Veiled by a Unique Covet Batten Screen — Camberwell Residence by Neil Architecture
Camberwell Residence sees Neil Architecture breathe fresh life into an existing brick home in Melbourne, defined by a new batten façade that contributes privacy, texture, and an enduring materiality to the streetscape.
Nestled into the residential fabric of Melbourne’s east, where a combined heritage and contemporary vernacular unfolds, Camberwell Residence showcases the timber-like batten system, Ever Art Wood®, by Covet. Adding both privacy and a textural element, the cleverly designed and engineered aluminium battens optimise honed technology to create a façade that will endure. The screen takes shape in reference to the gable silhouette of the home, both reinforcing its geometry and providing a shielded front to its street. Covet’s Ever Art Wood® batten cladding system has enabled the creation of a durable and low maintenance sleeve that frames the clean lines of the home beyond.
Utilising the Kabebari Battens at 30mm x 50mm, Camberwell Residence sees the Kuri Masame textured finish colour complement Neil Architecture’s intended architectural language. Key to the home’s identity is the relatively closed face presented by the batten façade, which, aside from the front entry, remains unpunctuated by windows or other apertures. At once delicate and controlled, the screen veils the home that rests behind, giving little sense of what lies within. The lightweight nature of the battens, at approximately 700gm per lineal metre, was critical to achieving this result, enabling the architects to encase the tilting garage door to create the seamless consistency that defines the Camberwell Residence.
Camberwell Residence showcases the timber-like batten system, Ever Art Wood®, by Covet.
Comprised of aluminium, the Kabebari battens utilised offer a two-part profile system, allowing for ease of installation. Ranging in width, depth and spacing, the battens are tested to comply with Australian Standards and are fire rated. Designed to be fitted directly to any structure with concealed fixings, Covet employs innovative technology and design to take the traditional timber batten to another level. Through its state-of-the-art factory and manufacturing process, Covet is able to control the quality, precision and accuracy of each batten, reducing issues on site and throughout the installation process.
Neil Architecture has created a sleek, muted façade to the home’s residential envelope. Enhanced by the movement of natural light filtering through the battens, Camberwell Residence maximises privacy and texture to create an intriguing new family home.
