To achieve an Old World look for the design of a Mediterranean-style private residence in Marina Del Rey, CA, architects selected a combination of Indian Sunrise slate from Southland Stone USA, Inc. of North Hollywood, CA, and Escala travertine from Stone Mall of Irvine, CA. “The colors and textures of these materials went along with the Italian theme we were going with,” explained Marcelo Alvarez, project architect with Alegre Mac Kenzie of Marina Del Rey, CA.

Approximately 2,000 square feet of Indian Sunrise slate - in 16- x 16-inch tiles - was used as flooring and as wall tiles throughout several rooms of the home. “The uneven texture of the slate goes along with the Old World feel,” said Alvarez. “There is an assortment of colors inside the material - a swirl of shades that give life to the house. We placed a sealer on it that gives it that wet look, and it really looks vibrant.” Additionally, large-format tiles of Indian Sunrise slate were also used for an outdoor walkway, stairwell and courtyard area.

Furthermore, 1,200 square feet of Escala travertine was utilized for the home, and the material was selected because of its neutral tonality, according to Alvarez. “It went well next to the slate and added subtle detail,” he said. “The beige color of the material works well with all of the furniture; it's a nice safe, neutral color.” The material was used in a variety of sizes, including 4 x 8, 6 x 6, 16 x 16 and 16 x 24 inches. Both materials have a semi-gloss finish and were sealed with a clear sealer.

The Escala travertine was used in a Versailles pattern, which Alvarez describes as an uneven, offset pattern that features various shapes and sizes. “The pattern has four different shapes - two different square sizes and two different rectangular sizes,” the architect explained. “It gives the house more of a grainy feel because it is so rough.” The Versailles pattern was used on flooring and walls throughout the residence to add flair to the space, according to Alvarez.

Installation of the indoor stonework took four installers about three weeks to complete, while the outdoor materials were installed in just one week. Overall construction on the residence began in January 2004 and was completed in March 2005. “Everybody loves it and thinks its great,” said Alvarez. “People are very happy with the stonework to the point that we had a next door neighbor ask us to copy the idea using the same materials in different colors."



Photos by Nels Taylor Photography

Private Residence
Marina Del Rey, CA

Architect: Alegre Mac Kenzie, Marina Del Rey, CA

Stone Suppliers: Southland Stone USA, Inc., North Hollywood, CA (Indian Sunrise slate); Stone Mall, Irvine, CA (Escala travertine)