Design and Architecture a.k.a. DnA  is a practice founded by Xu Tiantian where contemporary and fresh approaches meet the traditional context of China. The practice mainly focused on the interdependency and amalgamation of the program, concept and context in a way that will help the surroundings to flourish and engage. 

They say that, “context programs and their potential relationship will cultivate architecture into a multidimensional expression and generate new experiments and explorations for users. Architecture will continue to influence and inspire our contemporary life.”

1. Pine Pavilion (2017-18) | Design and Architecture

Location: Xiahuangyu, Songyang.

The Pine Pavilion is a structure built straight alongside the river dam. Timber panels divide the entire structure into spaces that can be used to host various programs and workshops. The buffer spaces also act as viewing platforms that frame the dam and the fishpond. A series of pine trees have been incorporated to reflect the village’s fame of production on pine resin.

Design and Architecture- 15 Iconic Projects
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2. Ordos Art Museum (2007)

Location: Ordos, Inner Mongolia.

This project respects both the antithetical aspects of the raw landscape which the site offers and the concept of the intriguing future for the museum. The space acts as one continuous room with no barriers and a series of metal-framed windows. The other materials incorporated are slate tiles for the façade and timber planks for the leisure semi-open space.

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3. Teahouse (2015)

Location: Damushan Tea Plantation, Songyang.

In the initial stages, the teahouse was built as an addition to an existing pavilion. The teahouse aims to compliment the surrounding beauty. It consists of two private rooms and a two-storey common space. The project is a flourishing space for increased production and a space to teach and host various programs. 

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4. Shimen Bridge (2017-18)

Location: Shimen, Songyang.

The existing bridge spans across the Wuyang Dam which is an important feature of the district. The bridge also connects the two villages of Shimen and Shimen-yu. 

To vamp-up the abandoned bridge, the firm proposed a platform that frames and allows the villagers to have a look at the Songyi river. The addition is in the form of pitched timber roof that stretches across the entire bridge. It is discontinued in the center to portray it as a floating island on the river and is designed to allow not only easy daily commuting but also serve as a space for several festive activities.

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5. Songzhuang Art Center (2006) | Design and Architecture

Location: Songzhuang, Beijing, China.

There was a need to cherish the evolution of art and artists in the town of Songzhuang. The art centre aims to help flourish all these artists and their creations and act as a space for interaction and acknowledgment of art between creators and art-enthusiasts. The building is physically seen to be divided into two parts. The lower level acts as a space for frequent and common gatherings or events, hence the material used is glass which portrays transparency. The upper blocks or the second part, covered in bricks from all sides, acts as an enclosed and semi-private space for the art to be displayed.

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6. Xiaobao Cultural Center (2007)

Location: Songzhuang, Beijing, China.

The center acts as a space for artists to reside, sell and showcase their work. The ground level is separated into public spaces for hosting various programs followed by the residential units and studios on the top. The design is said to follow a particular layout known as the tangram puzzle. This layout tends to create double-height spaces that involve individual units that allow visual permeability. 

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7. Songzhuang Artist Commune (2009)

Location: Songzhuang, Beijing, China.

The project was to accommodate the increasing number of artists in the village. This residence consists of 20 units that combines the activities of living and working. The project is built in such a way that both the areas can be combined and used as a display space for the growing creators.

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8. Pingtian Village Center (2015)

Location: Pingtian Village, Songyang.

The requirement was to design a versatile space to allow the villagers carry out varied activities and utilize the space to its fullest. For the construction of this center, the tenon and mortise system was used. The center reflects the language of the existing houses in the village and has internal courtyards that connect the horizontal spaces as well as vertical spaces through stairs.

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9. Bamboo Theatre (2016) | Design and Architecture

Location: HengKeng, Songyang.

Villages in China consist of small pockets of bamboo covered spaces in the wilderness which are often used for leisure activities. This simple yet innovative intervention allows the villagers itself to tie the stems of the bamboo together and use the dome-like space.

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10. Brown Sugar Factory (2016)

Location: Xing Village, Songyang.

Already known for its production of sugar, the village needed a well planned factory in order to address the issues surrounding the weak conditions and decreasing revenue. The factory is divided into the storage area, main production areas, program area for the village and a leisure space. The materials used in this project as steel trusses for the main production areas and glass partitions to allow visual connectivity. The concept was to showcase the work in a staged drama like manner. Hence, lights have been incorporated in such a way that it showcases the act of production. The glass walls have illustrations on how the sugar is obtained.

