Piece by piece - Stonework from Italian Stone features in the Auckland Art Gallery

To achieve the architects' vision for a high-profile civic building of national significance, stonework features extensively in the Auckland Art Gallery both inside and out.

Italian Stone was contracted to supply and install all the stonework, a job that required a huge attention to detail, from factory production to on-site installation. Every piece of stone was individually drawn and detailed using CAD software, says company director Graeme Thorne. "This enabled us to look at each stone from any angle to determine how it was processed and finished perfectly, prior to being installed."

Approximately 6000m² of stone was imported for the project, with the stone chosen for its aesthetics and suitability for intended use. For the interior flooring in the public areas, Jura Grey limestone with embedded fossil remnants was imported from Germany. This stone also features on all stairs, exterior walls and landscaping.

Interior walls and fins in the main atrium spaces feature Moleanos limestone from Portugal, which was processed in Italian Stone's New Lynn factory. The entry walls and sculptural reception desk are in Lal Bluestone with a honed finish. This dark stone can also be seen in three water features and seats around the building exterior.

Thorne says the finished gallery is a testament to the commitment shown by Italian Stone and its installation teams.

ITALIAN STONE

10 Portage Rd, New Lynn, Auckland 0600Phone (09) 827 8633 Fax (09) 827 8632www.italianstone.co.nz sales@italianstone.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas