San Michele Bar Installation: A Masterpiece of Sculptural Stone Architecture

The Fusion of Craftsmanship and Minimalist Design

San Michele Bar Installation, designed by Trewhela Williams in collaboration with Etraterra, is a striking example of sculptural stone architecture. Created for Marmi Faedo, the project was conceived as an immersive Grolla stone installation at a trade fair in Verona. The stand was designed to offer a serene contrast to the bustling exhibition environment, emphasizing the natural beauty and technical strength of Grolla limestone.

Grolla stone has been used for centuries across Northern Italy in civic buildings, fountains, and bridges, including the historic balustrades of the San Michele Bridge in Vicenza, carved in 1621. Inspired by this legacy, the installation reinterprets the bridge’s curvature into a monumental six-meter-long bar, creating an architectural form that is both sculptural and functional.

A Monumental Expression in Stone

The bar’s design is characterized by a seamless blend of mass and lightness. The base of the monolithic structure appears to peel away from the ground, creating a pronounced belly that transforms into a cantilevered countertop. Composed of three massive carved sections of Grolla Beige and Rosato, each weighing 4.9 tonnes, the bar required meticulous craning and positioning. Structural engineers from Bailiss & Co refined the geometry to ensure lateral stability, accommodating the live loads of users leaning against the cantilevered edge.

The absence of fixed anchoring due to the temporary nature of the installation necessitated an innovative approach to balance and stability. The sculptural simplicity of the design enhances the raw elegance of the stone, showcasing its natural veining and subtle tonal variations in pink and beige hues.

A Harmonious Composition of Stone and Landscape

Beyond the bar itself, the installation extends into a carefully curated ensemble of supporting elements, including bar stools, a coffee table, bench seating, and plant troughs, all carved from Grolla stone. These pieces contribute to a cohesive spatial experience, reinforcing the monumental quality of the installation.

The weighty solidity of the limestone structures is juxtaposed with the organic informality of Eucalyptus Gunnii bushes, which enclose the installation in a soft, natural perimeter. The stone elements feature a variety of finishes, from honed countertops to sawn sides and flamed floor tiles, demonstrating the versatility of Grolla limestone in architectural applications.

A Sustainable Approach to Temporary Architecture

Following the conclusion of the trade fair, the installation was dismantled and transported back to Marmi Faedo’s workshop. Rather than being discarded, the elements were reassembled to form a permanent bar for the craftsmen who originally shaped them. This cyclical approach to design ensures that the installation continues to serve a meaningful purpose, reinforcing the enduring qualities of both material and craftsmanship.

San Michele Bar Installation stands as a powerful testament to the possibilities of sculptural stone architecture. By blending historical references, technical precision, and a profound respect for materiality, the project redefines how natural stone can be used in contemporary spatial design.

All Photographs are works of Marcello Mariana