The careful planning and team collaboration that went into the design and building of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Temple - located in the Sacramento region of California - established a smooth construction process for an inspiring religious landmark, according to Principal-in-Charge Brian Everett of Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto’s Sacramento office, which served as the architect for this project.
Over the past decade or so, the stone fabrication industry has clearly moved towards the kitchen countertop sector. And with this in mind, it is natural that many stone fabricators are regularly offering sinks to their customers. This is not only a service to the homeowners, but it also allows stone fabricators to become familiar with certain sink shapes and styles. But like all products, the choices for sinks are growing on a daily basis and manufacturers are looking to increase practicality, durability, aesthetics and other factors.
Seeking a casual, elegant look for the design of their interior space, the owners of an Alpine, NJ, home chose stone that would be reflective of their personal character. Therefore, when it came to selecting materials, they went with a familiar face to help them make a decision.
To merge with the historic context of the King Williams District in San Antonio, TX, there was no question that Old Yellow limestone would be chosen for the exterior of a new private residence. And when it came time to extend the home some years later, stone once again would be the first and final decision for the exterior. Yet perfectly matching the existing structure would be a goal only achieved by the assistance of a skilled masonry team, according to Heather McKinney, AIA, LEED® AP, of McKinney Architects Inc in Austin, TX, who served as the lead architect for the project.
For 14 years, Ed and Lynn Strobel have been successfully serving the stone industry by specializing in high-end construction. Their company, Coverall Interiors in Auburn, WA, is now a family-run business that includes their daughter, Katie, in its everyday operations.
Located right at the Brentwood-Maryland intersection in Clayton, MO, the Maryland Walk high-rise intersects more than just two streets. “Customized to meet the taste, income levels and lifestyle,” of a diverse group of individuals, it is a vertical neighborhood of 101 separate residences, “carefully crafted to accentuate the urban character,” of its surrounding area, according to lead architect Lou Saur, FAIA of Saur & Associates Architects in St. Louis, MO. And to add elegance to the residential building, an assortment of natural stone was used to furnish the interior of each unit.
When it comes to knowing the basics of stone fabrication, owners of First in Counters in Zachary, LA, are well versed. The company was started by couple Brad and Deborah Parnell, and their more than 30 years of experience dates back to a period when Brad cut and installed everything by hand in a shop in their own backyard. At the time, they were averaging nine to 10 kitchens a month, but with up-to-date investments in machinery and a move to a bigger facility, they are currently able to produce 70 to 80 kitchens/units a month with a capacity for more than 100. The path taken to be where they are today, however, was not an easy one.
When it came to building his own home in Austin, TX, architect Anthony Alofsin dedicated time to creating a unique design that reflected its natural environment, which included the use of local stone. The plan that took a year to construct was set to give a modern, yet ancient mood. “It feels Japanese and organic, as well as recalling a Texas vernacular,” said Alofsin.
Located in downtown Dallas, TX, N9NE Steakhouse was built with the intention of avoiding a traditional steakhouse feel. This was in keeping with the design goal that its owner, the N9NE Group, sets for all of its restaurants of this kind. To achieve this result, travertine - which provided a classical look in a modern setting - was used on the walls throughout the main spaces of the 7,200-square-foot restaurant.
When Eric Tryon started Premier Surfaces in June of 2002, he went into it having learned a lesson with his prior business that he sold. It was to have total control of the process. Drawn to the stone industry initially for the artistic approach, Tryon also favored the opportunity of making people’s dream kitchens turn into reality. After having previous business experience relying on subcontractors, though, he knew his new company, which is based in Alpharetta, GA, would be different.