The use of natural building stone is being frequently restricted or even omitted altogether from building projects on the grounds of high initial cost.

But just how high is this initial cost and what are the long term benefits of building in natural stone?

According to Martin Kirk, director of Scottish stone supply and property development company Kirk Natural Stone Developments, the costs are far lower and benefits far higher than most people think. Analysis of recent Kirk projects, shows that project build costs for total construction in stone generally only increase by 2-4%, and occasionally for example on small scale domestic contracts, by up to a maximum of 10%.

Another myth Martin is keen to dispel is that the use of stone somehow requires a mimic of classical Victorian designs. "Absolutely not the case," says Martin, "Stone is available in such a vast range of colours and textures, that it can be used on even the most contemporary architectural designs."

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He went on to add: "You could if so minded even make stone look like the timber cladding which is currently so in favour with architects and designers, the difference being that stone will require no maintenance and outlast timber by at least an order of magnitude."

With the current focus on sustainability, stone should have a much higher degree of recognition and usage than is currently the case. Longevity, low maintenance and unrivalled (low) whole life costings are relevant to all building users, but particularly Councils and other public bodies, who continually seem to be in debt trying to keep up with maintaining and regularly re-building poor quality harled/timber clad buildings.

Kirk Natural Stone Developments are pleased to offer design guidance on the use of natural building stone, and can also supply & fix ‘seamless’ low cost thin facing systems for new build or retro-fitting onto existing built structures.

For further information visit: www.kirknaturalstone.com

Build Scotland: www.buildscotland.co.uk/company_488426.htm