In Partnership with Hardscape: The Stone Theatre

A few of those involved in bringing to life new outdoor gardens at the Natural History Museum are being brought together for a talk at the first ever StoneScape Expo in partnership with Hardscape and in association with the Stone Federation.

Neil Davidson of landscape architects J&L Gibbons and Paul Kenrick of the Natural History Museum will join a discussion hosted by the Stone Federation’s Matt Robb on arguably one of the most ambitious landscape projects in London in recent years.

A presentation by Albion Stone’s Michael Poultney, Lovell Stone Group’s Simon Hart and Hutton Stone’s Marcus Paine will then explore the changing face of quarrying. They’ll look at how modern technologies and efficiencies have enabled the UK quarrying operation to deliver some of the lowest carbon products available globally and bust some myths around quarrying.

Matt Robb closes the first day of talks, on Tuesday 15 October, with an introduction to ethically sourced natural stone.

On Wednesday 16 October, CED Stone Group’s Giles Heap and SteinTec’s Steven Burton will illustrate how the new British Standard – BS 7533-101:2021, which provides guidance on the competent structural design of natural stone pavements from patio to public realm – was also written to promote sustainability.

The award-winning Elephant Springs project in Elephant Castle is then being discussed by Gillespies’ Neil Matthew and Hardscape’s Anthony Collins, who will show how the use of stone has transformed this public space in the centre of London.

Steven Burton will give the last talk in StoneScape Expo’s dedicated theatre, unpacking sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and natural stone with some practical tips for designers.

Alongside the series of talks across the two-day show, visitors can also explore Hardscape’s own ‘village’ within this year’s StoneScape Expo – part of the second Public Spaces Expo – as the supplier celebrates its 30th anniversary.