Kyneton Dry Stone Walling
heritage stone masonry
& building restoration
Kyneton Dry Stone Walling now offers specialist Heritage Stone Masonry services across the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria. Our team brings over 20 years of experience in the preservation, repair, conservation, and restoration of historic mortared stone buildings and structures. With practitioners trained in the UK and USA, we combine international best practice with a deep respect for local heritage.
We work exclusively with stone as the primary building material, using traditional lime mortars for repointing, structural repairs, and sympathetic additions or modifications. Every project is approached with accuracy, care, and an understanding of the building’s historical context.
All photographs courtesy of Brian Post, Standing Stone LLC
what is heritage stone masonry
Heritage stone masonry is the repair, restoration, and conservation of historic stone structures using traditional materials and methods. It focuses on preserving original fabric, maintaining structural integrity, and ensuring that any new work is sympathetic to the building's age, style, and construction. Lime mortars are used instead of modern cement, allowing historic stonework to breathe, move, and shed moisture safely. Heritage stone masonry combines technical accuracy with a respect for the building's history, ensuring long-term durability and authenticity.
Heritage bluestone building in need of repointing
our heritage stone masonry services
Severe mortar decay, showing sand being washed out of the wall at the bottom
We specialise in the repair and restoration of stone buildings and structures, including:
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Current condition assessments and recommendations
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Project planning, and process design
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Lime mortar repointing
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Structural repairs to heritage stone buildings
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New mortared stonework using heritage materials. Ideal for additions and modifications
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Mortared retaining walls and freestanding walls
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Stone foundations, monuments, and bridges
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Heritage documentation and reporting
We work with all traditional lime mortar types – Lime Putty, Hot Lime, and Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) – selecting the correct mortar based on analysis of existing materials and site conditions.
We currently work only on stone structures, not brick or plaster restoration.
our process
Assessment
Visual inspection and, where required, chemical analysis of existing mortar. Test panels can be created to confirm correct materials and processes.
Stone building wall in need of repointing
Preparation
Removal of degraded mortar, controlled wetting of stonework, and installation of protective coverings.
Removing old mortar with air powered tools
Repointing
Mortar is applied by hand in layers, pressed firmly into joints, and finished to match historic profiles.
Repointing with Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortar
Curing
Work is protected and monitored for typically one week to ensure proper moisture levels and prevent flash drying.
Freshly repointed area protected from sun and rain
Documentation
For significant heritage structures, we provide a detailed record of materials and methods for future conservation work.
Projects can be phased over time – for example, repointing one side of a building per year.
Completed repointing on this heritage masonry home
selected experience
Our heritage masonry team brings extensive international experience, including:
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Calvin Coolidge Homestead (USA) – hot lime mortar used in restoring the historic building's foundation
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West Townshend Stone Arch Bridge (USA) – NHL repointing used in complete restoration
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Carmelite Monastery Guest House (USA) – new mortared stone construction
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Residential heritage buildings (USA, UK) – lime putty and NHL repointing
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Field study of heritage stonework across the UK, Ireland, Spain, Canada, and the USA
book an assessment
If you have a heritage stone building or structure in need of repair, repointing, or careful restoration, we can provide an assessment and outline the best approach for your project.
Contact us using the below form to arrange a site visit or discuss your heritage masonry needs.