NO.1 ROOFING & BUILDING SUPPLIES | FROM INSPIRATION TO INFORMED DESIGN: HOW NO.1 DESIGNHUB™ SUPPORTS EARLY ARCHITECTURAL DECISION-MAKING

No 1 Roofing and Building Supplies shares their latest article as part of their partnership with ArchiTeam.

From Inspiration to Informed Design: How No.1 DesignHub™ Supports Early Architectural Decision-Making

By Marcio Da Silva, GM of Architectural Specifications - No.1 Roofing & Building Supplies
 

As architects, we are often asked the same question long before specifications, details or budgets are discussed:

“What will it actually look like?”

While precedents, renders, material samples and product literature remain valuable design tools, they do not always help clients visualise how a particular roofing or wall cladding profile will translate onto their own project. The gap between inspiration and product direction can often be one of the most challenging stages of the design process.

That is where No.1 DesignHub™ has been developed to assist.

Created by No.1 Roofing’s Architectural Panel Systems (APS) division, No.1 DesignHub™ is an interactive visualisation platform that allows homeowners, architects, designers and builders to explore how different architectural metal roofing and wall cladding systems may appear on a project before moving into specification, pricing or technical review.

For architects, the platform provides a practical way to compare the visual impact of different profile types and design languages. Users can explore systems including Snap-Line45®, Genesis™ Standing Seam, Eclipse™ Snaplock, UrbanE™ Nailstrip, Expression™ Interlocking Panel, Savanna™ Flat Lock and Zeno-Clad™ Board and Batten, each offering a distinctly different architectural outcome.

This is important because architectural cladding is rarely just a material selection. Rib height, shadow lines, panel width, orientation and building form all contribute to the final expression of a design. A standing seam roof can create a timeless, crafted appearance, while an interlocking panel façade may deliver a sharper contemporary aesthetic. The same colour can read completely differently depending on the profile it is applied to.

For architectural practices, No.1 DesignHub™ can also support early client engagement. Rather than relying solely on reference images, architects can use the platform to help clients compare different profile options and better understand the visual implications of design decisions before documentation progresses.

As Nicola Strange, Director of Elo Architecture, explains:

"No.1 DesignHub has definitely streamlined the way we are doing design in our office and working as a team."

The platform is not intended to replace technical advice, detailing or project-specific specification support. Instead, it helps establish a clearer design direction earlier in the process, allowing subsequent conversations around materials, finishes, warranties, coastal exposure, constructability and installation pathways to be more focused and productive.

Whether working on a new residence, renovation, multi-residential development or commercial project, architects can use No.1 DesignHub™ as a visual bridge between concept design and informed product selection.

Ready to Explore?

If you're evaluating architectural metal roofing or wall cladding options for an upcoming project, No.1 DesignHub™ offers a practical way to compare profiles, test design intent and help clients visualise outcomes with greater confidence.

Start exploring your next project at:
www.no1designhub.com.au