Location: Kew Vic Architect: Baldasso Cortese Architects Builder: Pansec Constructions Austral Bricks products: • TerraÇade terracotta facade system in Kimberley Smooth   NOVEMBER 2005

Architect Steve Cortese describes the exterior of this remarkable house as “a series of interlocking planes. I felt the blades and masses needed to be treated by different colours and materials.” The visually-dominant facade element is a double-storey corner panel clad in Austral Bricks TerraÇade.

Cortese considered many materials, including copper, render, timber and colourback glass, in his search for a lightweight, low maintenance yet substantial facade. “We didn’t just want it rendered and painted, and we were concerned about the maintenance aspects of timber lining.” He also examined adhering tiles to cement sheet “but the (sheet) manufacturer wouldn’t warrant the application because of water penetration concerns.”

TerraÇade’s genuine fired terracotta colour created a highlight, “something for the rest of the building to hang off,” says Cortese and respected neighbouring, long-established brick homes. “We also liked the strong lines of the open joints. They give a nice texture.” The panel runs past the glass line into a living area. TerraÇade-wrapped pillars impart a ceremonial formality to the entrance.

Austral Bricks assisted in the design, documentation and installation phases and supplied all mounting and ancillary hardware. The entire system was builder-installed. “Once the horizontal rails were set up, it was very easy to attach the tiles,” Cortese comments. Aluminium corner sections were powder-coated to match the tiles. “We wanted to lose the corner detail as much as possible.”

The happy owners love the house’s light and airy feel, and crisp, clean lines, and Baldasso Cortese has added a stylish new option to their material palette.