Neo-classical homes, Bath (2006)

Neo-classical homes built in cast stone

Two new homes in the historic city of Bath have been constructed in the local classical style using cast stone. The material has been a familiar and much used alternative to expensive natural stone since Georgian times. It's regularly used in sensitive conservation zones, including areas where planners normally insist on natural stone.

These days' natural stone is too expensive for solid masonry but cast stone ashlar blocks are simple and economical to use, performing and weathering in much the same way as natural stone. The units can be moulded to a natural stone finish if required and their colour is often the result of choosing an aggregate with the appropriate inherent colour to match local stone, such as Bath stone.

The elevations of this modern housing development in historic Bath were constructed in cast stone ashlar walling, with matching cast stone details including porticos, string courses and window cills. The combination of fine cast stone, classical detailing and quality construction has resulted in facades that are virtually indistinguishable from their Georgian counterparts.

The cast stone was supplied by UKCSA member Bradstone to Magenta Properties Ltd. Bradstone's Mark Barter said: “By offering a cost effective means of replicating traditional designs, towns such as Bath are able to retain their historic character, despite on-going expansion and modernisation.” He added: “Our cast stone is specially produced to match local characteristics, especially in areas such as Bath, where strict planning rules require new developments to match local materials.”