Slate in landscape design
16november
Slate in the garden.
Slate is a metamorphic rock of a family of very small grain shale, which can be split into lobes. For a long time, the use of this stone was limited only to roofs or facades of houses. This material is part of the regional architecture in the main shale extraction basins: Spain, Germany, England, France, Portugal, Norway. In the European shale, shades of gray-black, dark red and gray with blue overflow prevail.
Today, natural slate comes mainly from Spain, Portugal, England and Brazil, as deposits of stone are depleted, and their extraction in other countries becomes unprofitable or impossible.
One of the distinguishing features of European slate is its frost resistance and high technical indicators, which unfortunately cannot be shown by slate from Brazil.
Increasingly, slate is used in modern exteriors and in landscape design, and slate also replaces clinker paving, as it is a more durable material in our climate zone.
A dark slate, a seemingly lifeless stone, if used correctly, will become a real decoration of any garden and will perfectly fit into any landscape.
Main uses for slate
Facing slate slabs.
Slate ideally performs the function of strengthening landscape differences and slopes.
Walls of slate in landscape design contrast well with the surrounding greenery and fit perfectly into any type of design.
Slate slabs.
Professionals use slabs (large format slate slabs), in the form of decorative fences, fences, and even to create labyrinths. Large slabs of slate generally have a thickness of 3 to 5 cm, a width of 30 to 100 cm, and a length of 50 to 250 cm. Slabs are used vertically or horizontally.
One of the most interesting applications of large format slate slabs is the decor based on carving various patterns, shapes and inscriptions in stone.
Slate slabs can also be used to create designer garden paths. Slate from Spain has a high degree of frost resistance and anti-slip surface.
Japanese style.
Landscape design using the Japanese style is quite common and is in increasing demand, both in Europe and in ours. Footpath to the garden, consisting of unbound slabs, which put the feet, so as not to walk on the grass.
A decorative pond with a small waterfall, surrounded by stones, bridges and wooden elements: the combination of water and stone personifies the forces of life and complete harmony with nature and represents the basis of Japanese gardens.
Pavement of slate.
Pedestrian sidewalks, as well as car entrances and neatly paved garden paths always speak of their master's love for beautiful landscaping.
In landscape design, not only rectangular or square slate shapes are used, as in the photo above, but also slate plates with jagged edges to create a so-called rural style.
One of the most beautiful and vivid examples of the use of slate in the garden is the peau de crocodile tessellation, the Altiis design office in Angers, which is characterized by outdoor arrangements with innovative materials.
Slate slabs were installed in accordance with a sample modeled on crocodile skin - the effect of imitation is amazing. The similarity of the surface of the terrace with the skin of the animal is enhanced, thanks to a polymer crocodile installed on the side.
