Darney Quarry

Last October, we visited Darney Quarry near Hexham with Hutton Stone, strengthening our collaboration and gaining invaluable insight into their meticulous quarrying methods. Seeing their approach first-hand underscored the importance of early engagement with suppliers—enabling us to honour a material’s natural qualities, minimise waste, and ensure its most effective use.
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Darney sandstone is renowned for its fine grain, warm hues, and versatility, and has been used in Scottish landmarks such as St Andrew’s House and Usher Hall, as well as contemporary projects where sustainability is key.
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With over 110 years of sustainable practices, Hutton Stone shares GRAS’s commitment to blending tradition and innovation, ensuring materials like Darney sandstone continue to shape the future of architecture. Our collaboration reflects a shared vision for sustainable progress, advancing stone’s role in contemporary architecture while honouring its cultural and environmental significance.⁠

With thanks to Marcus Paine, Managing Director at Hutton Stone. Attendees: Alistair Byars (GRAS), Graham Briggs (HES), Christos Kakalis (UoN), Natasha Huq (GRAS), Niki-Marie Jansson (UoN), Paula Szturc (GRAS), Zoe Alston (GRAS)
Photography by Paula Szturc