Jul 18, 2022 | Architecture, Green Architecture
Whenever designing and building a pool, not all affecting factors come to mind. Water may seem the biggest problem facing your pool tiling surfaces, but what doesn’t cross all minds is the acid and chlorine levels in the water filling this pool.
While natural stones have different levels of porosity, keep in mind that not all choices are suitable for landscaping and pools.
Specific types of pool tiling such as dolomitic are one of the recommended choices. Natural mosaic and pebble stone selection should be considered.
The variety of stone texture choices from bush hammer to leather as well as our combed material can be a choice for pool coping and pool decks as a thick paver or thin stone veneer to lay over concrete slabs depending on the situation using the same textures and sizes creating a monolithic look on your horizontal flooring surfaces. Taking the same material and using it for planters, lighting and speakers’ stone covers, wall caps, pony wall caps, or even custom-made stone waterfalls, fire pits and statues can also help fulfill your landscape design along the pool and its walkway.
Custom-fabricated stone wok pots and flower pots for pools can also be ordered in the same matching colors and textures used for waterfalls to decorate your pool.
Oct 13, 2021 | Architecture, Green Architecture
A well-designed landscape requires more than manicured lawns, flowers, shrubs and trees; it also needs a hardscape. Hardscape refers to non-living structures in landscape design. Balancing natural elements with hardscape can prevent your outdoor space from looking like an overrun forest.
Stone has long been a popular material choice for hardscapes, but there are disadvantages to using natural stone in landscaping. For that reason, more people are now opting to use stone veneer.
A Stone veneer is a thin layer of cut stone or stone-like panels used as facing for buildings and other structures. Stone veneer offers the versatility, variability, durability and aesthetics of natural stone, without the transportation and installation costs and weight of the quarried stone. As the panels are ¾ inch to 2 inches thick, they are light enough to adhere to masonry substrates such as poured concrete, concrete blocks, wood, or metal. They can be used on existing walls, foundation facades, columns, and other outdoor features to create interest and variation to revive your landscape design.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls are a multifunctional addition to landscapes with varying slopes and gradients. They help to hold soil and plants in place to prevent erosion and provide outdoor seating. Retaining walls need to be constructed well to withstand the vertical pressure from the weight of soil and plants. Quarried stone can give the necessary support but may lead to high transportation and installation costs. A more cost-effective and less labour-intensive option is building concrete walls then installing stone veneer on the facing to give the sophisticated and ageless appearance of natural stone.
Garden walls
Garden walls are lower than retaining walls and are mostly decorative. They are used to highlight a landscape feature. Concrete walls can become dingy and stained over time, detracting from the aesthetics of your landscape. Stone veneer offers a low-maintenance, stain-resistant facing that adds visual appeal to flower beds and shrubs.
Walkways and driveways
Stone panels are ideal for pathways and driveways. They are available in a plethora of types, shapes, and sizes to fit any style and can be cut and laid in designs and patterns to transform any landscape. Whether you are aiming for a winding garden path, a curved driveway, or a straight entryway, cut stone can give your landscape a more inviting and uniform appearance.
Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces
An outdoor fire feature creates the perfect ambiance for entertaining and family gatherings. Stone veneer offers varying tones and shapes to create a beautiful focal point for any outdoor fire feature. The dancing light from the flames will create a visual display against earthy textures and tones for a visually warm and inviting space.
Water features
The sound of running water from an outdoor water feature is an excellent way to create a serene and tranquil environment. Using stone veneer within a water feature complements the aesthetics of the design. Stone panels can be incorporated using geometric patterns for borders or realistic river rocks to line the floor of ponds and fountains.
Columns and pillars
Columns and pillars can make a statement in your landscape design. They can be used as decorative posts to provide lighting or placed at the end of your driveway for your mailbox or house number. Accentuate the look of columns and lighting pillars by wrapping them either halfway or full-length with stone veneer.
Stone veneer supplier
Your landscape is one of the first things others will notice when they approach your home. Enhance your landscape with beautiful, durable stone products from Natural Stone veneers.
Natural Stone Veneer is your ideal masonry supplier in USA for natural stone or manufactured stone veneers. Visit our sales and design centre for a quiet and helpful place to coordinate and plan your next project. Our helpful staff can offer advice and estimate costs.
Sep 14, 2021 | Green Architecture
We are all looking for new elements to incorporate into the design of our homes. Let’s be frank after a while, old designs become stale and boring. Anytime you walk into a space, you should feel excited and comfortable. When the excitement begins to fade, it is time to spark up a design and incorporate something new.
A growing trend is to include natural elements in your designs. Architectural Digest named 5 Materials That Are Trending in the Home: Bold Stone, Natural Woods, and More. And what do all these materials have in common? They’re all natural! Yes, natural materials have inherent beauty to them and can also provide functional usage in your space. They are especially great for homes with smaller yard spaces. Being able to highlight nature can help a space feel more open or bring life during winter’s cold and dark months.
Natural materials will have your home vibrant, fresh and breezy in no time. The pandemic has made us feel more connected to nature than ever before. More people are spending time exploring parks and taking hikes. There is a growing urge to bring natural elements into the home. The trend of using natural materials doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. Feel free to indulge in new pieces without worrying or feeling the designer’s remorse in a couple of months.
The most popular materials to use for interior and exterior spaces are stones or tactile materials like rattan, cork, bamboo and seagrass. Here are some of the many ways to incorporate natural materials into the home.
