A Fresh Slant on Vertical-Look Cladding – Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding

Words by Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar
Images Courtesy of James Hardie

Vertical cladding is increasingly finding favour for its clean lines and modern aesthetic. Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding by James Hardie – the largest global manufacturer of fibre-cement products – presents form-enhancing shiplap boards that achieve the popular style with ease.

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding reimagines exterior treatments by elevating façades with clean lines and geometric precision. At 14 millimetres thick, each fibre cement shiplap board is built to be robust, with deep, wide grooves and one square edge and angled edge. Available in 200-millimetre and 300-millimetre widths, Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding presents designers and builders with an array of installation options, from simple repetition of one width for clean lines and simplicity, to an alternating rhythm or artful staggered combination of the two widths delivering a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.

Pre-primed and ready to paint, Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding delivers equal lessons in form and function.

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding sets a precedent as James Hardie’s maiden exterior cladding product with a slanted groove edge. The design adds dimension to a façade by delivering a dynamic dance of sunlight and shadow, projecting the illusion of a light-shifting exterior, and can be tailored to achieve a particular aesthetic. When installed vertically, Hardie™ Oblique Cladding can be arranged to inspire a range of styles, including Scandi barn, contemporary and modern farmhouse. Aesthetic considerations aside, the new horizontal Hardie™ castellated battens simplify the installation of the boards in a vertical orientation and can also ensure adequate ventilation and drainage through the groove cavities. To simplify application, the boards are crafted in 4200-millimetre and 2750-millimetre lengths; the former is suggested for taller builds and steeply pitched gables, affording continuity of form and minimising the need for horizontal joints, whilst the 2750-millimetre length is ideal for common wall heights.

Pre-primed and ready to paint, the collection delivers equal lessons in form and function. Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding is deemed non-combustible and conforms to Bushfire Attack Level requirements. It can also achieve a Fire Resistance Level of up to 60 minutes when used as part of the Hardie Smart Fire & Acoustic Wall System. Additionally, the cladding is also CoreMark-certified and adheres to the requirements of the NCC when installed correctly. The cladding’s made with Hardie™ fibre cement composition keeps it safe from termites, rot and moisture. Likewise, it is designed to withstand coastal conditions and other harsh climates.

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding reimagines exterior treatments by elevating façades with clean lines and geometric precision.

With a low-risk specification and quality finishes, Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding provides an appealing vertical cladding solution for contemporary homes. Suited for both existing houses and new constructions, Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding offers a bold exterior statement.