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11. Hakka Indenture Museum (2017) | Design and Architecture

Location: Shicang, Songyang.

The project reflects the village’s name, Shicang, which means the stone storage that dictates a folktale of greed and magic. The museum accommodates the heritage and collection of Hakka society. In terms of the irrigation system that acts as a highlighting factor of the project, it follows the same system from the mountains and then towards the village. The plan is organized to segregate spaces into exhibition rooms, a plaza and open spaces. The indentations in the roof reflect the drainage channels spanning across the entire structure where they catch the rainwater and also allow slivers of light. The heritage has been distributed into other buildings of the village and as a result, the entire village is a platform that displays the Hakka culture.

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12. Baitasi Hutong Gallery (2017)

Location: Baitasi, Beijing.

To suit the existing fabric, the brief was to convert a residential building  into a space which displays the context and richness of the hutong area. The intent was to design a gallery that starts by inviting the locals to interact with the new additions and remodel the entire zone. The building was said to remain unaltered due to the regulations. However, vertical voids and skylights were reintroduced to achieve sufficient light and reshuffle to fit a gallery and studios along with an office. These reflect the curves one experiences while strolling around in the area and also reminds the user of the existing pagodas. The roof pavilion adds to the skyline and cables of the hutongs. It serves as a connection between the history and the present, built to enhance interaction.

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13. Music Studio by the Sea (2018)

Location: Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province.

The coast is observed to have a number of residential and public spaces. Hence, to make it wholesome, a music studio was proposed to be constructed on this coast of the community known as Arnaya. It comprises performing areas followed by an amphitheatre and a rooftop theatre, each built to justify the circular planning initially formed. It appears to be a red mass sitting on the sand of the coast.

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14. Dushan Leisure Center (2018)

Location: Dushan Mountain, Songyang.

This project is a tourist center built for the region’s increasing urban importance. It consists of a number of facilities that attracts tourists and locals. Its design blends the mountain, water, indoor and crafted outdoor spaces seamlessly with a dynamic walkway in picture.

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15. Chinese Herbal Garden (2018) | Design and Architecture

Location: Songyang County.

Practices in herbal and medicinal areas is an area Chinese people have been aching since eras. In order to , the design for a Chinese herbal garden came into picture. The main idea was to consider the landscape design and urban fabric of the proposed public area. The garden is located in the core of Songyang county and has been divided into four parts based on the seasons. The flooring has carved out names with the respective herbs growing in them. On the western end, a wall can be observed which is painted to enlighten the visitors on their ancient medicinal history.

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References

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When buying sportswear, consider its design and fabric. The most common sportswear fabrics are cotton and polyester, but they feel different. Cotton is mostly known for softness and comfort, while polyester is quick-drying. It is a fact that a fabric that feels comfortable for casual wear might not be reliable for long game days. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between the fabrics and which is suitable for game days. 

Difference Between Cotton and Polyester for Sportswear

Both fabrics have different properties; that’s why they perform differently. We have explained the difference between the fabrics based on various factors. 

  • Sweat and Moisture Management

Sweat management is important in the choice of sportswear, especially when the team has a long game day. Cotton and polyester fabrics behave differently. 

Pros of Cotton:

  • Provides a soft and comfortable feel
  • Absorbs sweat
  • Suitable for everyday wear and light games

Cons of Cotton:

  • Might feel heavy when excess sweat is absorbed
  • Takes more time to dry 

Pros of polyester:

  • Keeps the moisture away from the skin
  • Quick drying
  • Practical option for long game days 

Cons of Polyester:

  • Not every polyester is breathable
  • Might feel less natural on skin

For example, fans are playing a long baseball match in summer; cotton will absorb the sweat; however, the jersey might feel heavy and soaked by the end of the game. But polyester dries quickly; that’s why it is a better option. 

If the game is fast-paced and intense, polyester might be a reliable choice. But for light games, cotton is more suitable. 

  • Comfort and Breathability

Comfort is the priority for teams while choosing sportswear. For long game days, it is important that the players feel comfortable in what they wear. Both fabrics’ comfort and feel might be different based on the game. 

