Ventilated cavity wall system

Abstract

A ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements comprises structural cavity battens which exclusively provide horizontal structural support the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system. [Figure 1] 20 25 20 10 19 14 F eb 2 02 5 4 1 2 0 2 5 2 0 1 0 1 9 1 4 F e b 2 0 2 5 1 / 11 1 / 11 100 112 112 142 140 120 FRONT 118 150 120 160 129 150 120 FIG. 1 20 25 20 10 19 14 F eb 2 02 5 1 / 1 1 1 4 F e b 2 0 2 5 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 0 2 0 2 5 2 0 1 0 1 9 T P 1 1 8 1 5 0 1 2 0 1 6 0 F R O N T U P 1 2 9 1 5 0 1 2 0

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to building construction, and more particularly to ventilated cavity wall construction in residential buildings for managing water drainage and cavity 5 ventilation in such construction, and an associated method of constructing such a ventilated cavity wall construction, particularly a wall section having vertically installed cladding elements. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as 0 an express or implied admission that such prior art is widely known of forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Cavity wall construction is a known building technique, originally developed for masonry wall construction, to prevent moisture migration into the interior of a building through a porous masonry material. In the original construction technique, two masonry walls were constructed with an air gap 15 or cavity in-between. The outer wall formed the exterior skin of the building and was exposed to the weather, and the inner wall formed the interior lining of the building. Any moisture that penetrated through the outer masonry wall was captured in the cavity and could not directly migrate into the interior of the building and affect the comfort levels of the building’s inhabitants.

[0004] As building techniques evolved and lightweight construction methods became available, cavity 20 construction techniques were adapted for use in lightweight wall construction, particularly in residential construction methods. In all cavity construction, whether masonry or lightweight construction, moisture management is necessary to prevent water accumulation in the cavity and drainage mechanisms should be provided to achieve this. Various techniques for moisture management have been used in lightweight cavity construction techniques, including using discontinuous batten sections 25 to ensure there are gaps for any accumulated water to drain, or using moulded polymeric battens with channels formed into the body of the batten. Both approaches limit the battens to a non-structural role in the cavity wall construction.

[0005] In a typical lightweight cavity construction technique, continuous battens made of timber or other materials were used to form a gap or cavity between the exterior cladding layer and the structural 30 substrate of the building (usually provided by the frame). These battens were not structural, and support for the cladding relied on the strength of the fasteners that fixed the cladding through the battens and into the frame. As a result, existing techniques for vertical cladding installation on timber 2025201019   20 May 2026 stud wall frame systems require non-structural battens to be supported directly onto structural horizontal noggins of a timber wall frame section. The vertically installed cladding is then indirectly attached to the frame via a direct connection to the battens supported on the noggins through fasteners of suitable strength, e.g., hand nailed fibre cement nails for a concealed fixation of or brad nails in the 5 case of face fixation some interlocking fibre cement claddings.

[0006] Steel wall frame sections have become popular, particularly in areas prone to high termite risk. However, while incorporation of horizontal cladding installation onto steel wall frame systems can be achieved through fixation of cladding directly onto the steel frame, vertical cladding installation on steel cavity wall frame systems is more challenging, inefficient and costly, due to the requirement for frame 0 modification or retrofit to include structural horizonal support members or additional support members onto which non-structural cavity battens can be fitted in a fashion mirroring the horizontal installation technique. These difficulties therefore limit cost effective options for consumers desiring vertically installed cladding on their residential building facades.

[0007] Provision of means for allowing efficient and cost-efficient vertical panel installation onto 15 lightweight cavity wall frame systems would be welcomed by customers and building professionals.

[0008] Further, provision of structural battens which would not require placement on additional structural noggins which must be provided where a non-structural batten is used in applications where vertical installation of cladding elements is required would be desirable.

[0009] Provision of structural battens that could be joined off-stud would be desirable. 20

[0010] Indeed, ventilated battens with structural capability and that provide an integral role in the strength of the wall, while accommodating in-service loadings such as wind loading, while in parallel providing a moisture management and cavity ventilation role would be desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 25

[0011] In a first aspect, there is provided a lightweight ventilated cavity frame external wall system as set out in claim 1.

[0012] In a second aspect, there is provide a ventilated structural cavity batten suitable for a lightweight ventilated cavity metal frame wall system, the batten as set out in claim 12.

[0013] In a third aspect, there is provide a use of a ventilated structural cavity batten as set out in 30 claim 14. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0014] Also described herein is a lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system with vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements, the system comprising: - a timber or metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one or two horizonal structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section, wherein the timber or metal stud 5               wall frame section comprises two or more ventilated structural cavity battens affixed onto at least two vertical studs of the stud wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame; and - two or more rectangular cladding elements, each affixed to the ventilated structural cavity battens of the ventilated cavity wall system in a vertically installed orientation, 0           wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0015] Also described herein is a lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system with vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements, the system comprising: - a timber or metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one or two horizonal 15               structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section, wherein the timber or metal stud wall frame section comprises two or more ventilated structural cavity battens affixed onto at least two vertical studs of the stud wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame; and - two or more rectangular fiber cement cladding elements, each affixed to the ventilated 20               structural cavity battens of the ventilated cavity wall system in a vertically installed orientation, wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system; and 25           wherein adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens are joined together off-stud.

[0016] Desirably, the wall frame section comprises two or more battens joined together in an off-stud joining manner. More details of this embodiment are provided below.

[0017] In some embodiments, each ventilated structural cavity batten has a framing member (i.e., a rear face of the batten) contacting surface area arranged substantially parallel to the wall frame section 30 having an associated through batten cross section plane which is substantially perpendicular to the wall frame section, wherein the framing member contacting surface has a surface area greater than a 2025201019   20 May 2026 cross-sectional surface area of the through batten cross section plane. Advantages of this arrangement are discussed below.

[0018] Desirably, the ventilated structural cavity battens of the cavity wall system substantially provide, mainly provide, and in some cases exclusively provide horizontal structural support for the 5 vertically installed cladding in the cavity wall system, preferably where the wall frame is a timber or a metal (e.g., aluminium or steel) frame. It will be understood that this is contrast to conventional systems where existing structural noggins in a standard framing configuration support vertically installed cladding elements via horizontally disposed non-structural battens provided on the existing structural noggins, and / or, where additional structural noggins to support mounted non-structural battens for 0 vertical cladding installation are added to a standard framing configuration via frame modification or retrofitting. Advantageously, the ventilated structural cavity battens described here mean that no additional structural noggins (added through standard frame modification or retrofitting) or at least substantially fewer additional (added through standard frame modification or retrofitting) structural noggins are required to support vertical installation of the cladding elements. This is due to the 15 structural properties of the ventilated structural cavity battens described herein. As no, or at least reduced, standard frame modification retrofitting with additional supporting noggins or other cladding supporting means is required to support vertical cladding installation, the system of the invention provides advantages in terms of efficiency improvements and cost reduction where vertically cladding installation is required for lightweight ventilated cavity wall frame systems. 20

[0019] Desirably, the framing member is a stud, such as metal stud or a timber stud, preferably a metal stud such as a steel stud or an aluminium, having a flange region onto which the batten is mounted. Steel studs are particularly preferred over aluminium studs, e.g., for cost reasons.

[0020] Desirably, the ventilated cavity wall system involves a lightweight cavity construction, e.g., timber frame or metal frame cavity walls. 25

[0021] Also described herein a ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements, the system comprising: - a timber or metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one or two horizonal structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section, wherein the wall frame section comprises two or more ventilated structural cavity battens affixed onto at least two vertical 30           studs (e.g., metal or timber) of the wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the wall frame section, and - two or more rectangular cladding elements, each affixed to the ventilated structural cavity battens in a vertically installed orientation, 2025201019   20 May 2026 - wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0022] Also described herein is a method of installing a lightweight ventilated cavity frame exterior wall system, the method comprising the steps of: - affixing two or more ventilated structural cavity battens according to the invention onto at least two vertical studs of a provided timber or metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one centrally disposed horizontal noggin per stud bay for frame stability, or no more than two horizontal noggins disposed towards the top and bottom regions of a stud bay of the wall frame section for frame stability, wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens are affixed in a predetermined location in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame section; and - affixing two or more fiber cement cladding elements onto the ventilated structural cavity battens in a vertically installed orientation, - wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural 15               support for the vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0023] Also described herein is a method of installing a lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system, the method comprising the steps of: - affixing two or more ventilated structural cavity battens onto at least two vertical studs of a 20              provided timber or metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one or two horizonal structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section, wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens are affixed in a predetermined location in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame section; and - affixing two or more fiber cement cladding elements onto the ventilated structural cavity 25                battens in a vertically installed orientation, - wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0024] Also described herein is a ventilated cavity wall system comprising: 30       - a wall frame section comprising a frame or stud structure and a wall surface; - a building membrane provided across the wall surface of the frame or stud structure; 2025201019   20 May 2026 - two or more ventilated structural cavity battens, each fixed to the wall frame section in a predetermined position, and each batten comprising: • a frame directed (i.e., rear face) comprising a ventilation plane; • a cladding directed face (i.e. front face) comprising a drainage plane; 5               • a body thickness (i.e. depth); and • an inclined top face which slopes downwards from the frame directed face to the cladding directed face of the batten; -   at least two rectangular cladding elements, each fixed to at least two ventilated structural cavity battens in a vertical orientation, each rectangular cladding element comprising: • a rear face; • a front face; and • a pair of opposing profiled side edges comprising a complementary interlocking edge profile; and - a ventilated cavity, formed between an exterior side of the building membrane of the wall frame 15           section and the frame directed face of the at least two rectangular cladding elements, the cavity depth defined by the body thickness of the ventilated cavity battens, and wherein the two or more ventilated structural cavity battens are fixed to the wall frame section over the exterior side of the building membrane, such that the ventilation plane of each batten is in contacting engagement with the wall surface of the wall frame section and allows 20            air flow to ventilate the cavity, and wherein the at least two rectangular cladding elements are each fixed to the drainage plane of at least two ventilated structural cavity battens, and wherein the inclined top face of each ventilated structural cavity batten prevents prevent water accumulation on the top face of the batten through direction of water to drain 25           through the drainage plane of the batten, and wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens together have sufficient structural strength to support the weight of the cladding, and wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall 30          system. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0025] Also described herein is a ventilated structural cavity batten comprising: - a cladding facing face and a wall frame directed face with different cladding facing face and wall frame facing face height dimensions that result in an inclined top face which slopes away from the wall frame directed face to the cladding directed face at an angle of 5              about 70 to about 86°, wherein the first face height dimension ranges from about 50 mm to about 90 mm, and the second face height dimension ranges from 40 mm to about 80 mm; a batten depth (thickness) of from about 35 mm to about 50 mm, a ventilation plane formed from castellations provided on the wall frame directed face and comprising a series of alternating recesses and merlons, the recesses about 20 mm to about 30 mm wide and about 4 mm to about 8 mm deep, and the merlons spaced apart by about 50 mm to about 100 mm, and - a drainage plane formed from a series of spaced apart grooves provided on the cladding directed face, wherein the grooves are about 3 mm to about 10 mm wide, and about 3 mm 15             to about 10 mm deep, wherein adjacent grooves are spaced apart at about 150 mm.

