GARDEN DESIGN
RETHINKING STONE IN LANDSCAPE AND URBAN DESIGN
Powdertech
Stone Finish‘ Kilkenny Limestone
We value natural stone for its permanence, texture and connection to place, but as projects face increasing pressure around cost, carbon and constructability, designers are rethinking how and where stone is used.
Stone in urban and landscape features is too much cherished to be replaced entirely, but a new approach is emerging. Designers are combining real stone for those features where its attributes matter most, with a lighter weight alternative in other parts of the project. That lighter weight alternative is cleverly formulated powder coatings on metal, replicating the appearance of stone.
Advances in textured powder coating technology mean that these finishes present a highly convincing alternative. Powder coatings, such as Powdertech’ s Stone Finish ™ provide the appearance of stone in different shades and with a roughened texture. Using metal and powder coating can solve the problems of weight, offer design flexibility and reduce necessary maintenance.
Designing with Weight in Mind The sheer weight is of stone is challenging to any project. Natural stone cladding can weigh 40 – 50 kg per square metre, placing significant demands on structural systems and limiting its use in many applications. In contrast, aluminium panels coated in Powdertech Stone Finish™ can weigh as little as 5 – 8 kg per square metre, meaning designers can achieve a stone aesthetic without the structural penalties.
Expanding Design Possibilities With coated metal rather than quarried stone or engineered stone, longer spans, slimmer profiles and prefabricated elements become achievable, particularly in urban environments where access and installation constraints are critical. There is also a reduced burden in transport and handling costs, and associated health and safety issues.
Whole life maintenance Powder coated aluminium and steel offer the significant benefit of minimal maintenance – a periodic wash down with water. In contrast natural stone, affected by staining and weathering, can soon look unsightly or become structurally unsound. Cleaning and maintenance cycles mean scaffolding requirements with associated disruption and costs.
A Complementary Material Strategy For contemporary landscape and urban design, the question is no longer stone or metal but making the two work together.
By combining natural stone with finishes such as Powdertech Stone Finish™, designers can retain authenticity and maintain a cohesive aesthetic across different elements of a scheme.
Reach us at www. powdertechcorby. co. uk
01536 400890 pcl @ powdertechcorby. co. uk
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