Project Overview

The owner of a rental property in Bayview, Auckland was seeking a low maintenance solution for a bathroom renovation project. The existing bathroom was unsuitable for a rental situation due to poor ventilation, and had been neglected by previous tenants. By using James Hardie Invibe panel as a pre-finished wall lining, the owner was able to achieve a low-maintenance, durable solution and a lustrous look for the bathroom.

A Senior Draughtsperson for Paul Brown Architects, Chris Ross acted as both the client and architect of this bathroom renovation; designing the bathroom makeover and installing the panels himself. Despite his previous experience incorporating James Hardie products into his designs, the DIY project was not without its challenges.

The James Hardie Solution

James Hardie Invibe panel was applied to the interior bathroom walls, including the enclosed shower area.

"The use of a pre-finished panel seemed to be the best solution for this area. It is easy to clean and resistant to general stains, bacteria and mould – in other words it is tenant-resistant," explains Ross.

The ChromaShield 200 series coating provides an impervious surface barrier to moisture, and the cement-composite substrate is a homogenous material that is resistant to damage from moisture, providing a double shield of durability.

"Another benefit to using this product is that it adds a splash of colour to the bathroom."

Ross selected gloss panels in Rouge and Stone for an 'on trend' finish. "The gloss finish not only provides a modern, industrial-feel to the bathroom, it has actually increased light levels in the area," adds Ross.

Invibe panel is quick to install as it does not require a base substrate for installation and can be silicone butt-jointed or installed with the ARChitectural range of aluminium mouldings, creating a variety of different looks and saving time and money.

Using the Invibe panel installation manual as a starting point, Ross worked with James Hardie representatives to modify the installation to better suit the project.

"The final solution was to use a timber profile to cap the top of the panel and notch the back to receive the vertical jointer. This solution achieved a crisp edge against the Invibe panel and meant the Invibe panel could be installed much more easily."

Ross is delighted with the high quality of finish he has achieved with Invibe panel. "It is an amazing product to have in my home, and while it lends itself well to an industrial-type application, I would recommend it to all types of clients."