No stone is alike; the uniqueness of shapes, colors, and textures gives the material a distinct look. It’s no wonder that natural stones, such as marble, have been prominent in architecture for thousands of years. In addition to their significant aesthetic value, these stones are known for their durability – ornamental rocks are timeless. Unlike coverings produced in industrial settings, when acquiring an ornamental stone, the client knows they are obtaining a distinctive product that won’t be found in another project. Another advantage is the durability and added value of natural stones.
The specification of ornamental stones for cladding, especially with marbles, is a specialized task that demands architects to have knowledge about the aesthetic and mechanical properties of the product, the types of stone finishes, recommended treatments, and the correct execution procedures. This way, the project will have a good-quality finish upon delivery to the client and will maintain these characteristics for many years. For example, marble is a stone full of personality that adds beauty and sophistication to any environment. That’s why this material is widely specified in more classic projects, but it can also adapt and look great in various types of spaces. This characteristic, combined with other advantages of the stone, makes it a favorite in interior design.
The various types of finishes in which rocks are manufactured are very helpful in their selection and application. For outdoor areas, matte and rustic finishes are suitable. Some outdoor areas, such as pool decks, can benefit from anti-slip finishes as well.
For indoor areas, glossy and honed finishes are applied. The choice will depend on the project’s profile: apartment, beach house, farmhouse, commercial property, and so on—the client’s objective aligned with the stone’s characteristics. Wall claddings in Ornamental Stones are also on the rise. The options are numerous and facilitate adaptation to different environments. Mosaics are a new and bold addition.
All these arguments have been driving more and more architecture and decoration professionals to use ornamental stones. The Bahian architect Laerthes Abreu affirms that stones possess a unique aesthetic capable of making any room more sophisticated, adding more value to the environment. “Those accustomed to working with natural stone hardly migrate to other materials. In my projects, I have worked with Anticato Bege Bahia and Bege Bahia Escovado. Each material presented its technical particularities during execution, but the result in both cases was excellent. I was very satisfied with the finish, the final aesthetics, and especially with the positive response from my clients.” It is worth noting that the successful outcome of a project depends on many factors, including teamwork, where all efforts converge to satisfy the client, which is why choosing committed partners is crucial.
