Architects are continually aiming to create the latest design or that ‘something different’. When Michael Farhat, Project Manager for Onsite Construction Group, took one look at a $2 million Bronte home design he knew he had a challenge on his hands. How to achieve that curved wall?
“We considered timber and fibro cladding but were worried about moisture as Bronte is on the coast, masonry was out of the question, as was concrete and formwork,” said Michael.
The architect suggested looking at lightweight cladding products, so Michael contacted Unitex® technical sales consultant, John Da Silva. John had recently created a curving tower for a project using Uni-Base Board lightweight cladding and knew he would be able to find a solution for the Bronte home. Part of the Uni-EIFS range, Uni-Base Board is a low build insulation cladding system.
Uni-Base Board lightweight cladding is usually supplied in a standard size of 1200 mm x 2400 mm at the required thickness for the thermal comfort specified for the project (generally 50 mm, 75 mm or 100 mm). The design team at Unitex used the system to create three custom shapes to fit the curved wall design of the Bronte home project.
“Unitex can do anything” John proudly claims, “it just took a bit of thinking and co-ordination between the architect, the builders and the factory and we were able to customise the Uni-Base Board system to achieve the design”.
John makes it sound easy and according to Michael his solution did prove to be quicker, more cost effective and straightforward than he imagined.
“The lead time was only a couple of weeks,” Michael claims, “then when the materials arrived it was only 1or 2 days to install, render and complete.”
The seamless, curved finish of the lightweight cladding pleased even the architect who specified that no joins or lines should be visible. The crisp, white Uni-PTC protective topcoat will please the owners who will enjoy the low-maintenance, water and sun resistant finish for years to come.