[0026] Also described herein is a use of a ventilated structural cavity batten as defined herein as a substantially horizontal structural support means for vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in stud wall frame section of a lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system, wherein the stud wall frame section is a timber or metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one or two horizonal 20 structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, the disclosure provides a use of ventilated structural cavity battens as substantial horizontal structural support means for vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in stud wall frame section of a lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system, wherein the stud wall frame section is free of additional / retrofitted noggin members or comprises less 25 additional / retrofitted noggin members than in an equivalent conventional constructed ventilated cavity frame wall system.

[0028] For clarity, the substantial, main and in some cases exclusive horizontal structural support provided by the ventilated structural cavity battens to the vertically installed cladding elements as described herein means minimal or at least reduced amounts of, and in some cases no additional 30 framing modification (e.g. inclusion of structural horizontal noggins, and / or other vertically installed cladding supporting means) is required support vertically installed cladding elements. Instead, the cladding support is substantially, mainly and in some cases exclusively provided by the ventilated structural cavity battens. Generally speaking, typically no more than about one or two horizonal structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section are required for frame stability (or varied required under local building code regulations) which corresponds to no more than one centrally disposed noggin per stud bay, or two noggins disposed towards the top and bottom regions of a stud bay. By contrast, if non-structural battens are used, additional non-structural batten supporting 5 structural noggins (onto which non-structural noggins are mounted) may have to be provided on the frame at the required batten spaces for a vertical cladding installation application in question (such as batten spaces of 450 mm, 600 mm or 900 mm along the full length of the non-structured batten). The cost and time savings compared to the conventional system requiring additional noggins to provide three or four horizonal structural noggins per stud bay is apparent. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0029] Desirably, the wall frame section is a timber stud or a metal stud frame, preferably aluminium or steel stud frame.

[0030] It should be understood that the framing member or stud contacting surface of the batten corresponds to a rear face (i.e., a frame directed face) of the batten when installed in the ventilated cavity wall system of the invention. This arrangement will be readily understood from the drawings 15 provided herein.

[0031] For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning. Thus, it is understood that it should be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also non specified components. Accordingly, the term ‘comprise’ is to be attributable with as broad an interpretation as possible and this rationale should 20 also be used when the terms ‘comprised’ and / or ‘comprising’ are used.

[0032] Further aspects or embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25

[0033] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. From figure to figure, the same or similar reference numerals are used to designate similar components of an illustrated embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of the ventilated cavity wall construction of the present disclosure, with a steel frame building substrate; 30

[0035] FIG. 2A shows a top view of a ventilated structural cavity batten of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional end view of a ventilated structural cavity batten of the present disclosure; 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0037] FIG. 2C shows a cross sectional top view of a ventilated structural cavity wall construction of the present disclosure with adjacent cladding interlocking edge profiles;

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ventilated structural cavity wall section according to the present disclosure; 5

[0039] FIG. 4A shows perspective view of an off-stud join formed between two adjacent ventilated cavity battens, using strip nail plates as the joiners;

[0040] FIG. 4B shows perspective view of an off-stud join formed between two adjacent ventilated cavity battens, using metal strapping as the joiners;

[0041] FIG. 4C shows perspective view of an off-stud join formed between two adjacent ventilated cavity battens, using support nogging as the joiners;

[0042] FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of positioning of joiners on the angled top face and on the bottom face of a ventilated structural cavity batten in an off-stud join;

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of a ventilated cavity construction according to the present disclosure, with a timber frame building substrate; and 15

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a method of constructing a cavity wall section according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] All dimensions stated in this disclosure, e.g., relative to the frame elements, studs, batten and 20    / or batten elements should be read to include a normal machining or cutting tolerance of ± 1 % of the maximum stated dimension is normal. For example, for dimensions under 50 mm, a ± 0.5 mm normal process variation (tolerance) may occur. For dimensions between 50 mm and 500 mm that may be up to ± 5 mm, and for dimensions of more than 1 metre a tolerance of ± 10 mm per metre may be expected. These tolerances are intended when the term ‘about’ is used in respect of a stated 25 dimension.

[0046] The invention provides a ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements. The ventilated cavity wall system includes a wall frame section comprising two or more ventilated structural cavity battens affixed onto at least two vertical framing members of the wall frame section. It will be understood that for vertical installation of cladding elements, the ventilated structural 30 cavity battens are positioned on the wall frame in a substantially horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the wall frame section. Two or more ventilated structural cavity battens can be affixed to the wall frame, depending on the dimensions of the frame, and local building regulations concerned with an applicable structural standard, for example, wind classification (e.g., AS4055 in Australia). Each ventilated structural cavity batten has a framing member or stud contacting surface located at the rear face of the ventilated structural cavity batten. When installed in the wall system, the 5 rear face of the ventilated structural cavity batten is arranged substantially parallel to the wall frame section. Advantageously, the ventilated structural cavity battens of the wall system substantially provides, mainly provides, and in some cases exclusively provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system of the invention. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0047] Desirably, the ventilated structural cavity batten may further comprises a batten crosssectional through plane which is a non-contacting surface (i.e., does not contact the frame / stud or the cladding) arranged substantially perpendicular to the framing member / stud wall frame section, wherein the framing member / stud contacting surface has a surface area greater than the crosssectional surface area of the batten cross sectional through plane. Desirably, the framing member / stud contacting surface has a surface area greater than the surface area of the non-contacting surface. 15 In the wall system of the invention, the ventilated structural cavity battens are used to stably support two or more rectangular cladding elements, each affixed to each ventilated structural cavity batten present in the system in a vertically installed orientation.

[0048] Desirably, the framing member is a stud, such as metal stud or a timber stud, preferably a metal stud such as an aluminium or steel stud, having a flange region onto which the batten is 20 mounted. Metal and in particular steel studs are desirable as the system of the invention operates in a way such that standard metal frame modification or retrofitting to include structural noggins or the like is not required, or alternatively, a reduced or less extensive modification or retrofit with fewer horizontal structural noggins is required, due to the structural performance of the battens described herein and the role of the battens as exclusive provider of horizontal structural support for the vertically 25 installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0049] A ‘reduced modification or retrofit’, where carried out, means a limit of about only one or two additional horizonal structural noggins per stud bay of the wall frame section, e.g., one centrally disposed noggin per stud bay, or two noggins disposed towards the top and bottom regions of a stud bay. By contrast, where non-structural battens are used for vertical cladding installation, the non-30 structural batten supporting structural noggins would have to be provided at the required batten spaces for the application in question, such as batten spaces of 450 mm, 600 mm or 900 mm, that is, about three or four horizonal structural noggins per stud bay. Preferred application avoids the need for standard frame modification or retrofitting or provision of other and / or additional means for further supporting the cladding elements beyond the structural battens used herein. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0050] Desirably, the wall frame section is a non-modified / non-retrofit or a reduced modification / retrofit wall frame system, which is substantially, mainly, or in some cases completely free of additional structural noggins. The reduced modification or retrofit frame will comprises less additional structural noggins members to be added to a conventionally / standard wall frame which meets building code regulations in order to structurally support vertical cladding installation. In some embodiments, the cavity wall frame system of the invention is completely free of additional structural noggins and / or other vertically cladding supporting means, over those conventionally provided to produce a stable frame that meetings building code requirements. In preferred embodiments the wall frame is substantially, mainly and in some cases completely free of non-structural battens, particularly those supported on horizontal structural noggins. It will be understood that for a metal frame, horizontal structural noggins are equivalent to bracing elements.

[0051] In either case of (metal or timber) cavity wall system of the invention, in some embodiments, if structural noggins or additional structural noggins are present, in preferred embodiments, the ventilated structural cavity battens described herein are not required to be not mounted onto some or 15 all of the structural noggins or additional structural noggins. That is, such a wall frame, to the extent structural horizontal noggins or additional structural horizontal noggins or other cladding supporting means are present, the wall frame may comprise ventilated structural cavity battens located in off noggin positions. Desirably, all ventilated structural cavity battens may be present in off noggin positions. 20

[0052] Thus, in preferred embodiments, the invention provides a ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements, the system comprising: -   a non-modified, non-retrofit or a reduced retrofit metal wall frame section comprising two or more ventilated structural cavity battens affixed onto at least two vertical metal studs of the wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the wall frame 25          section and - two or more rectangular cladding elements, each affixed to the ventilated structural cavity battens in a vertically installed orientation, and optionally wherein the vertically installed cladding elements are provided with surface features such as patterns, decoration and / or textures; 30           wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0053] The meaning of a ‘reduced modification or retrofit’ wall frame section is described above. A non-modified or non-retrofit frame is a conventional / standard form build to meet minimal building 2025201019   20 May 2026 standard code / regulations for a particular application that has not had additional cladding supporting means supplied thereto.

[0054] Desirably, the wall frame section comprises two or more ventilated structural cavity battens joined together in an off-stud joining. More details of this embodiment are provided below. 5

[0055] In alterative preferred embodiments, the invention provides a ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements, the system comprising: - a timber wall frame section substantially, mainly or completely free of additional horizontal structural noggins or having a reduced number of horizontal structural noggins compared to an equivalent conventional timber wall frame, the timber wall frame comprising two or more ventilated structural cavity battens affixed onto at least two vertical timber studs of the wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the wall frame section; and - two or more rectangular cladding elements, each affixed to each ventilated structural cavity batten in a vertically installed orientation, and optionally, wherein the vertically installed 15           cladding elements are provided with surface features such as patterns, decoration and / or textures; wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[0056] A standard / conventional timber wall frame is one fabricated to meet specification of a 20 particular appliable building code or regulation.

[0057] Desirably, the timber wall frame section comprises two or more battens joined together via off-stud joining.

[0058] In either wall frame types, desirably the batten to frame fasteners are preferably those described in Tables 1 to 4 (face fixing fasteners), while the desired cladding element to frame fasteners 25 are preferably those described in Table 5 and 6 (concealed face fixing). Ventilated Structured Cavity Batten Dimensions

[0059] Desirably, wherein each ventilated structural cavity batten has a framing member (i.e., a rear face of the batten) contacting surface area arranged substantially parallel to the wall frame section having an associated through batten cross section plane which is substantially perpendicular to the 30 wall frame section, wherein the framing member contacting surface has a surface area greater than a cross-sectional surface area of the through batten cross section plane. Advantages of this arrangement are described below.

