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Lewisham Road house
Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of the Australian Roofing Tile Association (ARTA), runs through some innovative ways to use roofing tiles.
BB: What advice do you have for custom builders who would like to use tiles for statement exteriors?
Elizabeth: The versatility of tile is an opportunity for custom builders to experiment with elements of design to create a unique, modern aesthetic for building projects. Pioneers of innovative building and construction have demonstrated that tiles are no longer constricted to the roof. A tiled exterior cladding can bring a modern character to the home.
External wall cladding using tiles can transform a dull surface into major feature in the landscape and create a dynamic backdrop for any outdoor space. Alongside their design potential, tiles are a practical choice of cladding in terms of maintaining both durability and strength.
Construction today offers many freedoms in design. Now is the time to pioneer innovation for new uses in building products, to think outside the box and progress from conservative building exteriors.
Lewisham Road house, by Clare Cousins Architects won the 2018 Robin Dods Roof Tile Excellence High Commendation for its striking streetscape using stacked terracotta tiles which wrap around the structure.
Mountain Hideaway
BB: What is the best way to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics when using tiling?
Elizabeth: When choosing the right material for your project, it’s important to consider not only the aesthetic finish but also the weather or climate conditions that buildings must endure.
The versatility of tile offers functional value in more ways than one, requiring little maintenance and offering long term performance. Architects are increasingly finding new ways of working with tile in the design of modern homes, a material which, unlike metal, does not rust or corrode.
Clay terracotta tiles are a great material to work with when looking to create an impressive finish that also supports comfortable living conditions. The high thermal mass of clay tiles can significantly delay heat transfer. This allows buildings to remain cooler in summer days, and warmer in winter nights.
The 2018 Robin Dods Roof Tile Excellence High Commendation, Mountain Hideaway by Frank Kosztelnik and Associates, exemplifies how clay tile can be used to achieve a cosy-hideaway that still delivers an elegant design through its use of flat terracotta shingles.
Blackburn
BB: What are some other under-the-radar materials custom builders can use for statement exteriors?
Innovative applications of tile using unconventional colour palettes are pushing the boundaries of residential architecture. The 2017 Robin Dods Roof Tile Excellence Award High Commendation, Blackburn by Solar Solutions Design, showcases how dark toned tiles can add unique depth to exteriors. The front tiled façade is clad in Boral Terracotta Shingle in the colour ‘eclipse’ which accentuates the form of the building and introduces a contemporary aesthetic to the exterior.
Images courtesy of ARTA.