Design guide

Classic and Distinct

Characteristics of Queenslander Houses

The Queenslander style home, born in the 19th century, holds a cherished place in the hearts of many Australians. Primarily found in Queensland and northern parts of New South Wales, its timber construction combined with iconic corrugated steel roofing evokes a sense of nostalgia and national pride. Elevated on stumps for airflow and flood protection, these homes not only address the practical needs of the region’s tropical climate but also resonate with memories of simpler times. Their wide verandas, ornate balustrades, and large sash windows serve as enduring symbols of Australian heritage, capturing the spirit and resilience of a bygone era.

Helping define Australia’s Queenslander Style

Lysaght products have shaped Australian architecture for over 150 years with its famous corrugated steel sheets playing a major role in the design of our homes. This product, now known as CUSTOM ORB®, has been used on many classic Australian structures, from homesteads and stables, to the outdoor dunny and our iconic water tanks.

This corrugated profile plays a significant role in the Queenslander style creating the traditional roofs we are most familiar with. While LYSAGHT® cladding profiles such as WEATHERLINE® also provide a low maintenance option to achieve the weatherboard wall style. Lysaght also offers the necessary gutters, fascia and downpipes that suit all variations of Queenslander homes.

Queenslander Style

The classic “Queenslander” is one of the most recognisable forms of architecture in Australia, with its unique styling evolving in response to the climactic conditions of sub-tropical Queensland.

The Queenslander emerged in the mid 19th century in response to the heat of the sub-tropical climate. Typified by freestanding weatherboard houses raised on stilts, the elevation provided much needed cooling and cross ventilation during the hot summer as well as avoiding occasional flooding caused by tropical rains.

Roofing and Walling

Australia’s iconic corrugated shape is the classic Queenslander roof style.

CUSTOM ORB®

Classic, versatile corrugated steel roofing or walling

Walling Only

LYSAGHT® walling products provide a contemporary alternative to traditional weatherboards, better suited to the harsh Australian climate.

MINI ORB®

A mini-corrugated wall cladding suitable for use in interior and exterior applications

WEATHERLINE®

Weatherboard style steel wall cladding

Complete the Look

Lysaght supplies a large range of traditional style rainwater goods including gutters, downpipes and rainheads specifically suited to Queenslander projects. These products are important details that will either need to blend in or contrast to your roofing or brickwork.

Gutters

QUAD

Classic shaped steel gutters adaptable to both modern & older style houses, patios, carports & sheds.

Colour the Queenslander Way

The exterior presentation of the classic Queenslander home draws from a wide palette of colours. Often with a main colour in a lighter tone to reflect rather than absorb the light, deeper shades are used to highlight or pick out decorative fretwork, doorways or window frames.

Traditional colours for roofing in Australia were deep burnt reds, rich greens or sand tones, often painted in stripes on bullnose verandahs. But most often it was the familiar muted silver tone of unpainted galvanised steel.

Downpipes and gutters, intended to blend in, were painted to match the wall colour and fascia, or in more decorative and ornate houses contrasting colours were used to highlight these elements as details of the design.

Contemporary Revival

Update your Queenslander home with a sophisticated modern palette.

Dover White™

Surfmist^®

Southerly^®

Shale Grey™

Windspray^®

Monument^®

Traditional Heritage

Restore the classic look of your Queenslander Heritage home with colours inspired by the Australian landscape.

Paperbark^®

Manor Red^®

Woodland Grey^®

Cottage Green^®

ZINCALUME^® steel

Heritage Galvanised Z600

The COLORBOND® steel colour swatches shown have been reproduced to represent actual product colours and finish as accurately as possible, but you should check your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing, since varying light conditions and technical limitations can affect colour tones and finish when viewed on screen. Availability of colours & finishes varies by region and profile.

Project Snapshot - Maitland Hospital

There’s a growing trend in the design and construction of public buildings to specify steel cladding for the considerable benefits it brings to the structure. Steel’s visual appeal, low maintenance qualities, ease of installation and warranty advantages, all make it an increasingly popular choice. Case in point being the new Maitland Hospital at Metford.

Case Study

CUSTOM ORB®

LYSAGHT® claddings a star feature of stunning beach home

Situated on McCauley’s Beach, one hour south of Sydney, this stunning beach home has undergone a multimillion dollar transformation.

Roofing

Contemporary

Embracing the Contemporary: Redefine Your Roof with Lysaght

In the heart of modern Australian living, contemporary architecture holds a mirror to our evolving lifestyle, reflecting simplicity, openness, and a harmonious blend with nature. Today, let's decode how contemporary roofing styles, characterised by their minimalist and sophisticated design, can transform your home into a modern sanctuary.