Pros of cotton:

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Feels natural on the body
  • Comfortable for casual wear

Cons of cotton:

  • Might feel heavy after a long game day
  • Less comfortable in humid weather

Pros of polyester:

  • Lightweight 
  • Reliable for intense movements
  • Provides airflow and moisture management

Cons of polyester:

  • Might feel less breathable depending on the quality
  • Less soft compared to cotton

For example, fans are doing casual practice; cotton will be comfortable for a long time. However, for long game days, lightweight polyester fabric will be more comfortable. 

  • Durability and Maintenance

If the team’s priority is softness and better comfort, they opt for cotton. However, for long game days or intense games, they prefer polyester. Teams and fans should choose the sportswear that is durable for long gaming sessions. Also, such sportswear should be tough enough to handle repeated wearing and washing. 

Pros of cotton:

  • Comfortable to wear for a long day if properly cared for
  • Easy to handle and care for
  • Better choice for casual wear

Cons of cotton:

  • Frequent washing might affect its shape
  • Takes much time to dry
  • Worn out quickly if not properly cared for

Pros of polyester:

  • Reliable for multiple washes
  • Holds shape for la ong time
  • Easy to use as it dries quickly 

Cons of polyester:

  • Might degrade if not well cared for
  • Can hold smell 

For example, a fan wears the same jersey multiple times in a week; polyester will retain its shape. But cotton might shrink and change its shape.

When durability is the team’s priority, they can rely on polyester. However, cotton might need proper care.

  • Everyday Wear and Style

Sportswear is not limited to the field only. Teams and fans wear the jerseys, hats, and other gear even as casual and everyday wear. 

Pros of cotton:

  • Gives a soft and casual look
  • Comfortable for everyday wear
  • Can be paired with everyday outfits

Cons of cotton:

  • Not ideal for intense games
  • Might be affected by frequent washing

Pros of polyester:

  • Gives a lightweight and sporty look
  • Common for game days
  • Suitable for all matches

Cons of polyester:

  • Not every polyester sportswear might be comfortable for everyday wear
  • Might give a less natural feel

For example, a Chicago Cubs fan might prefer choosing a polyester jersey for game day and cotton for a more relaxed look. Many fans and teams explore platforms such as Sports World Chicago, a leading destination for Chicago Cubs fan gear. 

Fabric choice depends on comfort, weather, and styling. Cotton and polyester feel different depending on how they are used. 

Which Fabric is the Best for Sportswear?

Between cotton and polyester, the decision is made based on where and how the sportswear is used. Here is a brief explanation to choose one as per the situation. 

When Polyester Makes Sense

Polyester is used where the sportswear has to handle sweat and provide easy movement for long game days.

  • When the game is highly intense and involves more sweating
  • For long game days
  • When the team wants lightweight wear

When Cotton Makes Sense

Cotton is reliable for situations where comfort, softness, and casual looks are preferred. 

  • For low-intensity games
  • For everyday wear
  • For a comfortable and natural feel

When Cotton-Polyester makes sense

If the team prefers the softness of cotton and the performance of polyester, they can choose cotton-polyester blends.

  • Get comfort from cotton fabric.
  • Get durability from polyester fabric.
  • Can be used for practice days and casual wear

Conclusion

There’s no particular winner between cotton and polyester. Polyester is a better option for fast and sweaty games; however, cotton is suitable for light games and comfort wear. The teams and fans can use a cotton-polyester blend fabric for balanced situations, from practice games to everyday wear. It is better to choose the final option based on game type, weather, and personal choice.  

Natural stone plays a unique role in hospitality and commercial interior design. Few materials can create the same combination of scale, permanence, texture, and visual identity across hotel lobbies, restaurants, retail environments, office reception areas, spas, resorts, and high-end public spaces.

Yet specifying stone for a commercial project involves far more than choosing an attractive slab.

A hotel lobby floor may need to handle thousands of footsteps every day. A reception desk must combine visual impact with fabrication accuracy. A restaurant bar needs resistance to frequent use and cleaning. A feature wall may prioritize dramatic veining, while a resort corridor may require a quieter material that can be repeated consistently across a large area.

For architects and designers, the challenge is therefore to connect material aesthetics with technical performance, fabrication, maintenance, installation, and long-term project requirements.

