How to enhance facades with window hoods as seen on The Block

Executing a stunning modern exterior to perfection relies upon consideration of all the details on a facade, from the exterior cladding, window style and window trim to the all-important window hoods.

As seen on The Block 2024, James Hardie’s portfolio of fibre cement exterior solutions works seamlessly with other products on the market, including innovative Heka Hoods, an aluminium bracket-less window hood solution that couldn’t be simpler to install, especially when working with quality exterior cladding.

Why window hoods are an important feature on The Block Australia 2024

Hoods not only cover windows but are a type of awning which are used over doors, wrap-around facades and more. On The Block 2024 houses, hoods were used in combination with James Hardie’s array of exterior and trim product lines, demonstrating that window hoods are important not just for energy efficiency, but to enhance a home’s exterior design and appearance by adding depth and interest to the facade.

A window that lacks trim and a hood can look boxy and unfinished. That’s where Heka Hoods, in conjunction with Hardie™ products, steps in.

Framing a window or door with Hardie™ Axent™ Trim is your first step in creating the perfect finishing touch to a new home or renovation. Made from Hardie™ fibre cement, Hardie™ Axent™ Trim is resistant to shrinking, swelling and warping. Available in multiple thickness options, the depth of Hardie™ Axent™ Trim helps to create the impression of solidness and crisp clean edges.

Adding an awning further accentuates windows. Compared to a traditional window hood made of timber or steel, a Heka Hood offers a few benefits. The patented bracket-less system offers incredible versatility, allowing the creation of clean lines and shapes effortlessly.

Working with James Hardie and Heka Hoods to create beautiful lines, simply

Heka Hoods is a window hood without brackets, providing minimalist styling with functional protection from the elements. They arrive on site as a finished product, powder-coated and ready for a quick and easy installation. There’s no need for brackets.

Heka Hoods offers three ranges:

1. The Core Series, with hoods available in three standard depths of 300mm, 450mm, and 600mm.
2. The Extend Series, available in 750mm and 900mm.
3. Lastly, the High Wind Series, suitable for Region C sites (ones that experience up to ‘cyclonic’ wind rates).

Heka Hoods’ window hoods are customisable in colour, available in colours from the Dulux Duratec® range, which can easily be colour matched to chosen exterior cladding.

Which hood profile for which Hardie™ product?

Here we list seamless product pairings to make choosing cladding easy.

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding: Try a Heka Hoods’ Core Series full surround in a simple white square hood to allow the cladding’s sand-like texture to shine.

Stria™ Cladding: Featuring deep grooves, Stria™ Cladding creates strong horizontal or vertical line details in modern home designs – a perfect match for a classic Core Series straight hood.

Axon™ Cladding: Looking to make a statement? Pair the detail and clean vertical lines of vertical joint cladding panels with an Inverted Flange.

Linea™ Weatherboard: For space with heritage leanings but a modern feel, try an angle cut Heka Hood for maximum impact.

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding: Square and angled edges of the cladding cast shadows that bring rhythm and depth to walls. Hype up the drama by choosing an Extend Series straight hood at a deeper than standard depth.

The Block House 5: Mid-Century Modern by Kristian and Mimi

Was House 5 the best house on The Block? With an exterior this stunning, we’re tempted to say yes!

Like James Hardie, Heka Hoods played a key role in creating the gorgeous exteriors seen on The Block 2024. What a series! The finished homes were seriously stunning, with attention-grabbing modern designs and details that finished the looks to perfection.

Products used: This double-storey Mid-Century style home features a curated combination of Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding on the bottom level teamed with Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding on the upper level. Heka Hoods HH450 Straights & Downward Returns powder coated in Duratec® Zeus Black Matt define the windows.

Why it worked: This statement-making Mid-Century Modern home is simple yet dramatic. Its asymmetrical butterfly roof, large windows and contrasting cladding textures make it memorable and exciting to look at. Heka Hoods’ powder-coated hoods blend in seamlessly, enhancing the calming ambiance of the space without drawing attention away from the couple's vision.

Installation tips and tricks for Heka Hoods

Proper installation of Heka Hoods is important to deliver a sharp-looking result.

Tip 1: Read installation instructions thoroughly

All Heka Hoods products come with a detailed installation guide which must be properly considered before beginning installation. These tips are not intended to replace that guide, as installation will vary from project to project and depending upon what kind of surface the product will be fixed to. Crucially, the hoods can be installed before or after cladding has been fixed, but ideally they would be added before. More on that below.

Tip 2: Preparation of surface

Ensure the hood is attached to a flat surface. Prepare the area that you’ll be fixing the hood to, ensuring that the surface is flush and clear of any debris such as nails or screws. Timber must be flat (not twisted or bowed) and the substrate even. If the surface is not flush the hood is likely to distort.

Tip 3: Always use a level

Always install the hood using a level! If possible, hold the hood against the wall and mark hole locations using a level. Pre-drill all holes in the hood on site and place level on underside or topside of the hood, as near to the fixing flange as possible. Following installation, check again to ensure it is level.

Tip 4: Retrofit your hood

While the preferred approach is fixing Heka Hoods behind the cladding, retrofitting is also an option if your build is already past the cladding phase and you are looking for a simple and quick awning solution.