[0060] In some embodiments, a preferred batten has a frame directed face (corresponding to the rear face in the accompanying figures) with a face height dimension which is which is 45 mm or greater, preferably 50 mm or greater, preferably 60 mm or greater, preferably 65 mm or greater, preferably 70 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the face height dimension ranges from about 50 mm to about 5   90 mm, preferably, from about 60 mm to about 80 mm, more preferably from about 65 mm to about 75 mm, most preferably about 70 mm. 2025201019   20 May 2026 15

[0061] In some embodiments, a preferred batten has a cladding directed face (corresponding to the front face in the accompanying figures) with a face height dimension which is which is less than the face height dimension of the batten. For example, where the frame directed face has a face height dimension as specified in the preceding paragraph, the cladding directed face has a face height dimension of 35 mm or greater, preferably 40 mm or greater, preferably 50 mm or greater, preferably 55 mm or greater, preferably 60 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the face height dimension ranges from about 40 mm to about 80 mm, preferably, from about 50 mm to about 70 mm, more preferably from about 55 mm to about 65 mm, more preferably about 60 mm, most preferably about 64 mm.

[0062] It will be understood that the differences in height dimension between the frame facing face and the cladding facing face manifest in the inclined top face of the batten described herein. Preferred batten face heights may be selected to provide an inclined / sloping top face having an angle of from about 70 to about 86 degrees (°), preferably from 73 to about 83 degrees, most preferably about 80 20 degrees. Advantageously the inclined top face prevents water pooling.

[0063] In some embodiments, the ventilated structural cavity batten of the system of the invention has a depth (i.e., a thickness measured from edge to edge of the batten starting at an edge of the frame directed face) of from about 20 mm to about 50 mm, preferably about 20 mm to about 40 mm preferably from about 30 mm to about 40 mm thick, most preferably about 35 mm to about 45 mm 25 thick, most preferably about 35 mm or about 40 mm.

[0064] Particularly preferred examples of ventilated structural cavity battens have a frame directed face height dimension of about 70 mm, a cladding directed face height dimension of about 64 mm, and a depth / thickness of about 35 mm or about 40 mm.

[0065] It was surprising that the ventilated structural cavity battens having different frame directed 30 face and cladding directed face height dimensions would provide a batten with differing frame member / stud and cladding contacting surface areas that are sufficient to support cladding installation in a vertical orientation. It would have been expected that substantially equal frame member / stud and cladding contacting surface areas would provide the necessary support / stability for vertically installed cladding. Ventilated Structural Cavity Battens Substrates

[0066] In some embodiments, the ventilated structural cavity battens are formed from structurally graded timber. For structural battens and indeed other structural / load carrying building component, there are local, regional and / or national building standards and codes that may need to be adhered to. For example, in Australia, seasoned, kiln-dried radiata pine meeting at least the Australian F4 grading (or better) performance characteristics is a suitable material to ensure stable and safe vertical cladding installation when used in the system of the invention with the various system components and instructions provided herein. For an F4 grading in Australia, the particular timber should have a fifth percentile (lowest 5%) characteristic flexural strength of 12MPa, a fifth percentile characteristic shear strength of 1.3 MPa, and a fifth percentile characteristic Young’s Modulus of 6.1 GPa. AS1730.1 includes details of, or references to, the relevant tests methods for assessing these properties. AS1730.1 is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0067] However, in alternate embodiments, the ventilated structural cavity battens may be formed from other materials including fibre cement, metal, polymers, polymer blends, or polymer composite materials, so long as the materials selected and in the dimensions provided exhibit equivalent flexural strength and Young’s Modulus properties. Cavity Wall Frame Substrates & Wall Stud Features

[0068] In some embodiments, the framing element / stud wall frame section comprises a metal stud wall frame or a timber stud wall frame, preferably a metal stud wall frame comprising metal vertical studs which are steel studs, preferably, wherein the steel is at least 0.5 mm thick. Thicker steel will be more expensive but may better support high density cladding elements. Thinner steel may better suit lower density cladding elements.

[0069] In some embodiments, the stud wall frame section comprises a metal stud wall frame with metal studs (e.g., aluminium or steel studs) having a flange region contacting a frame directed face of an affixed batten, wherein the batten contacting flange region of the metal stud has a horizontal width of from about 30 mm to about 70 mm, preferably from about 35 to about 50 mm. For a steel framing, in preferred embodiments, the steel is 0.55 BMT G550 steel or 0.75 BMT G550 steel.

[0070] For timber studs, a minimum stud width of about 35 mm (batten contacting face of stud) may be used, but is less preferred in some embodiments as such narrow stud widths prohibits on-stud joining. It will be understood that for on-stud joining on timber, typically the minimum stud width is about 45 mm. For a timber stud wall frame, in preferred embodiments, the timber framing sections involve MPG10 grade timber, e.g., 90 x 45 mm MPG10 seasoned timber, graded in accordance with AS / NZS 1748.1. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0071] In alternate embodiments, ventilated structural cavity batten may be formed from other materials such as fibre cement, metal, polymers, polymer blends, and polymer composite materials. It will be understood that these alternative materials should be of similar structural strength to the structurally graded timber battens described herein, and particularly in the examples. 5 Preferred Cladding Elements

[0072] As explained above, while the cavity wall system of the invention is not strictly exclusive of conventional higher density cladding elements having a density of greater than 1.35 g / cm3, lower density cladding elements with a density of 1.35 g / cm3 are used in some embodiments of the system of the invention. Desirably, the cladding elements are formed from fibre cement, most preferably fiber 0 cement having a density below 1.35 g / cm3.

[0073] In some embodiments, the system uses cladding elements having a depth (thickness) ranging from about 7.5 mm to about 20 mm. In preferred embodiments, each cladding element is between 7.5 mm and 20 mm thick and each cladding element has a density below 1.34g / cm3.

[0074] Desirably, the cladding elements are provided in a plank or panel configuration, though 15 combinations of same can be used if desired. Elongated plank or panel configurations are particularly preferred.

[0075] In some embodiments, each cladding element has a front face width of from about 200 mm to about 450 mm in the case of a plank, and from about >450 mm to about 1200 to 1800 mm in the case of a mini-panel or standard panel. An installed system may involve cladding elements of the same 20 dimensions, or may involve classing elements of different dimensions of at least front face width which allows a broad range of cladding element design customisation.

[0076] In some embodiments, at least one cladding element may be formed from a different material to an adjacent cladding element.

[0077] In some embodiments, the cladding elements comprise complementary interlocking edge 25 profiles and adjacent cladding elements are installed in an interlocked engagement. In such cases the cladding elements can involve concealed fixing and / or face fixing to the structural batten of wall system of the invention. Both methods can be useful for installation in high wind geographical regions. Likewise, more or less face fixing positions may be utilised depending on where the system is geographically located. An example of concealed fixing may involve fastener placement through an 30 outer lip or flange of the interlocking edge profile which is then covered over on placement of a complementary interlocking edge of an adjacent cladding element. However, cladding elements with plain edges may also be used. In such cases the cladding elements will involve face fixing to the structural batten of wall system of the invention.

[0078] Suitable examples of cladding elements include Hardie™ Stria™ Cladding and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding, both of which are shiplap boards. Hardie™ Stria™ Cladding has a choice of widths at 325 mm or 405 mm. Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding has a width of 200 mm or 300 mm. Current non-structured battens are not suitable for vertically installation of these cladding elements without 5 mounting the non-structured battens onto existing structural frame noggins and / or onto additional structural noggins provided to the frame during a standard frame modification or retrofit process. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[0079] Advantageously, when the complementary interlocking edge profiles of adjacent cladding elements are brought together in interlocking engagement during installation to form a cladding envelope, a barrier to moisture ingress through the joint is provided in the cladding envelope without the need for joint sealant.

[0080] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the cladding elements can support one or more surface features, that is, a front face of at least one cladding element of the wall system of the invention comprises one or more surface features, e.g., selected from patterns, textures, decorative images, and / or applied surface layers. Preferably such surface features are applied to fiber cement cladding 15 elements having a fiber cement density of below 1.35 g / cm3. Such preferred fiber cement surface decorated low density cladding elements are particularly preferred in cavity walls systems involving metal (e.g. steel frames). Fasteners & Fixation Means Ventilated Structural Cavity Batten to Timber / Steel Frame Fastening 20

[0081] Desirably, suitable affixation of the ventilated structural cavity battens of the system of the invention to seasoned MPG10 timber framing could be achieved by at least the following fastener types: 1No 14-10 x 75 mm T17 Batten Screws, 1No 10 g x 75 mm Treated Pine Screws, 2No 65 x 2.87 Galvanised Ring Shank Nail (limited to N3 / C1 AS4055 Wind classification). See Tables below. A standard gun nailer may be used. The batten should be secured at right angles to the framing section 25 with the fastener head flush with the surface of the batten. Fastener placed in vertical centre of the face of the batten.

[0082] Desirably, suitable affixation of the ventilated structural cavity battens of the system of the invention to steel framing could be achieved by at least the following fastener types: 2No 65 mm Iccons Super Shapy StructNail; 2No 14 - 10 x 75 mm Self Drilling Bugle Batten Screw; 2No 10-24 x 65 mm 30 Fine Thread Countersunk Self-Drilling Screw (not suitable on N4 / C2 wind category or greater. For N3 / C1, ventilated structured cavity batten spacing is 800 mm). See Tables below. For 0.75 BMY steel, predrilled bores can be used. As with the batten - timber specimens, the batten was secured at right 2025201019   20 May 2026 angles to the framing section with the fastener head flush with the surface of the batten. Fastener placed in vertical centre of the face of the batten. Cladding to Ventilated Structural Cavity Batten Fastening

[0083] Desirably, suitable face fixing of Hardie™ Stria™ Cladding and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding 5 elements to ventilated structural cavity battens of the system of the invention to seasoned MPG10 timber framing can be achieved by at least the following fastener types: 50 x 2.5 mm Ring Shank Coil Nails (single nail configuration N1, N2); ND 50 mm Stainless Steel Brad Nails (double nail configuration N1, N2), and Paslode 50 x 2.87 DekFast Nails (single nail configuration up to N3 / C1). See Tables below. 0

[0084] Desirably, suitable concealed fixing of Hardie™ Stria™ Cladding and Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding elements to ventilated structural cavity battens of the system of the invention to seasoned MPG10 timber framing can be achieved by at least the following fastener types: 40 x 2.8 mm Fibre Cement Nail, 50 x 2.5 mm Ring-Shank Coil Nail (up to N3 / C1) or Paslode 45 x 2.5 mm Ring-Shank Nail (up to N1, N2). A standard gun nailer may be used. See Tables below. 15

[0085] In some embodiments, the ventilated structural cavity batten is affixed onto a metal flange of the vertical studs of a metal stud wall frame with a stud-to-batten fastener, preferably a power gun nail fastener. Therefore, batten thicknesses that support this conventional fastening method are particularly preferred.

