Stone
One of the main features of our house, both aesthetically and functionally is the stone work. Consequently we spent a lot of time focusing on the style, source and construction of the stone. So when it came time to choose a stone mason, we were particular to find a company that could give us a more artisanal approach to their work than supplying the typical stone or composite veneer pattern that is prevalent today.
Diamond Masonry were chosen for their reputation, previous work and willingness to give it their all to achieve an old school artistic look – reminiscent of drystack ledgerock and rubble.
After sourcing the perfect mix of stone from various local quarries, John Greenis from Diamond experimented for a few weeks on how to achieve the right look while balancing a budget of difficulty and time on job. His solution is nothing short of beautiful – and exactly what we dreamed of.
It’s amazing the reaction from passers by – people who are captivated by the aesthetic beauty of natural stone assembled in a recognizably traditional and craftsman like method.
In the end, aesthetically the exterior and interior stone work will provide a sincere and relaxed elegance and contrast to the modern lines of the home – an old and new ideal. Functionally and as part of the sustainable features of the design, the stone in the interior will act as thermal mass, mitigating temperature change within the interior climate. In summer, the stone will collect night time temperatures and conversely assist in keeping the air temp cool by day. In winter, the stone mass walls will collect direct sun exposure energy as well as ambiant air temperature from the ground source (Geothermal) powered radiant floors by day, and slowly release that temperature through the night to keep the heating system working efficiently within ideal low output temperature ranges.