5 Unusual Uses With Cast Stone

Cast stone is a unique material that provides multiple benefits for builders, developers and architects alike.

A cost-effective alternative to natural stone, cast stone is chosen for its durability and strength, as well as its beautiful appearance.

Cast stone is also incredibly versatile, meaning it can be used in a wide range of innovative manufacturing solutions.  Here’s some of the most unusual projects we’ve worked on in recent years.

  • cambridge central mosque parapet

Bird Nesting Holes at Cambridge Central Mosque

Cast stone is often used in architectural projects to create construction components such as porticos, window surrounds and copings.  But our team was commissioned to manufacture something a little more unusual at Cambridge Central Mosque.

Cambridge Central Mosque opened in 2019 as the city’s first purpose-built mosque and is inspired by both Islamic and English religious traditions.  As Europe’s first ‘eco-mosque’ it places sustainability and respect for the environment at the heart of its design.

Our team was tasked with creating bespoke bird nesting holes within some of the building’s roofline crenallations.  The nesting holes were designed with the intention of protecting the local swift population and were manufactureed uisng our TecLite material in Bath colour.

Working closely with the architect, our team also produced a variety of other bespoke stonework for the project.

Read full case study

Intricate Facia Panels at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford

The intricate facia panels our team manufactured for Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford are proof enough that cast stone does not have to be plain or simple.

Our TecStone (wet-cast limestone) is often chosen by our clients because of its stunningly smooth and sealed surface.  Not only does it look beautiful and contemporary, it is easy to clean and does not weather as quickly as our other cast stone materials.

These are some of the reasons that TecStone was used in the production of a series of intricate facia panels at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford.

Our team was commissioned to produce a variety of bespoke cast stone components for a major renovation project at the temple, including a series of intricate facia panels.

The design and manufacture of the panels were completed in collaboration with a specialist woodcrafter in India and the finished designs demonstrate how intricate detailing can be achieved with this versatile material.

  • A characterful restored pier cap by Haddonstone

    replacement squirrel pier cap

Replication of unique pier cap finial

It’s not often that our team is tasked with reuniting a lonely squirrel with his friend, but this is exactly what they did back in 2017.

This decorative and bespoke replacement pier cap was created for a private residence after a collision with a delivery vehicle.  The client’s entranceway displays two matching pier caps and they were therefore keen to replace the damaged pier cap.

Our skilled team visited the site to obtain full details from the remaining pier cap.  This enabled them to obtain a perfect copy of the unique design and therefore to produce a perfect replica of the squirrel back at the Haddonstone manufactory.

Read how we did it

  • Restoration work for Grade II* listed Scarborough Spa

Restoration of Grade II* listed Scarborough Spa

Our team took a trip to the seaside in 2005 to help with the restoration of Scarborough’s infamous Grade II* listed spa.

Built in the 19th century, this beautiful, historic building was badly eroded after years of damage by the North Sea.

Our highly-skilled team visited Scarborough Spa and used a range of techniques in order to obtain a highly detailed imprint of its intricate detailing.

Using the impression taken onsite, our studio and pattern making team were able to produce plaster models of the parapet, which were then built up and re-carved to recreate the intricacy of the original designs.

As a result of the project, Haddonstone was presented with the prestigious Gold Award (Building Materials) for Environmental Practices and Sustainable Development.  The International Green Apple Awards are presented by the Green Organisation to those who set the standard in environmental practice and sustainable development.

Visit case study

  • Restored Griffin

Replicating a decorative griffin

Griffins are traditionally known for guarding treasures and possessions, so it was vital that our team was able to complete this unusal project.

Our client asked us to help replace one of their two highly decorative griffin entrance pier finials, which was damaged in an accident.

It was vitally important that our team could accurately replicate the surviving finial to ensure that both the replacement and the original griffins perfectly matched.

This was an interesting project for our team and it took approximately three months from start to finish.

Learn more about this project

  • getting listed property help

Do you have an unusual project?

Our experienced and friendly Building & Construction team has been helping clients for over 50 years.

So whether you know exactly what you are looking for, or would like to chat through some ideas, our team are on hand to assist you.

Arrange your free project consultation today.

Call:    01604 770 711

Email: [email protected]

Speak to our team

Whether you’re working on a private residential or large commercial project, or if you are interested in home and garden products, our friendly and expert team are happy to discuss your requirements.

  Request a call back