CALL US · 027 272 1145 EMAIL US - david@southernstonemasons.com
Central Otago Schist
Schist is an ideal material for construction as it is readily available, strong, naturally formed and available in a range of colours. It’s stackable form is ideal for use in free-standing walls as it is self supporting and seismic resistant.
Schist is often used by New Zealand architects to tie a building seamlessly in to the beauty of varying South Island surrounds adding enhanced beauty, longevity, warmth and value to a home. By choosing schist you are also making an ethical and environmentally conscious decision by using a long lasting, energy efficient and locally sourced cladding material.
A qualified stonemason working to best-practice will bond schist bricks to stand the test of time. The stone we lay for our clients will one day be heritage stone walls.
Lime Bagged Schist
Early settlers built homes using stone in the mid 1800’s that still stand to this day. They used the available local schist stone to build their homes, sealing them with bagged lime joints, creating the iconic heritage look of the Central Otago stone cottages we know so well.
This stone and look carries it's popularity to date, often used as chimneys or wall features to compliment timber cladding.
Schist Colours
Schist is quarried all over Central Otago and stone colour depends on the location. Each area produces various stone textures and natural stone colours ranging from grey schist bricks to brown natural skinned schist building stone. Colours vary from dark grey to chocolate browns with blends of lighter shades in between.
Schist Joints & Dry Stack
The traditional schist structures were jointed with lime plaster to ensure a tight seal against the elements. Now, with modern building solutions, you often see dry stone stack for a very clean and sharp look with no mortar visible.
