Just as there has been major advancement in equipment for cutting, shaping, polishing and edging stone products (as reported in the January 2008 issue of Stone World), there have also been significant developments in the tooling and accessories for stone processing.
In September of 2006, Jose Lima founded Art’s of Stone in New Milford, CT, with five different colors of natural stone slabs available. Today, the company has 110 colors of stone in its stockyard, and it has grown from doing a single kitchen per week to a current production rate of four kitchens per week.
Working in the stone industry for the past 17 years has given Antonio Liberta a strong background in the trade, along with various opportunities for standing out among his competitors. Today, his company, Blue Horse Marble Inc. of Arlington, WA, has steered away from typical countertop installations, as it gears a vast amount of production towards stonework for yacht interiors. Liberta’s newest and perhaps his most unique endeavor, however, is the fabrication of marble and granite guitars, which have been sold to several recording artists thus far, while others will be auctioned off for less fortunate children, according to Liberta.
Located just about 100 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, Slabworks of Montana in Bozeman, MT, has experienced significant growth since it first opened its doors in 1994. What began as a two-man operation has now blossomed to a staff of 18, and the company’s facility has also expanded in terms of size and equipment.
Located on the open plains of Milbank, SD, Dakota Granite Co. operates a full-scale stone-processing plant and several quarries. The company was incorporated in June of 1925 as a wholesale quarrier/fabricator of Dakota Mahogany monuments. Initially, it had seven employees who worked at a shop and quarry that was six miles east of Milbank. Today, Dakota Granite has grown to include approximately 85 employees, and in addition to manufacturing monuments, the company has established itself as a block supplier.
For 150 years, a classic 18th century Italian villa -- known simply as "Villa Novare" -- has been a worldwide symbol for the Bertani Winery and its renowned collection of products. And inside the winery itself, the abundant stonework has actually played a useful role in the winemaking process.
Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, AIA, and his younger brother Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, AIA, not only share a family bond, but they also both have a passion for architecture. As a result, they set out on their own in 1992 and opened Pei Partnership Architects in New York City. Before beginning their own endeavor, however, the two gained valuable experience in designing large-scale buildings while working under the tutelage of their father, I.M. Pei, for more than a decade.
Springfield, an international chain of stores based in Europe, Asia, Canada and Mexico, has recently launched a new location in Madrid, Spain. Establishing a prototype design that will be the focus of its other locations, Principal-in-Charge, Ken Nisch, AIA of JGA in Southfield, MI, revealed that the goal for "Springfield Spain" was to capture the essence of "in city" living with a loft or studio space at the heart of the thinking. Porcelanosa Ferroker tile was therefore chosen for its refined rustic finish, yet tailored proportions and detail.
Kicking off its preseason training in a new $20 million-practice facility designed by Ellerbe Becket and located in Independence, OH, the Cleveland Cavaliers have already found what Principal-in-Charge, Doug Beichley, calls the team's "home away from home." The use of natural materials, combined with the wooded site, provides a residential feel for the players and staff, according the architect. Besides achieving a rustic contemporary look, the goal was to create the best training facility in the NBA, which meant making sure the space was functional.
With interior design, whether the space is a large corporate office or a small-scaled residence, it is important for architects and designers to combine functionality with aesthetics, and often this concept is generated through the use of stone and tile materials. The limitless amount of product choices on today's market enables these spaces to be practical in use, while still being unique and pleasing to the eye.
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