Awarua Street

This modern Awarua Street home featured contemporary cladding systems that required specialist knowledge to paint correctly. The property included a combination of vertical timber cladding, plaster panels, and aluminium joinery, each requiring different preparation and paint system approaches to achieve optimal adhesion and longevity. The existing paint had faded unevenly, particularly on sun-exposed elevations, creating an unsightly appearance that needed addressing.

Modern architectural homes present a different set of challenges from traditional weatherboard properties. The design intent here relied on the interplay between different material textures and tones — vertical timber cladding alongside flat plaster panels is a deliberate composition, and how you treat those materials as a painter directly affects whether the architecture reads as intended or becomes a muddy compromise. We approached this as a material-by-material project, not a one-system-fits-all job.

Our team brought specialist expertise in modern cladding systems, understanding the importance of allowing appropriate expansion gaps, using flexible sealants, and selecting paint systems compatible with each substrate type. We thoroughly cleaned all surfaces, addressed minor gaps and cracks with appropriate fillers, and applied suitable primers for each surface. The vertical timber cladding received Resene Woodsman stain for enhanced grain visibility and UV protection, whilst plaster areas were finished with Resene Lumbersider paint. The contrasting finishes — a semi-transparent stain on timber and a solid paint on plaster — created visual interest whilst the premium products ensure excellent weather resistance and colour retention.

The aluminium joinery required careful attention at the junctions with both the timber and plaster cladding. These junctions are common water entry points on modern homes, and we resealed all of them with a neutral-cure silicone sealant rated for exterior use before painting up to the edges. This is detail work that doesn't show in photos but makes a significant difference to how long the overall system performs.

The homeowners were impressed with our knowledge of modern building materials and the care taken to use appropriate products for each surface type. The refreshed exterior now showcases the home's contemporary architecture whilst providing confidence in long-term protection. For similar projects involving modern cladding systems, our expertise ensures proper product selection and application techniques. Learn more about our exterior painting services.