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 terracotta facade system.

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 the colours of 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.