Why We Chose These Materials & What Makes Them Different
With every step of this build, we’re making choices that balance strength, sustainability, efficiency, and aesthetics. The cladding is no exception. Now that it’s nearly complete, we can finally see the character of our home coming to life!
It’s not just about how it looks (though we’re pretty stoked about that, too) – it’s about why we chose these materials and the long-term benefits they bring.
Why Bamboo Cladding?
Strength, Sustainability & Zero Maintenance
One of the biggest decisions was what to use for the primary cladding. After a lot of research, bamboo came out on top, and here’s why:
Sustainability
Bamboo is one of the most renewable resources available. Unlike traditional timber, which can take decades to grow, bamboo regenerates every five years. That means choosing bamboo helps reduce deforestation while still giving us the warmth and texture of natural wood.
Strength & Stability
Bamboo isn’t just a sustainable option—it’s incredibly dense and strong, making it highly stable and resistant to warping. Given Queenstown’s weather conditions, we needed something that would hold its shape and perform well long-term.
Fast, Efficient Installation
Concealed clip fixings give a seamless look without visible screws or fasteners.
Tongue and groove end joints make for faster installation, reducing labour time.
Short lengths make handling and transport easier while maintaining strength.
Maintenance-Free
This was a huge factor in my decision. Unlike traditional timber cladding, bamboo requires no finishing, sealing, or ongoing maintenance. You simply install it and walk away.
The beauty of bamboo is that it naturally silvers off over time, creating a weathered, rustic look that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. If you prefer a different tone, you can stain it at any point once it reaches your desired colour.
For me, this was the perfect solution—strong, sustainable, and low-maintenance.
Why Colorsteel?
A Durable, Maintenance-Free Choice
For the secondary cladding material, Colorsteel was an easy choice.
Built for the Elements
Queenstown’s climate can be tough—wind, snow, and UV exposure all take a toll on exterior materials. Colorsteel is designed to handle it all.
Aesthetic & Practical
No painting or finishing required—just install and forget.
Long-lasting durability, with resistance to corrosion and weathering.
The combination of Bamboo and Colorsteel strikes the perfect balance between natural warmth and modern resilience, making this home both functional and visually striking.
Diamond Clad Rib 50 stood our from the ordinary.
Choosing a profile that’s unique to Queenstown was important to me. I wanted something different, and the Diamond Clad Rib 50 profile fit the bill.
This profile isn’t commonly seen in the area, and I first spotted it on a Coromandel home. The moment I saw it, I knew:
"I’m using that."
It’s rolled up in Hamilton and adds a distinctive texture and depth to the building’s exterior, making it a standout feature in this build.
We’re at an exciting stage where all the choices we made in the design phase are now becoming real, tangible features of the home. The cladding was a major milestone, and now it’s time to turn our focus to the interior.
We’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment below!
Stay tuned for the next update as we bring the interior to life!
