Cast Stone Architects’ Guide
Procter Cast Stone has published a third edition of Understanding Cast Stone, a Guide to Cast Stone Products for Architects and Specifiers. This updated version includes new information relating to installation and CE marking. In addition, the extensive table of British standards and Eurocodes has been brought fully up to date, and there is a new section for Useful Resources.
Market surveys have demonstrated beyond doubt that cast stone makes residential developments more attractive to prospective purchasers to the extent that they would be prepared to pay more. Similarly, cast stone is a very cost-effective and low-risk way to enhance the aesthetics of schools, commercial properties, retail outlets, public buildings, places of worship and other buildings. Procter Cast Stone is offering architects and specifiers a free guide to cast stone products to help them maximise the benefits available from this versatile and cost-effective construction material, whether the products in question are one-offs or manufactured in larger quantities.
Using either standard products or bespoke cast stone products can be an extremely economical way to add considerable value to housing developments, incorporate styling features within prestige projects, mimic traditional details in infill developments or in alterations to period properties, or simply to cut the cost of repetitive work. Furthermore, cast stone units are manufactured in a factory environment, which means that unit-to-unit and batch-to-batch quality is better than for quarried stone, plus deliveries are more reliable.
However, for architects and specifiers to maximise the benefits, they need to understand how cast stone products are manufactured, what can be achieved with cast stone, and how cast stone products should be designed so as to aid manufacturing and handling. Getting the product and installation design right from the outset can make a significant difference to the cast stone maintaining its good appearance in the long-term.
The Understanding Cast Stone guide also includes information relating to site practice. This is important, as a few simple precautions taken during handling, storage and installation will ensure the cast stone products do not sustain damage that could lead to them having to be repaired or replaced. The guide to cast stone also provides advice on cleaning and maintenance (cast stone should need minimal cleaning and maintenance, but applying the incorrect techniques can cause damage). Towards the back of the guide there is a comprehensive list of applicable British Standards and Eurocodes.
Understanding Cast Stone, a Guide to Cast Stone Products for Architects and Specifiers, is available as a PDF from the Downloads section or request a copy by telephoning or emailing info@proctercaststone.co.uk. Read the online version here.