Stone Connection offers the highest quality granite, marble, sandstone, quartz and onyx in a wide variety of colours and finishes. Stone Connection shows you how to create meaning with stone.

There are two main types of stone: natural and engineered. Just like human fingerprints no two pieces of natural stone are exactly the same. Each slab of natural stone is unique with its own singular vein structure and colour composition. Natural stone lends this uniqueness to the space itself while engineered stone allows for a more homogenous look and feel.

Granite is one of the toughest stones and is highly resistant to heat and moisture which makes it perfect for exterior surfaces. Granite stone has a more structured, granular look and the stone’s low porosity makes it the ideal stone for kitchens and bathrooms. 

Marble comes in a variety of colours and is the stone most strongly associated with luxury and sophistication. Marble typically has a creamy appearance which contributes to the warmth and romance of a space. Designers should be aware that marble needs to be properly sealed to protect from stains

Onyx is a type of marble and also comes in a wide range of colours but is much more translucent which allows for the creative use of light in design. For example, in backlit walls.

Sandstone is an earth toned stone used for a variety of purposes, for both indoor and outdoor application. Sandstone is highly resistant to damage from exposure to direct sunlight and heat. This makes sandstone the ideal material for cladding façades, edges around pools, garden paths, and fireplaces.

Quartz is an engineered product made of quartz stone powder and resin. Quartz is a stone ideally suited for a more congruent look and may only be used for particular exterior applications.

Visit stoneconnection.co.za to view their entire catalogue of natural and engineered stone and learn more about the wondrous possibilities of stone.

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Stone Connection offers the highest quality granite, marble, sandstone, quartz and onyx in a wide variety of colours and finishes.

The goal of all interior and exterior design work is to add meaning to a space. Great design starts with quality stone and a vision. This process transforms a space into a place, giving you the freedom to create; whether it is a patio, kitchen, bathroom, or boardroom.

Established in 1998, Stone Connection is a natural and engineered stone surface distributor offering a wide range of stone options. Stone Connection offers over 80 different types of stone including granite, marble, quartz and onyx.

Stone Connection has an exclusive range suitable for all your interior and exterior design needs.

Visit stoneconnection.co.za to find one of their 11 distribution areas across South Africa.

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Oggie’s new showroom in Parkhurst forms a supremely good-looking backdrop against which to admire the brand’s lustworthy product line.

Parkhurst’s 6th Street has become a bit of a haven for design in Johannesburg, and the arrival of the spectacular new showroom for Oggie has taken the suburb’s design status to a new level. Created by Carl Jacobsz of architects C76, and with interiors by Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of HK Studio, the sprawling structure of wood, glass and abundant vegetation is the perfect setting for Oggie’s marvellous wooden flooring options.

The building, which faces 6th Street, rises up from the street in a series of brick and glass boxes that are framed in a connected façade of shoji screen-like wooden apertures, shielding yet also ever so elegantly revealing what might be going on inside the interior spaces. Inside it is a glorious expression of light, and Parkhurst’s abundance of trees and other greenery creates the sense that the building has become part of the suburban canopy itself. Wall cladding, flooring and ceilings all made from Oggie products add another layer of natural texture, connecting you back to the landscapes outside the windows.

“We wanted a space and building that reiterated what Oggie flooring’s products stand for, so we focused on nature, light, simplicity and warmth,” Carl explains. “The brief was simple: originally, Oggie wanted a showroom space on the ground floor with rentable office space for like-minded people on the first floor. But as we moved along, it became clear they needed the entire showroom for Oggie products. After that, they pretty much left it up to us to do our thing, and design a building that complements the Oggie brand. The company believes in the professionals they appoint, and trusts in them, which is a wonderful philosophy to hear from a client when starting any built project.”

The interiors continue to explore the material qualities of natural products, while also complementing the organic textures with metallic accents that bring the space squarely on trend, giving it a fresh feel. “We were lucky to have a beautiful, interesting base to work off from the architects,” says Megan. “We were also lucky to be able work with the incredible product that is Oggie, and apply it to floors, ceilings, walls and furniture, which instantly imbued the space with warmth and sophistication. We focused on detailing throughout, as well as on the use of materials that are authentic in principle, such as marble, stone, brass, steel and, of course, timber.”

The space offers a rare opportunity to experience the full product offering from one of VISI’s favourite local brands. Oggie’s new home is the perfect place to explore ideas for your own home or office, and immerse yourself in a building and decor approach that pushes the boundaries of how we connect with traditional showroom spaces.

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Cannata and Haardt also aim to showcase local talent. The Dialogue Room’s inaugural furniture and accessory collection, entitled MORPH, was created by Cape Town-based architectural and interior design brand, Studio AN.

