The Art of Fluting

hotels and restaurants
Written By Marco Fazio

Merging Tradition with Technology

Few techniques embody the elegance and precision of stonework more than the art of fluting. This ancient craft, characterised by its vertical grooves, adds depth and sophistication to any stone surface. Here is a short video showcasing a Travertine slab with a meticulously fluted surface.

That is a harmonious blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship.

Recently, we had the privilege of applying our fluting expertise to a luxurious project at the Jumeira Carlton Hotel in London. We crafted a stunning patisserie display desk and elegant vanity units using fluted Calacatta Oro marble. With its rich veining and timeless beauty, this exquisite stone added an extra layer of opulence to the hotel's sophisticated interiors. Our blend of advanced CNC technology and meticulous hand-finishing ensured that each piece was a masterpiece of precision and artistry.

Jumeira Carlton Hotel, London - patisserie desk in fluted Calacatta Oro marble

At stoneCIRCLE, we pride ourselves on maintaining this delicate balance. Our state-of-the-art CNC machines provide the initial precision carving, ensuring each groove is uniform and flawlessly aligned. However, the skilled hands of our stonemasons bring the final touches to life. Their expertise and attention to detail ensure that each piece is perfect and unique, embodying the timeless beauty of handcrafted stonework.

This synergy between cutting-edge machinery and artisanal skill is what sets us apart. It allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering exceptional quality and innovative designs for our clients. As you watch the video, we invite you to appreciate the intricate artistry of fluting and the dedication that goes into every piece we create.

Jumeira Carlton Hotel, London - vanity unit in fluted Calacatta Oro marble

  • stills and motion picture by Marco Joe Fazio

Marco Fazio

Marco Joe Fazio is Chief Creative Officer and Director of Photography at space+style™ by Marco Joe Fazio Ltd, where he leads visual storytelling, photography, cinematography and content strategy for clients across hospitality, food & drink, fashion, architecture and design.

Born and raised in Tuscany, Italy, Marco discovered photography at an early age through traditional film and darkroom printing. Before becoming a full-time photographer, he spent two decades working in architecture, interior architecture and lighting design, founding an award-winning practice and leading multidisciplinary teams on projects for international fashion brands.

After moving to London in 2008, Marco became a Chartered Architect with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), combining his architectural background with a distinctive photographic approach that connects people, spaces and brands through visual storytelling.

His work has been recognised with the Fellowship of the British Institute of Professional Photography (FBIPP), together with the prestigious Peter Grugeon Award for Best Fellowship of the Year in 2016. He is also a member of the Association of Photographers (AOP).

Today, Marco specialises in creating strategic visual content for luxury hospitality, boutique hotels, restaurants, drinks brands, interior designers and manufacturers. His work combines commercial photography, cinematography and brand storytelling to help businesses communicate their expertise, craftsmanship and identity through compelling visual narratives.

Alongside his visual practice, Marco brings more than a decade of experience in music composition and sound engineering, enabling him to create bespoke soundtracks and immersive sound design that complement his film productions.

Education and mentoring remain central to his professional practice. He founded the telling [fashion] stories workshop series and lectures in photography and visual communication at London South Bank University (LSBU), supporting the next generation of creative professionals.

The combination of architecture, photography, filmmaking and music gives Marco a distinctive multidisciplinary perspective, allowing him to create work that is visually refined, emotionally engaging and strategically aligned with each client's brand.

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