We are facing an environmental crisis directly related to our disconnection from nature. We have forgotten that we are a part of it.

In this separation we have acquired unhealthy lifestyles that are disrespectful to ourselves and nature, routines and practices that are detrimental to our quality of life, and that are even endangering our survival as a species. It is not an isolated event that the environmental crisis is unfolding in parallel with the highest rates of mental health conditions, anxiety, depression and suicide in history. We are going through an eco-social crisis.

Architecture that re-establishes a positive dialogue with the natural environment is critical. Building with natural stone is a means to renew our relationship with nature and understand that we are a part of it; Inaugurating a new alliance in coexistence.

Using natural stone brings us closer to nature, transporting it to our cities and our daily lives. The invitation is to explore landscaping offered by the use of natural stone as inspiration for architects and designers to create a bridge between architecture and nature, to manage to integrate them in an attractive way under the language of design in spaces that allow us to feel closer to the earth, being able to smell it, observe it and feel its texture.

We think that building with natural stone can stimulate our awareness of the environment, that being exposed to it can foster our understanding and interest in protecting and caring for the environment.

Using it to design projects helps instil values such as historical memory while reinforcing the sense of identity and cultural heritage. Building in stone is building to last, for countless generations and as an imperishable material it can be recycled in other constructions or returned to the land to which it belongs with no need for any type of transformation.

Creating pleasant and healthy spaces in natural stone that evoke calm, as well as the opportunity to experience the enjoyment, stimulation or pleasure of the aesthetics of a construction in harmony with the landscape, can promote physical health and an emotional and mental peace of mind that adds to our quality of life

The benefits of natural stone also show us how they can contribute to our quality of life:

• Reduced CO2 emissions in the manufacturing phase (From to 288 kgCO2/m3 with concrete to 16.6 Kg CO2/m3 with Albamiel natural stone)
• Thermal insulation with no added products (we invite you to look at our sustainable architecture section to learn more about the proposed solutions), especially low-density stones such as Albamiel, which also acts like the sea, reducing extreme variations in temperature
• Maximum acoustic insulation, vital in providing comfort.
• Absence of chemical products and therefore of Volatile Organic Compounds, making it optimal for human use, but also for places where natural fermentation is carried out, such as wine cellars, for example.
• Minimal radioactive emissions that represent an 84 to 92% reduction compared to other materials commonly used,
• Flame retardant and fire retardant classified as Euroclass A1, non-combustible and offering no contribution to fire.
• Durable, the lifetime of stone constructions is currently recognized as 100 years, although we all know examples where it exceeds this.

The use of natural stone contributes to sustainable and lasting development, giving us the opportunity to express our creativity, enjoy beauty and improve our quality of life. 

Catalina Sánchez Robles and Valentina Uribe Montoya.

Rosal Stones.