More than Just Marble: A Universe of Materials with Varied Appearances yet Similar Essence.
The realm of architecture and interior design is continuously evolving, with designers and architects always on the lookout for unprecedented materials that can extend the limits of innovation and creative expression.
Despite marble and natural stones having held their prestigious status as symbols of elegance and refinement for centuries, the contemporary approach to interior design has embraced a wide array of alternative materials.
Marmi Vrech is a company that has always dedicated itself to natural stones as its vocation and area of expertise. Although we are internationally recognized as a benchmark for luxury marble interiors, our commitment goes even further. With the motto "more than just marble," we advocate for the use of a wide range of materials that, despite differences in appearance and texture, are similar to marble in spirit—in their essential characteristics such as durability, hardness, and aesthetic impact.
Working with these materials, precisely because of their physical characteristics, requires the use of the same techniques and machinery employed for marble. Our team—comprised of highly qualified experts with years of experience in marble and natural stone processing—while working with these materials, dedicates to them the same cutting-edge technology, the same care, and the same craftsmanship that we reserve for the most exclusive marbles.
The slabs of these materials can become the foundation for performing complex, original, and customized workmanship. We are able to create detailed inlays and customized surface treatments tailored to the specific needs of each project. This versatility also extends to the use of lightening techniques, crucial for the creation of light yet sturdy structural elements.
In some instances, it's Marmi Vrech's team itself that suggests the use of alternative materials, in response to technical limitations or availability issues. By doing so, we ensure that material choices are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically suitable, guaranteeing optimal results for every project.
And now, are you ready to be inspired by the range of unconventional materials we work with?
Stoneware
Stoneware is a ceramic material, the result of a carefully balanced mix of clay, sand, and other selected minerals. It's renowned for its extreme strength and durability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
The wide availability of patterns, sizes, and thicknesses makes it a highly customizable material. This flexibility offers architects and designers the freedom to experiment, allowing for a vast range of unique aesthetic effects and patterns. It's a material that adapts to various project needs, proving to be a valuable choice for architects and designers.
In some cases, porcelain stoneware may even be preferable to marble. For instance, it's particularly well-suited for projects requiring extremely thin thicknesses or in settings where a material with high resistance and low maintenance is desired. When the originally intended marbles are no longer available, porcelain stoneware presents itself as a high-quality alternative, both aesthetically and functionally.
A key aspect of our work with porcelain stoneware is custom cutting. This service is particularly in demand in the naval sector, where technical requirements often call for smaller sizes compared to the large standard sizes the market demands. Marmi Vrech has completed numerous projects in this area, focusing entirely on the supply of ceramic materials, for example, in projects like Costa Favolosa, Costa Fascinosa and P&O Arvia.
Thanks to our accumulated experience, we are also capable, starting from standard sizes, of creating special pieces that complete product rangesand meet the specific needs of certain projects. This ability to offer tailored solutions, both in terms of production and logistics, makes us an ideal partner for projects requiring an integrated and customized approach.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a fascinating and versatile material with ancient roots, yet its modern reinterpretation has made it suitable for contemporary interior projects.
The terrazzo creation process involves mixing small fragments—often recycled—of marble, stone, or glass with cement and water. This mixture is then poured into slabs that, once hardened, are ground and polished to achieve a smooth and uniform surface.
One of the most interesting features of terrazzo is its ability to create exclusive and customized designs through the use of different materials, colors, patterns, and sizes of the fragments. The customization possibilities are virtually endless: it's simply a matter of changing the combination of various elements in the mix during the production process! This versatility makes terrazzo particularly attractive to architects and designers wishing to express a strong visual identity in their projects. At Marmi Vrech, we are capable of creating tailor-made mixes based on the specific requests of designers, allowing for the creation of unique products that also incorporate marble waste. This not only allows for extreme customization but also fits within the context of the circular economy, valuing materials that would otherwise go unused.
Traditionally, Venetian terrazzo requires on-site pouring, but it is becoming increasingly rare and difficult to supply, especially for large projects. Marmi Vrech addresses this challenge by offering large format tiles as an alternative, made from terrazzo slabs, which can then be polished on-site to achieve a seamless and joint-free effect. This modern approach has found wide application in various sectors, from fashion to architecture, and is used to create unique and trendy environments.
Lava Stone
Lava stone, with its volcanic origins and distinctive aesthetic, stands out as one of the most captivating materials in architecture and interior design.
This stone is born from volcanic eruptions, as incandescent lava rapidly cools upon contact with the air or water. This natural process gives it a unique porous and irregular texture that architects and designers find particularly appealing.
Lava stone can be left natural, or it can undergo special treatments to uncover a range of color shades from gray to brown, while preserving its natural features. Alternatively, it can be glazed with recycled glass, opening up an even broader spectrum of creative possibilities. The glazing process allows for endless variations, turning the surface of lava stone into a canvas for an array of stunning colors, patterns, and effects.
Durable and robust, lava stone is perfect for wall coverings, flooring, and furnishings, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Its heat and high temperature resistance make it especially fitting for kitchen applications and outdoor spaces.
Moreover, it's an excellent option for museum displays, offering consistent color and chromatic stability, crucial in settings where visual continuity is key.
Quartz Composite
Quartz composite stands out in the world of architecture and design for its innovative nature and high-performance quality. Made from quartz fragments and silicon bonded with polyester resin, this engineered material offers a durable and less porous alternative to marble, making it particularly suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where stain and liquid resistance is crucial.
What sets quartz composite apart is its wide aesthetic variety . It goes beyond the natural stone look, offering a broad range of colors and shades that keep up with market trends. This versatility allows designers to push the boundaries of creativity, tailoring spaces with distinctive flair.
Despite its virtues, quartz composite's available thicknesses are somewhat limited, generally only a few centimeters. At Marmi Vrech, we meet these challenges with various innovative technical solutions, including custom assemblies and special cuts, ensuring the material can be used even in the most complex projects.
The use of quartz composite in prestigious projects, such as Europa II, Azura or Niew Amsterdam, speaks volumes about its aesthetic and functional merits, solidifying its status as a go-to choice for enduring and inventive solutions.
Lapitec
Lapitec is a sintered stone made entirely from a premium selection of the purest natural minerals without silica, making it a 100% natural and recyclable material.
Its composition provides exceptional strength and durability: Lapitec is notably resistant to chemical agents, scratches, frost, and, most importantly, heat, qualities that make it especially suitable for outdoor applications. Technically, it surpasses other materials like quartz composite, primarily due to the absence of resin that could yellow over time.
Thanks to an advanced and sophisticated production process, Lapitec offers large-format slabs that are highly performant and versatile, meeting the diverse needs of contemporary design.
Working with these innovative materials, designers and architects have the freedom to explore unparalleled shapes, combinations, and patterns, crafting spaces renowned for their originality and beauty.
Marmi Vrech offers its expertise and craftsmanship to guide designers on this creative journey, providing consultation and technical support to ensure the success of their projects.
Discover the endless possibilities these materials bring to the table and let your creativity flow.
Partner with Marmi Vrech, and together, we'll turn your project into an unparalleled masterpiece.