Knauf, a global leader in building materials, has launched the Permarock Residential External Cladding System in Australia, bringing to market a premium external wall solution designed specifically for the needs of residential builders, architects, and building designers. The new system expands on the Permarock range, offering a lightweight, water-resistant, and mould-resistant solution that is certified non-combustible under AS 1530.1-1994 and meets the evolving demands of the Australian residential construction sector and the country’s climate.
The system is best suited for builders, building designers, and contractors working on detached houses, townhouses, and low-rise residential developments up to three storeys. It provides a premium solution for professional installation where design flexibility and compliance are non-negotiable.
The release of this system marks a significant milestone for the Knauf Group’s Permarock brand, which has built a strong reputation globally for commercial exterior façade systems. The Australian construction market presents different requirements and opportunities, as approximately 80 per cent of new residential builds in Australia are timber framed.1 The Knauf Permarock Exterior Cladding System addresses that gap directly, offering a complete, tested system tailored for local conditions.
Michael Morrissey, country manager, Knauf Permarock Australia, said, “Knauf is excited to bring this innovative system to the Australian residential market at a time when builders and designers are actively seeking safer, simpler, and more compliant alternatives to conventional materials. The Permarock Residential External Cladding System is a standout solution that’s lightweight, easier to install than traditional materials, and mould- and mildew-resistant, making it suitable for any Australian region or climate. This is not just a product; it’s a solution backed by rigorous testing, on-the-ground expertise, and an end-to-end Knauf system architecture.”
The Permarock system can be cut, scored, and snapped easily for use, unlike other products on the market that rely on mechanical cutting tools and generate significant dust. This minimises respirable silica exposure, delivering a significant safety advantage on-site as the board contains less than one per cent respirable crystalline silica.
The system supports curved designs and can be installed to create seamless, monolithic walls with expansion joints required only every 15 metres, delivering a smooth finish without visible joints. This means builders, architects, and building designers can realise aesthetic ambitions that were previously out of reach for residential projects.
The Permarock Residential External Cladding System has been independently tested in Australia and certified to meet the National Construction Code’s (NCC) requirements for weatherproofing (F3V1 and H2V1). This includes wind pressure classifications up to N5, and the system is certified non-combustible under AS 1530.1-1994.
Key features and benefits of the Permarock Residential External Cladding System include:
easy cut, score, and snap installation
certified non-combustible under AS 1530.1-1994
less than one per cent respirable crystalline silica
no pre-drilling for fasteners
lightweight yet dimensionally stable and robust
water-resistant
mould- and mildew-resistant
curved wall capability down to 1m radius
expansion joints required only every 15m
suitable for timber frame construction with proprietary render or tile finishes
complete system including Knauf insulation and weather barrier.
Jarrod Thompson, director, Arken Built, said, “Knowing that we can go up to 15m without any expansion joints using the Permarock Exterior Cladding System was a big selling point. It’s easy to install and suitable for curved walls, which makes it the ideal choice for our projects.”
Michael Morrissey said, “The Permarock brand has been a quiet achiever in the Australian market for the past few years, with strong traction across indoor and commercial exterior applications. The launch of the new residential external cladding system signals a new chapter, giving Australian builders access to a complete, certified, and supported Permarock solution for residential façades for the first time. The new Knauf Permarock Exterior Cladding System expands the capabilities of the Knauf product range and cements the company’s commitment to supporting Australian customers at every stage of their project and changing how the world builds.”
The Knauf Permarock Exterior Cladding System is available now across Australia. Local support is available through Knauf’s specialist team, offering design guidance, site support, and technical documentation to help builders and designers achieve optimal results.
For more information visit: https://knauf.com/en-AU/knauf-gypsum/products-systems/product-range/permarock
ENDS
About Knauf Permarock
Knauf Permarock is a premium brand for cement board systems in the drylining industry. Known globally as AQUAPANEL, Permarock has changed the way people build and the way buildings look since its launch.
As the construction industry embraces new practices and technologies, Knauf Permarock continues to make a positive impact on the built environment and the lives of its customers. A sustainable solution, Permarock light-weight wall panels require less resource use in manufacturing when compared with traditional brick and block construction. Permarock’s dimensional stability and long lifespan help minimise whole-life costs, while 100% water resistance and inorganic material prevents formation and spread of mould and mildew ensuring longevity and hygiene of the building.
Offering exciting creative possibilities, Permarock empowers architects, investors, contractors, and installers to design and construct innovative buildings. With the technological advantages of Permarock, projects benefit from fast, safe, and cost-efficient builds.
Knauf is a global leader in building materials manufacturing. Its extensive product portfolio includes plasterboards, plasters, insulation materials, and external renders. Operating over 150 production sites worldwide, Knauf employs approximately 42,500 people, delivering innovative solutions to the construction industry.
