Passionate about turning nature’s most enduring resource into a hallmark of luxury hospitality, Jeff Vanhinsbergh, Director of stoneCIRCLE, talks bringing stone into hospitality spaces, creating bespoke designs and memorable hotel projects.
Tell us about what stoneCIRCLE can offer to hotels?
At stoneCIRCLE we’ve been working with some of the most prestigious hotels in the country for decades which means that we have a wealth of experience of working with interior designers, architects and contractors. We offer an end-to-end service as we can source the stone directly from the quarry in Italy or elsewhere in the world. We also have our own installations teams, so can offer supply and fit. We are known for our attention to detail and precision engineering.
In which hotel spaces do your clients introduce stone elements?
Our clients use stone all over the hotel, from lobbies, bars and public restrooms, to guest bedrooms, bathrooms and suites, as well as spas and fitness areas.
Why are stone surfaces a good option for hotels?
Stone immediately brings a feeling of elegance and opulence to a hotel. It is also a good choice from a practical point of view, as it is easy to clean and long-lasting.
How do you tailor your services to different clients?
Everything we do is bespoke. We work with our clients and their designers to choose different types of stone and ways of fabrication that fit with the desired style and colour palette of the hotel, for example producing inlaid marble flooring that mirrors architectural features, or is in a particular style for period properties.
How do you combine hand skills and more technological approaches in production?
We use digital templating and surveying combined with CNC-equipped machines for most of the work, taking files and using them to cut and fabricate the stone on our saws and water jet machines. The stone is then hand-finished using traditional techniques.
How do you ensure that your production methods are sustainable?
Stone is one of the most sustainable construction materials, especially if chosen from a local quarry. It does not have to be fired, lasts more or less forever if properly cared for, and can be reused or recycled at the end of its life. We use solar power at the factory, and capture rainwater and recycle our grey water to reuse on the factory floor. We also recycle any offcuts that are too small for us to use, by supplying them to a local company for use as hardcore. In fact the base for our production unit which opened in 2015 was made from our own recycled waste.
What are the challenges of supplying to the hospitality sector?
The logistics of delivery and working around other trades. Hotels are often in places that are difficult to access, and moving delicate, heavy objects from the delivery vehicle to the rooms in which they will be installed is often a challenge.
Tell us about a recent hotel project you’ve supplied to and why it stands out?
The Jumeirah Carlton Tower was one of my favourites – the patterned marble floor in the entry lobby is beautiful.
Tell us about an exciting project in the pipeline and what your involvement is?
We are currently doing mock-up rooms for a new five-star hotel in London. I’m not allowed to reveal the name…
What’s next for stoneCIRCLE?
More of the same, hopefully, as we are striving to become the first choice for designers and specifiers in the hotel industry.
