DesignStone is a high performance, hybrid building product offering sustainability & resilience solutions for the new residential and light commercial housing/construction markets.

RESILIENT, AFFORDABLE CUSTOM DESIGN

DesignStone allows for customization on any project, our proven structural materials, robust impervious cladding, well-designed foundations, and continuous connections are resilient by design. DesignStone ingeniously combines proven elements enabling residential & commercial buildings to be constructed in a manner similar to a light framed building, yet have the same load carrying & resisting capability as a full concrete façade system without design restrictions.

FAST, EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION

DesignStone’s modular elements are smaller, & lighter than other products claiming high performance enabling DesignStone structures to be erected quickly without the use of specialized heavy lifting equipment. DesignStone`s modular format means minimal cutting on the job site and our precast panels are face finished eliminating the need for other contractors and materials to finish the building envelope.

CONCRETE CORE-FILLED METAL FRAMING

DesignStone`s modular metal formwork is concrete core-filled once the precast cladding is connected. At lower building levels (prone to flooding) the metal studs can be removed once the core-filled concrete has cured leaving only high-grade concrete building materials in place structurally equipped to support all upper non-flood prone levels where conventional DesignStone metal stay in place framework is utilised. 

PRECAST CONCRETE CLADDING

Let`s be honest, who wants the hassle of having to paint their home every few years or cover the ongoing cost of maintenance and upkeep. DesignStone buildings are encapsulated by a protective concrete wall cladding that eliminates major maintenance expenses so you`ll have more time to enjoy the finer things in life and the peace of mind knowing you, your family, and your investment is safe and sound at all times. 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ADVANTAGE

DesignStone`s architectural precast panels are face finished, modular, smaller & lighter in comparison to other precast wall assemblies & can be installed quickly without the use of specialized heavy lifting equipment or specialized machinery.
It has never been easier to create new product lines, whether it`s replicating traditional stone endemic to a particular region, modern contemporary architectural shapes or popular terracotta finishes, the possibilities are boundless only to the imagination & because of DesignStone`s innovative patented cladding to frame connection,  & the products modular attributes the supporting framework always remains constant. ​

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STRUCTURAL DESIGN ADVANTAGE

In general, the DesignStone wall system enables residential housing, and other buildings of roughly equivalent scale and usage to be constructed in a manner similar to a light timber or steel framed building, yet have the same load carrying and resisting capability as a full masonry or concrete façade system. 

THERMAL DESIGN ADVANTAGE

Not only is the DesignStone Walling System robust, attractive and affordable, it is also thermally superior.

The system offers affordable R-Values up R55 USA (Australian equivalent R10) without the typical wall thickness compromise. Sustainability offered as never before DesignStone has the multiple thermal solutions to suit any climate.

STORM RESILIENCE ADVANTAGE

Structurally DesignStone offers continuous robust connections capable of appeasing the most stringent building codes, demanding engineers & extreme climatic conditions.

DesignStone`s precast panels have a very high tensile strength which makes them extremely robust. Once in place, the system has a high shear strength, making it ideally suited for use in seismic, cyclonic and active soil areas. DesignStone is the preferred choice when it comes to safety and protecting your investment.

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CONSTRUCTION TIME ADVANTAGE

DesignStone’s modular elements are smaller, & lighter in weight in comparison to other products claiming high performance enabling DesignStone structures to be erected quickly without the use of specialized heavy lifting equipment or specialized machinery. DesignStone is delivered to the job site in a modular format, this means no cutting ultimately enhancing the speed of construction. Additionally, the DesignStone precast panels are a face finished product, this eliminates the need for other contractors or materials to finish the building envelope, unlike most other precast building techniques. Installation teams are trained to install the steel frame & the precast panels, teams are generally carpentry/framing based contractors. This means contractors can be proactively utilized in other areas of construction, roof framing for example. DesignStone is a proven method of enhancing quicker lock-up times and improving cash flow.

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CONSTRUCTION COST ADVANTAGE

DesignStone is extremely cost competitive in comparison to other masonry wall systems. Our face finished precast panels when installed complete the buildings external envelope, this means no additional contractors or materials are required.