[0086] Good results have been achieved with a ventilated structural cavity batten having a frame 20 directed face height dimension of 75 mm and a ventilated structural cavity batten depth dimension of about 35 mm. Joining Ventilated Structural Cavity Battens

[0087] In this regard, one advantage of the invention is derived from the suitability of structural batten for off-stud joining which is described in more detail below. As the ventilated structural cavity batten 25 described herein are suitable to off-stud joining, timber or metal studs with horizontal widths (on batten contacting face of the stud) less than 45 mm are no longer less preferred for use. This is a significant improvement in the art, as smaller studs using less material can be successful used given off-stud structural batten joining is now possible. More detail is provided below. 30 Stability of Vertically Installed Cladding Elements 2025201019   20 May 2026 15 20

[0088] Securely fastened batten to the steel stud flange or timber stud edge during installation ensures an intimate contact between stud and batten components. A secure fastening fit and stable contact between the stud and batten is desirable.

[0089] It will be understood that the flange / edge region of the stud provides the support for fixing of the ventilated structural cavity batten to the wall frame. In vertical installation applications, the stability of the connection between the ventilated structural cavity batten and the stud is important, as forces (e.g. shear and / or rotational forces) arising from the dead weight of vertically installed cladding elements are transferred directly through the structural batten to the stud at the area of contact between the stud flange or edge. These forces are concentrated on the stud at the region where the affixing fastener is implanted into the stud. While timber studs have sufficient thickness to accommodate the entire body of a suitable fastener used giving a stable join where components of suitable strength are used, the situation is more challenging for metal (e.g., steel). It will be understood that the flange region of the metal stud provides the support for the affixed structure batten. The forces arising from the dead weight of vertically installed cladding are transferred through the structural batten to the flange of the stud as before in the timber stud case, however, the metal flange thickness is much less than the timber stud thickness available for gripping the fastener. This means that the applied forces resulting from the dead weight of vertically installed cladding elements are entirely concentrated at the fastener piercing regions of the relatively thin steel frame. This effect makes vertically cladding installation onto steel wall frames particularly challenging. Modification or retrofitting a standard steel frame with horizontal noggins which could support the vertically installed cladding elements could assist but is time consuming and adds expense to the build. Solutions / Advantages Provided by Invention

[0090] To address this problem for steel wall frames, and in the case of timber wall frames to reduce the amount of horizonal noggin elements required, the inventors have developed a new type of 25 ventilated batten where the batten itself has sufficient structural properties / strength to successful support the dead weight of vertically installed cladding elements. This means that when used in steel wall frames, frame modification or frame retrofitting with separate structural elements, such as horizontal noggins, may not be required. For timber frames, less noggins and indeed perhaps no additional noggins via standard frame modification or retrofit may be required, as the ventilated 30 structural cavity battens described here provide an alternative means of structural support for the vertically installed cladding. In case of timber frames where structural noggins are used for frame stability, fewer additional noggins may be required. Furthermore, in time wall frames, current vertical installation methods in cavity wall systems require use of non-structural battens (traditional) where the non-structural battens must be mounted onto the horizontal noggins of the timber wall frame, as the load and resulting forces from vertically installed cladding elements is directed transferred to the frame via the structural horizontal noggins. In this example, the position of the provided noggins may limit the placement options for the cladding elements. Therefore, another advantage of the ventilated structural cavity battens now provided with respect to timber wall frames in cavity wall systems is that 5 irrespective of noggin conventional position, the ventilated structural cavity battens may be positioned on the frame as desired providing more / better options for positioning the vertically installed cladding. Furthermore, the ability to add the ventilated structural cavity battens as described herein in other positions on the frame may allow safer vertical installation in high wind conditions that may otherwise not have been possible for timber or metal stud-based cavity wall systems. 2025201019   20 May 2026 15

[0091] In the case of timber wall frames, reducing the number of additional noggins needed or eliminating the requirement for additional noggins entirely saves time and cost, as the structured battens may replace the structural noggins directly, instead being necessary to support non-structured battens thereon as is the case for existing methods of vertical cladding installation. In the case of steel wall frames, challenges, inefficiencies, and excess cost of standard frame modification or retrofitting standard steel frames with additional noggins and / or other cladding supporting means to enable vertical installation of cladding elements may not be required. The system of the invention thus opens up the available aesthetic / design configurations available to the customer in in terms of vertical cladding installation and for the first time provides economical and efficient options for vertically installed, aesthetically pleasing thick cladding with surface features on ventilated cavity wall systems. 20

[0092] In both the timber and metal wall frame system, the structural properties of the ventilated structural cavity battens described herein ensures the batten does not splinter, fracture and / or otherwise suffer from damage to a degree that would cause failure of transfer of the load to the vertical stud through the connection with the fastening means used. This level of performance is not possible with existing ventilated non-structured battens without being mounted on standard structural noggins 25 or additional noggins added to a modified frame.

[0093] The typical dimensions of the ventilated structural cavity battens height and depth are described above, as have the typical dimensions of metal (e.g., steel) flanges and timber edges onto which the ventilated structural cavity battens are affixed. Depending on the horizontal width of the flange / edge and the height of the ventilated structural cavity batten used, the surface area of the region 30 of contact between the stud and the ventilated structural cavity batten will vary. It will be understood that for any selection of stud and batten used, a surface area of contact between the metal flange / timber edge of the stud and the stud contacting surface of the ventilated structural cavity batten made be determined by multiplication of height of the frame directed face of the batten with the horizontal width of the flange / edge of the stud. For example, in the case of a 50 mm flange / timber edge and 2025201019   20 May 2026 70 mm high frame ventilated structural cavity battens, e.g., located in maximum face to face alignment with the stud edge or flange, the contacting surface area is up to 3,500 mm2. Similarly, a 90 mm flange / edge of stud and a 70 mm high ventilated structural cavity batten provides a potential contacting surface area of 6,300 mm2. 5

[0094] The contacting surface areas achievable may be greater than those achieved with typical prior art non-structured ventilated battens which have a typical batten height (when installed) of around 20 mm. In this example, the contacting surface area is potentially up to just 1,000 mm2 for a 50 mm flange / timber edge, and up to 1,800 mm2 for a 90 mm flange / timber edge. 15 20

[0095] An advantage of system of the invention is that contacting surface area between the ventilated structural cavity batten and the stud flange / edge efficiently spreads out / better distributes the forces (e.g., shear and / or rotational forces) produced by the drag / dead weight of the cladding on the fastener / stud intersection point. Spreading out / better distribution of these forces across the stud flange / edge greatly reduce the magnitude of forces experienced by the stud at the fastener / steel or timber intersection point. The benefits are particularly pronounced in the case of metal studs (e.g. steel). For example, a steel stud flange has a typical thickness of only from 0.55 mm and 1.6 mm, which does not provide a great depth of material for a secure grip around the fastener. If the forces are not mitigated, the dead weigh drag from vertically installed cladding results in significant concentrated forces at the fastener / stud intersection point on the metal. This can result in an unacceptably high fixation failure risk and poor cladding support on the frame. The cladding element can then pull away from frame / wall under its own weight and sub-optimal fixation to the cavity wall frame. Wind damage from wind accessing underneath loose cladding may exacerbate the problem, and severe wall damage may occur. Modifying and / or retrofitting standard wall frames to address these issues is costly and burdensome. These issues hinder the uptake of vertically installed cladding on cavity wall frame systems. 25

[0096] Advantageously, these issues are mitigated in the ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements of the invention. The ventilated cavity wall system provides secure and safe vertical cladding installation on cavity wall frames, and depending on the frame substrate, without the need for standard frame modification and / or retrofit or at least a reduction in the number of additional horizontal structural noggins that would be conventionally required for a vertical cladding 30 installation involving mounting non-structural battens onto structural battens on a conventional frame. These benefits are provided via the combination of use of a structurally graded ventilation batten as described herein, together with batten height and depth dimensions. Use of appropriate fasteners, fasteners fixing methods including location and number of fasteners secures the installation to various degrees required, e.g., depending on wind classification and desired aesthetic result. The batten rear face height dimensions support higher surface area contact between the studs and the batten which better distributes / reduces the concentration of forces (e.g., shear and / or rotational forces) produced by the drag / dead weight of the cladding on the fastener / stud intersection point. These advantages are particularly applicable to steel stud wall frames where the fastening point on the flange of the steel 5 is particularly susceptible to shear and / or rotational or twisting forces from the vertical orientation of the cladding elements. The minimum strength properties of the batten required to impact the required structural functionality are described elsewhere herein. 2025201019   20 May 2026 15 20

[0097] Various types of cladding element may be utilised in the ventilated cavity wall system of the invention having vertically installed cladding elements. Typical cladding used will be generally rectangular in shape, such as rectangular / elongated planks or rectangular / elongated panels or the like. Due to the vertical orientation and as a result of the rectangular general shape, the weight of the cladding elements exerts significant downward forces on the metal frame. While any cladding type can in principle be used, lower density cladding elements are preferred as thicker / deeper cladding elements can securely and stably fit to the stud of the cavity wall frame. While higher density cladding can be used in reduced thicknesses to ensure safe installation, thicker cladding is more desirable as it can readily support surface features such as patterns, decoration and / or textures, without compromising the integrity / robustness of the cladding element. By contrast, it is difficult to introduce such surface features onto thinner cladding elements (e.g., higher density cladding) without reducing or otherwise compromising the strength / integrity of the cladding elements. Accordingly, while conventional higher density cladding can also be used, for a secure and safe installation, thinner cladding member are likely required. In such cases, surface features on thinner cladding members is not desired due to the described risks around negative impact on the integrity / robustness of the cladding element.

[0098] Therefore, a further advantage of the invention is the ability to include vertically installed 25 cladding elements in the wall system of the invention, where the cladding elements have one or more surface features, e.g., selected from patterns, textures, decorative images, and / or applied surface layers. This is particularly the case for steel frame cavity wall systems.

[0099] A further advantage of the invention relates to the ability to use a wider selection of conventional fasteners, both ventilation structural batten-to-stud fasteners, and cladding element-to-30 ventilation structural batten fasteners.

[00100] A further still advantage (described in more detail below) is the ability to utilise off stud joining without compromising the structural properties of the cavity batten and performance in the cavity wall system in terms of stable and safe support of vertically installed cladding elements. Connecting Ventilation Structural Battens 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00101] Battens are generally produced in lengths suited to use in local building practices. They can be cut to required lengths on the building site, by any suitable standard industry cutting method. Typical lengths are in the 2 m to 4 m range. While there is no strict limit to the length of batten supplied for installation of the system of the invention, in practice, a ventilated structural cavity batten may be supplied in a range of commonly used practical lengths such as 2.5 m, 2.75 m, 3 m, 3.5 m, 4 m and various other lengths such as may be practical for use in construction of ventilated structural cavity wall system. One example of a commonly used length is 2.75 m, which spans across several stud bays of a framed construction type building substrate, but is still easy for a single person installer to manage. The number of joins between adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens will be determined by the lengths selected by the installer, and the width of the desired wall section to be constructed.