Here, Studio AN’s Jan de Wet and Jeanne Scholtz chat to VISI about the collection.

What was the attraction to collaborating with The Dialogue Room on this collection?

As designers, we have always been drawn to marble and terrazzo and secretly dreamed of cladding entire rooms with it. Globally, we’ve seen a re-emergence in the use of these materials, and with advancements in technology, some very innovative designs. So, when Cannata approached us with its latest concept, entitled The Dialogue Room, and the idea of a furniture range, we jumped at the opportunity.

Studio AN’s Jan de Wet and Jeanne Scholtz

Which natural materials have you used for MORPH?

Working together with the Cannata team, we selected a palette of terrazzo and marble that we believe enhances the overall aesthetic and design concept of the collection. The collection also includes some steel and brass elements, but these are really secondary, as we wanted the focus to be on marble and terrazzo and to show how these materials can be used and shaped.

How many pieces in total will be released and what are they exactly?

The collection is made up of five furniture pieces and a servingware collection. Studio AN wanted to include pieces of different scales. The MORPH collection is made up of a lamp, mirror, stool, bench, and shelf/cabinet. To ensure the waste factor was kept to a minimum, we decided to use the rest of the material for multi-functional servingware.

Morph Stool from above

What have you learned about working with marble and stone?

That these materials are actually quite fragile. Marble and terrazzo are typically very strong when used in traditional applications. However, working on a smaller scale with more intricate detailing becomes quite challenging. In South Africa we do not have the technology to 3D cut these materials, restricting the making of three-dimensional forms. All the pieces in this collection are assembled through the layering of planes.

To see more of Studio AN’s work, visit studio-an.co.za. For more information about The Dialogue Room, go to cannatagranite.co.za/the-dialogue-room.

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This simple yet sophisticated luminaire, which is now available at Euro Nouveau, provides direct light shining down and an ambient glow through its body.

Euro Nouveau showcases the designs of Europe’s top lighting manufacturers in a luxurious showroom at the Eurolux HQ in Cape Town.

For more information, visit euronouveau.co.za.

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Sintered stone brand Neolith® is specified throughout the interior of master pâtissier Cédric Grolet’s Paris apartment.

Cédric Grolet, one of the most exciting and creative talents in modern cookery, has won multiple awards for his pastry work, including the prestigious Gault Millau Pâtissier of the Year and 50 Best’s Best Pastry Chef, the highest accolade of its kind in the profession.

Cédric’s work is characterised by visually striking patisserie, including his iconic (and much imitated) Rubik’s Cube Cake and his trompe-l’oeil desserts that accurately mimic freshly-plucked fruit.

When it came to renovating his Parisian apartment, the overall concept was developed by the chef himself, with an overarching vision of creating a space that delivered a big, aesthetic statement while allowing for a degree of practicality, essential for exercising his culinary feats.

“I wanted a space which would give me the freedom to experiment without restricting my imagination,” says Cédric. “I completely remodelled my apartment from top to bottom. I wanted to give it that idiosyncratic ‘Cédric’ spirit, reflecting my personality and beliefs. This meant it had to be as simple and unfussy as possible, using the very best materials available on the market.”

Cédric never adds unnecessary decoration or flourishes to his pastry work, an attitude that was central to his overall design vision. He wanted to combine simple, white marble-type surfaces with exposed stone walls and unvarnished wooden flooring throughout the property.

Primarily, he wanted to communicate a “closeness to nature,” which visitors to his apartment would sense the instant they stepped over the threshold. As such, it was essential to ensure these materials were 100% natural in their composition.

Working with highly-skilled fabricators J. Léger and La Marbrerie Contemporaine he set about bringing his dream to life.

Having tested a number of different surfacing options, Cédric spotted Neolith and was immediately impressed by its performance qualities. “What I like about Neolith is that it is non-porous and very easy to clean, an essential requirement for precise pastry work,” he says. “For example, I can knead and roll directly on the surface and it doesn’t stain or tarnish. It also offers a neutral, crisp backdrop, which allows my cakes and desserts to stand out, perfect for my Instagramming activity.”

Neolith Estatuario Silk was specified for the kitchen island, worktops and splashback. In an unusual twist, the island’s surface spills over onto the floor and up the wall, creating a marble-like feature that suggests organic continuity within the space. Contrasted with parquet floors, a limestone wall and pure white cabinetry, Neolith works in harmony with the kitchen’s other elements to deliver a relaxed atmosphere without detracting from the room’s main purpose.

Cédric’s philosophy also extends to other aspects of the property, particularly to the bathrooms, where waterproof materials that are easy to clean are indispensable.

Neolith Calacatta Polished was used for a minimalist, mounted vanity and wall-to-wall for a magnificent wet room with a waterfall shower. Adding an element of contrast, Neolith Iron Frost was used for the guest bedroom’s walk-in shower, the unobtrusiveness of the surface’s colour creating a soft, gentle and relaxing effect.

