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Making waves, with sensational stone

Neolith has established itself as a visionary among sintered stone specialists worldwide. What makes Neolith’s interior and exterior surfaces so exceptional? We’re about to find out.

Making waves, with sensational stone

Neolith Beton, design by Studio Griffiths, photography by Sharyn Cairns.

Since its inception in Spain in 2009, Neolith has looked to innovate both its operations and its premium products, using only natural materials and in the most carbon-conscious of manners. This carefully considered approach which underpins Neolith’s inspired design vision has quickly established the brand as a particular favourite among Australian speficiers in the know.

A highly sustainable enterprise, Neolith’s operations are completely carbon neutral in an effort to ensure it does not bring harm to the earth. With the majority of its materials recycled, the company utilises renewable energy and recycled water to craft its superior surfaces.

In implementing high-tech machinery throughout the crafting processes, Neolith has refined its surfaces to be scratch, stain and thermal shock resistant. They can withstand high levels of UV exposure, and offer a multitude of textures, patterns and panel sizes made to suit a number of applications and aesthetics.

Neolith Calacatta Luxe, design by Lume Design, photography courtesy of CDK NZ.

Neolith begins its process with the production of raw materials. The natural minerals, both new from the mines and recycled, are grinded and atomised in order to obtain the most miniscule of particles. The particle ‘powder’ is then spread onto the production line, and pressed under approximately 4,000 bars of pressure, without heat, water or adhesives.

Once the edges are rectified, the slab is placed in a drying chamber, removing any humidity that may still be housed within it. The slab is then digitally decorated to the desired finish, and heated at 1200 degrees-Celsius to achieve a highly compacted slab.

Neolith’s team then runs the rule over the slab with a number of meticulous quality control tests, in order to ensure the slab is durable and suitable to the needs of its project – whether it be for a piece of furniture, kitchen countertop, flooring, cladding or a façade.

Neolith Calacatta Luxe, design by Lume Design, photography courtesy of CDK NZ.

Neolith’s vice president, Ross Cameron, appreciates the critical role the Australian market plays in Neolith’s global vision. Cementing the Neolith name within the Asia-Pacific region, he is excited for the opportunities that await architects and designers working with Australia’s sintered stone industry.

“Australia promises to be one of Neolith’s most important markets with direct warehouses in Sydney and Melbourne set to be established in the coming year,” he says.

The vision is for Neolith to become “the sintered stone of choice” for both Australian customers and specifiers, and the development of a well-stocked and curated portfolio is already well underway. Cameron draws our attention to Neolith’s Six-s collection and the Essentials range – two industry-leading products currently available in Australia.

Neolith Blanco Carrara, design by Swee Design, photography by Shannon McGrath.

“Launched in 2020, Six-s is a range of multiple finishes and every finish comes with a more realistic depth of colour, than anything else available in the market currently,” says Cameron. Meanwhile, “2021 saw us launch the Essentials collection. This is a beautiful collection with colours that are a perfect match for the Australian market.”

Sustainably outstanding, environmentally conscious and aesthetically brilliant, Neolith’s investment into the Australian market bodes well for local architects and designers. The company is in the midst of developing its team and tapping ever further into the evolving needs of the Australian design industry.

The level of care towards both its staff and products is reflected in its company values and extensive portfolio. This, combined with its investment into renewable and recyclable materials and technologies, highlights Neolith’s particular desire to look beyond the present, in order to remain relevant for the future.

Neolith Beton, design by Studio Griffiths, photography by Sharyn Cairns.

Neolith
neolith.com

We think you might like this article on INDE.Award-winning buildings, featuring Neolith.

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