design
Sustainability is more than embodied carbon or material selection. By considering responsible sourcing, regional processing, durability, maintenance, installation, and decades of performance, natural stone offers a broader approach to long-term environmental responsibility.
Friction testing is critical to evaluating the safety of natural stone walking surfaces. With older methods withdrawn, ANSI A326.3 offers a reliable standard for measuring traction, helping specifiers reduce liability and ensure safer, better-performing flooring.
Natural stone’s longevity depends on more than material alone. From geology and environment to standards and installation, each factor influences performance. When properly selected and installed, stone paving can deliver lasting durability with minimal maintenance.
Nicknamed “Holey Water,” a sculptural granite wall in a New York office blends art, engineering, and a hidden message. Crafted from over 1,000 precisely cut blocks, the installation overcame material, tooling, and logistics challenges to deliver a striking focal point on a tight deadline.
The Mercury Fountain in Reston Town Center was meticulously restored using durable Bethel White and Jet Mist granite. Combining modern craftsmanship with Saint Clair Cemin’s original design, the renewed fountain now unites artistry, durability, and community connection.
Natural stone outshines man-made alternatives with unmatched beauty, strength, and sustainability. From timeless durability to eco-friendly benefits and modern innovations, stone offers authenticity and enduring value, making it the ultimate choice for design.
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C., a Pinnacle Award-winning project by Pelli Clarke & Partners, blends Gaudi-inspired curves with Turkish Dark Olive marble. Completed in 2022, it overcame pandemic challenges to create a warm, nature-inspired hub of shops, cafes, and event spaces.
95 State at City Creek in Salt Lake City blends sleek design with craftsmanship. Designed by SOM, it features a glass tower, limestone base, and intricate façade. Inside, a marble-lined lobby showcases precision work, including drone-assisted installation and hand-picked Italian stone.
A 225-ton granite art installation was transported to a new home at American University, giving it a second life. Rugo Stone and James G. Davis Construction worked together to transport the stone pieces and ensure a successful removal, relocation, and installation.
Backlit stone is becoming a viable option for everyday projects thanks to better technology and an increase in natural stone options. Whether you’re incorporating a backlit backsplash, island, or bar, better technology allows stones like onyx and quartzite to shine. Learn how to make a statement with backlit stone.
As homeowners continue investing in relaxing outdoor spaces, many are adding plunge pools and other features to their backyards. Natural stone can be used to enhance designs and add creativity to your backyard oasis, whether through a pathway, patio, retaining wall, or other outdoor feature.
2024 color trends point toward calming blue tones. There are easy ways to incorporate this year’s most popular colors and pair them with natural stone to create fresh spaces. For an easy refresh, consider incorporating new paint colors or accent pieces that reflect trending colors.
Billie Tsien and Tod Williams have designed and built over 40 buildings, many with natural stone. They credit their love of stone with their frequent visits to Rome. Their choice to sue natural stone is both practical and philosophical. Learn about their holistic approach to stone sourcing and design.
Being near water has a calming effect and research studies have shown that water features can positively contribute to our overall mental health and well-being. Incorporating natural stone water features at home can bring both beauty and tranquility into your space. Anne Roberts, president of Chicago based Anne Roberts Gardens Company, finds that people love the sound of water because it’s relaxing. Since not every home has a water feature, adding one is a way to make your home stand out.
Andreas and Naomi Kunert, co-founders of Ancient Art of Stone, know they don’t easily fit into one category. Together they create one-of-a-kind art installations using natural stone, crystals, and bronze. Andreas and Naomi are artists, first and foremost. It’s not unusual for their art pieces to be 25’ tall. An upcoming project will include a 900-foot mosaic wall, with 20 feet surrounding it and large doorways with 350 ton standing stones that one can walk through.
A stair project is typically all in a day’s work for an engineer, but what PICCO Group put together for a Toronto homeowner counters logic and the perceived limitations of natural stone.
Natural stone is often chosen for residential and commercial work because of its beauty and versatility. It’s also really nuanced, according to Roger P. Jackson. He is drawn to the beauty of natural stone and believes that its beauty goes beyond aesthetics. “Natural stone feels more durable,” Jackson says. “It has a character of strength, stability, durability, and mobility.”
Occupying almost an entire city block in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn is the NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Center for Community Health. The new 400,000-square-foot building, which took the last decade to construct, was designed using a variety of sustainable materials, most notably the Calacatta Caldia marble that adorns the walls, reception desk, kiosks, café counter, and credenza in the main lobby.
There is no mistaking natural stone for its range, beauty, and sustainability. These are among the many reasons Craig Copeland, an architect, sculptor, industrial designer, and partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners finds himself recommending natural stone to many of his clients.
The last few years have put a laser focus on the importance of our health and well-being. Biophilic design can help you tap into an innate connection with nature to achieve these goals successfully.