For a 10,000-square-foot private residence in Wexford, PA, ledgerock was selected for the exterior facade to complement its surrounding environment. The home, which is surrounded by a manicured landscape full of grass and trees, also features ledgerock on its interior.

“[The goal was to] design a house that fits with the natural setting - one that would be warm and comfortable,” said Paul Whitehead of WTW Architects. “[We wanted] a house that would blur the line between in and out.”

Choosing ledgerock provided the ability to carry the exterior material into the interior, creating a consistent flow. Additionally, it enabled a connection with the home’s natural setting and made for a solid structure, which was something the design team was after.

“Ledgerock was chosen for the main bearing walls, allowing the structure to grow out of the site and be an integral part of the natural environment,” said Whitehead. “The stone walls and supporting piers are emphasized on the interior of the house.”

The material is a blend of 70 percent Germantown ledgerock and 30 percent Wissahickon Schist ledgerock - sized in 4- to 6-inch pieces front to back in random lengths and heights. It was produced by Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc. in Boyertown, PA, and supplied by J.A. Kohlhepp Stone Center in Dubois, PA.

Whitehead explained that brick had also been a material for consideration. “The brick, although less expensive, would have compromised the natural character that we wanted to achieve,” he said. “We felt that the ledgerock projects permanence and part of nature.”

The client, who was involved in the selection process, shared similar thoughts. “They accompanied me while we viewed various stone buildings and felt as I did that it was important that the material should be natural and project the feel of permanence,” said the architect.

As far as the installation went, Whitehead did routine site inspections and watched the stone as it was laid. “We directed the mason in laying up a sample panel that would give us a random wall that blended the various sizes,” he said. “We wanted raked joints, which had to be properly tooled.”

The residence, which additionally features polished limestone floors with inset carpets running along the interior’s main flooring, began construction in August 2007 and was completed in January 2010. 

Private Residence

Wexford, PA

Architect: WTW Architects, Pittsburgh, PA

Stone Quarrier: Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc., Boyertown, PA

Stone Supplier: J.A. Kohlhepp Stone Center, Dubois, PA