Tag: Landscape architect

Train Station St. Jean Bordeaux, France Beige Limestone

Sustainable Natural Stone: A Timeless Choice for Eco-Friendly Design

Written by Stonehunter on August 28, 2024. Posted in Blog, Building Veneer-Cladding, Limestone Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers.

In the age of sustainability, the materials we choose for construction and design play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future. Among these, natural stone is sustainable and stands out for its timeless beauty, durability, and its remarkable eco-friendly characteristics. Architects, landscape designers, and builders seek to reduce the environmental impact of their projects. Natural stone offers an eco-friendly option that aligns with aesthetic and ecological goals.

The Enduring Appeal of Natural Stone

Natural stone has been used in construction for millennia, from the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the Parthenon in Greece. Its enduring appeal lies in its organic beauty, variety, and versatility. Whether it’s granite, limestone, travertine, marble, or slate, each type of stone brings a unique texture, color, and character to a project. This aesthetic richness is complemented by the stone’s inherent strength and longevity. Structures and landscapes remain resilient and visually appealing for generations.

Sourcing and Extraction: Minimizing Environmental Impact

One of the key factors in natural stone’s sustainability is responsible sourcing. Unlike synthetic materials, natural stone requires no chemical processing or harmful manufacturing processes. However, the environmental impact of stone extraction can vary significantly based on practices employed at the quarry.

Sustainable stone quarries focus on minimizing the ecological footprint by:

– Rehabilitating Quarry Sites: After extraction, quarries can be restored to their natural state or repurposed for new uses, such as nature reserves or recreational areas.

– Efficient Use of Resources: Advanced techniques in quarrying reduce waste and optimize the use of natural stone, ensuring that the maximum amount of material is extracted with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint

Natural stone is also lauded for its low embodied energy, which refers to the total energy required to extract, process, and transport the material. Compared to materials like concrete, brick, or synthetic composites, natural stone has a relatively low carbon footprint. Additionally, its thermal mass properties make it an excellent choice for energy-efficient buildings. Stone’s ability to absorb, store, and release heat can help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Durability and Longevity: Reducing Waste

A significant advantage of natural stone is its durability. Structures built with natural stone often outlast those made with other materials, reducing the need for repairs, replacements, and the associated waste. In landscape architecture, stone features like walls, pathways, driveways, and patios can withstand the elements for decades without losing their integrity or aesthetic appeal. This longevity contributes to the material’s sustainability by minimizing the need for additional resources over time.

Recyclability and Reuse

Another sustainability benefit of natural stone is its recyclability. Unlike many synthetic materials with minimal processing, natural stone can be reused or repurposed. For instance, stone from demolished buildings can be reclaimed and used in new construction, preserving its embodied energy, and reducing the demand for new materials. Additionally, stone’s natural beauty often improves with age, making reclaimed stone a desirable choice for new and restoration projects.

Health and Environmental Benefits

Natural stone is a non-toxic, hypoallergenic material that doesn’t release harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. This makes it a healthy choice for indoor spaces, contributing to better air quality and a more comfortable living environment. Moreover, stone’s natural ability to withstand mold and pests reduces the need for chemical treatments, further enhancing its environmental credentials.

A Timeless Choice for a Sustainable Future

In conclusion, natural stone is not only a material of timeless beauty but also a sustainable choice for modern design and construction. Its minimal environmental impact, combined with its durability, energy efficiency, and recyclability, makes it an ideal material for projects that prioritize sustainability. As we look toward a future where the built environment harmonizes with the natural world, natural stone will continue to play a crucial role in creating spaces that are both enduring and eco-friendly.

By embracing natural stone, architects, landscape designers, and builders can contribute to a more sustainable future, where beauty, function, and environmental stewardship coexist in perfect balance.

Get in touch with us to explore the range of stone options we can produce for your project.

Find out more about sustainable natural stone from the Natural Stone Institute.

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy made of Travertine Limestone — Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy, light Travertine

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy, light Travertine

Gothicstone Noce Travertine pool deck with light Cream Travertine Coping

Noce Travertine for Unforgettable Hardscape Projects

Written by Stonehunter on January 19, 2024. Posted in Blog, Commercial Projects, Hardscape Installation, Landscape Stones and Rocks, Natural Stone Pavers, News, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Step into a realm of enduring beauty and sophisticated charm with our featured product spotlight on Noce Travertines. These exquisite stones, characterized by warm, earthy tones, are the perfect choice for elevating your exterior hardscape projects. Whether you’re an architect planning a backyard oasis or a contractor seeking top-tier products for your clients, Noce Travertine promises to bring timeless elegance to every outdoor space.

