Ostuni-based stone expert TWS has developed new techniques to restore historic masserie and create new use for stone
Story by: Inbal Sinai
An expert in the processing of creating natural stone, Ostuni-based company Tipical World Stone (TWS) has created a flexible innovative technique to create unique effects and finishing on a variety of stone, combining contemporary design with traditional materials. The result is a collection of stunning high-end surfaces applicable for floor and wall coverings, with innovations in furniture too.
While extracted from different quarries in Italy, Morocco, Albania, France, Spain and Croatia, the company transforms the stones in Puglia with projects in the U.S., France, Italy and Russia. VIA contributor, Inbal Sinai met with TWS’ Commercial Manager, Alessandra Calo, to talk about their latest innovations.
How was the Trame di Pietra® product created?
“After years of experience working on standard finishes of natural stones, we searched for an innovative way to transform such elegant materials while preserving beauty and identity. We developed a micro-engraving technology used on natural stone and marble to create new and unique surfaces.”
Did you design this specifically for the restoration of masserie?
“TWS started with flooring for the restoration of masserias in Puglia. Memories and the atmosphere of antique houses inspired our first collection, Le Pietre Mediterranee®, which aims to generate an authentic effect of the passage of time and is therefore ideal for restoration projects. Trame di Pietra® is designed for the restoration of masserias as a new contemporary surface mainly for indoor flooring and wall coverings in bathrooms and spas, with delicate textures and light neutral colors. The micro engraving creates an anti-slip surface, where functionality meets aesthetics and beauty. We have recently introduced a new application made for furniture design which uses lightweight stone or marble slabs to create surfaces for dining tables, doors, window shutters, etc.”
What inspires you most about Puglia?
“I was born and raised in Puglia, surrounded by nature and 1,000-year-old olive trees. Masserias and trulli being old houses of the poor were made mainly with local stones (‘chianche’). However, they were full of history, embedded with stories of culture, religion, and people, and are thus remarkably inspiring… as well as our continuous dialogue with architects and designers.”
You recently collaborated with Raffaella Guidobuono of ‘Leftover’ design to present a new line of oakwood tables covered with TWS surfaces.
“Raffaella and I followed each other on Instagram and last September when I was in Palermo, we met for a coffee. We discovered that we share a love for natural materials, passion for design and architecture and personal experiences abroad. Our first project was presented during Milan Design Week… with Trame di Pietra® slabs as tabletops in ‘Noir’ and ‘Greige’ natural stone. We have several projects in progress – two houses in Florence and Milan, tabletops for restaurants in Palermo and Puglia – and more coming soon!”
TWS’s Le Pietre Mediteranee® has laid the groundwork for some of the region’s most successful masserie projects and leading hotels, as well as restaurants and many beautiful cellars in the region. Ostuni-based villa Palombara Piccola is one of their latest projects and June 2019 will see the opening to two new boutique hotels in Monopoli and Manduria.
