By Wanaka Stone
Our well-travelled Kiwi client created a stunning retreat incorporating antique pieces from France, luxurious fabrics and earthy organics that artfully complement the schist walls built in a traditional bagged joint style. The result is both functional and refined, blending European sophistication with the rugged charm of Central Otago.
As you approach the solid stone entrance walls and structural planting create a striking first impression. The schist walls contrast with the pebble courtyard and a cleverly positioned pond adds a tranquil touch to the entry. The courtyard also features a fireplace and outdoor setting for relaxed outdoor living.
Inside, richly textured soft furnishings harmonise beautifully with the natural tones of the stone, wood, and joinery, creating an inviting ambience. We especially loved how the use of teal and gold accentuated those hues in the Cluden Schist widely used throughout the house.
The interior design blends antique furnishings and fittings with a modern aesthetic. Each element carries a story and evokes a memory for the owners, adding layers of meaning and depth to the space. The result is a home that feels authentic and loved, where every corner reveals a new discovery.
The heart of this home is undoubtedly the kitchen, where tradition meets innovation. A traditional open kitchen fireplace built in schist brings an old-world twist to the classic Kiwi kitchen design.
As you move through the home each space has great textural components, colour, and art blended to showcase the personalities of the owners and the best of both local and European design elements.
Architect Alistair Madill commented "Wanaka Stone and Dragon Stone were delightfully co-operative in achieving the clients discerning mixture of tones and sizes requested for this home."
We are proud to have helped to bring our client's vision to life, creating a home that is as functional as it is beautiful, and as unique as the owners themselves.
Wanaka Stone Ltd has been supplying high quality schist products since 2014, now supplying rock from two iconic Central Otago quarries. Both Poolburn and Cluden Stone Quarries have stood the test of time, having been operational for over 30 years each. Both quarries produce reliable, consistent stone and will still be operating for many decades to come.
Wanaka Stone Ltd provides schist stone from the Cluden Stone Quarry near Tarras and Poolburn Stone Quarry located in the Ida Valley, the heart of Central Otago. Cluden Stone is known for its earthy blue-grey and golden brown tones while Poolburn Stone is quintessential Central Otago schist with steely greys and plenty of brown, bronze and russet tones. Stone has been used for decades as a permanent cladding and to create beautiful features in homes and commercial buildings. It is low maintenance, timeless and distinctive.
Wanaka Stone Ltd provides a professional service that operates fully licenced and permitted operations ensuring a consistent and reliable supply. Using cutting edge technology – imported guillotines with 24 cutting teeth – we are able to deliver top-quality schist and value for money.
Locally Sourced – Eco-Friendly
Schist is a naturally formed building material with limited mechanical inputs, resulting in minimal carbon footprint. Massive quantities of rock are constantly forming and reforming in nature. The quantities extracted by us are negligible when compared to natural erosion rates.