim to always have a balance between the textures, colours, and tones, complementing the style and design of your property. Also consider your surrounding environment, whether your property is surrounded by the Australian outback or the wonderful beach coastlines of the country.

There are so many materials and colours to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Choose a material and colour that complies with the constraints of your local government’s building codes.

Making the decision to change or add cladding to the existing exterior of your property is a job that requires skilled hands from professional builders that have extensive experience with cladding exteriors. A cladding expert will have the expertise to know the role of material specifications for your property and the weather conditions of the area.
Here are a few architectural cladding options to consider to change the look and design of your property:

Here are a few architectural cladding options to consider to change the look and design of your property:

MATERIALS CHOSEN BY ARCHITECTS

Weatherboards – Timber or Plywood

Although timber provides warmth and rustic quality, it’s important to note that they do require some maintenance, can leak (depending on how they are laid) and can easily become weathered.

Timber weatherboards are not an ideal cladding choice for properties in bushfire affected regions so it is suggested that you know the type of wood that is being used and how it reacts to potential fire dangers in your area. The same can be said for plywood weatherboards. Even though Plywood can be a waterproofing material, in bushfire prone areas that are susceptible to spontaneous fires, plywood isn’t at all recommended for use.

Aluminium and Zinc

Aluminium or zinc cladding is versatile and can be used alone, or in conjunction with other materials and textures. This material can withstand corrosive environments such as those that brace salty coastal air. However, aluminium and zinc cladding does promote condensation and will need to be paired up with a special insulation to protect your property.

Fibre cement

Apart from its obvious durability and low condensation quality, one of the drawbacks of fibre cement sheeting is that it’s a thin flat surface. The sheets can either absorb heat or pass on the cold from the outside. On the upside, it can protect a home from heavy rains and downpours which is why it’s seen a slight resurgence of use. However, to maintain fibre cement sheets they typically will require painting and offer some, but not much, insulation so you’ll definitely need to add extra insulation to your property to ensure that it’s protected from the elements. And sadly, for those concerned about the environmental footprint, fibre cement cannot be recycled and it’s a non-renewable energy source.

Brick

Brick cladding does not rot, it does not require to be painted and will never be eaten by termites. Regardless of its qualities, bricks may be something that a property must use in certain parts of a building (like the facade) especially if it is a heritage or protected historical building.
Bricks don’t provide your property with the best waterproofing capabilities but can be used in fire-prone areas. Architects typically mix brick cladding with other choices to create a modern look and use the positive qualities of the other cladding options.

Stone

Stone cladding is one that has been able to withstand the test of time as it’s considered a material that’s timeless, elegant and never goes out of fashion for the exteriors of a property. Stone is resistant to fires, can be waterproof (but not always), and depending on the stone, it can be low in maintenance. However, because of its generally very high cost to buy and install (stonemasons are expensive), Architects and designers will use this material sparingly to create a sense of luxury and mix it with other materials like steel, to modernise their creations.

Steel Cladding

We consider this the best of the bunch. Steel cladding is used in an increasingly large number of contemporary Australian property designs as it recreates the architectural heritage of Australian corrugated iron. It is an attractive choice as steel cladding is available in a vast range of finishes, shapes, and sizes that can be made to suit most properties.

Steel cladding is typically made from Colorbond steel and comes in a range of 22 standard colours, 6 metallic colours, matt finishes as well as the traditional silver finish of steel.

Steel cladding is attractive for properties that require very little to no maintenance for the exterior of their properties. This material is extremely durable, remarkably waterproof and is an ideal choice for those Australian properties that are in fire-affected areas.

This material can be recycled and is a great environmentally conscious choice, you will need to include added insulation to further add comfort and protection to your property.

KC Roof Plumbing have over 15 years of industry experience and knowledge with Colorbond roofing, guttering, and cladding. If you would like to find out how you can fully or partially clad your property, contact the professional team at KC Roof Plumbing on 1300 KC ROOF (1300 527 663) to discuss your project or plans.

Whether you are building your new dream home or planning a renovation, there are a range of architectural roof designs that can work with your home and your taste.

Each roof design can serve a different purpose and in Australia, roofing is very diverse. In a country that has vast outbacks, dense bushland and seaside coastal areas, it’s not surprising that there are many different roofing options.

Having an idea of the different roofing options and what each one can do allows you to choose a roof that performs well in your location. Here are the top architectural (and functional) roof designs to kick-start your journey into picking the best roof for your Australian home.

Hip Roofs | It’s all about the slope.

The hip roof, or hipped roofs, is a design of roof that has 3 or more angles that are built into the roof’s structure where all sides gently slope downwards to the walls. This type of roof is works for all weather conditions and all environments and protects your home from the elements effectively.

The Hip roof is particularly efficient in areas that experience high winds as is offers a sturdy framework for your home and because of this, this style of roof is exceptionally popular in Australian coastal cities.

Gable Roofs | Return of the classics.

A Gable roof is a roof design is a classic design that comes to mind when thinking about roofs. It includes two roof planes that slope in opposite directions with the highest point angled in the middle of the roof. This type of roof is most recognisable through its triangular shape and is the most traditional design.

This style of the roof can make a bold statement in style whilst still remaining modern through its organic straight lines. A gable roof will give your home an elegant and classic look and is extremely popular in the period home market.

This design is particularly popular for homes which may like to display their trusses or want to give that extra tall height and sense of open space on the interior.

Flat Roof 1960s Revival

If you are a modernist at heart and know who Le Corbusier is, then you’ve definitely seen flat roof homes and you’re already a convert. For the rest of us, we probably saw the best in flat roof homes in movies like North by Northwest or through the 1960s series Mad Men. Flat roofs were given a hard time for a while but with new techniques emerging today, the flat roof is widely used for architectural projects.

As the name would suggest, the Flat roof is flat and low pitched. Although this roof is flat, most flat roofs have a slope, that typically sits at an approximately 1-10° angle. This allows for rainwater and debris to run off the side.

This style of roof is extremely modern as it minimises the roof size and the size of your home. This type of roof is typically used for high rise commercial buildings, as well as apartment blocks, however, it is slowly transitioning into residential properties. It is ideal for city living as it can be used as an additional living space to make the most out of your home. Many people use the space on the roof to entertain and even plant an urban garden.

Skillion Roof

The Skillion roof, also known as a mono-pitched roof, consists of a flat surface that is a single sloping roof that is not attached to another roof side. The degree of the slant will vary from roof to roof. This roof design has similar advantages to that of a flat roof as it compliments modern home exterior styles.

This style is easy to construct, looks pleasing to the eye and is also extremely popular in urban areas.

Curved Roof

This style roof provides a soft and round appearance to your home. This type of roof is used to minimise the size and overall height of a home and provides an appealing aesthetic ambiance. This style of roof is ideal for locations that experience high wind conditions as it provides resistance to the wind.

The curved lines on the roof give a more organic and smooth feel. This design of the roof is a great modern alternative to a flat roof and it also allows for greater indoor living space. It can also be used to add extra floors to a house when height restrictions are a concern.

Transform your roof with an amazing architectural metal roof through the senior team at KC Roof Plumbing. Share with us the details of your home, the positioning on your land and the plans that you have for the build, restoration or renovation that you have in mind. Call us to discuss your project on 1300 KC ROOF (1300 527 663)  or email us here