Discover six major works that reflect the versatility and durability of natural stones
Natural stones have been used in construction and architectural projects since the beginning of humanity. Aspects such as durability, beauty and versatility make stones ideal materials for projects that seek quality and added value.
But stones are not just building elements, they also hold valuable information about the history, technology and culture of the times in which they were used. Therefore, it is impossible to tell the story of the world we live in without natural stones being mentioned.
Classic works
Among the examples of classic works that incorporate ornamental stones in their constructions, we can mention:
Parthenon (Athens, Greece)
The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis of Athens, in Greece, is a notable example of how society at the time knew how to use natural stones, transforming buildings into impressive artistic works.
The monument was constructed primarily from white marble, which was selected for its quality and shine. The material was extracted from the Pentelicus mountain, near Athens. As the story goes, the marble used at the site was precisely carved and polished to create elegant columns, ornamental friezes and relief sculptures.
The marble gave the place a luminous and majestic appearance, which has enchanted generations to this day. The combination of carved marble Doric columns with relief sculptures and friezes make the building a masterpiece of Greek architecture and art.
Palace of Versailles (France)
The Palace of Versailles, or Château de Versailles in French, is one of the most famous buildings in the world and an important landmark in international history. Located in the city of Versailles, just outside of Paris, France, the palace is known for its stunning architecture and spectacular gardens.
Careful selection of different types of marble and other natural stones such as alabaster and onyx played a significant role in the decoration of the palace. Among the main marbles chosen to decorate the site are pink marble from Pyrenees and black marble from Languedoc. Marbles from Belgium and Greece were also used.
The stones were used in fireplaces, staircases, floors and coverings, often combined with other materials such as gold and wood. Without a doubt, the chosen stones and carved details, as well as the contrasting colors contribute to the impressive luxury and refinement of the palace.
Avant-garde works
Among the examples of current works that incorporate ornamental stones in their constructions, we can mention:
Dolce & Gabbana stores
Dolce & Gabbana is a high-luxury fashion brand that is known for creating conceptual and extremely sophisticated stores, which often make use of high-quality materials, including natural stones, in their constructions.
One of the brand's most impressive boutiques is on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, France. Created by the architecture and design company Carbondale, the store features a stunning combination of red, pink, white and gray marbles, which are used from floor to ceiling on floors, walls, staircases and totems. The stones were applied with combinations of veins, mosaic pagination and bold cuts.
Another brand store that is an impressive example of modern design with natural stones is the one in London, designed by Gwenael Nicolas. One of the highlights of the boutique's design is the Brazilian Copacabana granite, applied on floors, walls, staircases, as well as other natural stones in shades of black and white that gave the space an art gallery feel.
In addition to those mentioned, others such as the boutique in Tokyo, Milan and New York also use and abuse natural stones, creating an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication that reflects the brand's identity.
Hotel Rosewood São Paulo
The first Brazilian unit of the international Rosewood hotel chain, opened in January 2022 in São Paulo, houses around 30 thousand square meters of natural stones, all of national origin.
The project, designed by Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck, favored the country's natural materials in carved bathtubs, countertops, floors, walls and hotel staircases.
Among the stones chosen are marbles from the southern region of Brazil, as well as exotic and colorful stones such as Palomino, Blue Mare and Vitória Régia, extracted in various parts of the country.
Modern and intrinsically linked to sustainability, the project brings Brazilian geodiversity in its essence, applying stones with modern cutting and finishing techniques, showing the evolution of the specification of natural stones in contemporary architectural projects.
Creativity and connection with nature
Natural stones can also be used creatively and expressively in urban art, adding elements of texture, color and beauty to city environments, as well as galleries and exhibitions.
Among current works of art and interventions that use natural stones, we can mention: Dice - Carsten Höller "Dice" is a work of art created by contemporary German artist Carsten Höller, known for his interactive installations and sensory experiences that challenge perception and invite the public to actively participate.
The piece, produced in Lioz, one of the most used limestones in Portugal, is one of his best-known works and exemplifies his characteristic style.
The installation consists of a large dice, like those used in board games, but made on a large scale, with perforations large enough for a person to enter and interact with the work.
Deconstructing the Cube - Amanda Levete
"Deconstructing the Cube" is a contemporary art installation created by renowned architect and designer Amanda Levete.
It is an apparently perfect cube, almost 2 meters high, created by a series of wavy limestone plates, stacked one on top of the other. As the viewer moves around the cube, it reveals its visual complexity, creating a dynamic kinetic effect.
The modern artwork challenges traditional expectations regarding the shape of the cube. Instead of presenting a solid, static form, the installation explores the idea of transformation and movement and interacts with those close to it.
X - Mia Hägg
Another creative example of combining natural stone with urban art was explored by architect Mia Hägg in the work ‘X’.
It is a bicycle rack designed for daily urban use made from marble, but which can also be made from other types of natural stones.
The piece encourages a more ecological lifestyle, with the use of bicycles, which is sustainable transport, and at the same time reinforces that functional everyday equipment can bring the beauty and originality of natural stones in simple ways.
These examples show that marble, granite, quartzite, slate and other natural stones can be incorporated into urban projects in a variety of ways, which go far beyond sculptures. These are pieces that highlight functionality, sustainability, interactivity and the connection between people, art and nature.
