InFluential_Magazine_May_June_2017

IN FLUENCE
Green Living
GOING GREEN
with
NATURAL STONE
G
reenery is a fresh and
zesty yellow-green shade
that evokes the first
days of spring when nature’s
greens revive, restore and renew,
according to the Institute, also
noting the soothing effects of the
otherwise energizing color.
“More and more homeowners
are looking to create tranquility
through the use of calming colors
and natural materials like stone,”
said Stephanie Vierra, architect
and president of Vierra Design &
Education Services. “‘Greenery’ is
not necessarily found in natural
stone, but it is a shade commonly
seen in nature.”
Natural stone can, however, be
green in the literal sense, from
emerald granites and marbles to
more subdued hues flecked or
veined with green. For many, using
natural stone is a way to expand
the concept of “Greenery” into their
home design projects.
THE 2017 COLOR
OF THE YEAR, REVEALED
BY THE PANTONE
COLOR INSTITUTE IS
A NEAR-AVOCADO HUE
CALLED “GREENERY.”
Not Just for Monuments
Using natural stone for homebuilding
or remodeling makes sense. It
is unequalled for strength and durability.
As stone processing methods
have improved and prices have decreased,
clapboard and brick exteriors
have been supplanted by natural
stone cladding options. Indoors,
stone has vaulted to prominence
over imitation stone materials.
“Natural stone most often lays a
neutral base which complements
the vibrant and striking colors of a
living space,” said Eric Osterhout of
Northern Stone Supply. “It resembles
nature, where you might see a bluegray
granite mountain spread with a
deep green and gold forest, or deep
rust and gold river rock crawling
with bright green moss.”
In many cases, designs start
with a feature material like stone,
knowing that it will last a long
time, according to Vierra. Natural
materials coordinate well. Trend
colors can be applied to the
design after feature materials have
been chosen.
Natural stone is durable, easy to
maintain and affordable. Combined
with myriad pattern choices,
textures and colors, the demand for
natural stone is understandable.
Sustainability of Stone
To keep pace with demand, stone
suppliers temper their production
with a focus on sustainability. Stone
is nature’s original “green” building
material, and the industry is laying
claim to environmental benefits of
its use in construction:
• Stone quarrying practices have
improved and are monitored for
regulatory compliance. Old quarries
are being reclaimed as parks and
recreational areas.
• No energy or power is required
to create stone – it exists
naturally. Power is used for extraction
and processing, but relatively
less as compared to many
other building materials.
36 FLUENTIAL
MAY / JUNE 2017
Photo (Vals quartzite from Switzerland fireplace) courtesy of MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute