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If you’re looking for a cladding solution that delivers design flexibility, thermal performance, and proven durability, lightweight cladding systems deserve a close look. And in Australia, one name has been synonymous with this technology for over four decades: Unitex.
The Unitex Base Board lightweight cladding system is an External Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) that combines structural cladding, insulation, and a rendered finish into a single, integrated assembly. It’s CodeMark certified, Australian made, and used on everything from contemporary homes to award-winning commercial projects.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Lightweight Cladding System?
Traditional cladding options – brick veneer, concrete panels, fibre cement sheet – each have their place. But they come with trade-offs: weight, thermal performance, installation complexity, or design limitations.
Lightweight cladding systems take a different approach. They use an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core as the structural base, which is then coated with reinforced render and a decorative finish. The result is a cladding assembly that’s:
- Significantly lighter than masonry alternatives
- Thermally efficient by design (the EPS core provides insulation)
- Highly versatile in terms of shapes, profiles, and finishes
- Faster to install than many traditional options
The Unitex Base Board system has led this category in Australia since the 1980s, with continuous refinement based on local conditions and building requirements.
Unitex Base Board: Cavity and Non-Cavity Options
One of the key decisions when specifying lightweight cladding is whether to use a cavity or non-cavity system. Unitex offers both, each suited to different applications.
Non-Cavity System
The non-cavity system fixes the Base Board directly to the structural frame (typically timber or steel). It’s simpler to install and well-suited to:
- Residential projects in lower-exposure environments
- Applications where wall thickness is a constraint
- Budget-conscious projects where a cavity isn’t required by code
Cavity System
The cavity system incorporates a drained and ventilated air gap between the Base Board and the structural wall. This cavity:
- Provides a drainage path for any moisture that penetrates the outer skin
- Allows ventilation to help dry the wall assembly
- Adds an extra layer of protection in high-exposure locations
The cavity system is typically specified for coastal areas, high-rainfall regions, and multi-storey construction where moisture management is critical.
Both systems are covered under Unitex’s CodeMark certification, giving builders and certifiers confidence in compliance.
Why Builders Choose Unitex Base Board
After more than 40 years in the Australian market, Unitex Base Board has built a reputation based on real-world performance. Here’s what sets it apart:
CodeMark Certified
The Unitex Base Board system holds CodeMark certification – an independent, third-party verification that the system meets the requirements of the National Construction Code. This simplifies the approval process and gives certifiers confidence in the product.
BAL-Rated Options
For projects in bushfire-prone areas, Unitex offers Base Board configurations rated to BAL-29 and BAL-40, helping you meet bushfire compliance requirements without sacrificing design intent.
Thermal Performance
The EPS core isn’t just lightweight – it’s an effective insulator. By wrapping the building envelope in continuous insulation, Base Board systems reduce thermal bridging and help achieve energy efficiency targets.
Design Flexibility
Because the EPS can be shaped and profiled, Base Board systems allow for architectural details that would be difficult or expensive to achieve with rigid cladding materials. Curves, reveals, bullnoses, and custom profiles are all possible.
Australian Made
Unitex manufactures Base Board products in Australia, which means local quality control, shorter lead times, and support from a team that understands Australian building conditions.
The System Components
A Unitex Base Board system is more than just foam and render. It’s an integrated assembly of purpose-designed components:
Base Board panels – The EPS core, available in various thicknesses and profiles, pre-primed and ready for installation.
Mechanical fixings – Screws and washers designed to secure the panels to timber or steel frames without thermal bridging.
Base coat render – A polymer-modified render applied over the panels to create a durable, reinforced base layer.
Fibreglass mesh – Embedded in the base coat to add tensile strength and crack resistance.
Finishing render or texture – The decorative final coat, available in a wide range of Unitex textures and finishes.
Accessories – Corner beads, starter tracks, expansion joints, and sealants to complete the installation.
Each component is designed to work together. Mixing products from different manufacturers compromises the system’s performance and warranty coverage.
Common Applications
Unitex Base Board systems are used across a wide range of project types:
- Residential new builds – Contemporary homes seeking a rendered aesthetic with thermal performance
- Renovations and additions – Adding to existing homes without overloading the structure
- Multi-residential developments – Apartments and townhouses where weight, speed, and compliance matter
- Commercial projects – Retail, hospitality, and office buildings requiring design flexibility
- Architectural features – Decorative facades, entrance statements, and custom profiles
The system’s versatility makes it a go-to choice for architects and builders who want options without complexity.
Getting Started with Unitex Base Board
Whether you’re specifying for a new project or exploring options for a renovation, Unitex’s technical team can help you select the right system configuration.
View the Unitex Base Board Lightweight Cladding System for full specifications, technical documents, and installation guides.
Find a Stockist to source Unitex products near you.
Contact Unitex for technical advice or to request a quote.
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