If you think that stone houses are a thing of the past, that’s not true. They are still relevant, although modern construction offers its own interpretations, which differ slightly from what was used before.
It is possible to decorate a building both outside and inside, so creating an individual design is not a problem. However, it is worth understanding why such buildings have become popular again and whether it makes sense to invest in one.
Resistance to weather conditions
Stone houses are quite convenient. They are not affected by heat, cold, rain, snow, and other negative impacts. When it’s hot in the summer, the temperature inside remains comfortable. The same goes for winter: if the owner takes care of a good heating system and turns it on when needed. Of course, additional insulation is recommended, but stone requires the least amount of mineral wool or polystyrene, as other materials require much more due to their inability to minimize heat loss on their own.
If the roof is well made, there’s no need to worry about precipitation. Stone does not absorb moisture, so mold, mildew, and other pests do not develop in it.
Ultraviolet light also does not affect the material. Under the sun, it retains all its properties and stays beautiful. There’s no need to worry about the color fading or changing in any way. Everything will look perfect even after 50 years, without the need for surface treatment with paint, varnish, or other coatings.
Comfortable temperature inside the house in winter and summer
Stone walls retain the optimal temperature differently, depending on their thickness. The thicker the walls, the better. A minimum of 35 cm is recommended, but the best option is 60 cm. It is also important to ensure a quality foundation. If it’s a slab foundation, and there’s a ceiling, the owners will hardly suffer from temperature fluctuations. The heat capacity is sufficient to provide comfort even without additional finishing.
The advantage is that a foundation slab is an excellent heat accumulator. It’s located directly in the ground, so it always operates under stable conditions. It absorbs all the heat at first and then transfers it to the foundation. The heat then enters the rooms and stays inside during the winter. In the summer, on the contrary, the house stays cool, so there’s no need to use air conditioning or other climate control systems for long periods.
If maximum thermal insulation is needed, EPS foam is recommended. It does not lose its properties due to moisture, while mineral wool needs to be supplemented with a membrane, otherwise, mold will develop in it within a short time. Bacteria negatively affect not only the stone but also the health of humans, animals, and everything in the environment.
Eco-friendliness of the material
Stone absorbs moisture from the air very well but doesn’t retain it. It releases the moisture back, preventing accumulation and negative consequences. This creates comfortable living conditions.
The natural material is not harmful to people, dogs, cats, or others. It does not cause any allergic reactions. So, you don’t need to worry about feeling unwell because of the material.
Advantages of an eco-friendly material:
- Versatility
- Practicality
- Safety
There’s no need to treat the floors, ceiling, or walls with protective liquids. Stone will last over 100 years due to its inherent properties from the manufacturing process. By following recommendations for use, you’ll get the maximum benefits.
Compared to concrete, wood, or metal, stone is still considered the most durable and reliable since it is almost unaffected by wear and tear. It is also not affected by fire or excessive moisture. You won’t need to worry about the condition of the building even if there’s a natural disaster or something else.
Aesthetic factor
The design available today is varied. There’s no need to choose just the classic dark look as was done before, since back then, the material processing technologies didn’t allow for the construction of light or multicolored stone structures. Everyone can find either an individual or practical option for themselves.
Stone houses are suitable for the following styles:
- Baroque
- English
- Gothic
- Colonial
- Classic
- Romanesque
- Chalet
- Modern
Regardless of whether the structure is made entirely of stone or just partially, it will look incredibly elegant. It is recommended to combine the material with wood, glass, or metal. This will add originality to the building and help it stand out from the rest. This is an excellent option. Moreover, the modern construction market offers a wide range of shades and types. With a harmonious combination, you can create something refined.
The interior can also be finished. There’s no need to leave just stone. It is advisable to hire a professional designer to create an ideal format that meets all the requirements and wishes. For a reliable and smooth finish, it’s best to first create a special mesh and then apply materials like siding, wallpaper, tiles, or others. Marble, when combined with stone, looks very beautiful, expensive, and stylish.
Comfort for living
Living in such a building is comfortable not only in summer but also in winter. There’s no reason to refuse full operation. The structure will easily handle any temperature regime and weather conditions.
However, experts recommend working on:
- Durable utilities
- Ventilation
- High-quality heating
With these in place, there will definitely be no problems. The key is to make sure the plumbing doesn’t freeze in sub-zero temperatures, so it’s wiser to choose pipes and equipment that can withstand all the impacts.
In general, stone houses are perfect for decorating a country house or property outside the city, as well as for a personal courtyard near the city center. They are stylish, practical, and last for at least a hundred years, so the next generation will be able to live in them too.