Noce Travertine: A Symphony of Warm Tones

Rich Color Palette:
- Noce Travertine highlights a rich palette of warm browns, tans, and creams, creating a captivating visual tapestry. This versatile color range effortlessly complements a variety of aesthetics and design styles, from classic to contemporary.
Natural Variation:
- The inherent beauty of this Travertine lies in its natural variation. Each stone boasts unique patterns and veining, ensuring that every hardscape project is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This distinctive quality adds character and authenticity to any outdoor space.
Unmatched Versatility:
- From patios, walkways, and wall veneers to pool surrounds, copings, and driveways, Travertine is an incredibly versatile choice for exterior hardscape projects. Its warm hues create a welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for both residential and commercial settings.

Why Choose Travertine?

Durability in Every Detail:
- Engineered by nature and perfected over time, Travertine is renowned for its durability. Its robust structure ensures resilience against the elements, making it an ideal choice for enduring hardscape projects that stand the test of time.
Easy Maintenance:
- Enjoy the beauty of Travertine with minimal maintenance. Its natural resistance to wear and tear simplifies upkeep, allowing you to relish the stunning aesthetics of your hardscape without the stress of constant maintenance.

Distributors and Architects Love Working with Gothicstone Travertine

Extensive Stock Availability:
- Our Travertine collections are readily available and special requirements can be produced in record time, ensuring that you have the stock you need for projects of any scale. Whether you’re a contractor with multiple clients or a designer embarking on a new project, our products are available to meet your demands.
Customization Opportunities:
- Elevate your exterior space with custom creations using Travertine. Its natural variation and versatility make it an excellent choice for intricate designs, patterns, and layouts (including waterjet cutting capability). We can produce any size or thickness for projects or stock and have (12) surface finish textures to enhance the aesthetics.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Outdoor Experience with Gothicstone Noce

In conclusion, Noce Travertine is more than just a stone; it’s an invitation to elevate your outdoor aesthetics. With its warm tones, natural variation, and enduring charm, Travertine stands as a testament to the beauty that only nature can create. If you’re envisioning a cozy patio, a serene garden path, or a magnificent pool deck and outdoor entertainment space, Noce Travertine is the key to turning your hardscape dreams into an outdoor living reality.

For inquiries, quotes, or to explore our extensive Travertine collection, please contact us. Let the journey to a more elegant and inviting outdoor space begin today.

Related Resources:

Gothicstone Materials – Travertines, Limestone, Marbles, Terrazzo Pavers
Gothicstone Surface Finishes – more textures to complement your designs
Battling The Mold On Pavers Monster: Your Rescue Guide
https://www.veranda.com/decorating-ideas/color-ideas/g44693769/color-trends-2024/
https://www.purewow.com/home/exterior-trends

Chocolate Noce Travertine with Honey or Grey color tones — Portobello Light Travertine (chocolate Noce with slight honey undertones)

Chocolate color with slight grey undertones — Portobello Light Travertine (chocolate Noce with slight honey undertones)

Designing with Surface Finishes: Elevating Aesthetics and Functionality

Written by Stonehunter on September 22, 2023. Posted in Blog, Commercial Projects, Limestone Flooring, Limestone Pavers, Marble Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Terrazzo Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Introduction

In the realm of interior and exterior design, surface finishes play a pivotal role in enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you’re designing a home, commercial space, or outdoor environment, the choice of surface treatments can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of a space. In this blog, we’ll explore the art and science of designing with surface finishes, highlighting how these choices can transform ordinary surfaces into works of art.

The Significance of Surface Finishes

Encompassing a wide range of treatments applied to materials such as wood, stone, metal, concrete, and ceramics, serving several essential purposes:

Enhancing Aesthetics: Surface finishes can add texture, color, and pattern to surfaces, elevating their visual appeal. They create visual interest and contribute to the overall design style.
Improving Safety: Some finishes, like non-slip coatings on floors, a bush hammer, or sandblasted stone finish, enhance safety by preventing slips and falls. These finishes are especially crucial in commercial and public spaces.
Adding Functionality: Surface finishes can also enhance functionality by making surfaces easier to clean, more resistant to scratches, or more suitable for specific tasks.

Popular Surface Finishes

Honed Finishes: Honed surfaces have a matte or satin appearance with a smooth texture. They provide a subtle elegance and are often chosen for countertops, flooring, and bathrooms.
Textured Finishes: Textured finishes add depth and character to surfaces. They can range from subtle patterns to dramatic textures, such as Etruscan Texture^tm, providing visual interest and tactile appeal. Textured finishes are popular in wall coverings, pavers, tiles, and exterior cladding.
Anti-Slip Finishes: These finishes prioritize safety, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. They incorporate slip-resistant materials or textures to reduce the risk of accidents. A bush hammer surface finish is ideal for residential or commercial step treads.

