Sintered stone in architecture - a marriage of minimalist concepts and materials
When we think of minimalism, we most often imagine a procedure of economical and balanced selection of designed forms and contents. Simple shapes are also an essential feature of the beachfront resort building in El Puerto de Santa María (Cadiz, Spain). Maintained in a minimalist style, it is a house with neat lines, designed by Basilio Iglesias Lobatón(BIA Arquitectos). It combines simple interpenetrating solids, keeping design curves to a minimum. However, in addition to its attractive form, the minimalism of this project is evident in the choice of materials, which give it originality. One in particular deserves attention - sintered stone.
The design work resulted in a surprising residential house with timeless aesthetics, made using durable and natural, yet long-lasting materials, resistant to the meteorological conditions characteristic of the coast. These materials include the aforementioned sintered stone, used for a variety of applications in individual interior rooms and as part of the exterior surfaces of the house.
Sintered stone in 360°, or minimalist versatility of applications
Sintered stone was chosen for its aesthetic qualities, high quality parameters and minimal maintenance requirements. From the outset, factors such as durability, hygiene and safety also played an important role, so the Neolith® product, as meeting these criteria, was used as a 360° surface throughout the house.
Sintered stone in the white version - Neolith® Arctic White juxtaposed with the black version - Neolith® Basalt Black.
To choose, to color - sintered stone in different colors
The exterior surface was lined with Neolith® Arctic White, providing an amazing visual effect. It was a safe choice due to its ability to be juxtaposed with any other architectural element, creating an impeccable overall aesthetic. It was juxtaposed with Basalt Black, highlighting some of the supporting elements and window frames lined with this dark and richly detailed color variant.
White-gray glossy Neolith® Iron Frost sintered stone floors in the interior flow seamlessly into the courtyard of the house
Neolith® Iron Frost surface with a white background with grays and delicate accents of metallic sheen, wraps the floor inside the house and outside. Using the same model both inside and outside unifies the entire object, creating a unique 360° effect.
Sintered stone model Concrete
On the upper floor, the Concrete model, an interpretation of freshly poured concrete, was used for dressing tables and one contrasting bedroom wall, creating a highly engaging space that invites relaxation.
An urban touch is added by the Neolith® Iron Grey model used for the walls, countertops and shower stalls in the bathrooms.
These unlimited sintered stone applications lend a sense of continuity and balance to the space without compromising its integrity due to the material's resilience, near-zero porosity and minimal maintenance requirements.
Neolith® Iron Grey sintered stone was used to cover countertops and walls in bathrooms
Less is more, or the beauty of simplicity
The design of this residential house reflects the beauty that simplicity brings. It is a perfect confirmation of the principle that less is more. By choosing a minimal range of elegant colors, whose shades and varied nuances made it possible to create a house with a serene style, exuding calmness, which Neolith® adorns like an architectural skin.
Minimalism can be "eco"
In addition, sintered stone is a 100% natural material, produced under "carbon neutral" conditions. It is also one of the safest and most hygienic materials, whose composition, format and light weight allow easy maneuverability of each slab.
It's a great choice for any type of residential or commercial 360º design project.
For more information, visit the company's NEOLITH POLSKA page at AiB portlau.
