Deciding on the kind of materials you want to use for your next construction project can take some time, given the sheer number of options available to you, but ask Wilmslow based architects NC Architecture and we will recommend natural stone as one of the most versatile and sustainable options for building you can find.

There is a huge range of stone you can choose from for construction, so take the time to research your options and discuss with your architect your preferences. Your architects will use their experience to make suggestions and recommend through their design what would be best for your project.

Granite, for example, varies in colour from light grey to pink and is hard and durable; used to great effect in river walls, bridge piers and dams, as well as curbs or pedestals. Internally you can use polished granite for table and worktops, or as cladding for walls and columns. The fact that it is so hard and resistant to wear makes it ideal for flooring in high traffic areas, or as kitchen worktops.

Marble, meanwhile, is used for columns, steps and flooring, as well as any facing and ornamental work you may wish to have carried out. This particular stone has been used for centuries in construction and is often used as a decorative element in kitchens and bathrooms.

Natural stone is a brilliantly sustainable option for construction and given that this is becoming increasingly important these days, it’s worth taking the time to research more about it. Stone is earth-friendly with a long lifecycle and recyclability behind it, so the perfect choice for anyone concerned about being green whilst building.

If you are looking for examples of natural stone being used to great effect, have a look at our Coxley Grange luxury home Case Study. This is being built using stone sourced from a local quarry, which gives it a sense of place and historical perspective of the local area.

You could also have a look at our luxury home in Bowdon, Tall Trees, which uses sandstone to great effect, to define the external frames, surrounds and cills, adding serious character to the property.

Sandstone is one of the most widely used stones in construction, in large part because it can easily be split along its sedimentary planes using hand tools. It is perfect for traditional block stone masonry and its porosity is typically lower than that of limestone, so it suffers less during frost.