The Castle
The Castle is a new-build home in Oakwood, Buckinghamshire, where stone is central to both the architecture and the interior.
Working closely with CSK Architects and RJ Clyde, AFJONES helped realise an eclectic concept that blends medieval references, classical motifs and the rustic strength of Cotswold walling, using stone to define spaces, frame views and create controlled moments of drama throughout the house.
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS IN STONE
CANTILEVERED STAIRCASES
AS CENTREPIECES
AFJONES were involved across the full interior, coordinating stonework through the basement, pool and mezzanine levels.
Jerusalem Gold limestone, Bath stone ashlar, Cotswold stone walling and Clipsham elements are combined to create a scheme that feels both robust and refined, with stone providing continuity as you move through the building.
STONE SELECTION AND
INTERNATIONAL SOURCING
Two cantilevered stone staircases sit at the heart of the interior.
Carefully engineered and proportioned, they bring lightness and movement to the plan while remaining firmly grounded in traditional masonry, turning circulation routes into key architectural moments against the backdrop of Bath stone and Cotswold walling.
CARVING, COLUMNS
AND BALCONIES
Carved elements play an important role in the project’s character.
Fluted stone columns line the pool, a carved Juliet balcony overlooks the interior, and selected details are picked out with carving that rewards close inspection, each piece fabricated in AFJONES’ Ipsden workshops and hand-finished before installation.
FLOORS, WALLING AND INTERIOR STONEWORK
LOGISTICS, COORDINATION
AND DELIVERY
The scope of work included stone flooring, walling, fluted columns, cantilevered staircases and carved balcony details, as well as thresholds and other interior junctions.
By holding responsibility for stone selection, detailing, production and installation, AFJONES ensured that joints, levels and transitions remained consistent throughout, giving the interior a calm, continuous feel.
A RECOGNISED EXAMPLE OF
STONE CRAFT
With multiple stone types sourced from the UK, Israel and Egypt, logistics and coordination were critical.
AFJONES managed material selection, international procurement, sequencing and delivery to site, working closely with the contractor to keep the programme on track and align the stonework with the wider build.
ENDURING VALUE FOR CLIENT
AND ARCHITECT
The emphasis on stone craftsmanship and technical control was recognised by the Stone Federation’s Natural Stone Awards, where the project received a Highly Commended in the Craftsmanship category, with AFJONES named as Principal Stone Contractor and Stone Supplier.
The Castle now stands as a clear example of how closely integrated design, engineering and masonry can elevate a private home.
The Castle is a project where stone carries both structure and story.
For the client and design team, AFJONES acted as a partner throughout – advising on materials, engineering, logistics and installation – to ensure that the finished interior feels both playful and luxurious, while remaining robust enough to serve the house for generations.
RESOURCES &
Education
Stone has shaped architecture for centuries, and it continues to define the most ambitious projects today
At AFJONES, we make stonework possible at the highest level by combining artistry, engineering, and generations of craft knowledge.
Our integrated process covers every stage, from early consultation and design input through to workshop production and on-site installation. This ensures that projects are delivered seamlessly and with absolute precision.
