Modern uses for natural stone in architecture

Humans have been building with natural stone for thousands of years, but modern architecture began to step away from it in the 19th century. Instead, man-made building materials such as steel and concrete took over, and we saw an emergence of stark, bold styles such as the 1950s-era Brutalism.

Natural building stone is once again on the rise as an architectural material, as people have begun to yearn for its softer, classical feel, as well as the other great benefits that it has to offer.

Space saving

When building in cities, space can often be tight, so using block stone isn’t always feasible. However, this doesn’t mean that natural stone can’t be used as part of the final architectural design, and a curtain wall system is a great way to achieve this.

A stone curtain wall involves creating a non-structural facade for the building using thin slabs of natural stone. This allows the architect to create a certain look and feel to the building’s exterior without the cost, weight and logistics of block stone. The slabs can still be finished in a variety of different ways, making the most of the versatility and texture of natural stone.

Money saving

While using a stone cladding system can offer great savings for large building projects, even block stone can be cost effective. Natural building stone can save money throughout its lifetime when compared to other materials thanks to its durability.

Buildings made from block limestone have stood the test of time—think the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster and the stunning colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. Cheaper materials such as reinforced concrete are much more susceptible to damage and wear, leaving an unsightly appearance and expensive repair costs. When limestone starts to weather, it often creates a more appealing look, adding texture and character to the building.

Earth saving

Natural stone is a sustainable material, allowing builders and architects to create beautiful, durable structures with minimal impact on the environment.

Extraction and cutting natural stone uses very little energy when compared to the manufacture of man-made building materials and, as we’ve seen, stone lasts a very long time. Should the stone need to be replaced, it can be safely and easily disposed of, as it does not contain any pollutants. It can even be recycled into aggregate or other building materials.

Your source for natural building stone

Here at Stamford Stone, we supply high-quality, sustainable stone from our own quarries. When you purchase stone from us, you can be sure that it is as environmentally friendly as it is beautiful.

Contact us if you’d like to find out more about our range of stone, and take a look at some of our recent projects to see exactly what our natural building stone is capable of.