Key Strategies for Biophilic Design To create spaces that are visually and emotionally appealing, incorporating natural elements within interior spaces is fundamental. Luxury spas often use stone and wood to create calming environments, a principle easil

Transforming spaces with warmth, character and a touch of rustic charm doesn’t always require a complete overhaul, but can be quickly and efficiently achieved with manufactured stone veneer (MSV). Whether your customers are looking to elevate the look of

As technology dominates our daily lives, the yearning to stay connected with the natural world intensifies. This is the essence of the biophilia hypothesis, which posits that humans have an intrinsic affinity for nature. Research supports this, showing th

In today’s world, people spend many waking hours trying to minimize the adverse effects of stress in their personal and professional lives. It’s now commonplace for techniques like aroma therapy, painting with calming colors and utilizing various types of

The Natural Stone Council and ANSI/NCS-373 Production of Natural Dimension Stone Standard

LATICRETE has introduced its enhanced DRYTEK® Skimcoat fast-drying, premium-quality underlayment. The improved formula can now hold more water, resulting in a creamier consistency for a smoother application and sleeker finish, as well as an extended pot

2017 Hardscape North America Award Winners Announced

Brick Provides Contrast, Consistency in School Construction

Shortly before 1 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2011, Christchurch, New Zealand, started to shake. Ten seconds are all it took to change the landscape and the lives of residents: 185 dead, several thousand injured, and 45 percent of buildings deemed unsafe to enter. W

Although peak tornado season typically occurs April through June, violent outbursts struck early this year and featured one of the largest tornado events to ever occur in winter. The January 21–23 spate of storms produced 79 confirmed tornadoes across th

Virtual reality (VR) architectural visualization, long a staple of the European market, has been making inroads in the U.S. market as well, and Twinmotion 2018 is well positioned to lead the charge. Released by France’s Abvent Group in July, Twinmotion 2

Acme Brick Introduces TC Cladding

Echelon Masonry has expanded its InsulTech Insulated Concrete Masonry Unit (ICMU) System to include Half-High unit options. Featuring more than a dozen profiles — in finished nominal dimensions of 12 1/4 x 4 x 16 inches — InsulTech offers more flexibilit

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Michels Stone is pursuing innovative ways to develop products. When selecting and sorting material, the company works to utilize leftover stone that may not have fit perfectly into one of its establish

Most wall systems today are built with absorptive claddings. Oftentimes manufactured stone, stucco, brick, wood and fiber cement siding are the claddings of choice. It is important to design these walls for moisture migration. Moisture will find a way in

A March 2017 report by The New York Times described the online retail giant Amazon’s foray into brick-and-mortar stores. Amazon is slowly building physical bookstores and grocery/convenience stores and is exploring stores that would sell furniture, home