Article May 23, 2025 · By Centrorochas Newsroom

Discover Projects with Natural Stone That Combined Beauty and Durability to Create Sophisticated and Unique Spaces

From St. Peter's Basilica to Itamaraty Palace: iconic projects where marble, granite and quartzite were decisive in creating exceptional spaces.

Discover Projects with Natural Stone That Combined Beauty and Durability to Create Sophisticated and Unique Spaces

Success Stories: Iconic Projects with Natural Stone

Natural stone has always played a leading role in architecture and design, bringing sophistication, durability and timeless beauty to interiors. Whether in historic landmarks or contemporary developments, these materials have a versatility all their own that makes them essential in standout projects.

Exploring success stories in which natural stone played a central role is always a good way to gather inspiration for our own projects. With that in mind, we have selected some of the most iconic works — from major historic buildings to homes and hotels that used the singularity of materials such as marble, granite and quartzite to create impressive, memorable spaces.

Discover Some Projects Built with Dimension Stone

Below we highlight a few emblematic examples of projects in which natural stone was fundamental to creating exceptional spaces in Brazil and around the world.

St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican)

St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest and most recognisable churches in the world, is a striking example of marble and travertine applied at scale. The floors, columns and decorative details made from these natural stones not only bring beauty and elegance to the space, they also deliver the strength and durability a building of this magnitude demands.

Marble House (Bangkok, Thailand)

Designed by Openbox Architects, this project started from the idea of letting the inhabitant's behaviour shape a living space within a monolithic piece of marble. The marble finishes are applied at large scale, as light as marble-patterned wall tiles. The overall square form wraps around an open courtyard at the centre, allowing natural light and ventilation to reach even the most remote corners.

Lincoln Memorial (United States)

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. shows how different natural stones can be combined to create a monumental work. Yule marble and granite give the memorial a solid, imposing appearance, while Indiana limestone was used for the ornamental details. Bringing these stones together strengthened the monument's symbolic presence and historical weight.

Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro)

Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, is clad in soapstone, also known as steatite. This stone was chosen for several reasons:

  • Durability: soapstone stands up well to the passage of time and to changes in weather.
  • Workability: it is relatively easy to carve and shape, which made the statue's detailed finishing possible.
  • Appearance: it has a soft, uniform colour that contributes to the monument's iconic look.

Hotel Fasano (Salvador)

Hotel Fasano in Salvador is a remarkable example of tradition and luxury coming together. Housed in a historic 1930s building, the hotel preserves classical architectural elements while adopting modern, sophisticated interiors. The use of marble in the common areas, guest rooms and bathrooms stands out, adding a touch of timeless elegance; combined with contemporary elements, it creates a high-end atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a singular experience.

Itamaraty Palace (Brasília)

Itamaraty Palace, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is a landmark of Brazilian modernist architecture and stands out for its use of marble and granite. Marble was widely used in interior surfaces such as floors, columns and walls, as well as in some decorative elements, while granite was used mainly in outdoor areas and in the flooring of certain interior spaces, thanks to its strength and range of colours — contributing to the building's sophistication and durability.

The texture and tone of the stone reinforce the monumental aesthetic of the space, in dialogue with the concrete and glass elements. In the main hall, the floating staircase is one of the project's highlights, providing visual lightness without compromising structural solidity. The use of natural stone at Itamaraty exemplifies the integration of noble materials and architectural function, keeping the balance between sophistication and practicality.

Add Value to Your Projects with Margramar Quartzitos Natural Stone

Bringing natural stone into your projects is a way of uniting sophistication, durability and exclusivity in every detail. Whether in residential, commercial or cultural settings, these materials carry an unmatched charm that adds value to any space.

If you are looking for excellence and quality for your projects, Margramar Quartzitos is a benchmark in the dimension stone market in Espírito Santo. With our own quarries, we bring you unique works of art that nature sculpted over millions of years. Our diverse natural stone portfolio offers true gems for floors, countertops, walls and cladding that turn spaces into absolute references of refinement, sophistication and delight.

Count on Margramar Quartzitos to find materials that combine natural beauty and functionality. Make your dream of creating unique projects a reality and be surprised by the visual impact and durability that only natural stone can offer. Get in touch!