6 Amazing Buildings Built from Stone

 Created by the Blue Planet as a symbol of beauty, natural stone was forever the material of choice for all stunning buildings. By being the longest-lasting building material available, stone conveys an everlasting vibe.  

Stone buildings have been around since the dawn of mankind and are still looking amazing. One of Jordan’s landmarks, the city of Petra, has an interesting history, since approximately 9 000 BC. Subsequently, the Stonehenge complex, the landmark megalithic structure (a very large religious/funeral monument built of rough stone) was the method chosen by the previous generations to reveal that natural stone was created for eternity. Not by accident, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops) from ancient Egypt is one of the Ancient World’s Seven Wonders. 

Back in modern times, the Kailasa Temple from Ellora, India, is famous as the largest monolithic structure made of a single block of stone. As a result, the stone’s versatility stone can reveal a wide array of moods. When it comes to finishes, the range includes splitfaced, polished, honed, tumbled, flamed, etc. Natural stone conveys a personal, warm feeling, and is also combined with wood or other natural materials. 

1. Public Library of Villanueva, Colombia

This is a compact building, consisting of 2 simple volumes: the first one as a library, the second adapted to serve as a public space (lobby). In terms of architecture, the convergence between the 2 volumes generates structured spaces on 2 levels. 

photo source: archdaily.com 

2. House in Blacksod Bay, Ireland

A construction located in a rural area and inspired by local architecture; such a house brings to mind traditional Irish farms. As a stunning symbol of facade cladding that employs decorative natural stone, the brief called for a raw beauty setting, while serving a dual purpose: a summer and a winter house. Architect Stephen Tierney has created a home inspired by the local ambiance that pays tribute to contemporary architecture. 

photo source: archdaily.com 

3. Rural residence in Fundo El Guindo, Chile

This is one more instance of stone serving – essential in the residential area, and an anchor for the beautiful landscape. Simply for better integration with the existing structures, the solution encloses the existing volumes by creating a patio for managing the wide space and tempering the subtropical climate winds, an area abundant with avocado and citrus plantations. 

4. Link House in Vaqueros, Argentina

A stunning project by architect Juan Pablo Gondar, Casa Link looks like an element from a childhood fairy tale. The brief called for a concept of family unity in combination with stone and wood. The outcome features the best example of integrating nature into architecture. All the trees included in the project have been kept in their original location because the architectural concept embraces nature's creation. 

5. Centre for Environmental Studies of São Jorge Island, Azores Archipelago, Portugal

Faithfully reconstructed by architect Ana Maria Vasconcelos according to the original plans of a historic building, this project exploited the foundation of the original building. Using local materials (decorative natural stone) and specific processes, the result serves a dual purpose: educational center and temporary residence for researchers visiting the island. 

6. Reconstruction of the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre in Jarandilla, Spain

Completed in the 17th century as part of the Santa Maria de la Torre Church, the 100 sqm small chapel consists of two volumes, highlighted by an atypically shaped entrance space. The reconstruction work focused on preserving the original look while incorporating a 25 cm thick reinforced concrete form into the structure. The extension of the granite floor in the square formed by the church and the former chapel was conceived as a modern accent to the project. 

photo source: archdaily.com