As medium density housing continues to rise in popularity alongside earthquake-prone TC2 and TC3 land in Christchurch, NZ Brick Distributors has recognised an opportunity to provide a lightweight cladding system to complement its brick business.

Designer Series Lightweight Panels are manufactured in Japan with earthquakes in mind. A modern, low maintenance and pre-finished cladding system, the Designer Series weighs at just 18.8kg per square metre. Available in large 3m x 455mm panels that are fixed mechanically to the building's exterior, it provides a dry and ventilated cavity similar to brick homes, assuring weathertightness.

The panels are available in seven distinct colours and textures, providing a unique selection of aesthetic finishes. Each panel even has matching pre-finished corners, making this a complete cladding system.

Designer Series Lightweight Panels are already being used on homes and light commercial jobs throughout New Zealand (see images above) – making this heavyweight veteran a real lightweight contender.