Stonex

The Stonex India building, located along a bustling stone market, redefines the traditional role of architecture in branding. The initial concept centered on creating a façade that transcended conventional marketing approaches—eschewing external hoardings in favor of making the building itself an iconic landmark amidst the surrounding stone structures. The objective was to produce a design that would stand apart from the surrounding context, establishing a distinct identity for the brand through a façade that operates both as an architectural statement and an abstract artwork.

Rather than overtly showcasing the product, the façade was envisioned as a canvas upon which patterns were crafted using a combination of stones and slim tiles. The design utilized these materials in an abstract and layered composition, transforming the building into a visual spectacle. The façade’s layered geometry creates a dynamic play of light and shadow throughout the day. In the early morning and noon, the sunlight casts intricate shadows, animating the façade and lending it a sense of depth, as if strokes were painted on the surface by the sun itself. As the day progresses, the façade’s character shifts, bathed in the warm, diffused light of the late afternoon, which accentuates its textures and materiality.

One of the more innovative aspects of the design was the integration of the client’s brand icon—an old Ferrari car—into the façade. This bold gesture merged with the abstract patterns to create a seamless blend of product and identity, subtly incorporating the brand’s history into the architectural form. The use of both stone and slim tile is an exercise in material harmony, where the strength and density of stone contrasts with the slender elegance of the tiles, demonstrating the versatility of both materials in a unified architectural language.

At night, the building takes on an entirely new character. A carefully orchestrated lighting design, developed in collaboration with lighting consultants, illuminates the façade, creating a floating effect that reveals multiple levels and dimensions that are hidden during daylight hours. The lighting subtly emphasizes the façade's abstract patterns, transforming the building into a sculptural object that shifts and evolves as light interacts with its surfaces. This effect imbues the building with a sense of weightlessness and movement, allowing it to become a dynamic and evolving presence in the urban landscape.

The Stonex India building thus serves as a synthesis of art, architecture, and brand identity, where the façade functions not only as an external envelope but as an experiential surface that responds to its environment and time of day. It is an architectural landmark that symbolizes innovation and stands as a testament to the fusion of creativity and material performance.