Cladding for Prime Time – Cemintel on The Block

Contestants on The Block, needed a cladding solution that was both stylish and practical, which is why they chose Cemintel.

There is a particular skill in adding character to buildings – those carefully thought-out details and exterior elements that turn a house into a home. The five houses that make up The Block in 2021 are an eclectic mix of designs located in a cul-de-sac in the Melbourne suburb of Hampton and each has its own individual style.

A cozy outdoor patio with white furniture and cushions overlooks a small swimming pool surrounded by lush plants. The area is covered by a white pergola with skylights. A barbecue area is visible in the background. The space exudes a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Three of the five houses featured in the 2021 season have chosen Cemintel cladding to complete their facades, with each achieving a clean, sophisticated look that is markedly different to the other.

A modern backyard features a swimming pool surrounded by lush green plants. The background shows a white house with large sliding glass doors, outdoor seating with wicker chairs, and a patio area. The sky is clear and blue.

Side yard of a house with white siding, featuring a small lawn area bordered by a wooden fence. A tall shrub is planted near the house, and an air conditioning unit is visible next to the shrub. The area contains a small lawn and some plants.

Adding integrity – House Two
Reimagined, House Two has the feel of a pretty country cottage, clad in Cemintel’s Headland. The Headland product is a classic style of weatherboard cladding. Easy to install, the weatherboards are pre-primed and ready for painting, which Mitch and Mark chose to finish in a crisp mint paint.

“It is a pretty cottage now; it wasn’t before,” says The Block Architect, Julian Brenchley. “It was just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Cemintel really does suit the heritage nature of the house with the weatherboards. It’s not just one element though. It becomes part of a composition. Using the Headland profile was a good choice, together with the roofing, the guttering, the eaves and the Dutch gables. Everything sort of hangs together as a piece.”

A modern outdoor patio with wooden flooring features two armchairs and a small table. The covered patio has a large skylight and offers a view of a lush garden with a swimming pool. Sliding glass doors lead to the indoor space, and a wall-mounted lamp provides light.

A light blue house exterior with a white front door and surrounding windows. The door has a gold handle, and above it is a flower-like detail on a small window. A black lantern hangs on the wall beside the number "4", and a plant is partially visible on the left.

Mid-century marvel – House 3
Tanya and Vito’s mid-century style home was the only home on The Block that retained some of its original character, which the colourful couple were keen to preserve and capitalise on with their choice of finishes.

Their exterior features another Cemintel product, Edge Cladding. Also known as vertical join (VJ) panelling, Edge cladding delivers the look of the 1960s with a modern twist, it is fast to install and comes ready for painting.

A modern single-story house with a dark exterior and large windows. The front door is bright yellow, and there is a hanging chair on the porch surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubs and plants. The driveway is paved, and the sky is clear and blue.

Modern house exterior featuring large windows and a unique angular roof. The vibrant front door is painted yellow with a round window, and the adjacent garage door is turquoise. The landscaping includes neatly trimmed bushes and a small garden.

Tanya and Vito chose a dramatically dark paint on their facade to create contrast against the huge windows and bright yellow door, relying on the vertical boards for textural interest. Added contrast was supplied by the choice of PGH Bricks’ Morada range for the front fence, which has a streamlined appearance that pays homage to the modern vibe of the home.

The Hamptons Look – House Five
Kirsty and Jesse chose Cemintel’s Balmoral weatherboards for House Five, which celebrates the very popular Hamptons look.

A modern dark green garage door with four small circular windows arranged in a horizontal line near the top. The door is part of a dark-colored building exterior with smooth vertical paneling. The ground in front of the door is made of concrete.

A small white shed with a slanted roof and two windows covered with wire mesh. The shed has a door with a diagonal brace and is adorned with two wall-mounted lantern-style lights. It is situated in a grassy backyard with a white fence and greenery nearby.

Brenchley says “Cemintel really is a strong product and quite well regarded. It’s a really good fit when you’re looking to include character in the way of a heritage style and the Hamptons look. It plays really well into that weatherboard look, if that’s what you’re going for. There are a lot of options in terms of board width and profiles to achieve anyone’s heart’s desire.”

“I think at the end of the day the primary driver is for me to make sure there’s a bit of value,” explains Benchley. “That’s where these CSR products are so good.”

>> Watch how Cemintel brought The Block to life in 2021 …

A large poster featuring a lush tropical rainforest scene is mounted on the exterior wall of a building. The illustration includes various vividly colored birds, large green leaves, and different plants, all depicted in a detailed and vibrant style.

A modern backyard features an elegant white house with large windows and a dark metal roof. A cozy covered patio includes outdoor furniture and a tall copper chimney. The landscaped yard has a fenced pool area, enhancing the luxurious outdoor space.

The image shows a modern, two-story white house with a black-tiled roof, surrounded by a well-kept garden. A path leads to the entrance, flanked by neatly trimmed bushes. Children's toys are scattered on the lawn, hinting at a family home. A white pergola is partially visible on the right.

A young olive tree in a ribbed white pot and a taller leafy plant in a smooth white pot stand in front of a white paneled wall. The minimal and modern setup provides a serene outdoor or indoor environment.

A modern wall-mounted black lantern light illuminates the white exterior wall of a house, positioned above an intercom system. The wall also features a small palm tree decoration and a brass number "1". A potted plant with broad green leaves stands nearby.