What is Ashlar Detailing and Ashlar Beads?

Ashlar detailing and ashlar beads are terms that might not ring a bell for everyone. Still, those engaged in architecture, construction, and interior design represent important elements that contribute to the aesthetics and functionality of building structures. In this blog, we’ll explore what ashlar detailing is, the use of ashlar beads, and how these features can transform a property’s visual impact and structural integrity.

What is ashlar detailing?

Ashlar detailing involves crafting building exteriors with finely dressed stones cut and squared off to create uniform, smooth faces. This technique elevates structures’ visual appeal and ensures their durability and stability. Historically, ashlar masonry was favoured in grand architectural designs, such as castles, stately homes, and public buildings. It represented a display of wealth and skill, and it was often used for the most visually impactful parts of a building, such as the front facade, while less expensive and rougher forms of stone masonry might be used elsewhere.

The process of creating ashlar masonry starts with carefully selecting and extracting stone. Only stones with suitable characteristics—such as granite, limestone, and sandstone—are chosen, as they need to withstand the dressing process. Once selected, the stones are cut into precisely measured blocks using modern tools or traditional methods, depending on the desired finish and the architect’s specifications.

Each stone block is then dressed, meaning all sides are planed and smoothed to achieve sharp, clean edges. The precision in this step is crucial as it determines the tightness of the joints between the stones. In high-quality ashlar work, these joints are so fine—often no more than 3mm wide—that the mortar becomes almost invisible, giving the illusion of a seamless stone surface. Structurally, ashlar masonry is prized for its strength and ability to withstand environmental stressors such as wind and water erosion. This is thanks to the minimal joint space and the quality of the stone used.

Variations in ashlar masonry

Ashlar masonry can vary significantly in appearance, depending on the finishing techniques used:

• Rusticated Ashlar: In this style, each stone block’s outer face is deliberately left rough while the edges are squared and smooth. This technique gives the wall a more textured appearance, and it is often used on the lower floors of large buildings to convey a sense of strength and solidity.
• Smooth Ashlar: The smooth stone blocks create a refined and elegant facade. This finish is typical in classical architecture, where a high degree of precision and formal beauty is desired.
• Pitched Ashlar: This type of ashlar detailing involves dressing only the edges of each stone to a defined line. The rest of the face remains rough-hewn. It balances rusticity and precision, providing a robust yet stylish appearance.

What are ashlar beads?

Ashlar beads, commonly known in architecture and construction, play a pivotal role in enhancing and defining a building’s aesthetics. Traditionally associated with the edges of masonry, these beads have evolved in their application and material composition, including innovative uses in modern insulation systems.

Ashlar beads are primarily used to accentuate and define the joints and edges in stonework, contributing to the visual precision and structural delineation of different materials. They help create sharp, clean lines that enhance a building’s architectural features, improving both the shadow lines and the overall detail of the facade. In essence, ashlar beads provide a crisp, finished look that can significantly impact the design by emphasising depth and contrast.

What are ashlar beads manufactured from?

Traditionally, ashlar beads have been crafted from the same materials as the masonry they complement, such as stone or metal. However, modern developments have introduced more versatile materials:

• Metal Beads: Often used for their durability and strength, they provide a long-lasting, clean edge resistant to weathering.
• Stone Beads: These beads are typically used to match the stone masonry, ensuring the aesthetic remains consistent and uninterrupted.
• Plastic and Polymer Beads: These are chosen for their cost-effectiveness and versatility. They can be easily shaped and coloured to match various design needs.

  

Use in insulated systems

One of the more contemporary and innovative uses of ashlar beads involves their integration into insulated render systems like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene). This application is particularly significant in energy-efficient building practices where maintaining aesthetic appeal while improving thermal performance is crucial.

In EPS systems, ashlar beads are embedded into the insulation to mimic the appearance of traditional ashlar masonry. This method allows for the aesthetic benefits of fine stonework without the structural weight and extensive labour typically associated with real stone. The beads are placed at strategic intervals and depths to create shadow lines and patterns that give the illusion of actual stone joints. Once embedded, a render is applied over the EPS, with the beads acting as guides to create the ashlar pattern.

This approach visually enhances the building’s exterior and significantly boosts its thermal insulation properties. The EPS provides excellent heat retention. Embedded ashlar beads ensure that this functionality does not come at the expense of design integrity.

Using ashlar beads in EPS systems is advantageous in retrofit projects and new constructions aiming for high energy efficiency standards. It allows architects and builders to achieve a classic look compatible with modern building technologies and environmental standards.

Furthermore, this technique can be adapted to various architectural styles. From historical reproductions to contemporary designs, ashlar beads provide flexibility in aesthetic and practical building requirements.

Are there other forms of architectural beads?

Beading’s primary purpose is functional. Durability is the primary benefit as it is often manufactured from rigid uPVC or aluminium. Beading will often protect various vulnerable spots and stress patches. For example, corner beads and window reveal beads will protect various 90-degree angles of your home, which are the weakest points. Expansion beads, on the other hand, accommodate expansion and contraction in large areas of render or plaster. Ultimately, these beads prevent your facade from cracking, impacting the functionality and the aesthetic result. Therefore, regular beading has its architectural merit in maintaining the finish of the facade as it was designed.