Architects and builders have favored bluestone pavers in Melbourne for centuries, and Edwards Slate and Stone explains why.
MELBOURNE, Australia, May 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The first thing visitors notice is the bluestone tiles everywhere in Melbourne, from landmarks like the Victorian Parliament and the Old Melbourne Gaol to roadsides and sidewalks. It seems that the city is built of blue stone. Stone and tile experts Edwards Slate and Stone explain why bluestone has historically been the material of choice in Melbourne and why it remains so popular.
When Melbourne first became a gold rush city in the mid-1800s, bluestone was the logical choice when it came to building materials. Edwards Slate and Stone explain that bluestone was plentiful and very affordable at the time, not least because prisoners were ordered to cut and move the stone. Buildings were built, pavements were laid, tiles were cut, white stucco and sandstone were used to lighten the bluestone buildings, making them less gloomy.
Edwards Slate and Stone found that many of the bluestone buildings had been torn down in Melbourne over time and roof tiles had been recycled elsewhere. These blocks are sold, bought and reassembled to create other public buildings, sidewalks or driveways. On some old bluestone tiles, markings can be found, such as the condemned’s initials, or symbols such as arrows or wheels carved into the stone. These tiles are among Melbourne’s most valuable public assets and reveal the city’s rich and complex history.
Today, Melbourne residents still favor bluestone tiles in a variety of projects: pool decks, driveways, outdoor areas and even bathroom floors and walls, says a paving expert. For almost 200 years, stone has established itself as one of the strongest and most durable materials.
Post time: Jun-05-2023