Lapitec is a full-body sintered stone slab that comes in a variety of colors and finishes. It is also an extremely dense product which leads fabricators to wonder, “What are the options for tooling when working with the material?” The tools required for cutting Lapitec has to have some unique characteristics.

Contemporary Stone & Tile Design magazine takes a look at current stone and tile trends for the 2020 year. These new products range from large format porcelain slabs to mosaic tiles. They are also featured in commercial and residential sections.

A gem on the French Riviera, the peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a tiny paradise of lush vegetation which has also been historically chosen for its peace and quiet as an oasis for luxury residences. Set amid the soft green hills and benefiting from the local mild climate is one of the most recently built private villas designed by Tino Brambilla and Enrico Corti of Studio TE.

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.

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.

Set in the Texas hillside on the outskirts of Austin, TX, a newly constructed residence reflects its surrounding habitat with regional limestone featured extensively on the exterior design. And while the native material is also the showcase of several interior applications, the retired homeowners opted to diversify the palette by incorporating additional materials into their living space – making it unique and colorful.