The Uplands mansion is a new-build residence with an ambitious architectural vision. Clad entirely in local sandstone and Indiana limestone, the project features approximately 500 tonnes of stone integrated throughout the hardscaping and interior fireplaces. This was a project defined by masonry; it demanded technical precision, disciplined sequencing, and experience in traditional material handling.
Uplands Landmark Masonry Residence
Full-Stone New Build Defined by Craft, Scale, and Detail
Timeline
Oct '22 - Mar '25
Location
Oak Bay, BC
Client
Homeowner
Objectives
- Stone Integration: Delivering seamless stone cladding using a combination of local sandstone and Indiana limestone and modern engineering principles and practices.
- Artisanal Detailing: Executing high-detail carving work, including custom architectural features, consistent with the classical design and traditional techniques.
- Cohesive Landscape Design: Pairing the building’s cladding with extensive hardscaping and flatwork to create a unified aesthetic.
Unique Challenges
Mass Masonry Installation
The sheer volume of the materials presented significant logistical challenges. The installation included 12-foot-long limestone columns, each weighing thousands of pounds. These required specialized rigging, crane coordination, and precise setting to ensure accurate detailing.
Production of Cut Stone
Working closely with Herold Engineering, we had a strong role in detailing the cut limestone produced at the quarry in Indiana. To ensure quality and constructibility, we built several mock-ups and had a banker station set-up to make adjustments prior to installation.
Technical Scope of Work
To manage the tight tolerances and heavy stone placement required for this build, our team utilized a blend of modern technology and traditional stone-working.
Key Traditional Masonry Measures
- Specialized Attachment: Utilization of time-tested masonry techniques and practice to securely pin stone pieces within tight, confined spaces.
- Custom Carving: The project featured a hand-carved family crest on the tympanum stone and intricate keystones featuring carved lions. These elements demanded meticulous planning to ensure the proportions of the carvings matched the scale of the building.
- Integrated Masonry Design: Complete home cladding combined with the design and build of custom stone fireplaces and outdoor flatwork.
Collaboration
A build of this complexity required a skilled, multidisciplinary team. Heritage Masonry worked in close alignment with:
- Mark Finlay Architects and Citta Construction (General Contractor) to realize the design intent.
- Skyline Engineering and Herold Engineering to ensure structural integrity of the full-bed stone elements.
- Bybee, Adera and Bedrock Natural Stone suppliers for high-quality material sourcing.
Transformation
Before
- A bold architectural vision featuring classical masonry design with unresolved detailing and engineering requirements.
After
- A landmark residence fully clad in natural stone, featuring precisely set mass masonry elements and bespoke carvings that define the property’s character.
Results
The completed Oak Bay Stone Mansion is a unique example of high-end residential masonry delivered with an homage to the past. With hundreds of tonnes of stone installed and intricate detailing executed throughout, the home stands as a testament to our ability to manage large-scale, technically demanding builds while preserving the artistry of traditional stonemasonry.
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.
