James Hardie Launches New Products to Streamline Delivery of Vertical Looks

James Hardie has launched the NEW Hardie™ Structural Batten, a castellated structural timber batten accessory that enables vertical installation of Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding and Stria™ Cladding for the vertical standing seam look, which is one of the fastest growing modern design trends.

As the #1 cladding brand in Australia, James Hardie continues to revolutionise the design and construction of modern homes by improving of its existing suite of products and accessories to address the evolving needs of the market.

The Hardie™ Structural Batten can be used in both timber and steel applications, meeting the increasing demand of steel frame houses. Also, it does not require framework modifications for use. As such, the home’s exterior can be switched out during late stages for vertical Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding or Stria™ Cladding to achieve the standing seam look with the benefits of Hardie™ fibre cement, including fire resistance and resistance to moisture and termite damage.

Helps to facilitate compliance

The unique castellations and top face slope are designed to help eliminate the risk of water pooling and allow effective air ventilation, so it can be used in a system that is compliant with drainage requirements of the National Construction Code 2022 (NCC). With a compatible 35mm PVC Cavity vent strip, this new installation system creates a 35mm cavity. This additional air gap can help to achieve the 7-star energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code.

Helps to address market needs

Vertical groove cladding design features heavily across the seven modern home styles identified by the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast. Vertical groove cladding puts an Australian ‘shed’ twist on the Modern Farmhouse look and juxtaposes perfectly against heritage facades when used in Modern Heritage designs. Widely spaced vertical grooves deliver drama and visual interest to Barn facades.

The Hardie™ Structural Batten helps to enable re-cladding over an existing brick exterior with vertical Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding and Stria™ Cladding to transform any dated brick facade into a modern marvel.

Helps to save time, cost and complexity

The standard 70x35mm dimensions of the Hardie™ Structural Batten suit common frame sizes and are in line with standard structural timber. This means window and door reveals can also be standard sizes, which can help to reduce on-the-wall costs and streamline the entire project. The cladding can then be fixed to the batten using standard fibre cement cladding fasteners with options for a concealed fix. The standard size of the batten also allows for design diversity, enabling easy transition to other cladding options.

James Hardie has also optimised the Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding and Stria™ Cladding board lengths, which are now available in 3000mm. To accommodate the trend of larger ceiling heights in modern Australian homes, a 3000mm board length for vertical cladding provides greater coverage to help reduce wastage on site, and therefore reduce costs.

The new 3000mm board length replaces the 2750mm board lengths for Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding. The new 3000mm lengths better suit common wall heights and existing 4200mm lengths give tall walls a continuous look, reducing the need for horizontal joints.