Alpine retreat

The key consideration in designing the Pounamu Apartments was for them to blend with their alpine setting. Developing a stone cladding to match the character of the area's towering schist mountains was therefore a paramount aesthetic consideration.

Classic Stone experimented with various stone types before finding a match for the texture and shades of the local geology, and overcame another challenge presented by the project - cladding three, large, curved walls seamlessly.

Using custom-made moulds, Classic Stone produced curved stones which were laid by hand to create a curved cladding the precise radius of each of the walls. The finished look consequently presents the flow of a real stone wall. The architect specified the square cut, stacked stone profile to complement the clean, modern lines of the project's design.

Stephen Little, director of Classic Stone, says taking a custom approach to manufacturing provides customers with more options.

"By creating our veneer stone as individuals, laid stone by stone, our claddings look like authentic stone, and clients can choose between a variety of styles," he says.

For details, contact Classic Stone, Head Office 127 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru, phone (03) 688 7036. Website: www.classicstone.co.nz.

Southland distributor: Eoin and Aynsley Harding, Replica Rock, phone (03) 235 8622.

Queenstown distributor: Poss Hogan, Rock'n (021) 807 040.

Wanaka distributor: Aaron McIntyre, Concrete Caterers, phone (021) 1447 557.

South/Mid Canterbury distributor: Bryan Taylor, Riverstone Building, (027) 221 1459.

Canterbury distributor: Christchurch Lightweight Concrete, phone (03) 343 3914.

Story by: Trendsideas