The pros and cons of stone buildings

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‘Massive stone’ can be better for the environment than concrete and steel but detractors question the impact of quarrying.

A growing movement among some architects and engineers is championing the environment benefits of building with large blocks of quarried stone that form an integral part of buildings’ structure. Using ‘massive stone’ can result in a fraction of the carbon emissions produced by the controversial choices of concrete and steel, according to the material’s advocates. Building with massive stone can also be quicker and cheaper, they insist.

Among the most enthusiastic users are Amin Taha, founder of Groupwork, and Steve Webb of Webb Yates Engineers. The pair’s latest collaboration is on 217 Finchley Road, a 10-storey block in Hampstead, north London, due for completion next year.

You can continue reading the full article originally published on Financial Times.