Architectural visualisation: blue-grey limestone, irregular format, natural split-face surface — Alpine Blue · Irregular · Natural Split-Face · Visualisation

Blue-grey limestone, irregular format, natural split-face surface — wall view

Alpine Blue Irregular

Multi-Tonal · Structural · Traditional

FormatIrregular

SurfaceNatural Split-Face

ReferenceAB/IR

OriginCentral Portugal

Avg. Pallet Weight1,300 – 2,500 kg

Thickness

2–3 cmStandardApprox. 25 m²/pallet

4–6 cmStandardApprox. 20 m²/pallet

6–8 cmMade to orderApprox. 15 m²/pallet

8–10 cmMade to order

10+ cmMade to order

Custom orders are available in any of our existing colours, formats, surface finishes and thicknesses.

Commercial conditions

Minimum order 50 m². Larger volumes are priced at a lower rate per m² for the same specification. Prices exclude VAT. Delivery is charged separately. Corner elements are quoted separately, per linear metre.

Delivery to France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and throughout Europe.

Standard material is stocked; the selected specification is confirmed with the quotation.

Estimated delivery 2–6 weeks, depending on order volume. Bespoke items are made to order and the lead time is confirmed.

Buyer guides

Practical guides for specifiers and buyers, covering colour, format, surface and thickness.

Choosing Colour, Format, Surface and Thickness for Portuguese Limestone CladdingColour, format, surface, thickness and corners, taken in an order that keeps a specification coherent — with the nominal dimensions and custom options stated plainly.

Alpine Blue Irregular is the cool, high-contrast piece in the range: Portuguese natural limestone from Central Portugal, supplied with a Natural Split-Face surface for facades and wall cladding. Its blue-grey ground carries clear tonal steps between lighter and darker pieces, so the wall has visible depth rather than a single flat colour.

A cool blue-grey ground with high contrast

That contrast is the reason to choose it. On a broken split face, cool tones read as shadow, and the alternation of pale and dark pieces gives the elevation a structural, almost masonry-like presence that holds its own against large volumes and strong forms. It is at home on alpine-inspired and contemporary architecture, on plinths and base courses, on gable and chimney walls, and on entrance elevations where the stone should look substantial rather than decorative.

The Format is Irregular, with pieces typically around 25–35 cm across and varying dimensions and shapes, laid without repeating courses — which suits the tonal contrast, since a dispersed composition distributes the darker pieces naturally across the surface.

Alpine Blue compared with Alpine Gray Irregular

The comparison that matters is with Alpine Gray Irregular: same collection, same Format, same surface, but a neutral grey with much less tonal step. Alpine Blue is the choice when contrast and depth are wanted; Alpine Gray when an even, quieter grey is the aim. For mixed piece sizes in the same cool family, Alpine Mixed Multiformat is the alternative.

Thicknesses and cold-climate detailing

Known indicative pallet yields are about 25, 20 and 15 m² for 2–3, 4–6 and 6–8 cm, with an average pallet weight of 1,300–2,500 kg; every thickness option is listed in the technical specifications table. Setting out and the distribution of darker and lighter pieces are agreed with the project designer and an experienced stone installer, and representative samples or a project mock-up may help confirm the balance.

Portuguese limestone in cold, wet climates

Our article on Portuguese limestone in cold, wet climates gives useful background for northern European projects. The family is on the Alpine Heritage collection page, and you can contact us.