Case Study:
Leslie Hills Homestead, Culverden Heritage Chimney Restoration – North Canterbury
Project Snapshot:
Following severe damage in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, the historic Rutherford family homestead at Leslie Hills underwent a major 18-month restoration. Red Mantle supplied and installed six heritage replica chimneys featuring custom-designed bronze chimney pots. All chimneys support working fireplaces, restoring both the architectural character and functionality of this grand 800 sqm stately home.
The Challenge
The Kaikōura earthquake left the original double-brick chimneys severely damaged and unsafe. Traditional heavy masonry chimneys posed ongoing structural and insurance risks on this significant heritage property.
The owners and project team needed a solution that would:
- Faithfully replicate the historic chimney profiles and brickwork
- Meet strict heritage and building consent requirements
- Deliver modern seismic performance and insurance acceptance
- Support working fireplaces throughout the home
Removing the chimneys entirely would have permanently altered the iconic silhouette of this landmark Canterbury homestead.
The Red Mantle Solution
Red Mantle designed and manufactured six lightweight, fully engineered Quakesafe™ replica chimneys using their proven composite system.
Key features of the solution included:
- Authentic brick-slip finish using carefully selected and cut original heritage bricks from the property, creating an indistinguishable match to the original masonry.
- Custom bronze chimney pots designed specifically for the project to replicate the historic aesthetic.
- Fully functional fireplaces with properly engineered flues, allowing the fireplaces to remain in active use.
- Lightweight composite construction (typically 150–250 kg per chimney compared with several tonnes for traditional brick chimneys), dramatically reducing structural loads.
- Engineered support frames supplied with full Producer Statements (PS1, PS3 and PS4) and compliance documentation.
- Removable, vented lids providing safe future access for roof maintenance and inspections.
This approach provided the ideal balance between heritage preservation and modern engineering performance, retaining the character of the original homestead while significantly improving seismic resilience and insurability.
The Process
Red Mantle worked closely with the construction team (AJ Scott), the Insurer (FMG) and heritage consultants throughout the project:
- Detailed site survey and replication of the original chimney designs and proportions.
- Off-site manufacturing of the one-piece composite chimney modules with precision brick-slip application.
- Installation of engineered support frames and weatherproof flashing to E2/AS1 standards.
- Careful crane lifting and positioning of the lightweight modules.
- Final integration with custom bronze pots and completion of internal fireplace works.
The prefabricated approach minimised on-site disruption and weather delays during the extensive renovation.
Outcomes & Results
The Leslie Hills Homestead has been beautifully restored to its former glory with chimneys that look completely authentic from every angle.
Key results:
- Full heritage character preserved while achieving modern seismic safety standards.
- All six chimneys are fully functional with working fireplaces.
- Dramatically reduced structural weight and risk — fully embraced by insurers and heritage authorities.
- The homestead is now secure and ready for generations to come.
The project demonstrates how Red Mantle’s lightweight replica technology allows historic homes to retain their iconic features without compromising safety or practicality.
Client / Project Team Feedback
Inspired by this Restoration?
Red Mantle specialises in heritage chimney restorations that combine authentic appearance with modern safety and performance. Contact us to discuss your project info@redmantle.co.nz Ph 0800-72 33 74.