The concept of “building green†is gaining momentum and becoming more widespread in the design and construction industries. Inevitably, building green - with its emphasis on the environmental impact of building residential, institutional and commercial structures - will have an effect on the stone industry. Will the effect be a positive one or a negative one? It all depends on how the stone industry reacts to the issue.
Large-format natural stone tile is in demand for a variety of reasons. Designers like the aesthetically pleasing, open look it gives floors and walls in residential and commercial applications. Consumers like the natural beauty of a large stone expanse and appreciate the easier maintenance resulting from fewer grouted joints. But large-format tile also has its installation challenges. Working with large-format stone requires tighter tolerances in the substrate. In addition, its weight makes it harder to handle in both floor and wall applications.
Held for the first time under the direction of Hanley Wood, LLC, StonExpo 2005 proved to be a successful event for both exhibitors and attendees alike. The exhibition, which took place from October 20 to 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, experienced a sold-out show floor and a 55% increase in attendance over the previous year, according to the show organizer.
Each year, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) bestows its highly coveted Pinnacle Awards upon outstanding projects whose beauty, creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship exemplify professional mastery in the use of natural stone in commercial and residential settings. This year's competition attracted a near record number of entries from MIA members worldwide. Entries were judged by a panel of experts representing the natural stone, architecture and design professions.
Once again, the Marmomacc fair in Verona, Italy, has confirmed its role as the international hub of the natural stone industry. The 40th edition of the International Natural Stone and Technology Exhibition, which took place from September 29 to October 2, 2005, posted impressive figures.
These days, it appears that some of the largest, most imposing stone projects are being built in the Middle East. One of the latest examples is the ongoing construction of the Museum of Islamic Arts in Qatar, which is using a large quantity of Jet Mist granite for the building base.
When White Construction Group and a team of engineers and masonry experts began the restoration of the historic Trinity United Methodist Church, located on the edge of downtown Denver, CO, they knew it would be a challenging project. But they didn't know they would uncover mysteries, find ingenious ways to work in the dead of winter, and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Housing the offices of four state agencies, the Keystone Building in Harrisburg, PA, was designed using both limestone and granite as architectural features to its facade as well as its interior. As a result of the outstanding stonework, the project received a 2004 Tucker Award from the Building Stone Institute.
On August 27, 2005, approximately 350 people gathered at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY, for the highly emotional unveiling of the first U.S.-located monument honoring World War II minority veterans of Onondaga County. The Wall of Honor, which measures 16 feet long x 8 feet high, is made from Absolute Black granite.
Like many businesses pursuing the proverbial American Dream, Top Master, Inc. began in the small garage of its founder and president Tim Hovey. That was in Kansas City, KS, back in 1984, where the company first fabricated DuPont Corian® countertops that it installed in the Kansas City area. Within a year, Top Master had outgrown the garage and moved to a larger facility in Lenexa, KS, and the company has continued to expand over the years - in terms of volume as well as material choices.
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