Natural stone cladding
Natural stone cladding is the use of a thin layer of stone as a cladding for the outside of a structure. It is also sometimes used on internal surfaces. When applied properly, the thin layers achieve a textured and three-dimensional appearance, giving the impression that the structure is constructed entirely of natural stone.
Typically, stone cladding is used:
- To give a stone finish to an existing structure.
- To create a stone finish at lower weight, and so with reduced structural support requirements.
- To allow faster and lower cost installation.
- To allow modern the use of modern construction techniques and high-performance detailing, but with a traditional appearance.
- To allow off-site manufacturing, with reduced on-site construction.
- To reduce waste.
Stone cladding is manufactured by quarrying natural stone and milling it into thin pieces. A range of different sizes, thicknesses, shapes and patterns can be created according to the specification of the design. Cladding can be supplied either as single stone pieces, or as large, bespoke panels prefabricated form a number of pieces, such as storey-height panels or shaped parts such as reveals and lintels.
To accommodate the weight of natural stone, the cladding system should be fixed mechanically to structural substrate layers. This can be done using shelf angles or specially-made stone clips.
Alternatively, cladding panels can be made by laminating thin pieces of stone onto a carrier panel made from lightweight concrete. Because the two materials have similar physical characteristics, they work well together as a composite and provide good weather protection.
Where very thin stone pieces are used (around one inch thick), providing a final finish to a substrate such as blockwork, this may be described as a 'stone veneer'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Ashlar.
- Brick.
- Brick veneer.
- Building fabric.
- Building with structural stone.
- Choosing stone.
- Cladding.
- Defects in stonework.
- Inspecting stone sample panels.
- Limestone for building.
- Masonry.
- Natural stone.
- Natural stone tiles.
- Patio stone.
- Pebbledash.
- Rustication.
- Stone dressing.
- Sustainable stone.
- Tufa and tuff
- Types of stone.
- Wall types.
Featured articles and news
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.
Comments
A must read book for any civil engineer
STONE CLADDING ENGINEERING
https://www.springer.com/us/book/9789400768475