Sintered Stone Cladding
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Sintered stone is an engineered material manufactured from fine powdered natural minerals sintered at high temperatures between 1100°C and 1200°C. It is increasingly specified for ventilated facades.
Design & Installation
Sintered stone cladding is installed as a rear-ventilated facade using a concealed anchoring system. The sub-structure typically comprises extruded aluminium "L" brackets, "T" profiles, and "C" tracks. The brackets are fixed to the wall, and the "T" profiles are vertically mounted to them. Horizontal "C" tracks then support the panels via clips attached to their rear using expanding plugs.
Panels are available in large formats, up to 1,500 x 3,365 mm, in thicknesses of 12, 20, or 30 mm. Vertical and horizontal gaps of ≥10 mm are maintained and can be left open or closed with pre-varnished aluminium profiles.
Performance & Sustainability
Sintered stone is exceptionally durable, with flexural strength of 42 MPa and compressive strength of 483 N/mm². It is frost-resistant, UV-stable, and resistant to acids and bases. It is also 100% natural, containing no chemical resins or binders, and is hygienic and antibacterial.
Sintered stone offers a compelling circularity story, though its embodied carbon is nuanced. The material is 100% mineral-based, containing no chemical resins or binders, which makes it fully recyclable like natural stone. Leading manufacturers have achieved high recycled content—some Neolith models contain up to 98% recycled raw materials—and the production waste stream is 99% recycled. However, its embodied carbon per kilogram is higher than conventional alternatives, because the sintering process is energy-intensive. In the comparative study, "Sinterflex" cladding emitted 3565 kgCO₂e per 20 m²—the highest among the non-aluminium materials studied, though still 21.2% lower than aluminium composite. The sustainability case for sintered stone therefore depends on long service life and design for disassembly to maximise its recyclability advantage.
Key Considerations
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Specialist installation: Its hardness requires diamond tooling and skilled labour; it is not a DIY material.
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Best suited for: Premium residential and commercial facades where a natural stone aesthetic, large-format panels, and high durability are desired.