The best stone is not necessarily the most expensive or visually dramatic option.

It is the material that performs correctly in its intended location while supporting the overall architectural concept.

Start With the Application Before Selecting the Stone

Material specification should begin with one basic question:

What does this surface need to do?

A decorative wall and a heavily trafficked floor have very different requirements.

The same applies to:

  • hotel reception counters;
  • guest-room bathrooms;
  • restaurant tables;
  • lobby floors;
  • spa walls;
  • exterior cladding;
  • elevator surrounds;
  • commercial washrooms;
  • luxury retail displays;
  • fireplace walls.

Before selecting colour or veining, the project team should define:

  1. location;
  2. interior or exterior exposure;
  3. traffic level;
  4. moisture exposure;
  5. expected cleaning frequency;
  6. required finish;
  7. panel dimensions;
  8. fabrication complexity;
  9. maintenance expectations;
  10. visual importance within the space.

This prevents a common specification mistake: choosing a material because it looks impressive in photographs and only later discovering that it is difficult to maintain or unsuitable for the intended application.

Hospitality Interiors Require a Different Material Strategy

Luxury hospitality projects often use stone across several very different environments within the same property.

A single hotel may require stone for:

  • the main lobby;
  • reception;
  • corridors;
  • bathrooms;
  • restaurants;
  • bars;
  • suites;
  • spas;
  • outdoor terraces;
  • pool areas;
  • decorative walls.

The stone strategy should therefore be planned at the project level rather than surface by surface.

A coordinated approach may use one primary material for large architectural areas and stronger accent stones for focal applications.

For example:

  • neutral limestone or travertine for extensive floors;
  • marble for bathrooms and decorative walls;
  • dramatic quartzite for reception counters or bars;
  • darker stone for intimate restaurant areas.

This creates visual continuity without forcing one material to perform every function.

For architects evaluating complete stone solutions for hospitality interiors, the most useful approach is to connect material selection with fabrication, batch planning, layout, and installation requirements from the beginning rather than treating stone as a final decorative decision.

Think in Terms of Material Hierarchy

One of the most effective ways to use natural stone in commercial interiors is to establish a visual hierarchy.

Not every stone surface needs to become a statement.

In fact, when every floor, wall, counter, and column uses highly expressive stone, the result can become visually exhausting.

A stronger strategy is to identify three levels.

Primary Architectural Stone

This material covers large areas and establishes the background of the project.

It may be used for:

  • flooring;
  • large walls;
  • corridors;
  • circulation areas.

The best choices are often relatively calm, consistent, and suitable for larger quantities.

Secondary Feature Stone

This material adds stronger character.

Typical locations include:

  • reception counters;
  • elevator surrounds;
  • vanity walls;
  • bar fronts;
  • fireplace walls.

Signature Stone

This is the material that visitors remember.

It may appear only once or twice in the entire project.

Examples include:

  • a dramatic lobby wall;
  • a sculptural reception desk;
  • a feature bar;
  • a bookmatched installation.

This hierarchy allows a project to feel luxurious without relying on excess.

Traffic Levels Should Influence Stone Selection

Commercial flooring must be specified according to use.

A private villa and a five-star hotel lobby may use similar colours, but the performance requirements are very different.

High-traffic areas need consideration of:

  • abrasion;
  • surface wear;
  • slip resistance;
  • maintenance;
  • cleaning frequency;
  • replacement strategy.

Stone finish becomes especially important.

Highly polished surfaces may create visual impact but can show wear differently from honed or textured surfaces.

For entrance areas, the project team should also consider dirt, water, and grit carried in from outside.

Material selection should therefore balance appearance with lifecycle performance.

Finish Is Part of the Specification

The same stone can look and behave differently depending on the finish.

Polished Finish

Polishing increases reflectivity and usually enhances colour and veining.

It can work well in:

  • lobby walls;
  • reception counters;
  • decorative panels;
  • selected floors;
  • bathrooms.

However, high-gloss finishes may not always be ideal in heavily trafficked or wet areas.

Honed Finish

Honed stone has lower reflectivity and often feels more contemporary.

It can work well in:

  • hotel bathrooms;
  • walls;
  • floors;
  • quiet luxury interiors;
  • spa environments.