Stone
Stone is a material that is durable and can add plenty of texture to a space. It can also be used on a smooth surface. Many homes feature stone for counters, but it can also create stunning appeal when used on walls and floors. Many trends are moving back towards stone mantles, especially when using darker shades because it adds a modern, sleek and down-to-earth look. Stone can also be used as statement pieces. Look for unique pieces or colours that feature stone like you would a work of art.
Seagrass
Seagrass is making an epic resurgence. The material was in almost every home in the 1970s. Now in 2021, more homes are featuring the material. Seagrass is versatile and comes in many forms. Many designers use it to add texture and warmth to a space.
The fibre can be used in different ways. One popular form is rugs or carpets. Seagrass rugs are highly durable and last a long time. Not only is it non-absorbent, but it does not attract dirt and dust because it is static-free.
Rattan
Rattan is another material that has made a comeback. Rattan is commonly associated with coastal or bohemian vibes. It is a material that invokes relaxation. Rattan furniture also gives a casual look, so it is no wonder why it is increasing in popularity.
A few ways to incorporate rattan include the Bohemian style. This style has an eclectic appeal due to its unique patterns, colours and patterns vying for your attention. The ideal is to incorporate pieces of furniture that do not match—for instance, using a rattan chair in a space with a colourful portrait and various shades of pillows. The rattan will give a relaxed feel to the area.
Rattan, like many natural materials, can bring a neutral tone to any space. Many people use rattan headboards in the bedroom. However, you can also feature rattan in the backyard using rattan chairs or tables.
Cork
The final material is cork. According to Sheerluxe 2020 blog, Cork is the Interior trend to watch. And in 2021, not much has changed. This material is commonly used for smaller items like small trays, bowls and even napkin rings. Cork is a great sustainable feature in a home. Cork is an excellent material if you want to introduce warmth, texture and a feeling of comfort to your space.
Natural stone veneer is a great way to incorporate earthy elements into any room. Visit our natural stone veneer page here to choose from a variety of beautiful stone coverings perfect for any location in your home.
Jul 27, 2020 | Green Architecture
Ongoing Journey Towards Sustainability
In the era of Covid-19, many countries are trying to tackle the global health crisis with various testing methods; in the US by measuring the rate of infection and recovery rates, in the UK measuring the Coronavirus R-value, and the overall growth rates worldwide. Since we value and care about our clients’ safety, health and happiness, we are on a mission to help you know more about our Dolomitic Limestone-based products and make better purchase decisions for your architectural and design needs – the sustainable way.
The flow of energy at a specific living or working field is relative; as well, it is interconnected with its surrounding elements. To improve overall energy efficiency, we must consider the all-embracing environment. Thus, it is essential to understand the thermal control process and measurement properties including the energy factors, insulation system, and moisture movement.
What is R-value?
R-value is shorthand for the thermal resistance. Walls are mostly made up of several layers, so different materials are calculated in different ways. According to Energy.gov, the R-value is determined by “the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The amount of R-value you’ll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the part of the house you plan to insulate.” Moreover, you may have heard of the U-value a.k.a. thermal transmittance of a building structure. As an engineering term, it is the inverse of the R-value.
When measuring the R-value, take into consideration the above map chart proposed by our partners at Lowe’s where you can enjoy the luxury of buying our Sustainable & Natural Stone products from the comfort of your home. We can ship across the country and all over the world.
There are two other energy codes, which are significant for industry professionals. The K-value (λ), also known as thermal conductivity, indicates the material’s ability to conduct heat. However, the C-value (thermal conductance) depends on its thickness component.
Below we state five scientific takeaways:
- The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation, and the more energy you will save.
- The lower the U-value, the better its ability to insulate.
- The lower the material’s K-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.
- The better insulated a system is, the lower the C-value will be.
- Heat is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units).
By following such guidelines, you will able to conserve energy around your property. Get in touch with your technical professional for a special consultation. Let’s protect and sheath our walls; just as we do to protect ourselves from the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19)!
What is insulation?
Insulation is the use of specific materials (cellulose, fiberglass, and foam) for walls and attics to minimize heat transfer. Consumers can lower their energy payment bills and achieve their comfort as a result of planning an insulation system in the house or commercial space.
During winter, heat exchange occurs from a heated space to an unheated one – i.e. the roof. Heat movement can even be through walls and ceilings whenever there is a difference in temperature. Whereas, during summer days, heat crosses from an external area to an internal area. Having windows make a difference as well. Our Stone Veneer products are seamlessly natural as they are a great source of insulation along with the other multi-layered materials.
What is moisture movement?
Humidity! What can you do about it? The addition of insulation material to a wall is likely to change the way moisture moves through it. The moisture content may fluctuate depending on the local weather conditions, time, and sun’s exposure vis-a-vis the building. Applying the thermal values will ease the process and avoid pitfalls when it comes to moisture distribution, thermal performance, and layers’ health. Our Stone Veneers are unique and weather-resistant. You can enjoy peace of mind to the fullest!
It is said that each season has its treasure. With the risk of climate change and current environmental issues, we are truly confident to offer our clients Stone Veneers that are sustainable and natural all at once. They will have the luxury to enjoy their place every day of every season, all thanks to our fully-packed NaturalStoneVeneer.com products. Thin veneers are directly applied to surfaces or layered walls; they can be prepared and installed without reduction of the interior space.
Are you aware of the continuous global efforts towards sustainability? Now it’s the time to develop your space with an adequate thermal control system to maximize the energy efficiency that serves you the best way. We have a wide variety of Dolomitic Limestone Stone Veneer products that are durable and environment-friendly; you won’t need to replace them for a century or more. Choose Natural Stone Veneer since we CARE about you and your family. Click here to Download our Catalogue!
