Since the vast majority of stone countertop fabricators in this country are focused on kitchen work, it is a logical transition for them to also begin stocking sinks. This not only allows the fabricator to become more of a “one-stop shop” for their clients, but it also gives them another level of control in the process. By working with sinks that they are familiar with, fabricators are able to eliminate surprises, and they also have the opportunity to record a sink’s dimensions in their database, saving time for future work.
Located in the shadow of New York City, Artistic Marble Design, Inc. of Paterson, NJ, was founded by Tony Barbieri, who emigrated from Argentina and has 20 years of experience in the stone industry. The company was incorporated in 1991, and it now fabricates a total of 25 kitchens per week. And during its steady growth over the years, Artistic Marble Design has continually upgraded its collection of stoneworking equipment.
Set in the picturesque New England town of Greenwich, CT, the owner of an upscale residence wanted the exterior design of their new home to feature natural stone, which is inherent of the area architecture. But to save on cost, they chose natural thin stone veneer that provided the same rich look and texture that is achieved with thicker pieces of stone.
Growth in the Austin, TX, metropolitan area has given rise to a broad range of building projects, including residential as well as commercial construction. In the retail sector, one such project is The Shops at Arbor Walk, a 450,000-square-foot complex in the Arboretum area of Austin. One of the first “anchor tenants” for this development was a Home Depot store, and the building’s exterior design carries striking visual appeal through the use of thin limestone veneer.
Without a doubt, we’ve come a long way in a year. Time flies - that will never change - but I’m always amazed by what we’re able to do in only 12 months.
The Natural Stone Council (NSC) is on an incredible journey - one that inspires and challenges me every day. Our recently adopted three-year strategic plan, the tenets of which I will discuss in a moment, is both exciting and motivating. On the other hand, venturing into uncharted territory requires taking risks and brings with it some uncertainty. That said, I am confident that our collective efforts will result in unprecedented success for our industry.
As part of the revitalization of Podgorica, a major city in Montenegro, the city’s main square - referred to as the “Square of the Republic” - was reconstructed using a range of natural stone, including several varieties of sandstone and limestone from India.
Architect Dick Clark of Dick Clark Architecture in Austin, TX, recently utilized an innovative limestone design for a condominium complex lobby in Austin, TX. He created a two-sided wall of overlapping tiles that stirs interest and serves as the focal point of the space. The varying sizes of rectangular and square tiles, which jut out from the wall, bring dimension and texture to the seating area.
Steeped in heritage, it was important that the new home for the Texas Hillel - also known as the Topfer Center for Jewish Life - would serve as a warm retreat for students at the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, the design also needed to meet practical requirements. With these objectives in mind, the design team utilized a palette of red brick and Lueders limestone to build the new Jewish student community center, which opened in February of 2006.
The 412,000-square-foot Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Cambridge, MA, campus is considered the world’s largest neuroscience research center. The design team, comprising Goody Clancy of Boston, MA, and lead designer Charles Correa of Mumbai, India, determined early on that the building would be clad in light-colored stone to match with the traditional Indiana limestone typically found on the neo-classical MIT campus.
Before opening his own stone fabrication business, Jeffrey Stein was a tile installer. After many years of honing his trade, he eventually decided to expand his capabilities. His company, Jefco of Virginia, Inc. in Richmond, VA, now includes a stone fabrication and installation operation specializing in high-end residential work.
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