[00102] In the system of the invention, in some embodiments, each ventilated structural cavity batten spans at least two framing members, that is, spans at least two studs. Preferably, each ventilated structural cavity batten should span, and be fixed to, at least two framing members of the 15 ventilated cavity wall system. This arrangement should ensure the maximum structural strength of ventilated cavity wall system, particularly near corners or edges of the wall section.

[00103] Where the ventilated structural cavity batten is required to span a greater distance, e.g., across a plurality of framing members, one or more ventilated structural cavity batten may be joined together to increase the length of a single batten. 20

[00104] However, the ventilated structural cavity battens, when joined together, must retain sufficient structural strength to support the weight of the vertically installed cladding elements that together form an exterior cladding envelope in the ventilated cavity wall system of the invention. As battens are supplied in finite lengths, it is often necessary to install adjacent battens with their ends butted against each other in order to span a desired wall section length. When using a timber frame 25 building substrate, either single framing members such as timber studs may be wide enough to accommodate fixing of adjacent batten ends side by side (on-stud joining), or additional framing members such as studs or noggings can be installed to accommodate supporting adjacent batten ends (on-stud joining). However, in many modern metal or timber frame building substrates, individual framing members are not wide enough on their own to accommodate side-by-side fixing of adjacent 30 batten ends. Without fixing to a single structural support or framing member, the structural support capacity of ventilated structural cavity battens could be compromised, and an alternative means of maintaining the required structural strength is provided by off-stud joining. In off-stud joining, the ends of adjacent battens to be joined are not directly supported by studs or nogging of a building frame, instead they are located in between stud locations. In some embodiments, ends of a pair of battens to 2025201019   20 May 2026 be joined together will be positioned to meet within approximately the centre 1 / 3 of the spacing between adjacent studs.

[00105] Thus, a further desirable and advantageous feature of the system of the invention is the ability for adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens to be joined together off-stud, while retaining 5 sufficient structural strength to support the weight of the vertically installed cladding elements. This feature assists in the ability of the ventilated structural cavity battens described herein to be used in a wall frame as a structural component, in a way that if desired, can reduce or at least lessen the need for standard frame modification or retrofitting to include additional horizontally orientated structural components such as noggins or the like, as is required for conventional vertical cladding installation 0 which uses non-structured battens mounted onto structural noggins of the wall frame.

[00106] Where adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens are joined off-stud, they should be positioned so that end faces of adjacent battens are in contact. The structural strength of the off-stud join should at least match that of the material from which ventilated structural cavity batten is made.

[00107] In some embodiments, a pair of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens can be joined 15    together off-stud using suitable fastening means including, nail plates, strapping, support noggings, or the like.

[00108] In some embodiments, a nail plate is used as the joining means. Nail plates are metal plates that have been punched to form an array of apertures with small prongs attached at one end of each aperture. When the nail plate is positioned onto a substrate, these prongs can be hammered down so 20 that they extend through their respective apertures and fix into the substrate. They provide a convenient method of mechanically fastening adjacent elements together. In some embodiments, a first nail plate is applied to angled top face adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens, so the nail plate spans across the adjacent ends of both battens and is fixed in place by hammering down the integrally formed prongs that provide joining strip fastener. A second nail plate may be applied to a 25 bottom face (floor directed face) of the adjacent ventilated structural cavity batten and fixed in place. Attaching nail plates to the front and / or rear face of the batten is preferably avoided to limit issues with cladding misalignment.

[00109] In some embodiments, metal strapping is used to join adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens together off-stud. For example, a first metal strapping piece of suitable length and width may 30 be applied to angled top face of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens so the strap that it spans across the adjacent ends of both and is fixed in place by joining strip fasteners, such as suitable mechanical fasteners like nails or screws. A minimum of two screws on each side of the join are preferred to meet the required mechanical strength of the join. Using a minimum of two screw on each side of the join is desirable to prevent any undesirable pivoting or hinge actions. An equivalent second metal strapping piece may then be similarly applied to bottom face of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens and fixed in place using joining strip fasteners. In one embodiment, a metal strapping piece may be formed from hoop iron, which is commonly used for bracing timber construction and bonding masonry. It is available in 30m long rolls, and may be 25 mm wide x 0.8 mm thick. It is 5 commonly made of steel and may be galvanised. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00110] In one embodiment, as an alternative to a nail plate, a support nogging, e.g., a horizontal noggin, formed from a material with sufficient structural strength to match that of the ventilated structural cavity batten, such as an appropriate grade and thickness of structural timber or steel, is positioned in contact with rear face (stud directed face) of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens, in a manner evenly spanning the join. Such a noggin can be attached to the studs either side of the join. Each ventilated structural cavity batten is then fastened to the support nogging by nogging fasteners of an appropriate strength. Ventilation & Moisture Control Features

[00111] A feature of the invention relates to the ability of the wall system of the invention to be 15 sufficiently ventilated. Good ventilation is supported through provision of spaced apart castellations in the structural batten of the invention. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the structural ventilated batten comprises a series of spaced apart castellations. The castellations are provided to the stud directed face of the structural cavity batten and form a ventilation plane.

[00112] In one embodiment, the castellations comprise alternating embrasures or recesses and 20 merlons as morphological features. In some embodiments, the castellations comprise embrasures / recesses that are about 20 mm to about 30mm wide, preferably approximately 22 mm wide. In some embodiments, the depth of individual recesses may range from about 2 mm to 10 mm in depth, preferably about 4 mm to 8 mm in depth, and most preferably about 5 mm deep. Good results in terms of cavity ventilation have been achieved for a batten with castellation having a recess of about 20 mm 25 to about 30 mm width, preferably approximately 22 mm, in combination with about 5 mm depth. This combination is effective for a cavity width of about 30 mm to about 50 mm, preferably about 37.5 mm to about 47.5 mm, most preferably about 40 mm or about 45 mm batten width which controls cavity width in the wall. In a preferred embodiment, the castellations comprise merlons which are spaced apart by about 75 mm, measured from mid width of a recess of about 22 mm. 30

[00113] In one embodiment, the recesses / embrasures of the castellations are substantially rectangular, i.e., are formed at 90 degrees to the long axis of ventilated structural cavity batten. This shape of recess / embrasure to maximises air flow opportunity in a cavity wall construction when battens are installed with their long axis oriented horizontally. Installation in this orientation results in the castellations being oriented vertically and providing the maximum unrestricted air flow path possible for ventilating the cavity.

[00114] The castellation features may be formed into timber battens by machining techniques like cutting, sawing, routing, and the like. In any mechanical process, there is some natural variability that 5 occurs. Tolerances for such variations are described elsewhere herein. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00115] In some embodiments, the face (or ‘cladding directed face’) of the ventilated structural cavity batten is provided with a drainage plane, through provision of a series of spaced apart grooves formed in front face. In some embodiments, all grooves are all the same dimensions and are evenly spaced apart along the length of ventilated structural cavity batten. 15 20

[00116] In one embodiment, the grooves are orthogonal to the long axis of ventilated structural cavity batten so that, when installed with the long axis oriented horizontally, the grooves provide vertical channels for water / moisture drainage. In some embodiments, each groove may independently be from about 3 to about 10 mm wide, preferably about 6 mm wide. In some embodiments, each groove may independently be from about 3 to about 10 mm deep, preferably about 5 mm deep. In a preferred embodiment, the drainage plane comprises a series of grooves that are about 6 mm wide and about 5 mm deep. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves are spaced from about 100 mm to about 200 mm apart, preferably approximately 150 mm apart. Such groove features have been found to enable good moisture drainage through the batten. Preferably, spacing between each end of each ventilated structural cavity batten and the first groove is approximately half (½) of that between adjacent grooves along the length of the batten so that, when two battens are installed with the ends adjacent, the spacing between adjacent grooves will be similar to that along the body of the batten. Normal tolerances, as described above, also apply to these dimensions.

[00117] In some embodiments, the structural ventilated batten comprises an inclining top face which slopes away from a frame directed face to a cladding element directed face of the batten, preferably 25 wherein the slope of the inclining top face is angled at a value ranging about 70 to about 86 degrees (°), preferably from 73 to about 83 degrees, most preferably about 80 degrees. The incline aids in rapid movement of accumulated moisture on a top face of the batten to moisture draining recesses or embrasures when present. By providing an angle of approximately 80 degrees on angled top face, any water that ingresses into cavity may be effectively directed to the drainage plane to ensure that 30 ventilation plane remains dry and / or resists water pooling.

[00118] Particularly preferred walls systems of the invention comprise a combination of ventilation castellations and moisture drainage castellations and an inclined top surface to aid in rapid drainage of moisture down to toward a base of the wall system. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00119] Itshould be noted that by separating ventilation (through the ventilation plane) from drainage of water (through the drainage plane), optimum functional effectiveness of each plane can be achieved.

[00120] In a particularly preferred system involving both ventilation and drainage planes in 5 combination, the ventilated structural cavity batten comprises ventilation castellations having 5 mm recesses or embrasures and adjacent 75 mm wide merlons on the frame directed face, and at the same time, 22 mm channels, and adjacent merlons of width of about 144 mm. Miscellaneous Features

[00121] Desirably, the system further comprises a cavity vent strip adjacent to the base plate of the wall frame section. The cavity vent strip located at a base level of the cavity wall system provides for drainage of moisture from the cavity wall, assists in ventilation, and provides vermin proofing.

[00122] In some embodiments, the cavity vent strip is an elongate member that can be cut to a desired size to match the cavity wall section dimensions. Desirably, the cavity vent strip has a generally L shape with a vertical flange or lip on the horizontal part of the L shaped member. Desirably, the 15 cavity vent strip has a depth which is substantially corresponds to the depth / width of the ventilated structural cavity batten used in the system. During use the vent strip captures moisture drained through the castellations provided in the batten at the back of the installed cladding. It will be understood that in the use, ventilated structural cavity batten are not installed into the cavity vent strip to ensure suitable moisture drainage and ventilation function. In some embodiments, the cavity vent 20 strip is formed from PVC, preferably extruded PVC.

