Finishes in Natural Stone: A World of Potential

William Blake once wrote that if we could perceive things as they truly are, everything would appear infinite to us. Our extensive experience has taught us that dedicating your life to something is the closest one can get to perceiving it as it really is. Our years working with natural stone have shown us that every stone conceals an ever-growing range of functional and aesthetic possibilities. Among the myriad ways to unveil these possibilities, finishes stand out as both deeply rooted in tradition and highly promising avenues for exploration.

Natural stones can be transformed through different finish styles, unlike ceramic and porcelain. This accounts for the ample importance of natural stone in architecture. The same material can be shaped when subjected to different techniques, such as sandblasting, flaming, hammering, or using certain acids. These processes alter the stone's texture, unlocking a multitude of practical and ornamental possibilities. For example, if you use polished marble for your living room floor, you may use a sandblasting technique to give that same marble non-slip properties for your swimming pool area. This adaptability eliminates the need for different stone types for various requirements within a space, as a single stone can be subjected to other finishes, altering its appearance and functionality.

Alberto Kalach, one of Mexico’s most acclaimed architects, exemplifies the art of using finishes to maximize the potential of various stone types, notably demonstrated in his work with Santo Tomás marble. This marble is usually polished and heavily used in Mexico, where you can find it in metro stations, chain restaurants, and official buildings. Its chromatic heterogeneity makes it challenging to incorporate into architectural projects, as it gives an uneven impression. This is where Kalach’s genius came in. Using raw or hammered Santo Tomás, he found a new dimension for the material, which he has used for many of his signature buildings. Kalach’s discovery is a perfect example of how different finishes can significantly change the functionality and appeal of the same stone.

When we say that finishes open a whole new field of aesthetic possibilities for natural stone, we are not just referring to how the stone looks. The word “aesthetic” comes from the Greek “aesthesis,” which broadly means “sensory perception.” So, the aesthetic possibilities of natural stone imply the whole embodied experience of the material: its shape, texture, color, shadowplay, temperature, and much more. 

Unleashing the potential of natural stone calls for an intimate understanding of the specific stone at hand, a sensitivity to discern its inherent qualities, and the courage to explore the paths they open. In recent years, remarkable technological advancements have ushered in an exciting new chapter in the enduring saga of natural stone—the future beckons with unprecedented possibilities, awaiting those willing to innovate and push the boundaries further.

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