Design Considerations

When designing with surface finishes, consider the following factors:

Design Style: The choice of finish should align with the overall design style of the space, whether it’s modern-contemporary, traditional, industrial, or eclectic.
Functionality: Determine the intended use of the surface. High-traffic areas may require more durable and easy-to-clean finishes, outdoor step treads will require a more textured finish for safety purposes, and decorative elements, such as accent walls, can benefit from unique textures and patterns.
Maintenance: Consider the level of maintenance required for the chosen finish. Some finishes may need regular cleaning and sealing, while others are virtually maintenance-free. For example, we don’t recommend a bush-hammered surface for interior flooring because it is difficult to clean inside. Outside, it can easily be hosed off.
Color and Material Compatibility: Ensure that the finish complements the color palette and material selection in the design. A harmonious combination enhances the overall aesthetic. When a natural stone surface is bush-hammered or sandblasted, the stone becomes lighter in color.

Conclusion

Designing with surface finishes is a multifaceted endeavor that blends aesthetics, functionality, and practicality. These finishes have the power to elevate the look and feel of interior and exterior spaces, making them more inviting, safe, and durable.

Whether you opt for polished elegance, natural authenticity, or textured character, surface finishes offer a wide array of design possibilities. By carefully considering the style, functionality, maintenance, lighting, and material compatibility, you can harness the transformative potential of surface finishes to create spaces that are both visually captivating and highly functional.

Gothicstone Surface Finishes

Chart – suggested finishes for the various landscape applications

Cream travertine mini split face building facade veneer — Split Face

Grey Terrazzo pavers polished border, sandblasted center — Polished – Sanblasted

SEAHAZE SAND Limestone Pavers and low fired terra cotta border — Polished – Sanblasted

SEAHAZE SEA Limestone Pavers and Pool Coping

SALE: Grey Limestone Pavers and Tile in stock!

Written by Stonehunter on June 12, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Stones and Rocks, Limestone Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, News, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers.

SUMMER 2023 SALE

SEAHAZE SEA^tm Grey Limestone Pavers-Tile–Treads-Coping

SEAHAZE SEA^tm Limestone 18x36x2cm, $3.99 /SF
SEAHAZE SEA^tm Limestone Treads-Coping, 12”x48x5cm, $13.00/SF
SEAHAZE SEA^tm Limestone Treads-Coping, 16”x48x5cm, $14.00/SF

In stock and ready to pick up at our Bridgeport, PA warehouse or we can arrange delivery. Limited availability while supplies last.

Also, Special pricing on ALL project orders placed before August 15. Delivery 8-10 weeks.

Grey Limestone SEAHAZE SEA 18x36 pavers tile — Grey Limestone SEAHAZE SEA 18×36 pavers tile

Grey Limestone SEAHAZE SEA treads coping — Grey Limestone SEAHAZE SEA 18×36 pavers tile

See our LIMESTONE COLORS.

Silver Travertine Color Selections

Written by Stonehunter on January 23, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Stones and Rocks, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Silver Travertine color selections are typically a mixture of light and dark silver-grey with beige and white colors. Gothicstone is promoting three Silver Travertine selections for better project specificity. The Toadflax selection is the mix of the quarry, as mentioned above, and the Gunmetal selection is all silver and grey with little if any beige or white. The third selection is the Adirondack selection which is a much darker selection of silver and grey. All three selections have lots of movement in the stone – it is primarily the coloration that is the difference.

Silver Travertine color selections make a difference for your project!

Specializing in custom project productions, we think it is critically important to have the best selection of materials, surface finishes, and custom sizes of pavers, treads, copings, wall caps, countertops, and cladding so we can produce exactly what you need for your client’s project.

silver grey travertine no beige — Silver Travertine Toadflax selection

See our complete product portfolio of materials, colors, surface finishes, and applications.

Radius Coping, Treads, and Wall Caps are not custom for us!

Just send us the drawings! The dimensions range from 6×12 to 24 x 72 (or higher) but we produce according to the project requirements so, about any size is possible and standard in our productions.

Smart Solutions

We specialize in ‘smart solutions’ designing safety (in particular, surface finishes with a high coefficient of friction) into the implementation and end-use of our products. New surface finishes such as Micro Bush Hammer, SUREGRIP MOLESKIN^tm, Hand-Chiseled, and, Etruscan Texture^tm add soft and subtle interest without changing the material itself.

Related Information:

8 Stunning Selections Of Grey Natural Stone