Matrix™ Cladding

Overview

Matrix™ Cladding is an exterior cladding system with a clean, modern expressed-joint look. The 8mm smooth panels pair with a 10mm express joint to create geometric shapes — square, vertical, horizontal, and brick-pattern layouts — giving facades a bold industrial aesthetic. Panel sizes suit different stud spacings, and the cavity construction design improves thermal performance and achieves higher R-values.

Matrix can also be used for interior feature walls: paint the express joint a dark colour to accentuate lines and shapes. For a bespoke designer mixed-materials look, combine Matrix with other James Hardie products such as Stria and EasyLap for contrast.

Browse the complete James Hardie fibre cement range to find complementary cladding products for your project.

Best for Matrix™ Cladding

• Architects and designers seeking a panelised, industrial-modern aesthetic
• Commercial and multi-res facades where large-format geometry suits the scale
• Interior feature walls — residential or commercial
• Cavity wall construction where improved thermal R-values are desired
• Mixed-material façades combining Matrix with Stria™

Selecting the Best Panel Size

Match panel format to stud layout

• 590 x 2390mm panels suit standard 600mm stud spacing
• 1190 x 1190mm square panels create a bold, large-format tile effect
• 2990 x 1190mm sheets maximise coverage and minimise joints on tall facades

Express joint colour strategy

• Dark joint colour (e.g. charcoal, black) maximises geometric drama
• Matching or neutral joint colour for a subtler, monolithic appearance

Why Builders and Designers Specify Matrix™

For thermal performance questions or if you're building in a BAL zone, our team can advise — get in touch via our quote request .

• Non-combustible fibre cement — suitable for BAL and commercial façade applications
• Cavity wall system improves insulation performance alongside wall insulation products
• Large 2990 x 1190mm sheet reduces joints and speeds up installation on big facades
• Suitable for interior and exterior — one product, two applications

Installation Notes That Prevent Callbacks

Confirm the stud spacing matches your chosen panel format before ordering.

• Set out joint lines from both sides of each elevation to keep the grid balanced
• Use the correct colour-matched jointing compound for express joints
• Follow the cavity detail: use compliant cavity battens and a suitable wall wrap

Related Products

• Stria™ Cladding — shiplap boards with deep horizontal grooves

• EasyLap™ Panel — traditional lap-style cladding

• ExoTec Façade™ Panel and System — non-combustible panel for commercial builds

• Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding — smooth flat-wall finish

Can Matrix™ Cladding be used on interior walls as well as exterior facades?

Yes — Matrix is one of the few cladding products in the James Hardie range that works well both outside and inside. For interior feature walls in living areas, foyers, and commercial spaces, the express joint creates a striking geometric pattern. Paint the joint a contrasting colour (typically dark grey or black) to maximise the graphic effect. For a cohesive look, you can continue the same Matrix panel from an exterior facade into an internal feature wall.

What panel size should I choose for my project?

Panel size should match your stud spacing and the visual scale of the facade. The 590 x 2390mm panel is the most versatile and suits standard 600mm stud spacing — a good default for residential builds. For a bolder, large-format effect on taller or wider elevations, the 1190 x 1190mm square creates a dramatic tile-like geometry. The 2990 x 1190mm sheet is the most efficient for large commercial facades where minimising joints is a priority. Check your framing plan before ordering, as the panel must align with structural fixings.

Does Matrix™ require sarking or wall wrap behind it?

Yes — like all cavity-construction cladding systems, Matrix should be installed with a compliant wall wrap behind the cladding. The cavity system integral to Matrix helps with drainage and thermal performance, but a moisture-permeable wall wrap from our foils and membranes range is still required under NCC condensation management provisions. This is especially important in Perth's coastal zones.

Is Matrix™ non-combustible? Can I use it on Class 2–9 buildings?

Matrix Cladding is a fibre cement product and is non-combustible. However, the full system's compliance for Class 2–9 NCC applications depends on the overall wall assembly, not just the panel. If you need a fully assessed, deemed-to-satisfy non-combustible facade system for a multi-storey or commercial project, ExoTec Façade™ Panel and System is the more appropriate choice as it is specifically engineered and tested as a complete system.

How do I achieve a consistent 10mm express joint across the whole facade?

Use purpose-made joint spacers during installation to hold the 10mm gap consistently before fixing. Set out the grid from a centre line on each elevation rather than starting from one edge — this keeps joints balanced at corners and openings. A coloured sealant or shadow-forming backer rod in the correct colour makes a significant visual difference. If you're unsure about quantities or system components, request a quote and our team can assist.

Can I get Matrix™ delivered to a Perth building site?

Yes — Aussie Plasterboard stocks Matrix Cladding panels at our Osborne Park warehouse and delivers to sites across Western Australia. We carry all three panel formats. For project quantities and staged deliveries, submit a quote request online with your panel sizes, quantities, and delivery address.