Kāhu is a high strength steel external wall cladding system designed to add elegance, strength and style to residential and commercial projects.
The system can be laid horizontally or vertically and features high ribs combined with a symmetrical profile for strength and rigidity. When installed vertically as a wall cladding, Kāhu may be direct-fixed up to a risk score of 12 when risk calculation relies on the E2/AS1 risk matrix methodology.
Kāhu has a double capillary overlap which provides greater weather performance. For wall cladding applications, the exposed capillary groove on the overlap can be omitted, providing a smoother appearance.
The grade of steel used to fabricate Kāhu has been manufactured in accordance with AS 1397-2001 and meets B1 and B2 of the NZBC. Kāhu steel is non-combustible meeting C3.4(a), C3.5, C3.7(a) of the NZBC. In addition, the wall cladding system meets E2/AS1 of the NZBC.
Since being launched, the Kāhu external wall cladding system has been installed in a range of residential and commercial projects including for high-performance cladding at Lemonwood Grove School in Christchurch. In the school's design, the ribs create strong defined shadow lines and the double capillary barrier provides exceptional weather performance, while the chosen colour palette reflects the school's identity.
Kāhu is available in a sheet width of 950mm and a cover width of 875mm. The system is available in Colorsteel Endura and Colorsteel Maxx in a range of colour options — from subtle blacks, greys, browns and whites, through to eye-catching reds and greens.
The system has been load span tested to AS/NZS 1170.2 at the Metal Rollformers Manufacturers Associations testing facility in Huntly, New Zealand.