Nelse Lodge Alpine Resort
Rear Ventilated Facade System
Location: Falls Creek, VIC, Australia
Application: Façade retrofit in an alpine climate
System: CROSSFIX stainless-steel substructure
The solution needed to accommodate an uneven substrate while allowing for rear ventilation and external insulation, without compromising thermal performance or increasing thermal bridging.
This project demonstrates how a rear ventilated façade system can be applied to high-performance reclad applications across Australia.
view the full project
Project Overview
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550 sqm façade reclad combining Lysaght Custom Orb sheeting with re-purposed cedar planks.
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Recladding an existing in-situ concrete building in Victoria’s alpine region presented façade deviations of up to ±100 mm.
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Severe alpine conditions required improved U-values and decreased thermal bridging
The Challenge
Recladding Nelse Lodge presented a complex alpine facade retrofit scenario. The existing in-situ concrete structure featured facade deviations of up to 100 mm, requiring a facade substructure system capable of accommodating irregular substrates without compromising performance.
Located in Falls Creek, VIC, the project is exposed to extreme alpine conditions, including snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and high UV exposure. These environmental factors demanded a rear-ventilated façade system that could support long-term durability while improving thermal performance.
Minimising thermal bridging was also critical to achieving improved U-values, particularly in a high-altitude building where energy efficiency directly impacts operational performance.
Crossfix in action
CROSSFIX is a rear-ventilated façade system designed as a stainless steel façade substructure for high-performance building envelopes.
The Solution
The CROSSFIX stainless steel facade substructure system was selected to deliver a fully adjustable and thermally efficient support structure for the new facade. Designed as a rear-ventilated facade system, CROSSFIX enables continuous airflow behind the cladding, reducing moisture risk and improving long-term building performance.
Adjustable stainless steel brackets allowed installers to correct existing structural inconsistencies while maintaining precise facade alignment across both vertical and horizontal assemblies.
In combination with external insulation and a weather-resistant barrier, the system significantly reduced thermal bridging compared to traditional aluminium substructures. This contributed to improved U-values and enhanced energy efficiency for the building.
The result is a robust, compliant facade substructure system designed for high-performance applications in demanding alpine environments.
Project results
View the Full Project Deck for more details on the facade
Speak to a facade specialist
Contact Polyplas’ CROSSFIX® specialist, Sam Adams, today to discuss how CROSSFIX® could elevate your next project.