Why Do Architects Hesitate to Use Stone in Construction Projects?
Stone is one of the environmentally friendly building materials in the construction industry. But why do architects refrain from using this material? Discover the reasons behind builders' reluctance to utilize stone despite its low carbon emissions.
(Photo : Pexels/ SHARMAINE MONTICALBO )
Using Stone in the Construction Industry
Stone is undoubtedly a highly durable material, and its use in construction is not entirely unusual. The stylistic range of this material is demonstrated by its expression as an architectural component, which ranges from the ubiquitous beige-gray limestone to the kaleidoscopic, multicolor book-matched marbles of Westminster Cathedral.
This stone has been a fundamental construction component for thousands of years because it is both long-lasting and straightforward to manipulate. Moreover, it has a remarkable resistance to freezing and thawing cycles, making it suitable for outdoor applications. Beyond gray, slate features an extensive spectrum of vibrant color options, including green, red, and purple, and variations featuring orange, gold, or copper mottling.
Architect Amin Taha, responsible for designing the building at 15 Clerkenwell Close, said that stone is gaining popularity since it offers significant carbon savings compared to steel and concrete. However, although it can reduce carbon emissions, it is not widely employed as a modern construction material.
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Drawbacks of Using Stone
The use of stone as a low-carbon construction material has the potential to become widespread; nevertheless, to make this potential a reality, it is necessary to overcome obstacles related to quarrying and ignorance. Several specialists believe that the controversy surrounding the availability of the stone and the method of quarrying the material is one of the primary reasons for this phenomenon.
Elisabeth Polzella, an architect, argues that a vast quantity of stone can be discovered by opening up additional quarries. On the other hand, a researcher, Natalia Petkova, feels that the locations of these quarries need to be appropriately evaluated and planned. Petkova believes that assertions that claim stone is an infinite substance are deceptive and should be abandoned.
Based on the findings of a study conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), if the stone is delivered by truck for more than 200 kilometers, it may no longer be a viable option for structural use in reducing carbon emissions. Accordingly, political and anthropogenic constraints exist, such as residents' opposition to constructing new quarries in residential zones. Although these views can change over time, it is not a given.
Furthermore, there was also a concern among the specialists regarding the quantity of waste generated in quarries and the diversity in the color and veining of stone, which is challenging to anticipate before extraction activities. Arup geologist Paola Blasi noted that quarries can save and degrade material with suitable equipment, affecting stone's embodied carbon. She asserted that more than simply stating that people will utilize a stone is required; the stone must be chosen and sourced appropriately.
Thus, even though variations in stone samples can be an aesthetic problem, they also raise issues regarding structural performance variations. Blasi noted that the construction sector will have easier access to stone provided it is correctly identified and tested through the appropriate procedures. She asserts that this will increase confidence in the construction material.
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