Introduction:
Natural stonework comprises very different materials, including marble, granite and slate, as well as limestone and sandstone, as the main highlights. Its rich variety allows natural stonework to be used for different purposes, therefore meeting all the needs of the construction sector.
What does natural stone offer the architect?
Texture:
From the fossils found in limestone to the natural, subtle layers of slate, texture is a strong selling point for natural stone. The three-dimensional dynamic that a feature wall of unpolished, naturally-textured stone can provide can be stunning and is a trend that is on the increase.
Unlike many other materials the same piece of stone can be finished in a number of ways to provide the texture best suited to the application. Flamed, honed, blasted, sanded, polished and line textured are all finishes that can give the same piece of stone a very different appearance.
The geological striations and natural colour streaks found in marble creates a striking aesthetic suitable for a wide range of applications, from hotel lobbies and city cladding projects through to floors and church steeples. In a market where individuality is key, the unique visuals that natural stone can create are striking, bringing a strong identity to interior spaces of all description.
As a result of the geological processes, the thousands of years of compression, natural stone can be an incredibly hard wearing material. You need only look at the centuries old, limestone clad streets of London, the granite paved streets of Aberdeen or the Clipsham rich buildings of Oxford to see evidence of the longevity of this natural material.
Top Five Reasons Why Natural Stone is a Sustainable Choice for Your Home
1. Stone is a natural material.
Stone is a natural product of the Earth, the original green building material. It does not require other materials or resources to create it.
2. Stone is very durable.
Stone stands the test of time, which means the choice to use natural stone will only enhance the value of your home while reducing the need to replace materials over a longer period of time.
3. Stone offers ease of care and maintenance.
If maintained properly, stone will last for years and reward you with its beauty. There are a wide range of fabrication options and finishes that can be applied to natural stone that will also enhance its performance, including extending its life, resisting weather and wear and tear, or making the stone more slip resistant.
4. Stone is recyclable.
Stone is completely recyclable and has the potential to serve many different uses and purposes over its lifetime. Salvaging and recycling stone is a very viable option and a sustainable way to ensure that the useful life of the material will be lived out to its fullest.
5. Stone is quarried and manufactured sustainably.
Advancements in technology, including improved methods of quarrying, extraction, and fabrication have led to increased options and reduced costs of stone products, making natural stone easier to use and more desirable than ever before.
Here are some attractive images of natural stone interior:
Old days Homes:
Modern Architecture for homes:
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