A Guide to Cladding Options That Balance Style, Strength, and Performance
When building or renovating your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right external wall system. More than just a design choice, your cladding influences everything from thermal performance and maintenance to fire resistance and energy efficiency.
At Nextron Builders, we understand that every home — and every homeowner — is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of high-quality cladding options, each tailored to suit different budgets, locations, and architectural styles.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular external wall systems we use and recommend.
Hebel, made from autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), is a lightweight, high-performance material we regularly use in our homes — especially for modern and double-storey constructions.
Key Benefits:
Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
Fire-resistant and ideal for boundary or bushfire-prone zones
Lightweight but strong – reduces load on foundations
Rendered finish mimics solid masonry
Faster to install compared to brick
Hebel delivers the look of traditional masonry with enhanced performance and speed, making it a smart choice for clients seeking efficiency, strength, and design flexibility.
For those who prefer a more traditional and robust build, double brick construction offers long-term durability and thermal benefits. At Nextron Builders, we finish double brick walls in two primary ways:
A cost-effective method for a soft, textured look
Highlights the form of the bricks while softening the visual
Can be tinted or painted
Delivers a smooth, modern appearance
Provides a protective, long-lasting finish
Complements both classic and contemporary designs
Why choose double brick?
Excellent thermal mass and sound insulation
Solid structure with proven longevity
Minimal maintenance over the years
Architectural Cladding Options: Axon™, Linea™, and Stria™
James Hardie offers a suite of premium fibre cement cladding systems that add texture, interest, and modern appeal to your home’s exterior. These are ideal for feature walls, lightweight upper-storey zones, and contemporary facades.
Vertical groove pattern for a clean, modern look
Durable, low-maintenance and pre-primed
Termite and fire resistant
Works beautifully as a feature against rendered finishes
Horizontal shadow lines with a deep profile
Creates a classic Hamptons or coastal look with modern fibre cement durability
Resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting
Perfect for full facades or gable walls
Wide, horizontal boards with deep grooves
Ideal for modern, minimalist homes or mid-century inspired designs
Quick to install using shiplap joints
Visually bold and excellent for creating layered facades
Why choose James Hardie cladding?
Long-lasting, moisture- and fire-resistant
Excellent design flexibility
Suitable for a wide range of architectural styles
Weathertex is an Australian-made, environmentally friendly cladding option crafted from natural hardwood timber.
Best For:
Eco-conscious homeowners
Homes in coastal or rural settings
Clients who want a natural or rustic look
Features:
100% natural timber product – no silica or added chemicals
Available in smooth, grooved, and rough-sawn textures
Easy to install and low maintenance
Brick veneer remains one of Australia’s most common and trusted external wall systems — and for good reason.
Why Consider It:
Extremely durable and fire-resistant
Minimal ongoing maintenance
Comes in a wide range of colours and textures
Works well when combined with high-performance insulation
Ideal for clients seeking a timeless look with proven performance.
For minimalist facades and curved or detailed architecture, rendered foam panels offer a lightweight, flexible solution.
Advantages:
Smooth, seamless finish with acrylic or cement render
High insulation value
Cost-effective and versatile
Customisable shapes and profiles
Important Note: Proper installation is key to preventing impact damage or water ingress.
When choosing your external wall system, consider:
Your architectural style (modern, Hamptons, minimalist, traditional)
Site factors (e.g., BAL rating, proximity to the coast)
Desired thermal and acoustic performance
Maintenance expectations
Budget and construction timeframes
At Nextron Builders, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s rendered Hebel, double brick with a modern finish, or a combination of cladding materials that enhance your home’s design — we help you make confident choices based on practical expertise.
Our commitment is to deliver homes that are:
Functional and future-ready
Visually stunning
Built with precision and care
📞 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or explore material samples.
We’re here to build your dream — with the right materials, the right advice, and the right team.