[00123] In some embodiments, the stud wall frame section further includes a building wrap applied to one or more frame section surfaces to form a moisture resistant barrier layer. Ventilated Cavity Wall System Installation

[00124] The invention also relates to a method of installing a ventilated cavity wall system, the method 25 comprising the steps of: - affixing two or more ventilated structural cavity battens onto at least two vertical framing members of a provided wall frame section in a predetermined location in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the wall frame section; and - affixing two or more cladding elements onto the ventilated structural cavity battens in a 30            vertically installed orientation; - wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[00125] It should be understood that the framing member or stud contacting surface of the batten corresponds to a rear face (i.e., a frame directed face) of the batten when installed in the ventilated cavity wall system of the invention. This arrangement will be readily understood from the drawings provided herein. 5

[00126] In a related aspect the invention thus relates to a method of installing a ventilated cavity wall system, the method comprising the steps of: - affixing two or more ventilated structural cavity battens onto at least two vertical studs of a provided stud wall frame section in a predetermined location in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame section; and 2025201019   20 May 2026 affixing two or more cladding elements onto the ventilated structural cavity battens in a vertically installed orientation, - wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system.

[00127] Desirably, the method further comprises the step of off-stud joining of ends of a pair of 15 ventilated structural cavity batten, for example, via nail plate, strapping, or support noggin.

[00128] Desirably, the ventilated structural cavity batten comprises one or more features as described in accordance with the first aspect of ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements of the invention.

[00129] Desirably, the frame element or stud wall frame section is as described in accordance with 20 the first aspect of ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements of the invention.

[00130] Desirably, the cladding elements are as described as described in accordance with the first aspect of ventilated cavity wall system with vertically installed cladding elements of the invention. Fixation Process 25

[00131] In preferred embodiments, the method involves affixing the ventilated structural cavity batten onto the vertical framing member / stud with a stud-to-batten fastener, preferably a power gun nail fastener, most preferably a power gun nail fastener suitable for affixing the ventilated structural cavity batten to a metal stud, for example, a flange of a steel stud. The ability to use a power gun nail fasteners to affix component is desirable because due to speed and efficiency of instal. 30

[00132] In preferred embodiments, the method also involves the step of joining together terminating ends of provided adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens in an on-stud or an off-stud manner, most preferably in an off-stuff manner, for example, using nail plates, strapping, or support noggings. Advantages of off-stud joining are described above.

[00133] Desirably, the cladding affixing step of the method involving affixing a cladding element to a ventilated structural cavity batten at a predetermined location using prescribed cladding-to-batten 5 fasteners at predetermined spacings. See Tables herein for more details.

[00134] Desirably, the cladding affixing step of the method further comprises positioning a further cladding element adjacent to an affixed cladding element and affixing the further cladding element to the ventilated structural cavity batten using cladding-to-batten fasteners, optionally wherein the positioning step includes interlocking mating features of adjacent cladding elements. 2025201019   20 May 2026 PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00135] In the description which follows, like parts may be marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat generalized or schematic form in 15 the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[00136] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a ventilated cavity wall system according to the present disclosure comprising a building frame can include at least one framing member 112 (e.g., metal such as steel or timber), one or more noggings (not shown), bracing (not shown) as well as other elements that provide internal linings, insulation and the like (not shown for the sake of clarity). 20 Multiple framing members 112, also called studs, are generally aligned so that they are co-planar and form surface (not shown) to which other structural and non-structural elements, such as building wrap 118, are fixed. Notably, in some embodiments involving metal (e.g. aluminium or steel) studs, additional horizontal structural noggins or brace like elements beyond those of a standard frame are typically not required or are at least minimise in terms of number of additional noggins required, as the 25 steel frame verticals tends to be quite straight. At least two ventilated structural cavity battens 120 are each fixed to surface of building substrate 110 in a predetermined position though affixation onto at least two vertical studs / framing members. Each ventilated structural cavity batten 120 has rear face 123 (‘stud directed face’), front face 127 (‘cladding directed face’), body thickness (‘batten depth / thickness’) 130 between rear face 123 and front face 127, angled or inclined top face 132 and bottom 30 face 134.

[00137] As shown in FIG. 2A, rear face (or ‘stud directed face’) 123 of each ventilated structural cavity batten 120 incudes castellations in the form of a series of spaced apart the form of substantially rectangular recesses (‘embrasures’) 124 and adjacent merlons which together form a ventilation plane 122. In FIG. 2A, ventilated structural cavity batten 120 is shown with an intermediate break line to indicate that it is of indefinite length, that is, it can be provided or formed into any particular length as may be required. In practice, ventilated structural cavity batten 120 may be supplied in a range of commonly used practical lengths such as 2.5 m, 2.75 m, 3 m, 3.5 m, 4 m and various other lengths 5 such as may be practical for use in construction of ventilated structural cavity wall section 100. The number of joins between adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens will be determined by the lengths selected by the installer, and the width of the desired wall section to be constructed. 2025201019   20 May 2026 15

[00138] Front face (or ‘cladding directed face’) 127 of each ventilated structural cavity batten 120 includes a series of spaced apart grooves or channels 128 to form drainage plane 126. In FIG. 2B, ventilated structural cavity batten 120 is shown in cross sectional view with ventilation plane 122, drainage plane 126 and angled top face 132. By separating ventilation of cavity 170 through ventilation plane 122 from drainage of water through drainage plane 126, optimum effectiveness of each plane can be achieved. By providing an angle of approximately 80 degrees on angled top face 132, any water that ingresses into cavity 170 may be effectively directed to drainage plane 126 to ensure that ventilation plane 122 remains dry.

[00139] When in use, as shown in FIG. 2C, at least two rectangular cladding elements 160, 160’, are each fixed in a vertical orientation to the front face (or ‘cladding directed face’) 127 at least two ventilated structural cavity battens 120 (only one is visible in this cross-sectional top view and with respect to this figure, only visible features will be described), each cladding element 160 comprising 20 rear face, front face 164, and a pair of opposing profiled side edges supporting complementary interlocking edge profiles 168, 168’.

[00140] A ventilated cavity, is formed between surface of building substrate and rear face of cladding element 160, the cavity depth being defined by the body thickness (‘batten depth / thickness’) 130 of ventilated structural cavity batten 120. 25

[00141] In FIG. 2C, ventilated structural cavity battens 120 is fixed to building substrate such that ventilation plane 122 is in contacting engagement with surface of building substrate 110 and recesses (‘embrasures’) 124 of ventilation plane 122 allow air flow to ventilate cavity. Rear face 162 of each of at least two rectangular cladding elements 160 are fixed to front face (or ‘cladding directed face’) 127 of ventilated structural cavity batten 120. Angled top face 132 of ventilated structural cavity batten 120 30 is oriented for directing any accumulated water towards the rear face 162 of an attached cladding element 160 and allowing the water to drain through grooves 128 of drainage plane 126.

[00142] Ventilated structural cavity battens 120 together have sufficient structural strength to support the weight of the cladding elements 160 that together form an exterior cladding envelope in the ventilated cavity wall construction. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00143] As shown in FIG. 1, the frame section may be a metal frame section, with metal framing members generally in the form of C-channel studs. Any suitable metal framing may be used, but steel framing is most commonly used. Steel framing used in residential construction is at least 0.5 mm thick. For example, Australian supplier Bluescope Steel’s G550 Grade steel is a typical grade used in residential steel framing with a published guaranteed minimum yield strength of 550 MPa and controlled ductility. Thicknesses can be between 0.55 mm and 1.6 mm, but a typical thickness would be in the 0.65-mm-1.2 mm range. Steel framing may have a protective coating applied to decrease the occurrence of corrosion. For example, G550 is hot-dip coated with an aluminium-zinc alloy, but other grades and steel framing from other suppliers may have other coatings or surface treatments applied.

[00144] Fastener selection for construction of ventilated cavity wall system 100 on a steel frame building substrate 110 requires a selection of fasteners for the installation steps of different components. Installation of ventilated structural cavity batten 120 to steel framing member (or ‘stud’) 112, with sufficient mechanical strength required for use with a cladding up to 16mm thick and having 15 density of up to 1.35g / cm3, can be achieved by using, for example, 2 No 65mm Gripshank Supersharpy from Iccons (AU), or 2 No 14-10 x 75 mm Self drilling Bugle batten screws, or 2 No 10-24 x 65 mm fine thread countersunk self-drilling screws, or as equivalent in terms of holding capacities from other manufacturers. Fastener manufactures provide guidance on suitability for various applications and such recommendations should be considered together with, e.g., cladding type and frame 20 configuration (e.g. stud width, metal frame thickness, grade, gauge, flange width, etc.), batten width / depth used and stud spaces. Care should be taken to understand any restrictions in the number and type of fasteners that are suitable for use in a given location due to wind zone classification such as Australia’s AS4055 Wind Classification. For example, No 10-24 x 65mm fine thread countersunk selfdrilling screws may not be suitable for use with some cladding types in an N4 / C2 or greater Wind 25 Classification zone. Selection of appropriate alternative fasteners and frame components, configuration etc., relative to the above mentioned examples is well with the remit of the skilled builder’s knowledge and capability.

[00145] Table 1 below provides a guide to the maximum spacings horizontally between adjacent framing members (or ‘studs’) 112, and vertically between adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens 30   120, as recommended for different Wind Classification zones, when using the fastener types recommended above and cladding elements 160 are to be face fixed to ventilated structural cavity battens 120. AS4055 Wind Classification Framing Member spacing (mm) Ventilated Structural Cavity Batten Spacing (mm) General Edges General Edges N1 600 600 900 900 N2 600 600 900 900 N3 / C1 600 600 900 900 N4 / C2 600 450 900 900 N5 / C3 600 450 900 600 N6 / C4 450 400 900 450 TABLE 1 2025201019   20 May 2026 10

