Why Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is the perfect building material for The Block 2024

Phillip Island is a stunning coastal escape tucked away beyond the hustle-and-bustle of Melbourne. It’s also the location for the latest season of The Block, where five teams will tackle the challenge of building their dream properties.

Given the coastal and fast-changing weather conditions of Phillip Island, it poses a unique challenge for the contestants: what products will be able to stand up to all the elements? Here’s why the Hardie™ Architectural Collection is being used to renovate five amazing homes on The Block 2024.

Versatile and highly resilient Hardie™ Exterior Cladding

Locals on Phillip Island are no strangers to harsh weather. From the salt-laden coastal winds to intense dry summers, building materials need to endure a lot. That’s why Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is made from fibre cement that’s been engineered to withstand tough Aussie weather conditions.

Unlike traditional wood wall cladding, Hardie™ fibre cement is resistant to shrinking, swelling and cracking, which means the future owners of the homes featured in The Block 2024 will enjoy long-lasting and low maintenance exteriors.

In addition to its durability, Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is also highly versatile, so it can be used to elevate any design. From the rustic charm of Linea™ Weatherboard to the fine detail of vertical lines with Axon™ Cladding, homeowners and builders can choose from a selection of textures and finishes that mimic natural timber. Best of all, Hardie™ fibre cement cladding delivers all the warmth and charm of timber without the drawbacks.

“It will also stand the test of time on Phillip Island. It works really well with the coastal, modern style of this season’s homes.”

Key benefits of building with fibre cement

Durability is paramount no matter where you are around the country, and Hardie™ fibre cement products boast fire resistance. In fact, all Hardie™ Architectural Collection products are suitable for use in bushfire zones up to BAL40, except Matrix™ Cladding which can only be used up to BAL29.

When used as part of the Hardie™ Smart Fire & Acoustic Boundary Wall System, Hardie™ Architectural Collection cladding can be used in bushfire zones up to the highest bushfire attack level, BALFZ.

The Hardie™ Architectural Collection is engineered to stand up to the harsh Australian environment. reflected by a 25-year warranty period. This is particularly handy for homes on Phillip Island, where the combination of natural bushland and dry seasons can heighten fire risks. Hardie™ fibre cement cladding gives homeowners peace of mind knowing that their property has an added layer of protection.

“It’s a dream product,” Brenchley says. “A carpenter can put it up and then the homeowners can paint it. Especially for something like The Block, it’s speedy and that’s what you need.

“We are all about big ‘sheets’ of cladding products on The Block and James Hardie really did deliver products that are well-suited for it.”

Axon™ Cladding, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding are all panel products, available in multiple sizes, perfect for broad wall applications.

There’s also the benefit of low maintenance with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding. Given that Hardie™ fibre cement is resistant to rot, warping and damage from moisture or termites, it helps save time and money spent on repairs and general upkeep. Having a low-maintenance exterior is particularly appealing for holiday homes and investment properties on Phillip Island, where many owners aren’t around all year long.

Transforming homes with Hardie™ Exterior Cladding

For the contestants, the design flexibility of Hardie™ Exterior Cladding is second-to-none. No matter what wall cladding is used, it can be painted in any colour as soon as it’s installed. This means homeowners can personalise their exteriors to reflect their tastes and complement the stunning surrounds of Phillip Island – whether that’s a bold, contemporary style or a more subtle look.

Installation is another hallmark of Hardie™ products. Hardie™ cladding systems are designed for ease of use, which can make the building process simpler and faster than traditional construction methods. That’s something that is essential for the contestants on The Block, where time constraints are a constant battle.

“I was talking with the builders on House 2 and they were saying how amazingly simple the Hardie™ Exterior Cladding was to put up once they got their head around my design,” Brenchley says. “It was pre-cut to specific lengths so they could just put it up, install it and the contestants could paint it. It’s a dream.”

Why choose Hardie™ products?

In addition to a huge selection of Hardie™ Exterior Cladding products to choose from, James Hardie also has valuable resources to help homeowners and trade professionals make the best decisions for their projects. The Transform Your Home Guide has all the inspiration, practical advice and detailed product information you need to take your property to new heights.