Lightweight stone cladding

Traditional stone cladding is by its nature heavy, even when it is laminated and bonded onto a lightweight concrete panel.

This weight constraint can be overcome by a patented process in which 5 mm stone is bonded onto a honeycomb backing. This allows the weight to be brought down significantly with values of around 17 kg/m² depending on the type of stone used.

The process is suitable for all types of granite, marble, limestone, allowing the architect to specify a stone that suits the project. The resulting product is available as panels of up to 3200 mm x 1600 mm in dimension.

It is BBA certified for use as curtain walling in ventilated façades where it is attached to a secondary metal frame, allowing the installation of insulation. The invisible fixing system gives thin 5mm joints which can be sealed with silicone or left open.

It can also be used internally as cladding on walls, floors and ceilings and to create surfaces such as bar tops, shower panels etc.

This article was written by Steve Vanhinsbergh of stoneCIRCLE, a British stonemasonry company that has been in business for the last 50 years. Steve is one of the two brothers and directors who run stoneCIRCLE, which is based in Basingstoke, just a short train ride from central London. The team works from 3D files to produce excellent quality stone masonry products and has worked on many prestigious and award-winning projects both directly for the architect or client and as a sub-contractor for the major stone contractors.

--Stonecircle