The idea of building eco-friendly, attractive appearance houses has gained popularity. Natural stone is the best option when considering the many materials and design alternatives available today since it can fulfil all your requirements while improving your home’s environmental footprint. 

Natural stone may be used on the interior and outside of a building without sacrificing its durability, aesthetics, or cost-effectiveness. Sustainable design is an approach to architecture that seeks to reduce the harmful effects of a structure over its whole useful lifespan on its inhabitants’ health and the natural surroundings. Therefore, it is important to give sustainability impacts during a building project’s design and construction phases. However, the costs of going green are more than offset by the benefits.

Once you understand what makes it long-lasting, it will better equip you to pick, install, and care for natural stone. By opting for natural stone, you’re sending a message that you care about the planet and want to see it protected, restored, or improved. To what extent, then, can stone contribute to long-term sustainability?

Here we listed the top 5 reasons to choose natural stones for sustainable architecture.

1. Stone is a natural material

Stone is the first eco-friendly building material since it’s natural. It requires no extra materials. stone is often used because of its veining, textures, colours, shapes, and technical characteristics. In addition, stone looks different because geology and mineral composition change over millions of years. 

Natural stone is a must-have for any building that promotes human health and wellness.

Stone is available both locally and regionally. Locally produced and exploited minerals reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Every construction site in the U.S. and Canada is within 500 miles of a stone quarry, which is good news for the environment.

2. Stone is very durable

Using natural stone will increase your home’s worth and decrease maintenance costs over the long run because of the stone’s durability. Slate, limestone, travertine, and granite are just a few of the numerous types of stone that age gracefully and attractively, bringing years of use and delight. Stone can withstand heavy foot traffic and use in high-use areas like courtyards, foyers, kitchens, and bathrooms and can be built to last for 50 to 100 years. 

Choosing materials that last a long time is essential for sustainability since it reduces the need for constant replacement and hence the use of resources.

When making comparisons, you should look at each material’s total cost of ownership. For example, a stone may be more expensive up front, but it will save money in the long run by reducing the frequency with which repairs or replacements are needed.

3. Stone is low-maintenance and simple to clean and care for

If cared for properly, the stone will retain its beauty for many years. In addition, natural stone may be improved through fabrication and finishing, including durability, resistance to the elements, wear and tear, and slip resistance. Typically, water and a little dish soap are all required to clean a stone. 

Natural stone may be easily maintained using cleansers designed for the material. In addition, these products have been certified as environmentally friendly since they follow sustainability guidelines and never use any potentially dangerous chemicals.

4. Stone is recyclable

Stone is infinitely reusable and recyclable and has many uses. Reusing and recycling stones is practical and environmentally sound. Using recycled stone can save energy, water, and other resources required to make manufactured innovations from virgin materials.

Reclaimed stone has several uses. Abandoned stone structures can be removed and utilized for flooring, retaining walls, or a new facade. Small flat stones are used to make mosaic floor or wall patterns. Stone pieces can be combined to create different methods or looks. These pieces may make a home feel old or historic.

5. The quarrying and manufacturing of stone are eco-friendly

Technology advancements in the quarrying, extraction, and manufacture of stone items have boosted availability while decreasing prices, making natural stone more accessible and attractive. 

The stone industry is more environmentally friendly by adhering to methods that promote sustainable design standards, including conserving resources, reducing pollution, and limiting waste. 

By going with natural stone, you’ll be using something that’s been managed sustainably from the time it was taken from the Earth until it was put to good use after years of wear and tear. Introduce your stone supplier or contractor to these eco-friendly procedures and solutions for your contemporary house.

Final Words

Sustainable architecture is here to stay. There are many fascinating possibilities regarding interior design when using natural stone. Though the decision to use natural stone in design is ultimately personal, it is essential to keep sustainability in mind. If you want to make a durable choice that will provide you with years of pleasure, consulting with a stone expert about your plans and requirements is an excellent place to start.