Rationalist inspiration, material innovation
For the design of these panels, conceived for public space cladding, Lisa Tavazzani drew inspiration from the rational elegance and formal purity of Mies van der Rohe, in particular from his iconic Barcelona Pavilion of 1929. The use of marble and natural materials in that context is not merely aesthetic, but architectural: matter becomes structure. Similarly, these surfaces do not imitate but reinterpret the stone effect in a contemporary way, with attention to visual depth and structural lightness.
The panels are created using a PMMA base, manually poured into high-gloss molds inclined at 30 degrees, allowing gravity to naturally separate pigments. A thixotropic additive ensures that color lines and veins remain clearly defined, creating a true marble-like effect that lives within the depth of the material rather than on the surface. The chromatic composition is enriched with opaline pigments, ivory veining, and micronized quartz, producing luminous vibrations and a material depth that feels almost three-dimensional.
After pouring, the panels are calibrated and abraded to improve adhesive performance. The surface, initially glossy due to the mold, is then satin-finished using orbital sanding, with multiple passes of 3M abrasive papers. This process results in a soft-touch, satin texture—refined in appearance and coherent with the modernist aesthetic that inspired the concept.
With a reduced thickness of only 3 mm, these panels are ideal for multi-surface applications, both indoors and outdoors. They offer structural lightness that allows cladding on vertical and curved surfaces, significantly reducing the weight and environmental impact compared to traditional stone materials.
This collection represents a dialogue between form, function, and material—a balance of technical innovation and architectural sensitivity, true to the spirit of Mies: “less is more”, where every detail is essential and meaningful.
