At one with the landscape

The Central Otago landscape has long been praised for its rugged beauty, which is in turn often reflected in the choice of building materials for homes across the region.

This house, for example, has a stone finish that replicates the local schist. Cerastone Kiwi Schist ES77 from Stutex Stone was specified for feature walls and columns. With its flecks of gold and grey, the cladding has a strong visual link with the distant mountains.

Director Lorraine Goudie says Stutex Stone's manufactured stone profiles also feature intricate surface textures that are hard to distinguish from natural stone.

"The cladding provides a natural stone appearance without the usual associated cost," she says. "It is equally well suited to landscaping projects, where it often features on walls and pillars. And many homeowners like to continue the theme inside, with stone feature walls and fireplace surrounds."

Stutex Stone profiles are available in several stone types, including river stone and fieldstone, and in different colourings. Many designers specify a mix of colours for a customised look.

The light weight of Stutex Stone claddings provides other benefits. Because they are just one-third the weight of natural stone, they can be installed over standard foundations without the need for additional structural bracing. The light weight also means installation is fast and efficient, providing further cost savings, says Lorraine Goudie.

Stutex Stone has supplied stone veneers for more than 12 years and has distributors nationwide.

For more information, contact Stutex Stone, 8/6 Westgate Dr, Westgate, Auckland, freephone 0800 788 839. Email: stutexstone@xtra.co.nz. Or visit the company's website. www.stutexstone.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas