Why Choose Riverstone for Architectural Stone Cladding?

Riverstone Phyllite from SSQ is a premium choice for architectural stone cladding, offering a rare combination of geological strength, natural beauty, and long-term durability. With ultra-low water absorption and A1-rated non-combustibility, it exceeds the performance demands of both contemporary façades and sensitive heritage environments.
Fully certified to BS EN 12326 (W1-T1-S1), Riverstone is trusted by architects and conservation officers alike for projects that require uncompromising technical standards and timeless stone aesthetics.

The Hallmark of Listed Building Roofing

Unlike mass-market providers who source from multiple quarries, SSQ maintains strict control over our exclusive quarries in Spain and Argentina. Every slate we supply can be traced to its exact source, ensuring consistent quality and appearance that discriminating homeowners demand.

slate flooring
Oslo walling

Conservation & Heritage-Grade Stone Façade Cladding

Exterior Façades

Weather‑proof, colourfast and virtually maintenance‑free. Natural Split finish adds textural depth; Brushed Antique delivers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

Interior Features

Create premium reception walls, slip‑resistant flooring and statement countertops with the same stone used externally for visual continuity.

Luxury Pool Surrounds

Naturally slip‑resistant—PTV 68 (dry) / 51 (wet) to EN 14231—and impervious to chlorinated or salt‑water environments.

Heritage Restoration

Riverstone’s tight grain and subtle mica sheen mirror historic slates while exceeding modern performance criteria—perfect for sensitive Grade I & II refurbishments.

Contact us

Technical Specifications for High-Performance Stone Façades

Metric Riverstone Phyllite
Water Absorption Rate (%) 0.1 – 0.2 %
Density (kg/m³) 2 790 kg/m³
Fire Rating (Euroclass) A1 (non-combustible)
Surface Finishes Natural Split • Brushed Antique
Standard Thickness 10 – 20 mm (custom on request)
Width Range 100 – 300 mm
Relevant Standard BS EN 12326 (W1-T1-S1)
Contact us
slate tiling
Riverstone cladding low wall

Fire-Safe Stone Cladding that Exceeds Post-Grenfell Regulations

Riverstone Phyllite eliminates the uncertainty surrounding combustible façades. Its inherent non-combustibility meets the A1 classification defined by BS EN 13501-1, supporting compliance with Approved Document B without the need for additional fire testing..

Contact us

Professional Support for Stone Cladding Projects

SSQ offers expert guidance at every stage of your architectural stone cladding project—from concept to completion. Whether you're restoring a listed building or specifying façade materials for a contemporary commercial scheme, our team ensures compliance, performance, and visual impact.

  • Personal consultation with natural stone cladding specialists
  • Project-specific specification and fixing advice
  • Architectural detailing and design integration support
  • Sample matching and finish selection
  • Guidance on rainscreen and ventilated cladding systems
Contact us
designer garden
slate tiles at quarry

Sustainability & Life‑Cycle Advantage

  • 100‑Year Design Life – Reduces embodied carbon by minimising replacement cycles.
  • Zero Chemical Treatments – Natural colourfastness removes the need for sealants or dyes.
  • Short UK Supply Chain – Direct quarry ownership and UK stockholding cut transport emissions and lead times.
  • Contact us

    Featured Stone Cladding Projects

    Project Sector Finish / Use Highlights
    Clarion Post Hotel, Gothenburg Hospitality / Commercial Random-size external cladding Architects chose Riverstone for hard-wearing, low-maintenance cladding with distinctive grey-green tone.
    Designer Garden, London Landscape / Residential Natural-split paving & feature wall 950 paving tiles created a slip‑resistant feature terrace using Riverstone architectural stone cladding.
    Medical Facility, Copenhagen Healthcare / Commercial Interiors Brushed floor tiles / wall cladding Large-format brushed Riverstone used in flooring and wall cladding throughout this modern Scandinavian healthcare facility.
    Find Out More Case Studies
    Clarion Post Hotel
  • Discuss Your Project
  • View Case Studies
  • Request a Sample
  • Book a CPD
  • Discuss Your Project

    Discuss Your Project

    Our technical team specialises in commercial and public building applications, providing tailored recommendations for your specific project requirements.

     

    View Case Studies

    View Stone Cladding Case Studies

    Over the last forty years, we’ve built up a huge amount of expertise covering natural slate, roofing, geology, specifications and so much more – and you can benefit from that, along with case studies, CAD drawings, technical PDFS and a wealth of other support.

    Case Studies
    Riverstone ridge roof

    Request a Sample

    Request a Sample

    The best way of judging the quality of slate and phyllite is to hold it in your hands, and examine it in detail for yourself.
    If you’d like a sample of any of the products we provide, don’t hesitate to fill in the form below.

    Check which samples you would like to receive:

    Book a CPD

    Book a CPD

    At SSQ, we love sharing our decades of natural slate expertise with architects, and our CPDs are always extremely popular.
    On our RIBA-approved Why Specify Slate CPD, you’ll learn about:

    • How to guarantee a perfect slate roof
    • The secret to specifying
    • Unusual roof designs
    • How to avoid specifying defective slate
    • The difference between CE tested and true quality slate
    • The legal requirements when it comes to specifying slate
    • How to specify random coursed roofing slates
    • The difference between hook and nail fixing
    • The environmental benefits of natural slate
    • Specifying heritage roofing slates

    … and a whole lot more.

    If you’re interested in booking a place on our next CPD, simply fill in this form.

    UKCA Logo
    New NF logo
    CE logo
    LPOC Logo
    SPAB supporter
    CPD RIBA logo
    nfrc logo
    NBS Partner Logo Full
    GLDA- Corporate Membership Logo
    CFS CO2 Neutral Org Logo
    BRE verified Logo
    Barbour Product Search Logo
    British Assessment Bureau ISO 9001 Certification Badges

    Testimonials

    With the roofs being such a visible feature, the choice of roofing slate was a significant decision. We involved the roofing contractor at an early stage in the selection process and they recommended SSQ’s Del Carmen Blue-black slates. Although it’s not an indigenous slate, it is an excellent match for the originals and, having used Spanish slate on other projects, we know the quality is there.

    Richard Thorpe, Ridge and Partners LLP

    Testimonials

    SSQ Matacouta slate was chosen as the most sympathetic option. Its consistency and competitive price make it a clear winner over indigenous slates.

    Historic Scotland

    Testimonials

    Everyone liked Sarria: the client was delighted with its appearance and its consistency made it easy to cut and lay.

    Gary Lambert, Complete Roofing Contractors

    Testimonials

    It is a very attractive development and we needed something equally attractive and of equally high quality for the roofing material. SSQ Del Carmen slate is top quality, and we liked the colour and texture. What’s more, it is very good value. I’d have no hesitation choosing it again.

    Mr Keith Wills, Clancy's Building Manager

    Testimonials

    We specified SSQ First Domiz Blue-grey roofing slate for both technical and aesthetic reasons:its strength and quality gives the performance needed and its cold, hard, colour provides a dramatic foil to the rich warmth of the western red cedar walls.

    Mark Webber, Architect, Nichols Brown Webber

    Testimonials

    With so many ‘interested parties’ the local planners set their minds on a natural slate roof at a very early stage of the project and, from this starting point, we needed something that would satisfy a number of technical and aesthetic requirements – SSQ Domiz blue-grey, was the one chosen for use to compliment the local ‘Shere Green’ colour.

    Ben Hunt, Total Project Integration

    Testimonials

    We put forward Riverstone as a cost-effective, yet high quality alternative to Welsh Slate, and it was accepted on that basis. The refurbishment work has now been completed and both the owners and ourselves are very happy with the result.

    Keith Hicks Architect at Pave Hall

    Testimonials

    The choice of SSQ Del Carmen was made easier after confirmation that it had gained approval for use in the Welsh National Parks as an alternative to indigenous materials. We were also pleased with the level of technical, design and on-site support we received from SSQ.

    The Hafod Renewal Office

    Testimonials

    It was an absolute pleasure to meet you today, and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time and a wonderfully informative CPD.

    The whole team really enjoyed it, and you definitely conveyed your passion and knowledge of your products!

    I would say I will keep SSQ in mind for future projects, but they always have been. However, I have definitely left with a need to utilise more slate in my design work!

    Michael Clifton BSc ACIAT - Oakbridge Bespoke Homes Ltd

    Testimonials

    Being both high quality and cost-effective, Matacouta slate from SSQ is proving very popular with specifiers and contractors alike for refurbishment as well as for new build projects.

    Mr Roy Clark, Baxter Clark and Paul

    Testimonials

    Working in a conservation area brings a special responsibility. SSQ Riverstone slate fits perfectly, its tone and texture blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

    Joan Kinane, Architect

    Testimonials

    The quality and strength were there, the colour was similar to indigenous Welsh slate and its ‘traditional’ look was in keeping with the surrounding community. In fact, as I had used it on my own Edwardian house, I knew it was a good slate!

    Julian Bohling, OSP Architecture

    map of the world

    Case Study

    Riverstone helps restore heritage charm to Russell Street School

    Read more View all case studies

    Case Study

    Riverstone brings new life to historic Otter Valley landmark

    Read more View all case studies

    Case Study

    SSQ’s Riverstone delivers award-winning restoration for iconic Cornish church

    Read more View all case studies

    Case Study

    SSQ’s exceptional slate contributes to award-nominated heritage restoration

    Read more View all case studies

    Case Study

    SSQ’s Riverstone provides reliable roofing solution for a piece of Cornish mining history

    Read more View all case studies

    Sign up to our newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news and offers.