Key Tips from The Block Winners and Design Duo, Alisa and Lysandra

Crafting an enduring and visually stunning home is an intricate dance between aesthetics and functionality, especially when it comes to choosing the right external building materials. Delve into the world of Alisa and Lysandra Fraser, the iconic Design Duo, as they embark on a novel journey in their latest Design Duo series.

This season is unlike any other. Alisa and Lysandra are on a mission to construct a stylish yet functional duplex. Venturing beyond the usual constraints of homeowners' personal tastes, the twins are each taking a side, building their own distinct family homes. This deeply personal undertaking provides a panoramic view of the performance of various building materials and their harmonious integration. Their informed choices spotlight the pivotal aspects every aspiring homeowner should consider.

1. Strength and Durability: Not every material is created equal, especially when you're a stone's throw away from the ocean. Alisa and Lysandra use LYSAGHT® steel cladding shaped from COLORBOND® steel because it has ben tested to withstand Australia’s varied conditions If you're closer to the ocean (within 100 metres from salt water), you might want to opt for COLORBOND® Ultra steel. And for those in extremely demanding saline or industrial environments? SUPERDURA® Stainless steel or PERMALITE® aluminium, known for their high corrosion resistance, are your best bets.

2. Aesthetic Appeal: The external materials you choose can drastically influence the look and feel of your home. According to Alisa and Lysandra, known for their meticulous eye for detail, "We have used ENSEAM® for its durability and contemporary design." Their choice emphasises the importance of selecting materials that not only look good and complement your home's overall design but also perform well over time. In this context, Lysaght's ENSEAM®, with its wide flat pans and substantial rib, offers a perfect example of how modern style can harmoniously blend with structural integrity.

3. Fire Resistance: Living in Australia, where bushfires can be a frequent occurrence, fire-resistant materials are key. Steel, offers excellent fire resistance compared to traditional materials like wood, this adds an extra layer of safety for your home.

4. Cost: Budget plays a significant role in your choice of external materials. While some materials like steel and concrete may come at a higher upfront cost, their durability often results in lower maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.

5. Climate Considerations: The location and climate of your home will significantly influence your choice of materials. When embarking on a new project, Alisa and Lysandra will always factor in the local weather conditions when selecting their materials. Steel isn't just tough—it's smart. Its lightweight and solar reflective properties ensure optimal thermal insulation, keeping homes cooler in summer. This means lower air-conditioning bills. Moreover, thinking of solar power? Steel roofs, be they pitched or flat, are ideal companions for solar panels, making installation a breeze.

6. Future Planning: Thinking about your home's potential resale value? Then your selection of materials should also appeal to potential buyers. Lysaght offers a wide range of steel profiles manufactured from COLORBOND® steel available in various finishes and colours helping homeowners create a unique look that stands out.

Remember that choosing eco-friendly materials like steel, which is 100% recyclable and can add to energy-efficient designs, is not just good for the environment but also helps homeowners make energy savings. Echoing this sentiment, Alisa and Lysandra note, "Steel is a highly recyclable material, making it eco-friendly, and not to mention, it looks amazing."

When undertaking your journey to select external building materials, lean on expert advice and remember to consider your unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're renovating your home or building from scratch, making the right material choices can ensure you create a safe, durable, and attractive home that stands the test of time.

Learn more about our LYSAGHT ENSEAM®.