How to choose the right housing facades for an enduring home

Designing your dream home can be challenging, from choosing the right furniture and decor to selecting suitable materials. With so many articles, advice columns and industry experts available online, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of information.

DECO is an Australian-owned manufacturer of architectural aluminium building products. They share their advice on how homeowners can create beautiful living with building products that are easy to install and tested under the most stringent in-house processes for maximum robustness.

Use battens and beams to create a stylish statement

While traditional timber is a common choice for most battens and beams, the material requires regular maintenance, which can become impractical if installed in higher-up places like the ceiling.

To address this, DECO created DecoBattens – a lightweight, durable aluminium batten system that replicates the look and feel of timber but doesn’t require ongoing maintenance. Design-wise, homeowners can use smaller DecoBattens vertically for a floating fence, create a stylish aesthetic with oversized beams or mix and match to create a one-of-a-kind batten design.

“The lightweight battens come in a QuickClick two-piece system that allows the batten base to be secured onto walls or ceilings. The cover simply clicks into place for a seamless finish with no visible fixings,” says Emma Savage from DECO.

“All DECO products are super durable, easy to install and offer a low-maintenance finish. The long 6.5-metre lengths allow for great material utilisation and will not rot or warp over time.”

Invest in cladding that can withstand Mother Nature

Cladding protects homes from the natural elements, including harsh wind and rain, and provides ample insulation and noise control. The challenge with cladding is choosing a suitable material, as some types of cladding break down more quickly than others.

The DecoClad by DECO solves this common challenge by pairing durable aluminium with an extremely durable powder coating known as DecoWood. With six unique cladding profiles, the patented DecoClad aluminium cladding system offers an easy and long-lasting option for facades, wall linings, ceilings and soffits. Whether in the bush, by the beach or under the sun, DecoClad endures, ensuring an everlasting home.

“The interlocking system and long 6.5-metre cladding boards with pre-punched fixing holes allow for a quick and easy installation,” says Emma.

Meanwhile, DecoClad is non-combustible which makes it particularly beneficial for homeowners that live in rural areas, where extreme heat can be a concern during Summer. The product complies with the Australian Standards of AS 1530.3 and AS1530.1 – the two standards where products undergo rigorous fire testing to ensure the non-combustible claims are accurate.

Build a deck to enhance your home’s outdoor space

A beautiful deck can transform even the most uninspiring outdoor spaces into the perfect place to gather, entertain guests and enjoy the sunshine.

The key to building a long-lasting deck is selecting a material that not only endures weather but also withstands possible scuffs, shoe marks and unexpected spills.

While timber and composite are popular choices for decking, DECO created DECODeck to combine the natural beauty of timber with the strength and durability of aluminium. Non-combustible and marine grade to withstand coastal environments, the product received a Good Design Award in 2020.

Emma says that thanks to its strong hollow aluminium profiles, DecoDeck is comfortable to walk on, even under the hot sun.

“Unlike timber and plastic composites, aluminium dissipates heat quickly and will only heat up to the ambient temperature,” she explains.

“The DecoDeck Joiner allows for the decking boards to be joined in between joists (which can be 600 millimetres apart, as opposed to 450 for timber), allowing the best material utilisation and minimal product wastage.”

Check out DECO Australia on ArchiPro today.

Words by Aleczander Gamboa