[00146] For vertical installation of cladding element 160, such as James Hardie’s 14 mm thick fibre cement StriaTM or ObliqueTM cladding plank product onto ventilated structural cavity batten 120, there are recommended numbers and types of cladding fasteners 150 depending on the width of each cladding element 160. Tables 2, 3 and 4 below provide recommended numbers of cladding fasteners per fixing point for different fastener types (cladding element 160 to ventilated structural cavity batten 120). Table 2 provides recommendations for 50 x 2.50mm ring shank coil nails for use as cladding fastener 150, Table 3 provides recommendations for ND 50mm stainless steel brad nails for use as cladding fasteners 150, and Table 4 provides recommendations for Paslode 50 x 2.87mm DekFast nails for use as cladding fasteners 150. AS4055 Wind Classification 405mm wide Stria™ cladding 325mm wide Stria™ / 300mm wide Oblique™ cladding 200mm wide Oblique™ cladding N1 1 1 1 N2 1 1 1 N3 / C1 2 2 1 N4 / C2 3 2 2 N5 / C3 3 2 2 N6 / C4 3 2 2 TABLE 2 AS4055 Wind Classification 405mm wide Stria™ cladding 325mm wide Stria™ / 300mm wide Oblique™ cladding 200mm wide Oblique™ cladding N1 2 2 2 N2 2 2 2 N3 / C1 4 3 2 N4 / C2 (4) (3) (2) TABLE 3 AS4055 Wind Classification 405mm wide Stria™ cladding 325mm wide Stria™ / 300mm wide Oblique™ cladding 200mm wide Oblique™ cladding N1 1 1 1 N2 1 1 1 N3 / C1 1 1 1 N4 / C2 2 2 1 N5 / C3 2 2 1 N6 / C4 2 2 1 TABLE 4 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00147] In some wind classification zones concealed fastening may be used, where cladding fasteners 150 are disposed on the underlapping side edge of complementary interlocking edge profile 168. Once the overlapping side edge of complementary interlocking edge profile 168’ is placed in 5 position, the location of cladding fastener 150 is hidden, and a concealed fix finish is achieved. Table 5 below provides the stud and batten spacings for a concealed fix installation practice, and Table 6 provides the number of fasteners for a 40 x 2.8mm fibre cement nail, and a 50 x 2.50mm ring-shank coil nail or Paslode 45 x 2.50mm ring-shank nail. Wind Classification Framing Member spacing (mm) Ventilated Structural Cavity Batten Spacing (mm) General Edges General Edges N1, N2 600 600 600 600 N3 / C1 600 600 600 600 Table 5 Wind Classification 40 x 2.80 fibre cement nail 50 x 2.50mm ring-shank coil nail or Paslode 45 x 2.50mm ring-shank nail 350mm wide Stria / 30mm wide Oblique cladding 200mm wide Oblique Cladding 350mm wide Stria / 30mm wide Oblique cladding 200mm wide Oblique Cladding N1, N2 1 1 1 1 N3 / C1 1 1 — — 10 Table 6

[00148] In one embodiment, and in common use today, water resistant building wrap 118 is disposed on surface of building structure to provide a moisture resistant barrier layer intended to prevent or minimise migration of water from the cavity into the interior of a building such as a residential construction. It is generally chemically and / or mechanically fixed into position according to instructions 15 provided by their respective manufacturers.

[00149] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, ventilated structural cavity batten 120 comprises ventilation plane 122 on the rear face 123 comprising castellations in the form of a series of spaced apart substantially rectangular recesses (‘embrasures’) 124 and adjacent merlons. Castellations evenly spaced apart along the length of ventilated structural cavity batten 120. Each castellation comprises a recess of approximately 20-25 mm wide, preferably approximately 22 mm wide, and preferably about 3 - 9 mm deep, preferably 5 mm deep. Adjacent recesses between merlons of the castellations are spaced apart by 50 mm - 100 mm, preferably approximately 75mm. In FIG. 2A, 5 ventilated structural cavity batten 120 is shown with an intermediate break line for convenience in order to best show detail without showing a full length of the batten at scale. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00150] The castellation features are formed into timber battens by machining techniques like cutting, sawing, routing, and the like. In any mechanical process, there is some natural variability that occurs. All dimensions stated in this disclosure relative to the frame elements, studs, batten and / or batten elements should be read to include a normal machining tolerance of ± 1 % of the maximum stated dimension is normal. For example, for dimensions under 50 mm, a ± 0.5 mm normal machining process variation (tolerance) may occur. For dimensions between 50 mm and 500 mm that may be up to ± 5 mm, and for dimensions of more than 1 metre a tolerance of ± 10 mm per metre may be expected. 15

[00151] In one embodiment, substantially rectangular recesses (‘embrasures’) 124 are formed at 90 degrees to the long axis of ventilated structural cavity batten 120 to maximise air flow opportunity in a cavity wall construction when battens are installed with their long axis oriented horizontally. Installation in this orientation results in the castellations being oriented vertically and providing the maximum unrestricted air flow path possible for ventilating the cavity. 20

[00152] Drainage plane 126 comprises a series of spaced apart grooves 128 formed in front face (or ‘cladding directed face’) 127. In one embodiment, grooves are all the same dimensions and are evenly spaced apart along the length of ventilated structural cavity batten 120. In one embodiment, the grooves are orthogonal to the long axis of ventilated structural cavity batten 120 so that, when installed with the long axis oriented horizontally, the grooves provide vertical channels for water drainage. In 25 one embodiment, each groove is 6 mm wide and 5 mm deep. In one embodiment, adjacent grooves are spaced about 100 mm - about 200 mm apart, preferably approximately 150 mm apart. Spacing between each end 136 of each ventilated structural cavity batten 120 and the first groove 128 is approximately of that between adjacent grooves along the length of the batten so that, when two battens are installed with the ends adjacent, the spacing between adjacent grooves will be similar to 30 that along the body of the batten. Normal tolerances, as described above, also apply to these dimensions.

[00153] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, angled top face 132 of ventilated structural cavity batten 120 is angled at 70 to 86 degrees, and preferably at approximately 80 degrees, with respect to front face (or ‘cladding directed face’) 122.

[00154] As battens are supplied in finite lengths, it is often necessary to install adjacent battens with their ends butted against each other in order to span a desired wall section length. When using a timber frame building substrate, either single framing members such as timber studs may be wide enough to accommodate fixing of adjacent batten ends side by side (on-stud joining), or additional 5 framing members such as studs or noggings can be installed to accommodate supporting adjacent batten ends (on-stud joining). 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00155] In many modern metal or timber frame building substrates, individual framing members are not wide enough on their own to accommodate side-by-side fixing of adjacent batten ends. Without fixing to a single structural support or framing member, the structural support capacity of ventilated structural cavity battens could be compromised, and an alternative means of maintaining the required structural strength is provided by off-stud joining. In off-stud joining, the ends of adjacent battens that are to be joined are not directly supported by studs or nogging of a building frame, and are in between stud locations. Preferably, the ends will are positioned to meet within the centre 1 / 3 of the spacing between adjacent studs. 15

[00156] Adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens are joined off-stud, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C joining using mechanical connectors such as nail plates, strapping, or additional support nogging fixed to each adjacent batten end using mechanical fasteners. Where adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ are joined off-stud, they should be positioned so that end faces 136, 136’ of the adjacent battens are in contact. The structural strength of the off-stud join should at least matches 20 that of the material from which ventilated structural cavity batten 120 is made.

[00157] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, a nail plate is used as the joining means. Nail plates are metal plates that have been punched to form an array of apertures with small prongs attached at one end of each aperture. When the nail plate is positioned onto a substrate, these prongs can be hammered down so that they extend through their respective apertures and fix into the 25 substrate. They provide a convenient method of mechanically fastening adjacent elements together. In FIG. 4A, first nail plate 142 is applied to angled top face 132, 132’ of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ so that it spans across the adjacent ends of both and is fixed in place by hammering down the integrally formed prongs that provide joining strip fastener 148, 148’. A second nail plate 142 is applied to bottom face 134, 134’ of adjacent ventilated structural cavity batten 30    120, 120’ and fixed in place.

[00158] In order to ensure the maximum structural strength of ventilated cavity wall construction section 100, particularly near corners or edges of the wall section, each ventilated structural cavity batten 120 should span, and be fixed to, at least two framing members 112 of building substrate 110.

[00159] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, metal strapping is used to join adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’. A first metal strapping piece 144 of suitable length and width is applied to angled top face 132, 132’ of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ so that it spans across the adjacent ends of both and is fixed in place by joining strip fasteners 148, such as 5 suitable mechanical fasteners like nails or screws. An equivalent second metal strapping piece is similarly applied to bottom face 134, 134’ of adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ and fixed in place using joining strip fasteners 148. 2025201019   20 May 2026

[00160] In one embodiment, metal strapping piece 144 may be formed from hoop iron, which is commonly used for bracing timber construction and bonding masonry. It is available in 30m long rolls, and may be 25mm wide x 0.8mm thick. It is commonly made of steel and may be galvanised.

[00161] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 4C, support nogging 146, formed from a material with sufficient structural strength to match that of ventilated timber batten 120, such as an appropriate grade and thickness of structural timber or steel, is positioned in contact with rear face 122 of ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’, evenly spanning the join. Each ventilated structural cavity batten is 15 fastened to support nogging 146 by nogging fasteners 149.

[00162] For the maintenance of structural properties of ventilated structural cavity wall section 100 any joins between adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens ideally maintain the structural strength of the batten material itself. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4D a mechanical connector, such as nail plate 142, is applied to each of the angled top face 132 and the bottom face 134 of ventilated 20 structural cavity batten 120 spanning across abutted ends 136, 136’. Mechanical fasteners such as nails or screws are used to fix each mechanical connector in position. The resulting connection, which is not done on the drainage plane face, but rather on angled top face 132 and bottom face 134, can maintain the necessary structural and mechanical strength without compromising the planar mounting surface provided by the at least two ventilated structural cavity battens. 25    Cladding Installation

[00163] As shown in FIG.5, structure of building substrate may be a timber frame comprising timber studs 112, nogging and bracing. This is similar to the ventilated structural cavity wall section 100 shown in FIG. 1, except for the framing materials, and any necessary adaptations of spacings and fixings to accommodate the desired cladding. 30

[00164] In one embodiment, cladding element 160 is a rectangular panel. In an alternate embodiment, cladding element 160 is a rectangular plank.

[00165] Preferably, each cladding element 160 has a pair of opposing side edges 166, 166’ each comprising a complementary interlocking edge profile 168, 168’ respectively. When the 2025201019   20 May 2026 complementary interlocking edge profiles of adjacent cladding elements are brought together in interlocking engagement during installation to form a cladding envelope, a barrier to moisture ingress through the join is provided in the cladding envelope without the need for joint sealant.

[00166] In one embodiment, each cladding element 160 is formed from fibre cement. In alternate 5 embodiments, each cladding element 160 may be formed from another suitable exterior durable, building material. In one embodiment, at least one cladding element 160 may be formed from a different material to an adjacent cladding element 160.

[00167] In one embodiment, each cladding element 160 is between 7.5mm and 20mm thick and each cladding element has a density below 1.34 g / cm3. 0

[00168] In one embodiment, front face 164 of at least one cladding element 160 comprises at least one decorative element 169 (not shown).

[00169] In one embodiment, decorative element 169 comprises at least one of the group comprising texture, coating, applied surface layer.

[00170] In one embodiment of a method of installing a ventilated structural cavity wall system, as 15 shown in FIG. 6, the first step 210 of method 200 is preparing building substrate. This step includes ensuring that structure is straight and vertical, and framing members are square within normal tolerancing limits. As well as ensuring structure is straight and vertical, framing members (‘studs’) 112 of structure 111 must also be co-planar to provide the best surface for installing subsequent components of the ventilated structural cavity wall section. 20

[00171] As per normal building practice in many locations, preparing building substrate 110 also includes installing any necessary flashings around openings such as doors and windows. Where metal flashings are installed, they should be sufficiently corrosion resistant to meet any locally applicable building code requirements.

