A seaside dwelling’s unrestrained design approach to rare Amazonite stone

What is Amazonite and Quartzite stone?

ArchiPro takes you behind the scenes to explore the beloved design of this seaside project, which features an abundance of Amazonite: a rare, turquoise-toned natural Quartzite stone. Showcased throughout the project, from a striking kitchen splashback to a cascading stairwell, the beauty of this semi-precious stone could not be confined.

Universal Granite is New Zealand’s largest natural stone importer, which sourced and supplied the Amazonite for the Point England project. "Amazonite is a rare Quartzite from Brazil,” says Tina Baroutsos, National Sales Manager at Universal Granite.

“The stunning turquoise colour contrasts against an emerald green background, while the soft nuances of taupe and black soothe the aquatic accents. It’s a lovely addition to our Antolini Exclusive collection, which offers extraordinary natural materials from the finest quarries around the world,” adds Tina.

Universal Granite is a distributor of Antolini products in New Zealand, selling directly to stone masons for the commercial and residential design market. The stunning collection includes an extensive array of finishes, and the brand can import a specific tone for designers.

Explore the Point England project

The owners and designers of this Point England residence reflect on their five-year search for the rare stone. “I remember the exact moment I fell in love with Amazonite. It was back in 2017 when Ray and I were watching Grand Designs,” says Tanya Charman. “They were showcasing this sandstone house in Bondi and had used this incredible stone called Amazonite in their kitchen. I couldn’t get it out of my head.” 

“We have spent much of our lives near water—on Waiheke Island and throughout the Pacific Islands. Amazonite reminded me of those dreamy aqua lagoons, jagged rocks, and sandy shores.”

Shortly after, Tanya began calling New Zealand and Australian stone suppliers, but every call ended in disappointment, with many unaware of this natural stone’s existence.

“Many suggested alternatives, but they weren’t what I was after. I eventually decided to park the idea, but I never really forgot about that stone,” says Tanya.

In 2020, shortly after purchasing a coastal home with desirable water views, Tanya contacted Universal Granite, “By sheer luck, they had some Amazonite arriving in about two weeks as part of a very limited shipment—only nine sheets, which later dropped to seven,” she says.

“We begged to be the first to see it when it arrived, and as soon as the shipment arrived in New Zealand, we dropped everything to see it. When we saw it in person, we knew instantly—this was it. This was the stone we’d been waiting for,” says Tanya.

Initially, the couple only planned to use Amazonite in the kitchen but soon incorporated it extensively in the interior design: the main kitchen, the butler’s pantry, stairs, three bathrooms, and the laundry.

The logistics of cutting each piece, transporting it up a flight of stairs, and installing the rare stone, which weighed between 650 and 800 kilograms, were difficult, not to mention crafting the stone into actual stairs.

Tina notes, “As you descend the stairs, the mason had to match the stone’s vein so that it cascaded down and resembled one piece.”

Tanya and Ray's patience was certainly rewarded. Tanya remarks, “[Amazonite] reflects our coastal surroundings so beautifully, with its colours echoing the tides and the natural landscape. It was absolutely worth the wait.”  

View the extensive Universal Granite stone range on ArchiPro today, or visit a showroom in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Appointments are available for assistance with selecting the right stone for your next project.