Home using Stone Construction +regular pillar construction

[SubirDhar]

Hi friends,

I am planning a home, and seek inputs on Stone + Regular Pillar construction.

Whereas the stone construction (using sized slabs of 6" by 6" by 15" approx, and moderately dressed) has the advantage of aesthetic looks, but has the disadvantage of putting on heavy load (assuming that the walls have to be about 40 cms thick). Moreover the thick walls consume a good amount of carpet area, so making the whole home using stone will consume a good amount of space.

The pillar construction offer the advantage of making modifications, and providing better floor area etc.

The question is - How to have the best of both? Is it possible to make a portion of the house (say the front half) with stone construction and the rear part of the house with pillar construction? This will provide the aesthetic frontage, as well as give me the option to expand another floor at some later date.
'
What are the issues if we do consider this option - part stone construction and part pillar?

We would like to hear from you, and if you desire - I can send across home design drawing to you by email for your reference.

Regards

Subir Dhar
subir_dhar@rediffmail.com
Bangalore