[00172] Where building substructure includes a concrete slab foundation, a slab edge cover or other 25 equivalent trim can be installed if required.

[00173] Continuing the preparing building substructure, building wrap 118, also known as a building paper, is installed to cover all framing members (‘studs’) 112 of structure to form a moisture resistant barrier layer. Installation instructions from the respective manufacturers of building wrap should be followed to ensure adequate performance in preventing accumulated water in ventilated cavity 170 30 from being able to migrate through building wrap 118 into the interior of the building.

[00174] A starter strip, or more particularly, a vented cavity strip, can be installed at the lower edge of building substrate 110 to provide a guide and support for cladding elements 160, 160’. If a starter strip 2025201019   20 May 2026 is not used, a string line may be set up to provide a datum for installing cladding elements 160, 160’ with ends aligned.

[00175] Step 220 of the method applies if installation is installation of at least two ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’. Ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ are positioned with their respective long axes oriented horizontally and with their respective rear face 123 comprising ventilation plane 122 oriented towards building substrate 110. Batten fasteners 140, in the form of collated gun nails or screws of the appropriate grade are used to fasten the at least two ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ to respective framing members 120. Vertical spacing between ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ is dependent on factors such as cladding, type, cladding weight, local climate conditions, such as wind loads and the like, and the cladding manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.

[00176] Where the desired constructed ventilated cavity wall system 100 width is more than can be spanned by the length of a single ventilated structural cavity batten 120, additional ventilated structural cavity battens can be installed to completely span the desired width. Each ventilated structural cavity 15 batten 120 should span at least two framing members 112, and there should be no joins located within the stud bay immediately adjacent a corner of edge of a wall section.

[00177] If two or more ventilated cavity battens 120 have to be joined together to span a desired wall construction width, the respective ends 136 of each stud can be brought together at an off-stud location, preferably within the central 1 / 3 of the spacing between adjacent framing members that form 20 the respective stud bay and the adjacent ends 136, 136’ of respective ventilated structural cavity battens 120, 120’ are mechanically fixed together using nail plates, metal strapping, or support noggings and appropriate fasteners.

[00178] In step 230 of method 200, any optional trims, joints and corner flashings, as recommended by the cladding manufacturer, can be installed as per the manufacturer or supplier’s instructions. In 25 step 240 of method 200, a first cladding element 160 is positioned in a vertical orientation, with its rear face in contacting engagement with front face 127, 127’ of at least two ventilated structural cavity battens. Cladding element 160 should be aligned according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and urged into the desired position. Cladding member 160 should be fixed to each ventilated structural cavity batten 120 using recommended fasteners. 30

[00179] Second cladding element 160’ is then positioned adjacent the first cladding element 160, and the complementary interlocking edge profiles 168, 168’ of respective side edges 166, 166’ are brought into contacting engagement and second cladding element 160’ is fixed into position with cladding fasteners 150. This process is repeated with further cladding elements 160, until the desired wall section width is clad with cladding elements 160. Step 250 of method 200 provides for any optional 2025201019   20 May 2026 15 protective or decorative finish to be applied to front face 164 of each cladding element to improve aesthetics and / or durability of the constructed ventilated structural cavity wall section. Example 1 - Ventilated Cavity Wall System using Ventilated Structural Graded Timber Batten

[00180] In a preferred embodiment, a successfully tested ventilated structural cavity batten 120 is formed from structurally graded timber. For a batten with sufficient structural strength, there are local, regional and / or national building standards and codes that may need to be adhered to. For example, in Australia, seasoned, kiln-dried radiata pine is suitable if it meets the Australian F4 grading performance characteristics (see AS2858). For an F4 grading, the timber should have a fifth percentile (lowest 5%) characteristic flexural strength of 12MPa, a fifth percentile characteristic shear strength of 1.3MPa, and a fifth percentile characteristic Young’s Modulus of 6.1GPa. The shape and size of the structural batten will determine factors like batten spacing. The following standards may consulted AS / NZS 1748 Timber Stress-graded Product requirements for mechanically stress-graded timber; AS 2082 Visually stress-graded hardwood for structural purposes; AS 2858 Timber softwood - visually stress-graded for structural purposes; AS 2878 Timbers classification into strength groups; AS 3519 Timber Machine Proof Grading, if necessary and the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[00181] The successfully tested, exemplary ventilated battens are from about 20 mm to about 40 mm thick. Preferably around 35mm thick and formed from structural grade timber, which is seasoned Radiate pine, graded to F4 level. 20

[00182] Each ventilated batten 120 has a height dimension on the rear face (‘stud directed face’) of the batten ranging from about 65mm to about 75mm and a front face height dimension of about 55 mm to 65 mm, preferably about 64 mm. Good results have been achieved with a front face height of approximately 70mm and a batten depth or thickness of 35 mm or 40 mm, and a rear face height of about 64 mm. 25

[00183] It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[00184] Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, 30 various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a 2025201019   20 May 2026 claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any sub-combination or variation of any sub-combination.

[00185] Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such methods need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and that all methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other methods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional methods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[00186] Conditional language, such as ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘might’, or ‘may’, unless specifically stated 15 otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[00187] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase ‘at least one of X, Y, and Z’ unless specifically 20 stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[00188] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms ‘approximately’, ‘about’, ‘generally’ and 25 ‘substantially’ as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms ‘approximately’, ‘about’, ‘generally’ and ‘substantially’ may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated 30 amount.

[00189] Although making and using various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the description provides many inventive concepts that may be embodied in a wide variety of contexts. The specific aspects and embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of 2025201019   20 May 2026 15 ways to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[00190] Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and / or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practised using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[00191] While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been described in detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that various applications, modifications, materials, and substitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from the unique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lightweight ventilated cavity frame external wall system with vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements, the system comprising:a metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one centrally disposed horizontal noggin per stud bay for frame stability, or no more than two horizontal noggins each respectively disposed towards the top and bottom regions of a stud bay of the wall frame section for frame stability, wherein the metal stud wall frame section comprises two or more ventilated structural cavity battens each affixed onto at least two vertical studs of the stud wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame; andwherein the stud wall frame section comprises metal studs having a flange region contacting a wall frame directed face of an affixed ventilated structural cavity batten;two or more rectangular elongated fiber cement cladding elements, each affixed to the ventilated structural cavity battens of the ventilated cavity wall system in a vertically15                installed orientation,wherein the ventilated structural cavity battens substantially provide horizontal structural support for the vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements in the ventilated cavity wall system; andwherein each ventilated structural cavity batten comprises:20       - a cladding facing face and a wall frame directed face with different cladding facing faceand wall frame directed face height dimensions that result in an inclined top face which slopes away from the wall frame directed face to the cladding facing face at an angle of about 70 to about 86°, wherein a first face height dimension of the wall frame directed face ranges from about 60 mm to about 80 mm, and a second face height dimension if the25             cladding facing face ranges from 50 mm to about 70 mm;- a batten depth of from about 35 mm to about 50 mm,- a ventilation plane formed from castellations provided on the wall frame directed face and comprising a series of alternating recesses and merlons, the recesses about 22 mm wide and about 4 mm to about 8 mm deep, and the merlons spaced apart by about 75 mm from30              mid-width of a recess of about 22 mm, anda drainage plane formed from a series of spaced apart grooves provided on the cladding directed face, wherein the grooves are about 3 mm to about 10 mm wide, and about 3 mmto about 10 mm deep, wherein adjacent grooves are spaced apart at about 150 mm from mid-width of a groove.

2. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of claim 1, wherein spacing between each end of the ventilated structural cavity battens and the first groove is half of that between5           adjacent grooves along the length of the batten such that when two battens are installed withthe ends adjacent, the spacing between adjacent grooves will be similar to that along the body of the batten.2025201019   20 May 20263.The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recesses are about 22 mm wide and about 5 mm deep and / or wherein the grooves are about 6 mm wide and about 5 mm deep.

4. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recesses are about 20 mm wide and about 5 mm deep, the grooves are about 6 mm wide and about 5 mm deep and adjacent grooves are about 150 mm apart.

5. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein 15          the first face height dimension ranges from about 65 mm to about 75 mm, and the second faceheight dimension ranges from 55 mm to about 65 mm.

6. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first face height dimension is about 70 mm, the second face height dimension is about 64 mm, and wherein the battens are 35 mm or 40 mm deep.20   7. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of the preceding claims,comprising a straight bottom face.

8. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent ventilated structural cavity battens are joined together off-stud.

9. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein 25           the off-stud joining uses nail plates, strapping, and / or support noggings.

10. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange region of the metal stud has a horizontal width of from about 30 mm to about 70 mm.

11. The lightweight ventilated cavity frame wall system according to any one of the preceding30            claims, wherein the ventilated structural cavity batten is affixed onto the vertical studs of thestud wall frame with a stud-to-batten fastener, and / or wherein the studs are metal studs and2025201019   20 May 2026the ventilated structural cavity batten is affixed onto a metal flange of the vertical studs with a stud-to-batten fastener which is a power gun nail fastener.

12. A ventilated structural cavity batten suitable for a lightweight ventilated cavity metal frame wall system, the batten comprising:5       - a cladding facing face and a wall frame directed face with different cladding facing faceand wall frame directed face height dimensions that result in an inclined top face which slopes away from the wall frame directed face to the cladding facing face at an angle of about 70 to about 86°, wherein a first face height dimension of the wall frame directed face ranges from about 60 mm to about 80 mm, and a second face height dimension o f the 0              cladding facing face ranges from 50 mm to about 70 mm;- a batten depth of from about 35 mm to about 50 mm,- a ventilation plane formed from castellations provided on the wall frame directed face and comprising a series of alternating recesses and merlons, the recesses about 22 mm wide and about 4 mm to about 8 mm deep, and the merlons spaced apart by about 75 mm from 15              mid-width of a recess of about 22 mm, and- a drainage plane formed from a series of spaced apart grooves provided on the cladding directed face, wherein the grooves are about 3 mm to about 10 mm wide, and about 3 mm to about 10 mm deep, wherein adjacent grooves are spaced apart at about 150 mm.20    13. The ventilated structural cavity batten of claim 12, wherein spacing between each end of theventilated structural cavity battens and the first groove is half of that between adjacent grooves along the length of the batten.

14. Use of a ventilated structural cavity batten of claim 12 or claim 13 in a lightweight ventilated 25           cavity metal frame wall system with vertically installed fiber cement cladding elements, thesystem comprising: a metal stud wall frame section comprising no more than one centrally disposed horizontal noggin per stud bay for frame stability, or no more than two horizontal noggins each respectively disposed towards the top and bottom regions of a stud bay of the wall frame section for frame stability, wherein the metal stud wall frame section comprises two 30           or more ventilated structural cavity battens each affixed onto at least two vertical studs of thestud wall frame section in a horizontal orientation between base and header plates of the stud wall frame.

Images