Simply stone

Stone accents are always eye-catching, but in the past, many homeowners have thought twice about incorporating stone on their homes, because of the cost.

Austral Bricks has introduced a new product that makes stone a cost-effective option. Designa Schist is real stone set in precast concrete moulds that allow easy, fast installation by a bricklayer.

Cindy Driscoll, marketing manager for Austral Bricks, says Designa Schist can be installed in half the time of normal stone, with no mess. It is also more affordable.

"The system uses hand-selected pieces of the finest quality stone embedded in preformed concrete modules," she says. "The modules are laid using a drained and ventilated cavity system, exactly the same way bricks have been laid for more than a hundred years."

Driscoll says the modules also mean Designa Schist from Austral Bricks is easy to lay, unlike individual pieces of stone that must be painstakingly cut, set and mortared by a stonemason.

"There are many additional benefits. Designa Schist is available in three colours and is virtually maintenance and fade free, weather resistant, energy efficient and strong."

For more details or the comprehensive technical manual, contact Austral Bricks, phone 0800 Austral (287 872). Website: www.australbricks.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas