Timber Look Batten Facade for the “Piano House”

Situated on an 880 square metre plot in the Melbourne inner-city suburb of Kew, this property is a dream realised for its residents. The result of years of planning the execute the vision of owners Daniel and Lidia, this knock-down and rebuild is the physical embodiment of their passions, desires and aspirations.

Fittingly dubbed ‘the piano house’ by the lead designer on the project, Virginia Blue of Blue Fruit Interior Architecture and Design, the focal point of the residence is its habitants’ love for music and books; at the heart of the home sits a piano room and library.

With the idea of transparency strongly defining the overall design, the use of glass and incorporation of voids across all levels connects various areas of the dwelling and creates an uninterrupted flow through the interior and exterior of the space.

The Challenge

Much like the distinctive aesthetic of the interiors, the exterior of The Piano House features a plethora or rectangular shapes. This necessitated careful consideration when it came to selecting the cladding for the facade. Building a back frame for a one-piece batten cladding solution was too complicated and would not work for the project.

Additionally, the homeowners had a specific vision for the style of window privacy screening they wanted to incorporate. In line with the theme of transparency prevalent throughout the house, the window screening had to align with the overall aesthetic; an opaque solution that obstructs the view was not an option. “We decided to use battens rather than opacity to screen selected windows early in the project," explained Daniel. "We love the concept - it’s much nicer than looking at an opaque white surface and not being able to see outside.”

Initially proposed by the designer, the homeowners quickly understood the appeal of the Covet product. Forging a strong relationship with Covet’s transparent and helpful team along the way, Daniel and Linda opted for Ever Art Wood concealed fix Kabebari cladding - the ideal match for all their needs.

The Solution

Covet’s Ever Art Wood Kabebari two-part batten system was the perfect solution for the job. The two-part concealed fix profile allowed for a straightforward installation - while mitred joints made it easy to wrap under the feature ‘boxes’ and on garage doors to provide the finished look.

The product also lent itself well to creating the kind of privacy screening the owners were after; the type that doesn’t obstruct the view and looks good close-up. The sleek, vertical lines of the Kabebari battens in the dark, deep Kakicha colour mirror the vertical lines of the acoustic panelling inside. Pairing perfectly with the overall colour scheme - they also create the seamless outside-inside flow that was desired. But the homeowners aren’t the only ones happy with the product. Lidia explains, laughing, “Lots of builders have driven past and stopped to ask ‘What is this product?’ We want to know more!”

Cladding Profile

Kabebari 30x50 Battens used on facade, screening and garage door

Colour

Kakicha

Fire rating

Performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1).

Photography: James Park