Stone Reform Thesis Project
This Research is split into two parts. The research analysis of the use of structural stone in the UK, whereby the conclusions of it’s under use as a material is apparent. Although there were limitations for it’s use in the UK. These limitations have been explored through the design of the Centre for Structural Stone (CSS) design project which aims to upskill relevant industries, whilst acting as a test bed for how to build with stone.
Research
Through analysing the use of stone in the UK, this forgotten material has lost it’s use as a structural material. Despite it’s superior strength, beauty and low carbon impact, the countries quarrying system is set up to supply concrete and clay bricks for it’s building stock. We propose the question of what if we stopped using these materials tomorrow. What would need to change across the UK is contained within this research as well as a good practice design guide. Taking a stance of of how to quarry and design with Stone. This design guide has been applied to the existing Liverpool Waters development plan to contextualise this research.
Design Project
The use of Concrete and Clay Bricks in buildings is to be halted in
the UK from January 2026. A centre of stone is needed in order to
tackle the barriers associated with building with structural stone.
An educational facility will enable the upskilling of the industry as
well as a centre for research and collaboration surrounding the
stone industry. The site will act as a test bed for how to build with
stone and how to build within the difficualt topography of a quarry.
This testing will enable the replication of these ideas in the built
enviornment and in quarry sites around the UK.