There’s a long history of building houses with stone, from greatly built grand mansions to smart townhouses, comfortably set cottages, and ancient sanctuaries. According to archaelologists and architectural historians, we have been using stone, along with timber and clay, as building materials for a very long time – in fact, since prehistory. Stone walls have been around for many thousands of years, as have stone cladding, counter tops, and tiles.
Unlike other materials we use in the construction industry, stone is ideal because of its texture and low carbon emission. It is also non-toxic, reliable, and lasts for a very long time.
If you are building homes for clients, satisfying their needs over the short term is relatively easy. Meeting or exceeding their expectations over the long term, however, is another matter. The reputations of builders and architects depend partly on how long their products last. Working with stone helps guarantee the longevity of the structures you build.
In this article, we will discuss some of the benefits of using stone as a building material. You will then be able to explore diverse uses and designs.
Benefits of Using Stone as Building Material
Durability and resilience
Stone has high durability and resilience. It is water-proof as well as bug-proof, fire-resistant, wind-proof, and does not rot or go rusty. Unless you go at it with a sledgehammer or drill, it is virtually indestructable. That is why it is considered maintenance free. Stone does not require additional painting, oiling, or replacing.
Appearance
Stone is naturally beautiful and comes in a wide range of textures and shapes. It also comes in many different colors and is available everywhere. Some people, when building their own houses, go out into fields and other areas of the countryside to gather the stones they require.
High thermal mass
Stone has a relatively a high thermal mass, making it ideal for temperate climates.
Thermal mass refers to a material’s ability to absorb and store energy in the form of heat. A lot of energy is needed to alter the temperature of stone, unlike wood, which requires relatively little energy. Hence, we say that stone has a high thermal mass while that of wood is low.
Non-toxic
If something is toxic it contains poisonous material, i.e., it harms human health. Non-toxic materials are harmless. Stone is non-toxic. It is a raw element that has no additional chemicals or off-gassing of volatile organic compounds that are present in it. Having houses built with stone offers cleaner air, which is better for human health and well-being.
Low carbon
Stone is an element that is finite but reusable. With its low carbon content, it requires a minimum level of processing while in production. If you build a home using stone, your carbon footprint will be lower than with most other materials.
Stone really is the original green building material. In this context, the word green means environmentally friendly.
Review Of Unika Stenhus
Unika Stenhus is a Swedish architectural firm that manufactures and constructs unique stone houses for clients. Inspired by the simplicity, flexibility, and durability of nature’s material (stone), it began building new types of houses based on various architectural ideas combined with technology and comfort..
The houses built by Unika Stenhus are widely known across Sweden and many parts of the world. It also builds octagonal homes, which are made with 100% concrete materials. It is seen by architects globally as a pioneer in the construction of homes with advanced concrete elements.
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