Textured Finishes

Brushed, sandblasted, leathered, flamed, or other textured finishes may provide stronger tactile character.

These can be especially useful for:

  • exterior areas;
  • transitional spaces;
  • architectural walls;
  • selected commercial flooring.

The finish should be specified according to both design intent and use.

Marble for Classical Hospitality Luxury

Marble remains one of the most recognisable materials in luxury hospitality interiors.

It can communicate elegance immediately, particularly in:

  • hotel lobbies;
  • bathrooms;
  • reception walls;
  • columns;
  • vanity tops;
  • fireplaces;
  • decorative flooring.

However, marble should not automatically be used simply because the project is positioned as luxury.

Its suitability depends on application.

For decorative walls and feature surfaces, appearance may carry greater weight.

For highly exposed floors or food-service areas, maintenance and surface sensitivity require more consideration.

The most successful marble applications tend to use the material where its veining and visual depth can be appreciated without creating unnecessary operational problems.

Quartzite for Statement Commercial Surfaces

Luxury hospitality projects increasingly use dramatic natural stone as a visual anchor.

A single reception desk or bar can become part of the identity of the entire property.

Quartzite is particularly effective in these situations because many varieties combine natural geological movement with strong visual depth.

Colours may include:

  • white;
  • grey;
  • blue;
  • green;
  • gold;
  • brown;
  • black.

Some slabs show subtle movement.

Others contain strong veins, crystalline sections, or contrasting mineral bands.

For projects requiring a high-impact focal material, exotic quartzite can be considered for reception counters, feature walls, luxury bars, vanity installations, custom furniture, and other areas where the stone itself is expected to become part of the architectural experience.

When Quartzite Makes Sense

Consider quartzite when:

  • the surface is highly visible;
  • natural individuality is important;
  • the design needs stronger geological movement;
  • the project can review actual slabs before fabrication;
  • the application benefits from a durable natural-stone surface.

The biggest mistake is selecting a dramatic stone without considering how the full slab will be cut.

For statement installations, slab layout should always be reviewed before fabrication.

Design Slab Layout Before Cutting

This is particularly important for:

  • reception counters;
  • waterfall edges;
  • bars;
  • feature walls;
  • bathroom panels;
  • fireplaces.

Strong veins can be used intentionally to guide the eye.

But if seams interrupt the pattern randomly, even an expensive slab can look poorly planned.

Before fabrication, designers should identify:

  1. which part of the slab becomes the focal area;
  2. where joints will occur;
  3. how corners will connect;
  4. whether veins should continue across adjacent surfaces;
  5. where openings will remove stone;
  6. which direction the pattern should face.

For hospitality projects, digital slab layouts can be particularly valuable because design teams may be working across different countries.

Bookmatching Can Create Architectural Identity

Bookmatching uses adjacent slabs arranged so that their patterns mirror each other.

In hospitality design, it can be used for:

  • lobby feature walls;
  • lift lobbies;
  • luxury bathrooms;
  • restaurant entrances;
  • reception backdrops.

The technique works best when the stone has clear directional movement.

The project team should confirm:

  • slab pairing;
  • centre line;
  • panel sizes;
  • joint positions;
  • lighting;
  • furniture placement.

Bookmatching should not be used simply because it is associated with luxury.

It should support the geometry of the room.

Large Projects Need Batch Planning

Natural stone is not a perfectly uniform manufactured material.

Different blocks may vary in:

  • tone;
  • vein density;
  • mineral pattern;
  • background colour;
  • contrast.

For a small project, variation can be managed relatively easily.

For a hotel requiring hundreds or thousands of square metres, batch planning becomes critical.

The design team should decide:

  • where variation is acceptable;
  • which areas require closer matching;
  • whether materials should come from compatible blocks;
  • how different batches should be distributed.

For example, slight variation may be acceptable between different guest bathrooms.

A single lobby floor, however, should not suddenly change colour halfway across the space.

Batch management is therefore part of design quality.

Travertine for Warm Architectural Environments

Not every luxury project requires dramatic veining.

Hotels, resorts, spas, and hospitality environments often need materials that create warmth, calm, and continuity.

Travertine is particularly suitable for this role.

Its linear structure, natural pores, warm neutral colours, and architectural character can support both contemporary and Mediterranean-inspired interiors.

