Country chic

Stone cottages are part of our southern heritage, which probably helps explain their enduring popularity. But the sense of comfort and permanence they engender the nostalgia for a simple life is also a key reason for their appeal.

As this project illustrates, it is possible to re-create such a look for your own home. Edgestone ES60, from Stutex Stone's Cerastone, range features on the chimney, columns, entrance and base of the home, helping to visually anchor the house to the landscape. The stone also clads the chimney inside the house, providing further visual continuity.

Director Lorraine Goudie says Stutex Stone's manufactured stone profiles have been designed to replicate New Zealand's regional stone, and feature intricate surface textures that are hard to distinguish from natural stone.

"The veneers provide a way to achieve a natural stone appearance without the usual associated cost," she says. "This makes it a cost-effective option for both cladding and landscaping."

Goudie says because Stutex Stone veneers 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.

Stutex Stone has distributors nationwide. For more information, contact Stutex Stone, 8/6 Westgate Dr, Westgate, Auckland, freephone 0800 788 839, or (09) 832 8300. Email: stutexstone@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stutexstone.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas