International Stone Architecture Awards
The International Stone Architecture Awards were presented in Verona last month. The selection was based on the architectural quality of the projects and the expressive use of stone materials. As with previous editions, an “ad memoriam” award was presented, as well as one for vernacular architecture.
Stone Buildings
We are enthusiastic, yes even passionate, about natural stone in both building and hard-scape/landscape use. A resource like this can be helpful for any level of interest and ultimately increase ones understanding of stone in architecture.
Preserving the past and future with natural stone
We are passionate about natural stone. We are traditionalists, and believe in products made to last.An example of this is our Historic European Cobblestone collection, genuine antique reclaimed cobble and curb we import from Europe. Landscaping with stone, using genuine cobblestone for a driveway or courtyard,
Quarried Stone – Color Consistency
We find that color selection is the primary consideration prior to a stones final specification. Color is fundamental to the look and overall design in a homes exterior or interior. So it is absolutely necessary to determine if the color of a stone is going to be consistent.
Elegance With French Limestone
French limestone is beautiful, durable, timeless. No matter what the architectural design, French limestone will…’Project Elegance…One of Monarch Stone International’s current residential projects is nearing completion. This stunning residence was mentioned in our very first blog one year ago. It features an exterior fully cladded in the French limestone, “Lanvignes” , a gorgeous carved exterior/ interior door entry, staircase and more.
Historic Preservation and Green Building
Combining the effort of saving historic properties and improving them with sustainable or green standards, seems a win win for all professions. A new saying has been going around….“The greenest building is the one that is already built.”
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Millard House
In the 90’s, the owner of Frank Lloyd Wrights Millard house, contacted our company to repair the famous textile concrete blocks. It was a labor of love and, a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved with such a rare architectural building.
Quarried Stone – Availability
Stone extracted from quarries, is in a constant state of evolution. Be sure that your stone manager has updated information about the quarry you choose. Stone blocks extracted from a quarry just last year, may not match in ‘activity’ (the veining or movement) with blocks extracted next year. And even more problematic, popular limestone’s often become extinct within a quarry due to the evolution of its development. So when you are looking at samples of stone from a sales representative or showroom, discuss current supply and request samples that represent available material in stock, or in the quarry. Special sizes in tiles and dimension/architectural stone are particularly subject to current quarry production. Old samples may not be representative of what you are holding in your hands.
Quarried Stone – Plan Before Selecting
Monarch Stone International’s approach to the stone selection process, includes a collaboration with the architect, designer and homeowner, prior to and throughout – the design process.
Limestone Geology
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate, plus calcium and/or magnesium. It is formed when layers of minerals (particularly calcite), fine sediment, and the skeletons and shells of marine organisms undergo lithification