CSR Cemintel’s BareStone pre-finished facade panel and fixing system was selected for use on Bernard Hockings’ latest project - a 100% self sufficient eco house based in Newcastle.

BareStone, part of the CeminSeal family of products, is a cladding system which incorporates the CeminSeal waterblocking technology.

The two storey, three bedroom house includes a composting toilet and greywater treatment system to handle all sewerage on site. A 40,000 litre underground rainwater tank is incorporated in the building foundations and will supply all household water needs.

Photovoltaic panels and a 2kW wind turbine will generate approximately 150% of the building’s electricity needs with excess energy fed into the grid. Good passive solar design achieved a 9 star thermal rating and when needed, heating can be provided by a solar heated hydronic system, and active cooling will be provided by using the underground water tank as a heat sink.

With its 9mm compressed fibre cement panels, BareStone provides a weathertight, durable, low maintenance cladding system.

“The top hat sub-frame provides a ventilated cavity which improves thermal performance and keeps condensation away from the timber frame, and the CeminSeal technology gives me confidence that the panels will be stable, watertight and mould free. The fact there is no render, paint or flush jointing allows for faster, cleaner and more economical construction,” adds Bernard.

In addition, at the end of its life, the exposed fittings and express joints mean that the house can be dismantled instead of demolished.

Some of the other building materials used include 90% recycled content concrete, VOC free paints made from recycled engine oil, concrete blocks that act as carbon sinks, HDPE plumbing and boron treated hoop pine timber frames.

“The house is contemporary in style, built with terracotta tiles on the upper storey walls and oiled external timber. BareStone is the principal cladding, which gives the finished building a raw and earthy look - it’s a natural finish and a sharp, modern trend,” believes Bernard.

For more information on Barestone, visit www.cemintel.com.au