Sydney’s 18 at Chatswood boutique residential building is an example of how smart façade design can protect buildings from all weather elements and finds a balance between water and condensation management, air-tightness and non-combustibility, while maintaining style and design aesthetics.

Designed by Mayoh Architects and built by Novati Constructions, 18 on Chatswood is made up out of a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom penthouses and a privately situated in a lush cul-de-sac.

Being based in a gully, the building and landscape needed to relate to the neighbourhood’s bushland environment, have privacy and amenity to neighbouring properties, incorporate solar access while also accommodating for stormwater and overland flow prevalent on the site.

To give a contemporary look, the building has a variety of finishes featuring a mostly neutral palette. A mix of white and charcoal grey render with James Hardie ExoTec Vero concrete-look cladding and natural timber results in a building which feels as if it were a natural extension of its surroundings.

“The results of using ExoTec Vero have been outstanding. Not only was it an easy installation, but the concrete colour has minimised ongoing maintenance costs. ExoTec Vero makes the building visually appealing for residents and visitors of the local community,” Novati Constructions project manager Anthony Melia says.

Anthony says that Hardie’s RAB Board was also used in the project.

“The combination of ExoTec Vero and RAB Board is a great system that is Building Code Australia (BCA) compliant for non-combustible façade elements and provides excellent weather resistance,” he says.

The RAB Board is made from James Hardie’s premium fibre cement and sealed with the company’s innovative CoreShield penetrating sealer technology, keeping water, air and wind out, while allowing moisture vapour to easily escape, enabling a building’s framing cavity to drain and dry.

“Smart façade design is key to compliance and performance, ensuring a building is fit for purpose and is protected from the elements,” James Hardie product manager Timothy Elliot explains.

“A façade solution that includes RAB Board offers protection and peace of mind by improving building performance and the comfort levels for occupants.”