bwss-ban0403Natural Stone Institute websiteScottish Executive Architecture website
Download articlesReferences and booksNatural Stone InstituteOrder copies

Best Practice

Andy Davey
Simpson & Brown Architects

Architects have always been drawn to using stone; for its cultural and historical value, its physical and symbolic strength, its durability, and its aesthetic quality. Important buildings were once designed and put together by master masons who knew how to work with stone, and understood the advantages and limitations of the material. They were skilled at producing enduring masonry buildings that combined structural firmness, technical commodity and aesthetic delight. The beauty of a good stone building is determined not just by its finely balanced proportions or architectural composition; it relies also on sound detailing and robust specifications which help to protect the structure from decay and maintain the appearance of the building throughout its expected life.

[Selecting Stone]
[Construction Methods]
[Design & Best Practice]
[Considerations]
[Table 5]