British Stone Crafted by Design
Small Animal Hospital, Liverpool
STONE DESCRIPTION:
St Bees is a dark red sandstone of Permo-Triassic age, which forms the sea cliffs of St Bees Head near Whitehaven in Cumbria. From the Birkhams Quarry in Whitehaven, this distinctive close bedded and fine grained sandstone has proved to be a popular choice of building stone for centuries, both in the UK and USA.
Its physical performance results in a stone which is extremely durable and versatile for projects ranging from traditional walling through to large scale specification and restoration.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The Challenge:
Taking into account the sensitive green belt setting, the challenge was to develop the most modern and well-equipped teaching facility in the UK, incorporating a spacious, comfortable interior.
The Solution:
The design is defined by a 100 metre long curved Red St. Bees sandstone handset ashlar cladding wall, sourced from Birkhams quarry to match Leahurst House, the original building on the site.
The interior of the building is just as visually impressive. Large sections of interior walls have been constructed from floor to ceiling with Red St. Bees ashlar cladding, continuing a very contemporary feel of ‘inside out’.
This project was short listed for the RIBA National Awards.
- Stone: Red St Bees
- Region: England - North West
- Sector: Stone for Specification – Handset Cladding & Masonry
- Product: Handset Ashlar Cladding
- Completion Date: 2007
- Project Type: New Build / Education