Tech Meets Tradition

The Evolution of Stonemasonry at stoneCIRCLE

stoneCIRCLE tradition in stonemasonry - photo Marco Joe Fazio
 

Bridging the Past and the Future

Stonemasonry is one of the world’s oldest trades, shaping civilisations from the pyramids of Egypt to the cathedrals of Europe. At stoneCIRCLE, we honour this heritage while embracing today's most advanced technology.

 

As you walk through our factory, you’ll witness the seamless collaboration of old and new—from the rhythmic chisel strokes of a master mason to the hum of a CNC machine executing precision cuts. This harmony between tradition and innovation defines our approach, ensuring that every piece we create is as durable as beautiful.

 

The Tools of Time: Craftsmanship That Endures

Before the era of computer-aided precision, stonemasons relied entirely on hand tools to carve intricate details and smooth surfaces. Even today, the final touch on every stone piece at stoneCIRCLE is done by hand, ensuring the highest level of detail and craftsmanship.

A perfect example of this is our Jenny Lind polishing machine, one of the oldest in the industry. Unlike modern automated polishers, the Jenny Lind requires a craftsman’s skilled guidance to bring out the natural beauty of the stone. This machine has stood the test of time, much like the stone it polishes, symbolising durability and mastery.

the Jenny Lind polishing machine, our oldest piece of equipment still in use today

 

Precision Meets Passion: CNC and Waterjet Technology

Although tradition remains central to our work, innovation has driven us forward. Our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines enable us to achieve precision levels that would be impossible by hand alone. Whether it involves intricate inlays, curved surfaces, or complex geometries, our CNC technology guarantees accuracy down to the millimetre.

5-axis CNC machine at work

craftsmanship at stoneCIRCLE

waterjet cutting machine

Alongside CNC, our waterjet cutting technology allows us to carve through even the hardest stones with fine detail, making it ideal for bespoke designs and high-end architectural applications.  However, despite these technological advancements, the human eye and expert touch remain vital—every piece is finished and quality-checked by our skilled masons.

 

Sustainability Through Innovation

Beyond precision and artistry, technology also contributes to making our operations more sustainable. Our water recycling system enables us to be nearly self-sufficient in water usage, while our solar panels generate 40 kWh of clean energy to power our machines. Additionally, surplus stone from production is crushed and repurposed, minimising waste.

40 kWh of energy generated by our solar panels, 72,000 litres recycling water tank in our yard

crushed and repurposed stone at stoneCIRCLE - photo Marco Joe Fazio

minimal waste through crushed and repurposed surplus stone

 

Where Craftsmanship and Innovation Converge

At stoneCIRCLE, technology enhances tradition—it doesn’t replace it. Every project we undertake, whether it’s a luxury interior, a public monument, or a bespoke work of art, is a testament to the expertise of our craftsmen and the power of modern engineering.

By blending age-old techniques with cutting-edge technology, we ensure that every piece of stone we shape today will endure the test of time—just as it has for centuries.

 
tradition in stonemasonry at stoneCIRCLE - photo Marco Joe Fazio
craftsmanship at stoneCIRCLE - photo Marco Joe Fazio
 
Marco Fazio

Marco Joe Fazio is CCO and director of photography at space+style™ by marco joe fazio Ltd, working in fashion, hospitality, food & drink, architecture and design.

Born and raised in Tuscany, Italy, Marco learned the rudiments of photography and the magic of the darkroom in his early school years. Thereafter, he worked in architecture, interior, and lighting design for two decades. During those years, Marco founded an award-winning architectural studio and managed a multidisciplinary design team, working mainly for fashion industry clients.

Since moving to London in 2008, Marco has been recognised as a Chartered Architect of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) while pursuing his dream of connecting the worlds of architecture, design, and fashion from the photographer's perspective.

After years of passionate dedication, hard work and professional achievements, he was awarded the Fellowship certification (FBIPP) by the British Institute of Professional Photography and won the Peter Grugeon Award for the Best Fellowship of the Year in 2016. Subsequently, he has been admitted as a member of the highly regarded Association of Photographers (AOP). 

Having achieved a stronghold in coordinated image and photography for the design and fashion world, Marco has taken his expertise into the hospitality market; luxury and boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants, and the drinks and beverage industry are all reaping benefits from his services.

Today, Marco is leading his agency in assignments in the hospitality, fashion, and design industries.

Creative photography, cinematography, coordinated images and brand marketing form the core of his services.

Thanks to more than a decade in the music industry, Marco has expendable knowledge in composition and sound engineering. That knowledge is a valuable asset in creating licensed soundtracks and magnetic sound designs for commercial productions.

Marco's passion and another branch of his business are mentoring and nurturing new visual arts talents. In 2016, he launched "telling [fashion] stories" – photography & set design workshops – and more recently, he has become a lecturer for the School of Art and Creative Industries at London South Bank University (LSBU).

The crossover between genres and industries is a peculiar and essential factor in his work, contributing to thinking outside the box and achieving a unique style rich in symbolism and content.

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