marble spotlight✨
Exploring the Timeless Craft of Marble: A CPD Trip to Verona and the Laas Valley
In March, the Miaki team had the privilege of traveling to Verona, Italy, for an unforgettable CPD (Continuing Professional Development) trip in collaboration with Rayca and Victoria Stone. This incredible journey gave us an exclusive opportunity to explore the heart of marble production, visiting a working closed quarry in the Laas Valley, as well as some of the region’s most renowned stone factories. Our itinerary included a tour of the Lasa Marmo factory and quarry, the Antolini factory, and the Victoria Stone factory – each offering unique insights into the artistry and craftsmanship behind one of the world's most celebrated natural materials.
Photo: Verona
Lasa Marmo: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Our first stop was the Lasa Marmo factory, a significant player in the marble industry with a rich history dating back to 1928. Located in the stunning Laas (Lasa) Valley, the Lasa Marmo factory spans an impressive 55,000 square meters. This facility houses not only the administrative headquarters but also a comprehensive production setup that includes technical offices, a tile hall for project layouts, a raw slab warehouse, and a block warehouse.
The factory’s location is key – sitting at the end of a long chain of value creation, it serves as the destination for high-quality white marble extracted from the local quarries. Here, raw marble blocks are carefully processed into exquisite building materials, with the company exporting its products worldwide. What truly impressed us during our visit was how Lasa Marmo blends tradition with modern techniques, maintaining high standards of quality while adapting to the evolving demands of the global market.
Victoria Stone: Crafting Marble for Generations
Next, we ventured into the heart of Verona, where we visited Victoria Stone’s fireplace factory. Victoria Stone continues a centuries-old tradition of masterful stone masonry. Verona’s historical landscape is a testament to the skill of artisans who have shaped the city’s stunning architecture, and Victoria Stone proudly honours that legacy.
Their artisans combine time-honoured techniques with modern precision to create bespoke marble surrounds that are as functional as they are beautiful. Every mantel crafted by Victoria Stone is considered a work of art, with meticulous attention to detail at every step of the process. From sourcing the finest marble and stone to the final polish, their team ensures that each piece embodies the sophistication and timeless allure that Verona is known for.
During our visit, it was clear that the artisans at the factory do not just create marble pieces – they craft history. Their commitment to excellence and artistry shines through in every fireplace, making them a true pillar of the region’s rich marble heritage.
The Antolini Factory: Pushing the Boundaries of Marble Design
Though our primary focus was on the Lasa Marmo and Victoria Stone factories, we also had the chance to tour the Antolini factory and incredible Stoneroom, showcasing the unique applications of their stones. Known for pushing the boundaries of design, Antolini is at the forefront of the stone industry, creating not only marble but also stunning designs using other types of stone. The innovation and creativity displayed in their work continue to inspire architects, designers, and builders across the globe.
Photo: Antolini | Milano Duomo | Stoneroom
A Journey into the Heart of Marble
This CPD trip to Verona and the Laas Valley was more than just a tour of marble factories – it was an immersion into the craftsmanship and artistry behind one of the world’s most timeless materials. From the quarries in the Laas Valley to the skilled artisans in Verona, we gained valuable insights that will continue to influence our approach to design and architecture.
We are grateful to Rayca and Victoria Stone for their collaboration in making this trip possible and for the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the marble industry. As we return from this experience, we look forward to applying the knowledge we gained to our future projects, ensuring that the legacy of fine marble craftsmanship continues to live on in every design we create in our projects.
Photo: Team MIAKI | RAYCA | VICTORIA STONE