Kanmantoo Bluestone quarry is located a short distance from Adelaide (SA). The extracted stone featured in this eye-catching project is approximately six to eight million years old. It should come as no surprise to discover that its warm, autumnal colouring corresponds almost perfectly with the surrounding Adelaide Hills.

In spite of its nomenclature the Kanmantoo product bears little resemblance to the grey/blue colour tones of the bluestone which abounds in neighbouring state of Victoria, or in other parts of the world. However, like its Victorian counterpart it is both rugged and durable, and capable of withstanding substantial volumes of foot traffic.

In recent times, Kanmantoo has been specified for use right around Australia, in both residential and commercial projects. While it is largely used as an internal and external construction material, it can be used in a number of ways including slabs, blocks, tiles and cobbles. For example, thousands of square metres of Kanmantoo cobbles were laid at Adelaide Oval.

The featured private residence is located in the inner southern suburb of Malvern in South Australia. Highlights include walls constructed from solid blocks of Kanmantoo dimension stone, which illustrate the individual and unique colouring of each piece of stone.

The meticulously designed and installed turret of stone emphasises the traditional values of this Victorian era property, complete with elegant tessellated tiles, open fireplaces, imposing windows and solid timber doors.

By Tony Stock