The Sintered Stone brand’s dedication to creating surfaces of the highest quality, using the best, 100% natural, raw materials echoes the pastry chef’s commitment to sourcing the very best produce.

Ever striving for perfection, Cédric sees this project as the start of an ongoing journey with Neolith. “Having observed the potential and versatility of the material in my own home, I am already imagining specifying it for a future project; I will definitely use Neolith surfaces again for either a culinary laboratory or a patisserie.”

For more information, visit neolith.com.

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From H&M’s first collaboration with a South African label to a moon-inspired floor lamp and a paper camera, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 278.

1. BAND Collection by Patricia Urquiola

“Renowned designer Patricia Urquiola has launched a new chair collection,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Entitled BAND, the angular designs of both the dining chair and club armchair aim to challenge the sophisticated lines seen in traditional furniture design.”

Images via kettal.com

2. H&M X Mantsho

“H&M has announced its first African collaboration with South African designer Palesa Mokubung’s Mantsho label,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “The range, which features Palesa’s signature vibrant prints and structural silhouettes, will consist of womenswear and accessories, and will be available in all South African stores, as well as exclusive flagship stores around the world, from mid August.”

Images courtesy of H&M & Mantsho

3. DOTMOT Paper Camera

“This clever paper camera by Seoul-based design studio DOTMOT comes complete with interchangeable lenses and a removable flash,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “While the model can’t actually take images, it would still be fun to construct.”

Images and video via thisiscolossal.com

4. Haute Edit Marble-inspired Collection

“Kumari Govender, founder of local brand Haute Edit, has launched a range of marble-inspired ceramics,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “The collection includes condiment bowls, mezze bowls, oil and balsamic bowls, tapas bowls, dessert bowls and sorbet bowls.”

Images via hauteedit.com

5. K.Light Moonlight Floor Lamp

“Local lighting brand K.Light has just launched the LED Moonlight Floor Lamp, perfect for highlighting a favourite artwork at home,” says Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink. “Better yet, you’re able to rotate the lamp 360° for the perfect positioning.”

Image via via klight.co.za

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 278 on picks of the week 305.

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Natural tile and stone surfaces brand WOMAG recently launched its marble-look Phoenix Stone range.

Available in a range of colours, the low-maintenance Quartz surfaces are scratch-, heat- and stain-resistant.

Italian Beauty Phoenix Stone

“Phoenix Stone is made of at least 93% Quartz, making it extremely durable and easy to work on,” explains WOMAG’s Jonathan Schietekat.

The versatile available options are perfect for both bathroom and kitchen countertop applications.

For more information, visit womag.co.za.

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Designer Adam Court of Cape Town-based studio OKHA is behind the creation of a new side table and coffee table, made from Verde Magnifico marble.

The two expertly handcrafted tables showcase the marble’s visible layers, highlighting the geological makeup of Cape Town and South Africa. This informed Adam’s decision to use these metamorphic rock resources.

With an earthy red hue, the marble used for the coffee table is known as Flame Travertine, which can be seen in many South African stone and rock formations. The surface of the table sits on Larch timber legs. The green triangular side table plays on ancient symbolism, seated on large Brutalist-inspired Larch timber legs.

For more information, visit okha.com.

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Mineral mania in interiors is influencing fabric trends, too. We’re loving the variety of marble, quartz, agate and terrazzo available, and the potential to merge the hard visual texture of stone with the softness of woven material.

Impress polyester-viscose blend – Rose Gold in the Stardom collection by Hertex, R610/m.

Impress polyester-viscose blend Pod – in the Stardom collection by Hertex, R610/m.

Marble rug – Ivory – from Haus by Hertex, R7 900 (2,4 m x 3,4 m).

Gems 61 polycotton by Vano Home Interiors, R3 555/m available through T&Co Fabrics.

Federico Orange jacquard by Güell Lamadrid, R1 420/m, from T&Co Fabrics.

Scatter cushions from the Geo Grafik range by Clinton Friedman, R985 each.

Scatter cushions from the Geo Grafik range by Clinton Friedman, R985 each.

Scatter cushions from the Geo Grafik range by Clinton Friedman, R985 each.

Eco Graphite cotton-silk blend by Fadini Borghi for Pierre Frey, from Mavromac & The Gatehouse, R5 176/m.

Mucci Ivoire linen by Kravet Couture, from St Leger & Viney, price on request.

Agate 10586-24 cotton, R4 116/m, by Nobilis, from Mavromac & The Gatehouse.

Terrazzo embroidery, R4 045/m, by Nobilis, from Mavromac & The Gatehouse.

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