Typical applications include:

  • resort walls;
  • floors;
  • bathrooms;
  • reception areas;
  • exterior façades;
  • pool surroundings;
  • spa environments.

Where the design requires a warmer and more architectural character than highly veined marble, architectural travertine can provide a strong balance between natural texture and visual restraint.

When Travertine Is Especially Effective

Consider travertine when:

  • warm neutral tones are desired;
  • the project needs large continuous surfaces;
  • the architecture has a resort or Mediterranean influence;
  • strong marble veining would be too visually dominant;
  • tactile texture is part of the design concept.

Its quieter appearance can also make it an effective partner for more dramatic feature stones.

Combine Materials Instead of Forcing One Stone Everywhere

Luxury hospitality interiors often benefit from a controlled palette.

For example:

Lobby floor: neutral travertine
Reception counter: dramatic quartzite
Bathroom vanity: marble
Feature wall: bookmatched stone

This creates hierarchy while maintaining variety.

The key is to repeat colours and textures so the materials still feel related.

A good palette may share:

  • warm undertones;
  • similar background colours;
  • compatible vein direction;
  • related finishes.

The materials should feel curated rather than collected.

Lighting Should Be Evaluated With the Stone

Stone colour changes under different lighting conditions.

Hospitality interiors frequently use warm artificial lighting, which can significantly affect the appearance of stone.

Warm light may emphasize:

  • beige;
  • brown;
  • cream;
  • gold.

Cooler lighting may emphasize:

  • grey;
  • white;
  • blue.

Polished surfaces can also reflect pendant lights, windows, and decorative fixtures.

For major feature stones, lighting tests should ideally be considered before final approval.

Lighting can transform an ordinary slab into a strong architectural element.

It can also make the wrong material look dull or overly reflective.

Fabrication Quality Determines Whether the Design Works

Designers often spend considerable time selecting materials but underestimate fabrication.

Important details include:

  • seam location;
  • edge profile;
  • corner treatment;
  • thickness;
  • joint width;
  • cut-outs;
  • vein continuation.

A reception desk with beautiful stone can lose impact if the front panels do not align.

A waterfall island can appear disjointed if the vein changes direction suddenly.

A vanity can look poorly detailed if the edge profile is inconsistent.

For complex projects, fabrication should therefore be integrated into the design process rather than treated as a separate production stage.

Shop Drawings Are Essential for Custom Stone

Large commercial projects require accurate documentation.

Shop drawings can identify:

  • dimensions;
  • panel numbers;
  • stone type;
  • finish;
  • thickness;
  • edge profiles;
  • openings;
  • vein direction;
  • installation location.

The design team should confirm that production uses the latest revision.

Fabricating from outdated drawings is one of the most expensive avoidable mistakes in international stone projects.

Labeling Makes Installation More Efficient

A commercial project may contain hundreds of fabricated pieces.

Without clear identification, installation becomes unnecessarily difficult.

Each piece should be connected to:

  • room;
  • elevation;
  • panel number;
  • crate;
  • drawing reference.

This reduces confusion on site.

It also helps when replacement pieces are required.

Good logistics planning therefore begins before packing.

Plan for Maintenance From the Beginning

Hospitality materials are cleaned frequently.

That makes maintenance a design consideration.

The team should understand:

  • appropriate cleaning products;
  • sealing requirements;
  • sensitivity to acids;
  • stain potential;
  • expected surface wear;
  • restoration possibilities.

Housekeeping teams should not be expected to discover correct maintenance procedures after opening day.

Specification documents should include practical care requirements.

Replacement Material Should Be Considered

Hotels experience constant use.

A piece may eventually become damaged.

If the project has no spare material, replacing one panel years later may be difficult because new natural stone may not match the original batch.

For critical areas, spare material can be valuable.

This is particularly important for:

  • lobby flooring;
  • wall panels;
  • custom fabricated pieces;
  • highly distinctive stone.

The amount of spare material depends on the project.

But the decision should be made deliberately.

Common Specification Mistakes

1. Choosing Stone From a Small Sample

A small sample cannot represent the full slab.

Review full slab images or actual slabs.

2. Selecting by Appearance Alone

Performance and maintenance matter.

3. Ignoring Batch Variation

Large commercial areas require planned consistency.

