What to know: the durable, versatile and lightweight fibre cement cladding for your next project

With recent trends towards sustainable construction materials, natural aesthetics and durable building solutions, fibre cement panels such as CSR Cemintel’s Territory, Surround and Barestone ranges are becoming popular choices. Land scarcity and the need for buildings to be higher and constructed with lightweight materials are also driving the move towards this flexible building material doubles as a striking point of difference in the construction landscape.

“Cemintel has long been recognised for its excellence in manufacturing and distributing high-quality fibre cement products, known for their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal,” says Chris Kenny, CSR Cemintel’s regional general manager.

Until recently, Cemintel Territory, Surround and Barestone lines have been distributed through New Zealand Brick Distributors LP, but are now distributed by CSR Building Products. 

“This change brings all our Cemintel products within CSR Building Products (NZ) LTD's portfolio, and complements our existing offerings of Bradford, Hebel and Monier Roofing products,” says Kenny. Rigid Air Barrier, Ceminseal Wallboard, eaves lining sheets and cladding sheets are also distributed by CSR. 

“We are excited to be able to provide you with an even more comprehensive selection of building materials designed to meet the evolving needs of diverse construction projects,” says Kenny.

CSR Cemintel’s panels are cement bonded, fibrous wood particle cladding that are pressed with a surface texture and prefinished using a durable, multi-layer paint process. 

Manufactured in a quality-controlled factory, Cemintel Territory, Surround and Barestone are all an innovative reinterpretation of a building material that has been tried and tested. 

“We know the importance of cladding. It has to do more than just look good.”

• A flexible building material, CSR's fibre cement can be manufactured in numerous panel sizes and thicknesses and cut into various shapes and patterns.
• It can be compressed for high-strength applications.
• Fibre cement can be used in acoustic systems.
• It can be used as a superior wet area lining product and for fire resistance applications.
• It can be painted and tiled.

“When selecting pre-finished panels, it's important to consider factors such as the desired aesthetic, durability, maintenance requirements, compatibility with other building materials, and adherence to local building codes and regulations,” says Kenny.

Classed as a type A cladding material with excellent performance against CodeMark and certified ISO 5660, Cemintel Territory is a natural cladding range inspired by the Japanese values of simplicity, nature and quality.

For use internally and externally, the prefinished cladding panels simulate the textural beauty of materials like stone, timber and concrete. Another textured option is tiled and there is a smooth-finish option. Choose from finishes such as Woodlands, Canyon, Ridge, Savanna and Quarry – all elegantly enhancing building facades with colours and textures that mimic nature, without the need for ongoing maintenance.

Suitable for use where non-combustible building materials are needed, Cemintel Surround is a fully tested framing and cladding system. 

“Surround is characterised by its fibre cement cladding solutions designed for durability and weather resistance,” says Kenny. “The benefits of the Surround range include its resilience to weather elements, versatility in design options, ease of installation and low maintenance requirements. Surround panels are suitable for exterior cladding applications in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as for interior feature walls and architectural accents.”

Not only has Surround been manufactured with impressive technique, but its palette has also been expertly curated to provide architects, designers and builders the opportunity to experiment within the range. Five textures and 16 secondary colours are available to choose from, each designed to work a standalone, while also working well with different materials, colours and textures.

“Barestone is defined by its raw, unfinished appearance, providing a modern and industrial aesthetic, allowing it to be used for a variety of applications including feature walls, facade cladding, interior partitions and architectural accents,” says Kenny. 

The prefinished panels provide a raw, contemporary finish for internal and external applications, the texture offering a biophilic impression that enhances design aesthetics, weathers naturally and blends seamlessly into the environment.

“For further details on specific products, projects, or any other inquiries, professionals are encouraged to reach out to CSR Building Products (NZ) or their authorised distributors for comprehensive assistance and support,” says Kenny.

If you’re looking for flexible, stylish external and internal cladding that will stand the test of time, CSR Cemintel’s Territory, Surround and Barestone ranges are a great place to start. 

Explore more products and projects from CSR Cemintel on ArchiPro.