Stone & Tile: Architecture Design & Trends

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Each year, it seems design trends for both residential and commercial projects continue to evolve. While the beauty of natural stone is always an allure, over time, competitive materials continue to surface – providing more options for architects, designers and homeowners.

Why is it important to use the original granite when remodeling or adding to old structures? Why is it important to use granite when building new structures? There is one answer to these great questions, and it can be divided into three levels: practicality, history and tradition.

This Stone of the Month is supplied by Brothers in Granite. Technical details provide a frame of reference only. Because stone is a product of nature, testing to determine specific physical qualities should be repeated for each project.

Ultra-compact surfaces have been gradually making their way into the market and now are becoming a popular choice for a range of residential and commercial designs. Whether it is being used for cladding or outdoor kitchens, these products have carved a niche out for themselves.

Natural stone took center stage of a 10,000-square-foot residential design in Fox Chapel, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. A regional material was the product of choice, and a visit to the quarry sparked ideas that transpired to its extensive use for exterior applications – resulting in a stunning and sustainable design that has caught the attention of many passersby.

With more than 50 quarries, 18 manufacturing plants and approximately 1,200 employees, Polycor is one of the largest natural stone quarriers in the world. Stone World (SW) recently talked to Polycor’s President Patrick Perus (PP) to get his take on the natural stone industry, the environment and Polycor’s expansions.

About 10 years ago, former Stone World editor, Michael Reis, traveled to Carson City, NV, to visit James Donaire of Perfection Connection Marble & Granite, Inc. At that time, Donaire faced a lot of competition in the market, as he specialized primarily in middle- to high-end residential fabrication, with a very small focus on the commercial market.

Is quartz still rising in popularity? Are miters still a favorite? Is natural stone being used anywhere else but countertops? Over the years, trends seemed to be somewhat stagnate. But some new design trends are becoming apparent.