From the rock-cut temples of Al-Khazneh (Petra – Jordan) to the moai human figures of Easter Island, from the Buddhist caves of Ajanta (Maharashtra – India) and to the Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis) in Amhara – Ethiopia, stone has always been a determining element for man of the level of civilization at which he has found himself throughout history. And in Europe this history cannot be conceived without Mediterranean stone. In Greece it was also used in earthworks, to ensure the stability of the ground, building stacked Mediterranean stone walls, without mortar, using the «en xiro» technique. Here the Rupea citadel offers, even partially, in the areas of the first buildings, the image of structures made of stacked stone.
Vernacular architecture, which did not need professional architects to express itself, intensively used stacked stone in the construction of simple houses. Widespread in all inhabited centres, they are built with local materials and use the full range of traditional resources, stone and wood being indispensable elements. Going further along the thread of history, today we arrive at the Mediterranean style of interior and exterior design, which is found everywhere. In completely erected buildings or only with specific accents in renovations, the Mediterranean style makes its presence felt on all meridians.
Initially considered inspired by the aesthetics of southern European countries (Greece, Italy, France, Spain), the Mediterranean style of home furnishings highlights its origins firstly on the geographical criterion, the Mediterranean which bathes the coasts of 21 countries and then on that of the influences found in the civilizations of the Maghreb, those of Western Asia or in Israel. As a natural observation, it seems that the Mediterranean style of interior and exterior design is based on natural stone walls (here we inevitably return to the Rock Face Mediterranean stone), wooden beams, limestone or sandstone floors. The entire internal layout seeks to maximize natural light, through large windows that generate airy interior spaces, creating a space dedicated to the family, with particular attention to common use areas, the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, tiles, ceramic, terracotta, wrought iron, linen and cotton. Imperfections are accepted because they give authenticity and naturalness to the patina of time. The use of raw materials for finishing is a «must have».
Outside, natural stone, terracotta, wood and Mediterranean vegetation reign supreme. Other essential elements can be found below.
The earth-colored walls are built using Mediterranean stone.
Currently, Mediterranean stone is mounted with adhesive, taking care to place the stones together so that there are no empty spaces.
The large facades are characteristic of the Mediterranean style and are made of Mediterranean stone. The coverings are covered with red tiles, the stucco walls are polished and thus acquire the appearance of marble, the combination of limestone and terracotta is typical of the floors. The associations with wood are found in the consoles, those with iron in the balustrades. Among these, stone has a well-defined place and below we give which types of stone were found most frequently.
Installations with Mediterranean stone
The offer in the PIATRAONLINE sector wants to introduce you to the secrets of the Mediterranean Style, as it was in its origins.
Since major quarries have existed in the area since ancient times, slate and marble have their place.
Raised walls with slate Flat black rock face impress. The assembly takes place seamlessly, nothing of modern technology clouds the authenticity of the coating. The edges of the stones are chiseled for a more natural look. The Rhodos Filleti slate cladding variant takes you to an even more distant past, the stones have different sizes and are mounted alternately, horizontally and vertically, the entire layout seems to have been created by stacking, following a timeless technology.
A cladding with the same immemorial appearance is performed using the second significant rock, marble, in its polygonal shape and with the same appearance as the Rock Wall. Whether in its ancient image of Akron or in immaculate Thassos, marble brings with it grandeur, magic, sovereignty. In shades of gray as in the variant Dia or rust as in YOU SEEmarble remains a notable and coherent expression of the Mediterranean Style.
And to place emphasis on diversity, the modular coffee table is now produced and offered Akron rock face.
How to install Mediterranean style stone yourself
Stone mounting Rock face it can be done do-it-yourself, but it is preferable to contact a professional stonemason because the work is entirely manual and requires the experience of specialists.
A first operation is the preparation of the support, it must be fixed, smooth, clean, dry and bear the weight of the stone and the adhesive. Inside, proceed according to the known technology (undercoat and tin plaster for vertical coverings, leveling and self-levelling screed for horizontal ones) and when the support is ready proceed with the covering. Outside you may need additional support with mesh on a stucco table.
After preparing the substrate, the choice of stones is fundamental, especially if it is polygonal stone, since the pieces do not have regular shapes and must be placed together according to existing dimensions or adapted, without leaving too much space between them. After fixing the first stone, usually in a corner from the base of the covering, a second is chosen, which must be adjusted and placed together so that it follows a unitary concept, without too large spaces between the pieces of rock. But since in most cases the pieces do not fit together perfectly, they need to be adjusted. The operation is performed manually, with flex and hammer. Since manual operations take precedence, the level of 2 m²/day is rarely exceeded during installation. After mounting each plate it is necessary to check its flatness. If it is Flat Rock Face stone or Filleti slate, the installation is easier and 3-4 m²/day is installed. After assembly, when it is carried out with joints, classic cement grouts are used to cover the joints.
In every situation, the installation of Mediterranean stone implies professionalism and creativity, the authentic appearance is achieved with effort and so is customer satisfaction.
How to protect Mediterranean stone cladding
The recommendation relating to the protection of the quality and beauty of natural stone coverings is known. For Mediterranean stone coverings, suitable alkaline detergents are chosen (Grimex AND Power stripper) for marble and calcareous tuff, and for slate, acid ones can also be used. Waterproofing solutions can be both solvent-based and water-based (Mattstone H2O, Sealant for external stones, H2O color intensifier)
Mediterranean stone is one of those used since ancient times.
Make sure of this connection with your ancestors by using the same building materials that have proven their reliability for hundreds of years.
Only at PIATRONLINE can you find Mediterranean Stone at the right quality/price ratio.
Come and see for yourself!
latest posts published
Elegance and versatility for your table
Plant shelf: transform your interior!
creative tips for your stay
Comfort and style at home
mix styles and dishes!
Transform your interiors with elegant pastel colors
Give a unique Boncoeurs gift
Olfactory elegance: reinvent your interiors
Brighten up your windowless space: effective tips
