Oak Bay Stone Mansion was a new-build family home executed at an exceptional scale. The project was entirely clad in local sandstone and Indiana limestone, with extensive carving, hardscaping, flatwork, and fireplaces integrated throughout. With approximately 500 tonnes of stone on the building and a high level of custom detailing, the project demanded technical precision, disciplined sequencing, and deep respect for material.
Timeline
Oct '22 - Mar '25
Location
Oak Bay, BC
Client
Homeowner
This project was a new-build family home where masonry formed the defining architectural expression. From full cladding to hand-carved details, the scope required craftsmanship that balanced structural performance with refined, design-forward execution.
Goals
- Deliver a full-stone exterior using local sandstone and Indiana limestone
- Execute high-detail masonry and carving work consistent with the architectural vision
- Integrate stonework across exterior cladding, hardscaping, flatwork, and fireplaces as a cohesive whole
Unique Challenges
Extreme Scale and Heavy Installation
The scale of masonry and level of detail were significant. Components included 12-foot-long corner stones craned into place, each weighing thousands of pounds and requiring careful staging, safe lifts, and precise setting.
High-Detail Custom Craftsmanship
The project included a hand-carved tympanum family crest and additional carved elements, demanding meticulous planning and execution to ensure alignment, proportion, and long-term durability.
Technical Approach
Work was executed with disciplined sequencing and specialized techniques to manage tight tolerances, heavy stone placement, and high-detail carving.
Key work completed included:
- Use of the “mouse’s tail” masonry technique, an ancient practice for pinning pieces within tight confines
- Hand-carved elements, including a tympanum family crest
- Custom carving details, including carved lions on keystones
- Full cladding and integrated stonework across hardscaping, flatwork, and fireplaces
Collaboration & Coordination
This residential masonry project was delivered through close collaboration across the build and design team.
- Sitta Construction (GC)
- Skyline Engineering
- Herold Engineering
- Bedrock Natural Stone
- Mark Finlay (American architect)
Before & After
Before
- New build
After
- New home fully clad in local sandstone and Indiana limestone
- Extensive custom stonework integrated across the property, including carvings, flatwork, hardscaping, and fireplaces
- Heavy stone elements installed and set with precision, including craned corner stones and detailed architectural features
Results
The completed home reflects a rare combination of scale and craftsmanship. With hundreds of tonnes of stone installed and detailed carving executed throughout, the project stands as an example of high-end residential masonry delivered with technical precision and enduring material respect.
Services Used
- Full-home stone cladding installation
- Specialized masonry techniques for tight-tolerance stone setting
- Custom stone carving and architectural detailing
- Heavy stone staging, craning coordination, and precision setting
- Hardscaping, flatwork, and fireplace masonry integration
High-end residential masonry requires technical precision, disciplined sequencing, and deep respect for materials. If you’re planning a new build or major exterior stone scope, connect with Heritage Masonry to discuss approach and execution.
