Choosing an external cladding system is an important decision for any architectural or construction project. The selected material needs to complement the building's design while also fitting the project's structural, environmental, installation, and maintenance requirements.

For contemporary Australian architecture, V25 Interlocking Panels provide an adaptable metal cladding option for walls and soffits.

The system is available in several metals and allows architects to customise panel widths, joint dimensions, and installation direction.

Understanding the V25 Interlocking Panel System

V25 is an interlocking panel system developed for architectural wall cladding and soffit applications.

Its defining characteristics include a flat panel appearance, clean linear detailing, and expressive joints between panels.

Rather than creating a façade dominated by visible fixings, the system is designed to provide a smooth architectural surface with concealed fixing.

This makes it particularly suitable for contemporary buildings where façade simplicity is an important design objective.

Where Can V25 Panels Be Used?

V25 is specifically suited to wall cladding and soffits.

Potential applications include:

Residential Buildings

Modern houses and extensions can use V25 to create feature façades, entrances, upper-level walls, and soffits.

Commercial Buildings

Offices, retail properties, hospitality developments, and other commercial structures can use metal cladding to establish a strong architectural identity.

Feature Façades

V25 can be used selectively rather than across an entire building. Combining metal panels with concrete, glass, brick, or timber can create visual contrast.

Soffits

The system can also be used for soffit applications where a clean linear finish is desired.

Material Selection Matters

Different metals provide different appearances and characteristics.

Roofing Group's V25 range includes zinc, copper, aluminium, COLORBOND®, Corten, and stainless steel.

The right choice depends on the project's architectural goals and technical requirements.

For example, zinc and copper can develop natural patinas over time, while aluminium can provide a lightweight painted finish. COLORBOND® offers a broad range of established Australian colours, while Corten is known for its weathered appearance.

Creating Different Façade Patterns

A major benefit of an interlocking panel system is that the installation pattern can become part of the architectural design.

V25 panels can be arranged horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Architects can also use staggered joints or varying panel widths to create different visual effects. Roofing Group describes combinations of varying widths and staggered or splayed applications as options for achieving a long, thin, flat appearance.

This flexibility means the same product can be adapted to very different architectural concepts.

How Panel Width Influences Appearance

Panel width can influence the perceived scale and rhythm of a façade.

Narrower panels can create more frequent vertical or horizontal lines, while wider panels can produce a more open visual appearance.

Roofing Group lists standard V25 panel widths of 190 mm, 290 mm, and 390 mm depending on material and thickness, with other widths possible for specific design requirements.

However, panel width should not be selected purely for appearance. Thermal movement and the potential for oil-canning also need to be considered.

What Is Oil-Canning?

Oil-canning refers to visible waviness that can occur in lengthy flat metal panels.

Roofing Group explains that the degree of oil-canning can vary depending on factors such as panel length, colour, alloy, gauge, substrate conditions, and sunlight exposure. It is considered an aesthetic characteristic rather than an indication of panel performance.

This is an important consideration when specifying long, flat architectural panels.

Designers should discuss panel dimensions, material selection, colour, substrate, and exposure conditions with the cladding supplier before finalising the specification.

Understanding the Installation System

V25 panels are installed onto a top-hat substructure.

Roofing Group's technical information specifies continuous wall top hats or studs at maximum 600 mm spacing, with panels fixed directly to the top hats at maximum 600 mm distances. A waterproofing membrane beneath the top hats is recommended.

The exact wall build-up should be determined according to the requirements of the individual project.

Rainscreen and Ventilation

A façade needs to manage exposure to weather as part of the overall building-envelope design.

V25 is classified as a rainscreen system, allowing water to flow while helping prevent water from entering the wall panel structure. The system also provides natural ventilated airflow.

Roofing Group recommends a breathable vapour membrane behind the top-hat substructure to provide an additional line of defence against water ingress while allowing the building envelope to breathe.

Thermal Movement and Flashings

Metal expands and contracts as temperatures change.

This is why detailing is an important part of an architectural cladding project.

Roofing Group specifies that flashings associated with the V25 installation should use concealed fixing methods and allow for thermal expansion.

Planning these details during the design stage can help avoid installation problems later in the project.

Reducing Material Waste

Efficient material use is another consideration when selecting a cladding system.

V25 panels can be adapted in width to fit openings, which Roofing Group identifies as one way the system can minimise material wastage.

Accurate site measurements and early coordination between the architect, builder, fabricator, and installer are still essential for achieving efficient material use.

Why Early Design Consultation Is Valuable

Architectural cladding should ideally be considered during the design stage rather than after the building has already been detailed.

Early consultation allows architects to discuss:

• Panel widths

• Material selection

• Joint sizes

• Installation direction

• Substructure requirements

• Flashing details

• Thermal movement

• Ventilation

• Waterproofing

• Openings and interfaces

Roofing Group states that it works closely with architects during design stages to provide expertise regarding installation and technical details.

Is V25 Right for Your Project?

V25 can be a strong option when a project requires:

• A modern architectural appearance

• Flat metal cladding

• Expressed joints

• Flexible panel widths

• Multiple material options

• Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal installation

• Concealed fixing

• Rainscreen construction

However, material selection and detailing should always be based on the specific project's location, design, exposure, structure, and applicable requirements.

Conclusion

V25 Interlocking Panels provide architects and builders with a flexible approach to contemporary metal wall cladding.

From material selection and panel width to joint design and installation direction, the system offers multiple ways to customise a façade.

With appropriate technical planning and installation, V25 can help create clean, distinctive architectural exteriors for residential and commercial projects across Australia.

For architects and builders considering an interlocking metal cladding system, reviewing the V25 technical details early in the design process can help ensure the chosen solution matches both the visual concept and project requirements.