Imagine stone, typically heavy and rigid, being applied as a lightweight and flexible material. Stoneskin, an innovative solution for interiors and furnishings, embodies this concept. Developed by Stonearts, an Austrian company, Stoneskin reimagines the use of ancient stones through artisanal craftsmanship. This new material allows designers to incorporate the earth’s natural colors and textures into flexible, natural stone surfaces for various design applications.
Stonearts has recently introduced Stoneskin, though its production relies on centuries-old knowledge from communities near millennia-old mining sites in India. These regions, shaped by geological processes, offer a wide variety of stone compositions, structures, and colors, providing a rich resource for Stoneskin’s development.
To create Stoneskin, a specific process was devised to transform thick stone into a thin, lightweight surface. This method, which is akin to ancient reverse printing techniques, involves placing a backing layer on the stone. A medium facilitates the migration of minerals from the stone’s surface into the medium, which then deposits these minerals onto the backing substrate, replicating the original stone’s stratification.
Depending on the stone’s composition, producing a single Stoneskin sheet can take up to 24 hours. This process results in unique, natural pieces that capture the exact stratification of the original stone. From each stone, up to 1,000 layers can be produced.
The color of Stoneskin are directly tied to the stone’s original composition, reflecting the geological eras that formed them. Panels derived from sandstone offer warm, earthy tones from quartz and feldspar, while those from shale feature cooler, grayish hues from clays, quartz, and carbon.
Stoneskin is available in various sizes to accommodate different project needs. The S size measures 1220 x 610 mm, while the L size is 2440 x 1220 mm. An XL size of 2600 x 1200 mm is also in production, providing options for larger applications.
With standard thicknesses between 1.5 and 3 mm and a weight of approximately 1.5 kg/m², Stoneskin is often reinforced with a fiberglass net for stability. It is versatile, suitable for interior and exterior wall cladding, flooring, bathroom installations, furniture cladding, and kitchens.
Stoneskin enhances aesthetics and functionality in both residential and commercial spaces, aligning with biophilic design principles.
Stonearts has also developed an ultrathin version of Stoneskin, which is extremely flexible and resembles synthetic leather. This version, backed with organic cotton, is intended for use in upholstery, fashion, and even the automotive sector.
Stoneskin exhibits excellent material properties, including the ability to withstand temperatures up to 120 °C and a high abrasion resistance class of PEI II. It is also fire-resistant, classified as C-S2, d0 according to UNE-EN 13755:2008. Stoneskin can be cut using standard tools such as table saws or hand-held circular saws with wood or stone blades. Drilling is possible with wood or stone drills, and its flexibility can be enhanced with heat.
Stoneskin aligns with an eco-design approach, reflecting a growing preference for natural materials and conservation of non-renewable resources. The combination of ancient and modern techniques in Stoneskin’s production highlights its durability and innovative performance, offering a sophisticated material for contemporary design.
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