Uni-Shape® Profiles & Columns

Architectural Detail Without the Weight

Traditional masonry columns, cornices, keystones, and window surrounds carry real penalties: weight, cost, installation complexity, and long lead times for custom profiles. For builders and applicators who want to deliver architectural character without those trade-offs, the Uni-Shape® range from Unitex offers a practical, proven alternative.

Uni-Shape® profiles and columns are manufactured from expanded polystyrene (EPS), pre-coated and finished at the Unitex manufacturing facility in Dandenong, Victoria. They are significantly lighter than concrete or fibrous plaster equivalents, easier to handle and install on site, and compatible with the full Unitex render and texture system for a consistent, durable finished result.

The range covers virtually every decorative facade element required for contemporary and traditional residential architecture — from simple window sills and flat bands through to full column sets, parapets, keystones, corbels, pilasters, and balusters. With subcategories across 29 profile types and hundreds of individual SKUs, Uni-Shape® is one of the most comprehensive lightweight architectural profile ranges available in Australia.

The Uni-Shape® Range — Subcategories

Columns and Column Sets

Uni-Shape® columns are available as full column sets (combining base, shaft, and capping) or as individual components. The range covers classical proportions and profiles suited to both traditional and contemporary residential architecture. Column sets are available in multiple diameters and heights, with bases and cappings to match. The lightweight EPS construction makes column installation practical even at upper-storey heights where handling heavy masonry alternatives would be difficult and hazardous.

Window Architraves and Window Sills

Window detailing is one of the most visible elements of a residential facade. Uni-Shape® window architraves and sills provide consistent, crisp framing around openings — a detail that is difficult and expensive to achieve with traditional render alone, but fast and straightforward with pre-formed profiles. The window architrave range includes 67 profile options; the sill range includes 38. Standard and custom configurations available.

Parapets

The Uni-Shape® parapet range includes 67 profiles covering a wide variety of capping and parapet configurations for flat rooflines, boundary walls, and elevated facades. Parapets finish rooflines cleanly and provide weather protection to the top of wall assemblies. The lightweight EPS construction simplifies installation at height and reduces structural load on the wall system.

Stringers

Horizontal banding elements that add visual depth and articulation to large wall surfaces. Uni-Shape® stringers are available in 48 profiles, ranging from simple flat bands to more complex projecting moulding profiles. Stringers are particularly effective on two-storey facades where a horizontal element breaks the wall plane and adds scale and interest.

Pier Capping and Fence Capping

Purpose-designed capping profiles for fence piers and fence tops. Pier capping is available in 15 profiles and fence capping in 11 — covering the range of fence pier sizes and styles commonly used in residential construction. Lightweight, weather-resistant, and compatible with the full Unitex render and texture system.

Keystones

Decorative keystones for arch and window head detailing. The Uni-Shape® keystone range includes 16 profiles in a variety of sizes and projection depths. Keystones add a classical decorative accent that is difficult to achieve economically with any other system — Uni-Shape® keystones install quickly and render seamlessly with the surrounding wall.

Corbels

Projecting bracket profiles for decorative and visual structural detailing. Uni-Shape® corbels are available in 7 profiles and are used to support the visual weight of overhanging elements, eaves detailing, or projecting features. A versatile element for both traditional and transitional architectural styles.

Pilasters and Pilaster Sets

Flat or projecting pilaster elements for doorway framing, facade articulation, and visual column effects on flat wall surfaces. Available as pilaster bases, pilaster caps, pilaster shafts, and full pilaster sets — with 20 set configurations and individual component options. Pilasters create the visual impact of classical architecture without the structural implications of real columns.

Balusters, Arches, Flat Bands, Dentil, and More

The Uni-Shape® range also includes balusters (4 profiles), arches and sweeps (4 profiles), flat bands (3 profiles), dentil moulding (7 profiles), orbs (2 profiles), dormer windows (2 profiles), patraes (2 profiles), plaques (4 profiles), plynths (5 profiles), quoins (6 profiles), fireplaces (4 profiles), headers (2 profiles), and vents (6 profiles) — covering the full vocabulary of residential facade detailing.

Why Builders and Applicators Choose Uni-Shape®

Significantly Lighter Than Traditional Alternatives

EPS-based architectural profiles weigh a fraction of their concrete or fibrous plaster equivalents. That weight difference matters at upper-storey heights, where handling heavy profiles is a safety issue and a productivity drain. Uni-Shape® profiles can be lifted, positioned, and fixed by one or two people without mechanical assistance, reducing labour time and improving site safety.

Faster Installation

Uni-Shape® profiles are pre-formed to shape and pre-coated, requiring no site fabrication. Installation involves adhesive fixing, mechanical fastening where required, and render integration — a straightforward process for any experienced applicator. Compared to forming and plastering traditional masonry profiles, Uni-Shape® is dramatically faster, which has direct implications for project programme and labour cost.

Seamless Integration with the Unitex Render System

Because Uni-Shape® profiles are manufactured using EPS and a polymer render coating — the same materials used in the Unitex Base Board cladding system — they integrate seamlessly with Unitex base coat renders and texture finishes. The render bonds consistently across the transition between profile and wall, producing clean, crack-free detailing. There is no interface incompatibility, no risk of differential movement cracking, and no need for complex joint detailing.

Design Flexibility

The breadth of the Uni-Shape® range — 29 profile subcategories, hundreds of individual SKUs — means that virtually any facade detail can be achieved. Where a standard profile is not exactly right for a project, custom profiles are available. The Unitex technical sales team can discuss custom profile requirements and advise on feasibility and lead times.

Australian-Made, Consistent Quality

All Uni-Shape® profiles are manufactured at the Unitex facility in Dandenong, Victoria. Local manufacturing means consistent product quality, reliable supply, and direct technical support from the production team. There are no long import lead times, no quality variation between production runs, and no uncertainty about product availability.

Specifying and Ordering Uni-Shape® Profiles

For projects requiring specific profiles, Unitex recommends involving the technical sales team at the specification stage. The team can confirm profile selection from project drawings, advise on render and finish compatibility, and provide a complete materials list for the architectural detailing scope.

Uni-Shape® products are available for pickup at Unitex Render Warehouse (URW) branches in Oakleigh South (VIC), Seven Hills (NSW), and Dry Creek (SA), open from 6:00am Monday to Friday. For project quantities or custom profile enquiries, call 1800 RENDER (1800 736 337) or email sales@unitex.com.au. Use the Request a Quote form on the Unitex website to submit drawings and project details for a written estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions — Uni-Shape® Profiles & Columns

Can Uni-Shape® profiles be used with any render system?

Uni-Shape® profiles are designed for use with the Unitex render and texture system. While the EPS substrate is compatible with many polymer render products, using Unitex base coat renders and finish coats over Uni-Shape® profiles ensures adhesion compatibility, consistent performance, and warranty coverage. Using non-Unitex products over Uni-Shape® profiles is not recommended and affects warranty validity.

Are Uni-Shape® profiles suitable for exterior use?

Yes. Uni-Shape® profiles are designed for exterior facade applications. Once rendered and finished with Unitex products, the profiles are weather-resistant and durable. The polymer render coating applied at the factory provides initial protection and a keyed surface for base coat render adhesion. As with all exterior cladding systems, correct installation and render integration are essential for long-term performance.

Can Uni-Shape® profiles be painted rather than rendered?

Unitex recommends that Uni-Shape® profiles are integrated into the render and texture system rather than painted directly. A direct paint application over EPS without a render base coat does not provide adequate weather protection or durability. For projects where paint finish is required, apply the appropriate Unitex base coat render first, then finish with a Unitex protective topcoat or compatible exterior paint system.

Are custom profiles available?

Yes. Where a standard Uni-Shape® profile does not meet project requirements, custom profiles can be produced. Custom profile enquiries should be directed to the Unitex technical sales team, who can assess feasibility, confirm dimensions and lead times, and provide a quotation. Custom profiles typically have minimum order quantities — confirm these requirements before specifying.

How are Uni-Shape® profiles fixed to the wall?

Uni-Shape® profiles are typically fixed using a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners, following the Unitex installation guidelines. Fixing method depends on the profile type, size, and location (ground level vs elevated). The Unitex technical sales team and Application Manuals cover fixing requirements for each profile type. Correct fixing is essential for long-term security, particularly for projecting elements at height.