4. Using Too Many Statement Stones

Luxury does not require visual competition.

5. Planning Vein Direction Too Late

Layout must happen before fabrication.

6. Ignoring Housekeeping Requirements

Maintenance affects long-term appearance.

7. Treating Packing as an Afterthought

International project stone needs proper protection and labeling.

A Simple Specification Framework

If the project needs a calm large-scale architectural surface

→ Consider travertine, limestone, or other relatively restrained stone.

If the project needs timeless classical luxury

→ Consider marble.

If the project needs a dramatic focal point

→ Consider expressive quartzite or marble.

If the surface is heavily trafficked

→ Prioritize finish, wear, slip resistance, and maintenance.

If several slabs are required

→ Review batch consistency and layout together.

If the material has strong directional veining

→ Approve fabrication layouts before cutting.

If the project is international

→ Include labeling, inspection, packing, and replacement planning in the specification.

Final Recommendation: Specify the Whole Stone System

Successful stone specification is not just about naming a material.

For hospitality and commercial projects, architects should think in terms of a complete system:

material + finish + batch + layout + fabrication + maintenance + installation.

The same stone can perform brilliantly in one location and poorly in another.

A dramatic quartzite may be perfect for a reception desk but unnecessary across a large floor.

Marble may create exactly the right atmosphere in a hotel bathroom while requiring greater care in a restaurant work surface.

Travertine may provide the warmth and continuity needed across a resort without competing with more expressive accent materials.

The most successful projects use stone strategically.

They identify where drama is needed, where restraint is more appropriate, and where performance should take priority over appearance.

That balance is what turns stone from a decorative finish into a meaningful part of the architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What natural stone is best for hotel interiors?

There is no single best stone for every hotel application.

Marble can work well for bathrooms, feature walls, and classical luxury spaces. Quartzite can be effective for dramatic reception counters, bars, and statement surfaces. Travertine can suit large resort areas, floors, walls, and warm architectural environments.

If the area needs visual drama → consider quartzite or expressive marble.

If the area needs warm continuity → consider travertine.

If the area experiences heavy traffic → prioritize performance and finish before appearance.

2. Is marble suitable for commercial interiors?

Yes, but the application matters.

Marble can perform very well on walls, reception areas, bathrooms, decorative features, and selected floors.

For high-traffic or food-service areas, the design team should consider maintenance, surface wear, staining, and acid sensitivity.

Marble should be specified according to real operational conditions.

3. What stone is best for hotel lobby flooring?

The best choice depends on traffic, desired appearance, finish, maintenance, and slip requirements.

Travertine, marble, granite, limestone, and other stones may all be suitable depending on the project.

Large lobby floors also require careful batch planning because variation that looks attractive on one slab may become distracting across hundreds of square metres.

4. How do architects select stone for hospitality projects?

Architects should evaluate more than colour.

The process should consider:

  • application;
  • traffic;
  • moisture;
  • finish;
  • slab size;
  • batch consistency;
  • fabrication;
  • maintenance;
  • installation;
  • replacement requirements.

For expressive materials, full slabs and fabrication layouts should be reviewed before cutting.

5. Why is slab layout important in commercial stone projects?

Slab layout determines how veins, colours, and patterns connect across the finished installation.

It is particularly important for:

  • reception counters;
  • feature walls;
  • waterfalls;
  • fireplaces;
  • bookmatched panels.

Without layout planning, strong veins may be interrupted at seams or important patterns may be removed by cut-outs.

For high-visibility commercial spaces, approving slab layout before fabrication can significantly improve the final result.

Located in the historic center of San José del Cabo, Laiva Plaza is a boutique hotel designed by RA! and developed by Grupo Laiva. The project responds to its urban setting by extending the pedestrian character of the surrounding streets into the building and establishing a gradual transition between public space and the hotel.

