14 2019
Gabion walls provide a wide field of environmental applications in contemporary architecture and decoration. Nowadays, they can be used for facades, gardens or urban designs. We have compiled 3 projects that adopt this structural system using natural stone!
WHAT ARE GABION WALLS?
Gabion builders fill steel mesh or galvanized wire enclosures with rocks, bricks, or concrete debris. Originally developed for military and structural applications, gabion walls now offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for a wide range of projects.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GABION WALLS?
- Aesthetics: gabions look natural and contemporary. They can fit in well with the landscape by using natural stone.
- Environmental protection: they usually choose local materials to fill in the structures.
- Sustainability: gabion walls provide passive cooling because they allow air to move through, promoting ventilation.
- Easy installation: they don’t require a foundation. You can make them in virtually any size to meet site-specific needs.
- Long-lasting: the wall’s strength and effectiveness increase with time.
WHY USE NATURAL STONE TO FILL IN GABIONS?
Natural stone is the most used material to fill in gabion walls due to its durability, resistance and stability. Some hard rocks such as basalt, granite, slate or gneiss are typical because they are dense enough to support the structure.
The main characteristics of the stones used for gabions are strength and frost-resistance. In areas with extreme weather conditions, natural stone has ice and thermal shock resistance.
3 PROJECTS WITH NATURAL STONE GABIONS
FACADE CLADDING
Gabion walls can be used for facade cladding in contemporary architecture. This project of aquatic centre uses natural stone gabions for its facades. The exterior structure blends in well with the landscape and dissipates much of the heat received by the building in the summer.
GARDEN DECORATION
Nowadays, designers and landscapers are reimagining gabions as versatile elements in garden design—using them for benches, outdoor fire surrounds, fence foundations, planters, and pillars. In particular, natural stone gabions help define and organize different areas within the garden, adding both structure and style.
URBAN FURNITURE
Designers often use natural stone gabions in urban furniture such as benches, pillars, or retaining walls. This solution maximizes the use of outdoor space while adding a unique and elegant touch to urban design.
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