Breathing New Life into a Nordic Town with Chinese Porphyry: A Case Study
Our story begins in the year 2023 when the local government of a picturesque Scandinavian town embarked on an ambitious project – the redesign of their train station’s outdoor activity square. Their vision was to bring together modern functionality and classic aesthetics through the use of Chinese Porphyry – a natural stone revered for its unique texture and vibrant colours. The material was sourced from MQ STONE, a factory known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The challenge was to transform the station plaza and the exterior walls of the surrounding buildings without detracting from the town’s quaint charm. The solution was found in three vibrant variations of porphyry: Porphyry Purple (Imperial Red Porphyry), Grey Porphyry, and Rusty Porphyry, each colour adding a new dimension to the town’s appearance.
- Project Name: Railway Station External Square | Europ
- Material: Red Porphyry, Grey Porphyry, Rusty Porphyry
- Size: 10x10x8cm, 20x20x3 cm
- Surface: Flamed
- Quantity: 3500 SQM
The Art of the Stone
Porphyry outdoor tiles from Chinese Porphyry aren’t just stones; they’re an amalgamation of centuries-old geology and modern craftsmanship. The process begins with mining, where the porphyry cube stone is carefully extracted to maintain its natural texture. It is then processed into various forms – porphyry floor tiles, porphyry cobblestones, and porphyry paving slabs, each with a unique application.
The chosen size for the project was 10x10x8cm and 20x20x3cm pieces, processed with a flamed technique. The flaming process imparts the stone with a rough, textured surface, providing a non-slip property crucial for outdoor paving. This characteristic makes porphyry outdoor tiles an ideal choice for all seasons, be it rain or snowy winters.
The Design
The design of the railway station square incorporated a multicoloured pavement, each colour of porphyry paving stone alternating every 10 metres. This pattern created an enchanting mosaic of Porphyry Purple, Grey Porphyry, and Rusty Porphyry – a walkway art piece in its own right. This exquisite pattern is often referred to as the porphyry French pattern tile style, a style that was once a symbol of luxury and opulence, now gracing the streets of this Nordic town.
The Impact
The total transformation spanned 3500 square metres and successfully merged aesthetics and safety. With the natural, anti-slip property of the porphyry flooring tiles, the town’s residents and tourists could safely navigate the charming paths, regardless of the weather conditions.
Despite its affordability, Chinese Porphyry does not fall short on quality or aesthetic appeal compared to other natural stones. The renovated railway station square not only became a local attraction but also set an example of how cities could incorporate natural elements into urban design without compromising safety or functionality.
The careful selection, meticulous planning, and expert execution of this project transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. The unique streetscape of this Scandinavian town, with its porphyry cobblestone paths and squares, pays homage to the charm of Chinese Porphyry, demonstrating how we can weave together different elements of the world to create something truly beautiful.
Related Products
