Porphyry stone pavers can have a unique place in the design of any outdoor area. Stone is undoubtedly the first natural material which was used to create stable surfaces which could withstand heavy loads, making it possible for people to walk around easily, even when it was raining – safe and comfortable at the same time, very flat, and practical. From this beginning, the desire to create beautiful designs out of this practical material has been the work of architects, landscape architects, landscape designers and professional installers.
“If we add the creativity of landscape designers and the know-how of stone craftsmen, the outcome is necessarily unique and enriches the colorful palette of garden art as time goes by. Stone mixes with stone to enhance harmonious contrasts and reveal the diversity of our subsoil. It harmonizes with wood, concrete, brick or steel, while still retaining that close relationship with plant life, water and light.” – PIERRES ET MARBRES
Another in the fabulous Stone Notebooks series, devoted to Stone in the Garden – SURFACES2 is available here. This 20 page delight is full of design commentary, drawings in plan view and section, and multiple photographs of selected projects. They have been chosen by the creator of this series, Pierres & Marbres Wallonie, for their originality or their classicism, their simplicity or a specific construction detail. The term garden embraces all private spaces residential and commercial. This very well done collection of stone surface projects will provide inspiration and learning opportunities. Natural stone Porphyry can be adapted to any of these designs, comes in a multitude of colors and has superb physical characteristics.
This second notebook on surfaces, devoted to stone in surface coverings in the outdoors is the continuation of a journey that sometimes crosses the borders of Belgiumand pays tribute to all the trades that contribute to such creations, from the most conventional to the most unexpected, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
THE STONES AND MARBLES OF WALLONIA
The PIERRES ET MARBRES DE WALLONIE association provides information about stone and its applications to the general public, architects, contractors and public authorities. The promotion platform for natural Belgian stone recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The association’s target public remains architects, businesses and public services, but also private individuals who have access to quality information on stone and its applications, both in old buildings and in more contemporary constructions.
Those activities include the publication of works and brochures, the organization of events, exhibitions and conferences and participation in national and international trade fairs. Wallonia is the predominantly French speaking southern region ofBelgium. It is governed as the Walloon Region, which makes up 55% of the territory of Belgium but with only a third of its population.
Porphyry’s composition determines its high compression strength, resistance to stains, slip resistance, and high freeze/thaw ratings. The stone is the most popular paver in Europe, and is favored for its flexibility in design, beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements. ADA Compliant Porphyry pavers are also adaptable to a permeable paving set. The stone is by far one of the most durable pavers in the world. These beautiful materials are available from Milestone Imports. Milestone supports the creativity of architects, planners and designers. Porphyry offers surfaces of various finishes and mixed colorings, tending towards tones of grey, gold, violet and red, depending on where it is extracted. – www.milestoneimports.com
