Two Storey Stone Extension, Longsdon
Our role in this project was to undertake the groundwork and the building work of this two storey stone extension. The client wanted to extend an existing house using cut sand stone to build the extension. When on site the topography of the land immediately begins a steep slope and so our first job was to make a stone road into and through the site. This not only helped with the onsite access, but it also helped to keep the job tidy and reduce the clarts that a busy site access can create. Getting materials onto site was difficult and meant that we had to use a dumper and forklift and for some things the good old wheel barrow, but we got there. After clearing the site and improving the access we then set about digging out the footings. Nowadays we use a Laser Level when we are setting levels. It is very accurate and prevents over / under digging which therefore helps to keep the costs down.Before the concrete slab went down all of the drains were put in and signed off by building control. The foot print of the extension was prepared with Visqueen (an extremely durable membrane used to prevent damp), stoning up and a layer of thick insulation. We had ready mix concrete for the slab pumped in off a waggon.
The stone extension was built with double skin of sand stone (external) and breeze block (internal). The building stone used for the extension was sourced by the client from a local quarry and was great to work with. It was of a high quality and made to order; so cills and lintels came ready made to the right size. The weather was on our side with this project and building work continued at a good pace. The stone extension was built using traditional stone bond, which requires large corner pieces at the end of every course, on every corner of the build. These ‘quoins’ give the stone extension extra strength but were also used for aesthetic purposes too; they give the building a bold, confident presence and accentuate the corners. When using stone lintels, they can have a tendency to crack until they are fitted. Taking particular care not to chip off any corners the lintels and cills were fitted with mortar. To keep them good and prevent any damage coming to them once in position we cover them with carpet to help protect them.
Our role in this project was to undertake the groundwork and the building work of this two storey stone extension. The client wanted to extend an existing house using cut sand stone to build the extension. When on site the topography of the land immediately begins a steep slope and so our first job was to make a stone road into and through the site. This not only helped with the onsite access, but it also helped to keep the job tidy and reduce the clarts that a busy site access can create. Getting materials onto site was difficult and meant that we had to use a dumper and forklift and for some things the good old wheel barrow, but we got there. After clearing the site and improving the access we then set about digging out the footings. Nowadays we use a Laser Level when we are setting levels. It is very accurate and prevents over / under digging which therefore helps to keep the costs down.Before the concrete slab went down all of the drains were put in and signed off by building control. The foot print of the extension was prepared with Visqueen (an extremely durable membrane used to prevent damp), stoning up and a layer of thick insulation. We had ready mix concrete for the slab pumped in off a waggon.
The stone extension was built with double skin of sand stone (external) and breeze block (internal). The building stone used for the extension was sourced by the client from a local quarry and was great to work with. It was of a high quality and made to order; so cills and lintels came ready made to the right size. The weather was on our side with this project and building work continued at a good pace. The stone extension was built using traditional stone bond, which requires large corner pieces at the end of every course, on every corner of the build. These ‘quoins’ give the stone extension extra strength but were also used for aesthetic purposes too; they give the building a bold, confident presence and accentuate the corners. When using stone lintels, they can have a tendency to crack until they are fitted. Taking particular care not to chip off any corners the lintels and cills were fitted with mortar. To keep them good and prevent any damage coming to them once in position we cover them with carpet to help protect them.