Natural Stone, Timeless Impact
An Article By: Norse Stone
Whether a building is new or old, having small updates or a complete restoration, the design of the surrounding garden and landscape plays an important role in the final aesthetics of any building project. A delicate balance of being both functional and visually pleasing must be achieved, incorporating a combination of hardscape and softscape elements. To define spaces and build structures, a commonly used hardscape material is natural stone, chosen due to its strength, durability and lower maintenance. This is particularly useful when creating patios, paths and steps.
Caithness flagstone is one such natural stone, featuring impressive technical properties with quarrying of this stone limited only to the North Highlands of Scotland. Traditionally, and most notably, it has been used as paving, lining streets in towns and cities all over Scotland, the UK and overseas. Although still widely used in largescale streetscape projects, Caithness flagstone paving is also used in residential settings for a variety of garden and landscaping projects.
Patios can be built to create a tranquil outdoor getaway or the perfect space for entertaining and hosting guests, each area can be customised with different types of paving to suit the aesthetics of its surroundings. Random length paving is a highly sought-after choice for patios especially due to its modern and non-repetitive layout, in contrast, setts provide a more traditional and uniform look. Combinations of mixed sizes opens opportunities for more visually interesting patterns whilst additions such as roundels and sandblasted designs creates bespoke and unique features. The various formats of Caithness flagstone also make it ideal for use as paths around buildings and gardens, adding functionality through linking and improving access to multiple areas.
It isn’t unusual for garden and landscaping projects to require accessibility to spaces on different levels. Here, too, natural stone can be used. Due to the unique properties of Caithness flagstone, various thicknesses, sizes and finishes can be used to produce steps and risers, bespoke made to suit each individual project. From a single fixed step to a set of stairs built into the landscape itself, they can connect buildings and outdoor spaces to the surrounding nature using function and form.
Although important components, paths, patios and steps are not the only hardscape elements to benefit from the use of stone. Caithness flagstone driveways, walling and coping are all items which can be incorporated into the design of any garden or landscape project. The use of natural stone intertwines new hardscape features to the existing surroundings whilst also emphasising and contrasting with softscape elements, in turn, creating and achieving natural balance.
Projects that integrate Caithness flagstone with thoughtful landscape design embody the timeless craftsmanship and architectural refinement often celebrated in Architecture Vogue Magazine & Luxury Property Magazine.