Unlike other high-performance precast wall assemblies, DesignStone’s modular elements are smaller, & lighter in weight in comparison to other products enabling DesignStone structures to be erected quickly without the use of specialized heavy lifting equipment or specialized machinery.

STOCK PRODUCT ADVANTAGE

DesignStone precast panels & steel framing sections are consistent in size as per the DesignStone module & can, therefore, be held as stock. DesignStone`s product line grows every time a new architectural design or finish is endorsed ultimately offering consumers a diverse, ever-changing choice of finishes & shapes. Alternatively, DesignStone offers architects & builders a unique opportunity to design and market their own unique “look and feel” wall cladding range on an exclusive level.

Unlike other precast wall assemblies, DesignStone does not require any precast panel customization, the modular product is held as stock ready dispatch when you need it.

WIND RESISTANCE ADVANTAGE

DesignStone buildings have been installed and certified in areas up to the most severe cyclonic territories in Australia.

Wind conditions include the following loads:

Region C4 for residential houses (BCA Class 1 or 10) – wind speeds to 86m/s (309.6km/h or 4.44kPa) (U.S. equivalent: 282ft/s 192.4m/h)  

Region D for other buildings (BCA Class 2 – 9): wind speeds up to 88m/s (316.8km/h or 4.65kPa) (U.S. equivalent: 288ft/s 196.8m/h)  

Associated roof tie-down pressures as per AS4055: 6.78kPa over the roof area

Horizontal racking pressures as per AS4055: 4.32kPa over the building elevation area

FIRE RESISTANCE ADVANTAGE

The entire wall system is of noncombustible materials. There is a very high resistance to burning, the spread of heat and flames, and resistance to collapse during fires. This means safety for firefighters, and reduction of risk to life and property.

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EARTHQUAKE ADVANTAGE

Generally, seismic forces are inferior and insignificant to wind forces in most Australian design environments.

However, the monolithic nature of DesignSone, coupled with considerable lateral resistance to the wind load racking pressures, enable the engineer to back figure calculations of seismic forces.

Based on a two-storey house over a 20x20m footprint, lateral forces up to 20% of self-weight are resisted, however, this should be examined and tested closely in conditions more typical of seismically prone regions.

DesignStone`s monolithic, integrated component based assembly design allows engineers to manipulate design traits proportionately.  DesignStone`s modular, smaller masonry units, connections & structural core filled framework offer engineers & designers a cost effective resilient solution in comparison to typical forms of construction such as cinder block & timber framing for seismic prone areas.

WATER RESISTANCE ADVANTAGE

The DesignStone precast panels including the grout/mortar contain waterproofing additives similar to admixtures utilized in concrete swimming pools. For additional protection, the back of the precast panels when installed is further waterproofed with a fluid applied membrane or brushable bitumen sealant.

ANTI-CORROSION ADVANTAGE

The DesignStone precast panels including the grout/mortar contain specialised admixtures that retard against coastline & severe corrosive indices. Additionally, the steel frame is sealed against air and water if desired.

PEST RESISTANCE ADVANTAGE

The entire wall system is of concrete & steel & is considered pest resistant.

RUNNING COST ADVANTAGE

DesignStone’s wall thicknesses are typically 50% or less than in comparable masonry systems. DesignStone delivers more internal space with less wall and roof area. The thin (but solid) masonry cladding stores only limited heat that dissipates quickly as the day cools. Insulation values can be tailored to suit demanding polar, desert and tropical climates. Energy for heating and cooling is much reduced because of these thermal design factors.

Additionally, DesignStone is completely maintenance free, the precast masonry units provide protection against the elements & is a long-term zero maintenance product that retains its original appeal.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ADVANTAGE

The DesignStone Walling System is extremely friendly to the environment, from manufacture – which requires very little energy to produce therefore producing no green house gasses, right through to installation – which leaves minimal waste product for land fill. Once the building is occupied, the thermal efficiency of the DesignStone walling system helps keep future heating and cooling requirements to a minimum.