The Spanish Premios Macael were bestowed for the 37th time

Nov 27
2024

The award recognizes buildings from all over the world that have used natural and engineered stone from companies in Andalusia

The 37th edition of the Premios Macael was awarded in twelve categories, and awards were also given to projects in which Engineered Stone Dekton was used. The Association of Marble Companies in Andalusia (Asociación de Empresarios del Marmól de Andalucía, AEMA) has been bestowing the prize since 1985, recognizing professionals and their works “outstanding in a special way in architecture, crafts, and design nationally and internationally,“ as said on the webpage.

Below, we name the winners and render an abbreviated version of the jury‘s tributes.

But before, we show a new corporate video performing the Macael marble together with the Spanish Flamenco, honoring also the Castanets, a rhythm instrument unique to the country:

Premios Macael

Europa: Renovation of the Museo Paleis Het Loo Kolen, Netherlands. The Jury grants the Europe International Award to the ambitious renovation project of Paleis Het Loo, which houses a museum and an exhibition hall on the history of the Dutch Royal Family, where the installation of Blanco Macael marble has been the cornerstone of its transformation. With more than 5,000 square meters of new facilities, the new design has focused on preserving the palace’s historical charm through the use of this noble and sustainable material, sourced from the quarries of Macael.

National: Ingepiedra for the ‘El Corte Inglés’ facade in Valladolid. The Jury grants the National Award to da-AR Arquitectura and INGEPIEDRA for the renovation of the iconic building that once housed the El Corte Inglés department store in Valladolid. One of the most striking changes in the renovation is the transformation of its facade. It has been designed with large stone pieces of Almería Travertine marble, measuring 3.45 meters in height by 1.60 meters in width and weighing over 1,600 kilograms. The pieces, anchored from floor to floor, with curvatures and vertical grooves, provide a timeless beauty that marks a new milestone in the city’s architecture.

North America: Tower Pinkster Titus Associates. The Jury grants the North America International Award to the architecture firm Tower Pinkster Titus Associates for the development of the ventilated façade in Dekton Sterling engineered stone at the 180 E. Water Street building in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. The uniqueness of the façade lies in its construction with large mitered-edge panels, installed with complex three-dimensional angles on beams and column joints.

Latin America: Private Villa by architect Antonio Lardino. The Jury grants the Latin America International Award to the Private Villa entirely designed, both inside and out, by architect Antonio Lardino, located in Panama City. This project combines luxury and sophistication through the use of carefully sourced natural materials from Macael. The integration of these elements highlights Lardino’s creative vision and his ability to merge architectural design with nature in this stunning private seaside residence.

Middle East: Qaryat Al Hidd, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Jury grants the Middle East International Award to the Qaryat Al Hidd residential complex in Abu Dhabi, which is an ambitious large-scale project developed by Saadiyat Development and Investment Company. It includes the installation of a 65,000-square-meter ventilated façade made of Dekton engineered stone, covering 12 buildings with more than 1,100 apartments. Following a comprehensive master plan strategy, the design is inspired by an exclusive lifestyle, with the 40,000 façade panels custom-made.

Asia: Nupami BD, for Gulshan 2 Residence. The Jury grants the Asia International Award to the project management firm Nupami BD for the ‘Gulshan 2 Residence, which is a luxury home located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, featuring an impressive array of materials applied throughout the residence. Among these, large-format Calacatta Lincoln marble was installed on the floors and in a sculptural staircase.

Africa: Sandown Mews, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Jury grants the Africa International Award to the commercial building Sandown Mews, located in Johannesburg, for the renovation project of its facade, which included 1,800 square meters of Dekton Marmorio. The material, with an A2 fire resistance rating, was used in the installation of a ventilated facade system that transformed the building’s aesthetics and functionality, increasing the property’s value.

Excellence: Jaime Beriestain Studio. The Jury grants the Excellence Award to Jaime Beriestain Studio for its outstanding career and contribution to the design industry, where it has successfully combined functionality and aesthetics with innovative use of natural stone. Its work with materials and companies under the Macael Marble Brand is a clear example of his ability to transform spaces into luxury experiences. Beriestain reinterprets the art of natural stone, creating environments that balance elegance, nature, and comfort while adapting tradition to the demands and sensibilities of the present.

Design: Hotel El Fuerte, Marbella, Málaga. The jury grants the Design Award to the Hotel El Fuerte, located in Marbella, designed by LR Arquitectura, Pablo Liv and Gustavo Rodriguez, with Jaime Beriestain Studio as an interior designer, for its complete renovation and transformation through a careful selection of natural stones. These materials provide a perfect combination of elegance, durability, and sustainability.

Sustainability: Etown 6 Office Building, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Jury grants the Sustainability Award to the Etown 6 office building by Archetype architect company, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This project has achieved the highest LEED Platinum V4 certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, thanks in part to the installation of materials such as Dekton engineered stone and natural stone.

Person: Alfonso Mollinedo Sáenz, Mollinedo Arquitectura. The Jury grants the Person Award to Alfonso Mollinedo Sáenz, from the Mollinedo architecture studio, for his distinguished career in vernacular architecture related to the world of olive cultivation, recognized with prestigious European awards. His work on projects such as the Aoveland by Oleícola Baeza, located in the city of Baeza, Jaén, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is an example of innovation, featuring the use of Dekton’s Pietra Kode range in key areas such as interior flooring, wall cladding, countertops, doors, show-cooking areas, outdoor paving, and restrooms.

Comunication: Modesto Barragán – Journalist. The Jury grants the Communication Award to Modesto Barragán, a prominent figure in Andalusian media and host of the program Andalucía Directo. His interest in Macael has brought the town’s traditions and significance to the attention of thousands of viewers. The celebration of the 6666th episode of the program in our municipality was a memorable moment, immortalized by the installation of the program’s logo, crafted from Macael marble pebbles. Furthermore, his participation in the historical reenactment Canteros y Caciques has been key in reviving and promoting an essential part of our identity.