56 | CONTRACTING Earth and Stone Rachel Graham Creating with the longevity of stone Catlins farmhouse in a ‘tight stack’ style. Stonemason Alec Barker of Dunedin’s Earth and Stone says there is nothing like the satisfaction of working on a stone wall, and knowing that it will stay in place, and looking great, for many many years to come. Alec was born in the county of Devon, England, where he trained to become a qualified brick layer/builder. He has now worked in the construction industry for more than 15 years. After several visits to New Zealand Alec moved here permanently in 2008. He initially worked for a stonemasonry company in Queenstown, before his love of surfing saw him move to Dunedin to be closer to the sea. He has operated as Earth and Stone since 2014. Alec says growing up in a 500-year-old stone house in the UK probably has a lot to do with his on-going love of stonework. While in the UK he had experience working with a wide range of stone, including Devonshire slate, field stone and sandstone. Here is New Zealand the main stone he works with is the local schist and basalt, along with some work with Oamaru sandstone. Alec says the schist stonework is very popular around Otago and Queenstown, with a look of grandeur which can transform a house and looks timeless. “The beauty of stone is once you put it up, it just looks good, and will keep looking good for 50 years or so. It doesn’t need to be painted or fussed with, it is very low maintenance and will just keep looking good.” Earth and Stone can do a wide range of projects including stone cladding, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, paving, landscaping and walls. In addition to schist stone, another popular choice is the use of stick-on stone. This uses a slice of about 50 millimetres off the face of schist, which can then be adhered to the wall like a tile. Local Central Otago quarries can provide this product, and there are imported versions which use a cement product to look like stone. Alec says this can provide a good lightweight version of stonework and is a great option in some locations because you don’t need the footings to support the stone. Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? One recent project using schist stone was alongside Dunedin builder Graham Stevenson. Alec constructed a 25m squared wall from Hyde Quarry schist stone along a walkway and large set of steps up to a Dunedin home. He says the wall offered some extra wind protection, as well as simply looking very impressive. “The house was undergoing a very extensive renovation. There was a set of steps that go up to the house. From the street you see this huge great big schist stone wall, which now has a lovely “That’s the great thing with stone - it creates an ageless, sturdy sort of look. Even if it just went up yesterday, it has a look of longevity about it.” garden planted along the front. And the house is up high from the road, and you can’t see the stairs until you walk around, and then the steps lead you up between the schist walls. It’s very cool.” Alec says it was particularly satisfying to see the wall now with the garden well established around it. “That’s the great thing with stone - it creates an ageless, sturdy sort of look. Even if it just went up yesterday, it has a look of longevity about it. And you know it’s going to be there, looking great for many years to come.” 021 197 1679 blair@dhch.co.nz Proudly associated with Earth & Stone OPEN 7 DAYS FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING SUPPLIES. trade.admin@megadunedin.co.nz Phone 03 455 3341 www.mitre10.co.nz/trade 350 Andersons Bay Rd, DUNEDIN www.glstevensonbuilders.co.nz Proud to support Earth & Stone Graham Stevenson glstevenson@xtra.co.nz 6 Grater Street Maori Hill Dunedin Ph: 0274 342 733 Fax: 467 5462 A/H: 467 5462 Residential • industrial • Light Commercial New Homes • Extensions • Renovations • Alterations Bathrooms • Kitchens • Prompt Service • Free Quotes G.L STEVENSON BUILDERS LTD
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