LIMESTONE

JILLIAN SZACHURY

Figure 1: Limestone can be used on walls, and bring light into a space with its neutral and airy color.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate, which is also commonly known as calcite. Some other ingredients that make up limestone are clay, iron carbonate, feldspar, pyrite, and quartz. Most limestones have a granular texture, where their grains may range in size. In many cases, the grains are microscopic fragments of fossil animal shells. Limestone in soft beige and off-white tones are commonly used in interiors, in hopes to add incredible texture and warmth to quiet, minimalist spaces. It is also popularly used in architecture, and many landmarks around the world too. This type of stone is readily available and relatively easy to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving, which is why we oftentimes see it in curvy, fluid shapes. It is also has a longer life rate compared to other types of materials, and stands up well to exposure. In order to maintain its structure and beauty, there are certain steps to be followed: Limestone is naturally absorbent, which is why too much water or other liquids may root the reactions like oxidation, peeling or staining. Use lukewarm water and soft piece of cloth to clean the limestone products. If you take care of it accordingly, limestone can last for generations.

Limestone is not only a popular material to use in interiors and exteriors because it lasts such a long time, but for many other reasons as well:

There are no toxic chemicals or glues used in its production process
It is low maintenance. It does not require painting or waterproofing, although both of these can be done to it if necessary.
It is recyclable. For example, if a wall made up of limestone needs to be taken down, this excess material can be reused for other building purposes.
There is no harm in cutting limestone, due to the fact that parts of our earth is made up of this material.
The pieces that break off, or any limestone slab that happens to crack can be recycled by crushing them and mixing with concrete to form an even stronger building or paving product.
It has not one, but several uses, from pavers to stairways and footpaths, and from retaining walls to feature walls and even cladding (shown in all images).
Limestone also has good indoor air quality. Since limestone comes from natural rocks, this material does not contain any sort of harmful chemical ingredients.

Figure 3: Not only is this material used for flooring and walls, but it can also create extravagant furniture pieces too.

Because limestone is so cost effective, this material is utilized in a lot of interiors and exteriors of both residential and commercial buildings. It is also fairly easy to carve, where we see it being cut into a variety of shapes in the figures displayed on this page. Its off-white beige color can make a space seem much larger, allowing a space to feel more open concept and spacious. This material is also versatile in the way that it can be used in the kitchen, bath, living room, or any other indoor area as you please. It can also be utilized in the exterior of homes, where it oftentimes is used to structurally hold up the roofings (shown in Figure 1). The limestone tiles are much softer than the other tiles, meaning that it can be easily cleaned to remove any sort of stains or built up dirt it may obtain overtime.

The one image that I find the most interesting is the staircase displayed to the right, where we see great curves being formed by this incredible material we know as limestone. Since this type of stone is easy to cut, we see this material being carved into a variety of shapes, allowing this material to be presented in very unique ways.

Figure 2: Limestone is oftentimes used in bathroom spaces on both floors and walls.

ASTM standards are to be listed and stated here, on the website. "ASTM standards are present to cover the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate to the selection of limestone for general building and structural purposes."

One organization that tests limestone is the National Stone Institute. They test the following characteristics:

The suitability of a specific stone is tested to determine what application this material should be utilized for.
The strength of the stone is tested to determine its resistance to crushing and bending.
The density is tested to design a support system capable of carrying the weight of the stone.
The absorption rate of the stone is also tested, which helps determine the resistance of the stone to staining and freezing.

Canopy-House-Leeton-Pointon-Architects-A

Figure 4: Because of its neutral, light colors, limestone can make a small space feel a lot larger.

The image on the left shows how limestone can be used as tile flooring. In order to maintain its shine and beauty, all that is needed is a one time seal finish during the time of the installation. By doing so, this does not only increase the age of the tiles but also gives the tiles an overall glossy look. The sealant is a transparent solution that would not be disturbing the tile’s color and texture.