January 2025
How architects can wow with today's cast stone innovations from UKCSA members
Toby Marlow, Director of Haddonstone's Building and Construction team, discusses the potential of cast stone
In today's exciting architectural world, cast stone takes various forms, from fully structural elements weighing over a tonne, to decorative reproductions of stonework from different eras. It is also regularly used to create lightweight retrofit designs which are just 15-25mm thick, while appearing to have been carved from a piece of quarried stone. When architects look to source the right products for their projects, they need to engage an experienced manufacturer which offers the best possible technical and aesthetic advice based on long practical experience of producing bespoke, as well as standard cast stone designs. Haddonstone is one such company and a proud member of the acclaimed UK Cast Stone Association (UKCSA) which encompasses 11 full members, alongside associates - to offer a comprehensive selection of products ranging from garden planters to bespoke structural components. UKCSA members' capabilities range from producing stonework for modern, new developments to sensitive restorations of historic and listed buildings. In fact, it is Britain's rich architectural heritage, dating from Roman times through to influential periods such as the Georgian era, that drive clients and their consultants from across Europe, North America and Asia to seek the services of UK cast stone manufacturers.
Significantly, while cast stone products manufactured in the UK are normally compliant with overseas building standards, the reverse is not the case: and UK specifiers should not assume that foreign-made goods will match local production standards, especially regarding frost resistance - or with the UK's increasingly onerous safety requirements. While some architects will be sufficiently experienced to know the type of product they require for specific projects, in most cases, they will rely on the cast stone specialist to advise on the most suitable solution. This normally involves a collaborative process to determine the correct materials and stone colours, whether reinforcement is required, and the various decisions to be made in relation to installation.
Whilst Haddonstone offers an enviably broad standard product range, some 70-80%of its orders involve totally bespoke castings, for which individual moulds must be fabricated. This is, arguably, the most skilful part of the process and one requiring exact measurements, while offering the most aesthetic and technically appropriate answer.
Normally beginning with the architect's drawings or at least a sketch or photograph, Haddonstone helps decide where to position the joints in castings like cills and provides expertise on the correct positioning of fixings to ensure secure installation. The positioning and type of reinforcement is also particularly important.
Haddonstone is one of the UKCSA's founding members and has been at the forefront of cast stone manufacturing for over 50 years. Based in Northamptonshire, their experienced team produce the highest quality standard and bespoke cast stone architectural components for clients across the UK and globally. The company supplies cast stonework for new build and renovated properties, as well as offering a specialist service for restoration and replication projects, where the original stone has been damaged, and for the extension of original stonework features.
Twelve Apostles Church
One such project involved a two-year plan to extend and refurbish the 19th-century Twelve Apostles Church at Brockmans Park in Hertfordshire, as shown above. For this bespoke project, Haddonstone worked closely with the lead consultant, GLA Architecture & Design, as well as main contractor, MP Build, to supply a package of dry-cast components that closely match the building's style and history. Now, the cast stone elements frame the main door and three different style windows, while the roof gables feature reducing sized quoins and sculpted apex stones.
Project Manager, Alec Simpson explained: "I had used Haddonstone before in my past career and the manufacturer was already on this company's supplier data base; so, when it was decided that natural stone - granite masonry - was unaffordable, we contacted them for a quote. Their sales team made clear what the characteristics and benefits of the two options - wet-cast and dry-cast - were for our architects to make the best choice. Haddonstone then went through a process of providing samples so that we could match the colour on site, while we had to add in our special pre-formed lintels onto the architects' drawings so that the CAD drawings could be produced for sign off and the manufacture of the stone. The quality of the components was very good - and we brought in an experienced stone mason to install all of the different components, so that the finished work matches the client's expectations."
In conclusion, the cast stone industry in the UK, exemplified by UKCSA members like Haddonstone, offers a diverse range of high-quality products and bespoke services, essential for both modern construction and the restoration of historic buildings. By collaborating closely with architects and contractors, these manufacturers ensure that each project benefits from expertly crafted, durable, and aesthetically appropriate solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs and standards required.
For further information, call01604 770711or visitwww.haddonstone.com
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With Compliments:
Taylor Alden
media@tayloralden.co.uk
NOTE TO EDITOR:
Haddonstone is a trusted specialist in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework. The ranges comprise cast stone architecture for residential and commercial projects, and beautiful formal and informal garden, home and landscape products.
All products are made to order in Northamptonshire and are available in both standard and bespoke designs. Stunning Show Gardens are located in East Haddon, near to the manufacturing facility.