Despite generally poor economic reports, particularly in the housing market, the continued interest in stone and tile was reflected in the four-day turnout at Coverings 2008 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, which saw 35,000 attendees from April 29 to May 2. The event’s performance surprised skeptics, as its overall attendance compared to its last appearance in Orlando (in 2006) was up 3.8%.
When evaluating a hotel, the bathroom - and especially the shower - really make a statement about the quality and comfort of the room. Hospitality showers today are more than just necessary amenities. They can be beautiful and luxurious mini-escape locations. And, nothing makes this statement better than natural stone. With that in mind, it is critical to construct the wet area at optimal levels to create a long-lasting and durable installation.
When building a spec home in Austin, TX, Steve Wauson of Craftsman Homes of Austin adhered to a few design objectives. Above all, it was a priority to utilize as many natural materials as possible - making for environmentally friendly architecture. In doing so, an assortment of natural stone - including several regional varieties - was employed throughout the home’s interior and exterior spaces.
Built in 1939, a private estate located on LaGorce Island - an upscale residential development in Miami Beach, FL - was recently renovated. The primary design intent for the project was to preserve the character of the home, while developing a more contemporary living space. The desired look was achieved with the use of natural stone.
In order to take advantage of the breathtaking views surrounding a private residence in Monument, CO, the kitchen of the home was designed with an open concept, featuring a large bay window and a free-flowing design, and granite played an integral role.
Serving as a model for future National Park Service sites, the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center - located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee - was built with sustainability in mind, and it is on target to become one of the National Park Service’s first LEED-certified buildings in the southeastern U.S. To adhere to the sustainable objectives of the project, regional river stone was applied as a battered wainscot around the exterior of the structure to help it harmonize with its mountainous surroundings, which also aided in taking advantage of the natural resources around the site.
Located in the region of Fortaleza, Brazil, with its many high-end projects along the beachfront and beyond, RL Mármore Granito has developed as a specialist for fabricating architectural stonework. In processing these works, the company relies on a carefully chosen range of machinery as well as the skill of its workers.
Amid the horse and cattle ranches just outside of Fortaleza, Brazil, lies the industrial compound for Rochetec, which processes granite and other stones into a variety of finished products. The company, which has recently added to its equipment collection and product line, is preparing to export finished products to an international client base.
Working with Michael Graves & Associates, Inc. of Princeton, NJ, in collaboration with SmithGroup’s Detroit office, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) recently completed a $158.2 million, six-year renovation and expansion project. The project includes ongoing expansion and renovation of the south and north wings, the restoration of portions of the original building and a 57,650-square-foot addition to the existing south wing of the museum, bringing the total building area to 657,650 square feet. The original building, designed by Paul Cret in 1927, featured extensive use of Danby white marble from Vermont, and the new building features a similar Danby marble, quarried and fabricated by Vermont Quarries Corp. of Rutland, VT.
Designed as a six-story office building with underground parking, Cherapa Place in Sioux Falls, SD, is a throwback to the city’s 19th-century architectural materials as well as a testament to modern construction. The structure, which features a two-story base of regional quartzite, was created with the intention of achieving Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). And the stone used throughout the exterior and interior of the project - quarried and fabricated by Jasper Stone Co. of Sioux Falls, SD, a subsidiary of L.G. Everist, Inc. - contributed to meeting the overall goals for LEED certification.
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