8 July 2019

Fremantles Natural Limestone Withstands the Test of Time

Have you walked through the streets of Fremantle lately? At first, it may not seem obvious. Then you will notice the abundance of limestone. Everywhere you turn you will see limestone buildings of different eras and architectural styles. Along with limestone steps, limestone walls and limestone pathways as far as your eyes can see.

Fremantle Limestone whalers Tunnel Images

The Streets of Fremantle – View through the limestone Whalers Tunnel to High Street.

Fremantle a City Built on a Limestone hill

Picture back in 1829 as the first Swan River colonists safely navigate the dangerous, limestone rocky shores many a shipwreck before them failed. The limestone cliffs and reefs protecting the mouth of the Swan River from the sea extend underground into the hills. Because of the infertile sandy soil that covers the limestone hills the new colony almost didn’t get off the ground. It would take another 100 years and convict labour for the new settlement to become the City of Fremantle.

When gold was discovered in Western Australia there was a renewed urgency for a port to be built. The limestone reef was blasted and removed creating a channel to allow ships to safely enter the port. This provide much-needed protection from the rocky coastline.

With the new port came industries like ship building, saw mills, iron foundries, flour mills, leather tanneries, furniture making and breweries. This saw Fremantle rise from the barren limestone hills. Although now modernised, many of these founding industries still exist in 2018. For the industries that are no longer operating there is still evidence of the vital role they played.

The timeless and classic beauty of traditional natural quarry cut Fremantle limestone walls with red brick capping compliments this East Fremantle cottage.

Fremantle Limestone Walls – Building and Planning to Protect Fremantle’s Heritage

Fremantle Limestone Images Fremantle Limestone Images

Here is a cottage that we are in the process of removing the dilapidated colour bond fence, which is definitely not an original feature of the property.

A brand new natural quarry cut limestone front and side boundary wall, finished off with limestone bullnose capping to top of wall and matching limestone pier caps, replaces the sad old green fence.

Now today, thanks to the Building and Planning processes put in place, the Heritage of Fremantle will be preserved for many years to come. The Roundhouse was the first building which opened in 1831. This still stands today as the oldest public building in Western Australia. Old cottages and homes are being lovingly restored by their owners using traditional materials and methods.

At Creative Limestone our block-layers use natural limestone blocks cut from quarries by saws, instead of hand picks. The heavy limestone blocks are lifted into place using a bobcat and block lifter. The Limestone blocks are still joined together using a lime, based mortar. A mixture of old and new ensuring the history and heritage in the streets of Fremantle lives on.
If you have a home that is in need of a new limestone wall then click on our Contact Page. Mention you have read this blog and Paul will be in contact to discuss your needs.

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The 3 Step Process

The Creative Limestone Retaining Wall Process is Only 3 Steps Away

Step 1: Get In Touch With Our Team

Once you're ready to get started putting in a limestone retaining wall, you'll want to reach out to our team via phone, email, or contact form. From there, a representative will speak with you to get a better idea of why you're looking for a limestone retaining wall and how you plan to use that in your property.

Step 2: Get A FREE Estimate

Now that you've spoken with us about what exactly you're looking for, we'll put together a quote for you that outlines our limestone retaining wall services and which covers the scope of the work. We'll include every detail so that you don't run into any hidden costs after work has begun.

Step 3: Get Started Building Your Retaining Wall

It's time to get started creating the perfect limestone retaining wall for your property. We'll dispatch a contractor to your home or business and get started putting up a retaining wall that you can rely on for years to come.

We purchased a difficult block that required a lot of site works and retaining, which was daunting at first. We had several contractors quote the work but found Mark from Creative Limestone to be the most friendly and professional by far. We quickly had a written quote and knew exactly what we were up for from the start. Mark would regularly contact us with updates, and once the site works started, our retaining wall was built promptly and finished perfectly. Mark helped us beyond finishing the wall with contacts for other trades and completing our site works ready to build. I have already recommended Creative Limestone to our friends and would not hesitate to call Creative Limestone if we need any work done in the future.

CASSIE STREBEL - BUILDING SURVEYOR RESOLVE GROUP PTY LTD

After having worked with you and your team, I would have no hesitation in recommending your services to my colleagues and others. I have found you to be straight up and down [as I like] and always willing to help find the best solution [especially when it wasn’t the last solution]. In dealing with the public you have been reliable and have taken responsibility for ensuring any issues are resolved without the need for my involvement. Add to that quality of workmanship and a competitive price, and Creative Limestone has a compelling story to tell.

JOHN HIRDMAN - SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER SATTERLEY PROPERTY GROUP -

I have used Creative Limestone for my front wall and they are amazing

SARAH

Very professional, great crew, excellent job.

M Ann

Great product, excellent craftsmanship and helpful service.

Gary

We couldn't be happier with all the work Paul and Mark have done at our house, and I would happily recommend Creative Limestone to anybody considering limestone work. Their work is to an exceptional standard, but they are also engaging and helpful throughout the whole process. -Thanks again Creative Limestone

STEVE AND LIBBY - NEDLANDS

"We are writing to say a huge thank you to Paul, Mark, Sharon in accounts and the team at Creative Limestone for the fantastic job they have done landscaping our front and rear gardens. Paul project managed the whole of the work which included the installation of our pool which was fantastic as the whole job was hassle free from start to finish, he was very professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with and with his help and advice we have achieved the look we wanted. We are delighted with the quality of the work that was carried out and the team were a pleasure to have on site and again very easy to work with. I would certainly recommend Creative Limestone to anyone." Very happy customers

PAUL AND CAROL - SECRET HARBOUR

Mark from Creative Limestone has completely transformed my whole yard with a landscape package which included: - Design - Soak wells and storm water drainage - Limestone paving and edging - Limestone planter boxes and capping - Tropical plants and reticulation - Artificial Turf. Workmanship is of the highest quality and the transformation is amazing. Customer service provided was excellent and very professional, with regular updates and flexibility to accommodate minor changes. I would undoubtedly recommend Mark to any prospective clients as I am absolutely thrilled with the end result, so thank you very much to you and your team of tradesmen.

LOUISE, MADORA BAY

The team of guys are amazing! Not only do they do an amazing and quality job, the whole team is polite and very professional. Paul went above and beyond for our build and we are so very grateful. Thank you to everyone involved, we love our new addition to our home.

Samantha

COMMERCIAL LIMESTONE RETAINING WALLS

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Creative Limestone is a WA owned and operated business, specialising in the construction of all types of limestone retaining walls, boundary walls, and screen walls, for commercial applications. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with quality workmanship, along with a professional, knowledgeable, friendly and reliable service. We source from some of the most respected limestone suppliers in the state, ensuring an exceptional product each and every time. Owner operator Paul Whittleton has over twenty-three years’ experience working with architects, engineers, builders and developers on local council works, schools, housing and commercial developments.

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Creative Limestone is a WA owned and operated business with over twenty-five years’ experience in the construction of limestone walls, from Perth to Mandurah.

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