Project Name: Laiva Plaza
Studio Name: RA! Arquitectos
Location: San José del Cabo, B.C.S, Mexico
Year: 2026
Area: 1,557 m2
Team: Pedro Ramírez de Aguilar, Cristóbal Ramírez de Aguilar,
Santiago Sierra, Valentina Oregón, Carlos Fuentes, Oscar Salazar,
Daniel Martínez, Andrés Rubín, Mateo Macouzet, Gustavo Cortés.
Photography: Oscar Hernández

LAIVA Plaza by RA! Arquitectos-Sheet2
©Oscar Hernández

Rather than occupying the full street frontage, the building is set back to create an open atrium at ground level. This shaded space serves as an extension of the sidewalk and leads visitors toward the interior, while encouraging natural airflow through the building. Mixed-use spaces occupy the ground floor, guest rooms are distributed across the two levels above, and a roof garden accommodates shared amenities overlooking the surrounding city.

LAIVA Plaza by RA! Arquitectos-Sheet3
©Oscar Hernández

At the center of the building, a vertical courtyard becomes the main organizing element. Circulation develops around this void, which brings daylight into the interior and supports cross ventilation throughout the hotel.

LAIVA Plaza by RA! Arquitectos-Sheet7
©Oscar Hernández

Staircases connect visually with the courtyard through a series of circular openings, maintaining a continuous relationship between enclosed and open spaces.

LAIVA Plaza by RA! Arquitectos-Sheet8
©Oscar Hernández

The architecture is composed of intersecting walls that define a sequence of patios, terraces, and circulation areas. As the building rises, its volume gradually steps back in response to the scale of the historic center. Repeated openings and architectural elements establish a rhythm that references the papel picado traditionally seen along the streets of San José del Cabo.

LAIVA Plaza by RA! Arquitectos-Sheet10
©Oscar Hernández

Color and handcrafted stucco complete the material expression of the project. Together with the courtyards, shaded transitions, and stepped volumes, these elements connect Laiva Plaza to the climatic, pedestrian, and cultural conditions of its immediate context.

Designed as a modern home, this 1400 sq. Ft. 3-BHK apartment is centered on the concept of connected living, where spaces flow together smoothly to create a residence that looks large, feels warm, and is deeply welcoming. Within a small area, the design shows how smart spatial organization and the use of materials can bring about a feeling of openness, movement, and togetherness.

Project Name: The Earthen Weave
Studio Name: UA Lab
Project location: Ahmedabad, India
Completion Year: 2025
Gross Built Area: 128.38 square mt.
Lead Architects: Krishnakant Parmar
Design Team: Krishnakant Parmar, Zeel Jani
Photo credits: Maulik Patel / Inclined Studio

The Earthen Weave by UA Lab-Sheet1
©Inclined Studio

At the heart of the design is the idea of interwoven spaces, achieved through a balanced mix of open areas and gentle privacy. One key architectural element is a wooden screen that acts as both a visual link and a space divider. Instead of making rigid boundaries, the screen softly separates areas while keeping sightlines open, allowing a natural flow between different parts of the home. This layered division helps create a sense of space, while also balancing privacy with openness.

The Earthen Weave by UA Lab-Sheet3
©Inclined Studio

The living area is the main gathering spot of the home, designed to be warm and inviting for social interactions. A comfortable seating setup, along with thoughtfully chosen furniture and a swing, encourages closeness and relaxation. The dining area continues this sense of connection, enhanced by soft lighting and displays of unique items that add character and charm to the interior. The selection of materials is important in creating the home’s atmosphere.

The Earthen Weave by UA Lab-Sheet7
©Inclined Studio

The design uses a warm and natural color scheme, with rich wood finishes, textured stone, brass accents, soft fabrics, and layered lighting. These materials not only create a visually pleasing environment but also offer a sensory experience that feels personal and grounded.

The Earthen Weave by UA Lab-Sheet9
©Inclined Studio

Each bedroom has its own unique style while fitting into the overall design theme. Special walls, custom details, well-chosen lighting, and carefully selected textures create spaces that are both functional and stylish. The use of warm colors and subtle contrasts adds to the cozy and peaceful feel of the home.

The Earthen Weave by UA Lab-Sheet10
©Inclined Studio

The project aims to create a home that goes beyond just meeting practical needs. It is meant to be an experience of living, where spaces are connected through thoughtful design, warmth is expressed through materials, and every area encourages connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

on http://www.designandarchitecture.net/

Author

Disha is a 21 year old work-in-progress studying architecture. She is truly passionate about movies, art, books and writing. What sets her apart is her optimistic attitude and the desire to always strive for perfection. Coffee and cognizance is what keeps her sane.