Cast Stone Facades Offer Elegance to Building Architecture

Building architecture should have form and function to create a lasting impression in the public eye while providing additional benefits, such as weather protection and insulation for the front of the building. Cast stone facades can do this for the front of any building while offering excellent durability and strength, complemented by timeless elegance achieved through expert craftsmanship.

What is a Facade?

Facade is one of those words that have various meanings depending on the context. The word comes from the Italian faccia, meaning "face". In terms of architecture, a facade means the front or face of a building. Typically, when one thinks of a building facade, one may think of buildings in theme parks or compact cities like New York, where only the front of the building is detailed, and the sides and back are minimalistic. 

However, a given building may have multiple facades if it has more than one entrance. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court building has an east entrance and a west entrance, both of which have a highly decorative facade with stately pillars, giving the viewer an immediate impression of the sophisticated nature and purpose of the building.

Regardless of the number of facades a building has, each represents its purpose through its style and character. This is true of historic buildings and large, ornate buildings—like the one previously mentioned—as well as single-family homes, where the facade is considered the curbside of the building.

What is a Cast Stone Facade?

Building materials for architectural facades include a variety of woods, metals, glass, brick, stone, and concrete. Facades made from cast stone—a building material made of cement, water, crushed stone, and other minerals created to mimic natural stone—are typically built into a masonry wall or structure. Cast stone is first formed using molds into specific shapes such as stone filigree, pillars, arches, and statuary which are then fit together to build the facade at the construction site.

One of the most famous cast stone facades in North America is the front façade of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Its gothic arches, medieval crest and shields, and pilasters were all constructed with cast stone elements, then chiseled and tooled with masonry blades and hammers to give the finished facade the appearance of natural stone. Shortly after construction of the school was completed, it was declared "America's Most Beautiful High School" by the American Institute of Architects. 

What are the Benefits of having a Cast Stone Facade?

Most types of facades offer the front of the building at least some insulation and protection from the elements. This is especially true of cast stone facades because cast stone is engineered to be durable and has a low absorption rate, which helps prevent freeze-thaw damage and protects against water infiltration. Cast stone's durability and resistance to moisture and UV exposure make it an excellent choice for exterior facades because it will retain its natural beauty over the years, even when faced with the challenges of harsh weather.

In addition to this, cast stone can be manufactured to have a higher compressive strength and be reinforced with steel, adding to the tensile and flexural strength of the material. This increased strength contributes to the structural integrity and longevity of the facade, as well as the safety and durability of your building. Cast stone manufactured in the United States is required to meet set standards and is designed to have an 'infinite life,' meaning it will last at least 100 years.

Cast stone facades are typically highly decorative and ornate, especially on old or historic buildings. This is due to the ability to shape statues, detailed columns, and unique filigree using custom molds, which can easily replicate these details to create uniform patterns throughout the structure.

Building with cast stone is more time-efficient and cost-effective compared to similar building materials because it can be produced locally, saving on time and transportation costs. The relatively lightweight nature of cast stone makes it easy to handle and install, requiring fewer workers to complete a project. These savings increase for larger-scale projects while achieving the same level of craftsmanship.

Overview

Cast stone facades offer architects, builders, and property owners an unparalleled combination of aesthetic versatility, structural integrity, and cost-effectiveness that ensures their enduring popularity in both classic and contemporary architectural designs. Regardless of whether it is a federal or state building or just a regular office building, retail building, or even a residential home, a cast stone facade can give the face of any building a sophisticated look for a lasting first impression that is timeless and elegant. As an added bonus, it can save you time and production costs while being exceptionally durable, ensuring the craftsmanship that goes into your next project will last a lifetime.