Keeping it real

To achieve just the right look for the new

High Country feature at Auckland Zoo, all the main buildings' doors and windows were distressed for a weathered effect. However, it was the rugged stone cladding that brought the final stamp of authenticity.

Craftstone New Zealand supplied and installed Basalt Grey Schist Clad a thin natural stone veneer to the structures and surrounding walls of the station, says general manager Hamish Monro.

"Various options were considered, and timing and cost were important. If the project had been undertaken using whole stone which takes longer to lay and build it would have delayed completion, so a stone veneer was chosen for speed of installation. The cost advantage over full-thickness, traditional stone was another driving advantage."

Late in the project, with time running short, it was decided to include Craftstone's Crazy Pave Mats within the duck enclosure. The colour of paving matched the Basalt Grey Schist Clad and, as the stones are pre-cut and shaped to form interlocking mats, it was very quick and easy to lay.

"Both cladding and paving met the designer's preference in colour and texture with the added appeal of being the real thing," says Munro.

Schist Clad natural stone veneer comes in three colours: Basalt Grey, Cape Brown and Coromandel Green. Crazy Pave Mats are offered in Grey, Yellow, Brown and Grey Mica. The Schist Clad system is fully compliant with the latest New Zealand Building Code, following rigorous testing for weathertightness, wind loading, and seismic. The system comes with a Full System Warranty when installed by a Craftstone-approved installer.

"Craftstone is also sole distributor of Craftseal, an advanced stone and masonry sealer," he says.

"This water-based, solvent-free, impregnating sealer protects the stone permanently avoiding the hassle and expense of reapplication every few years. Craftseal can be sprayed on, brushed on, or applied by roller."

For details, contact Craftstone New Zealand, phone (09) 447 3918, fax (09) 447 3919, email: sales@craftstone.co.nz, or alternatively visit the website: www.craftstone.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas