International Stone Architecture Award Winners

Words: Dan Kamys

Fermin Vasquez
Fermin Vasquez

Architects from Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Italy were recently selected by an international jury to receive Veronafiere/Marmomacc’s International Stone Architecture Award. This is the 11th edition of a biannual program created by Veronafiere in 1987 as part of the trade fair company’s commitment to the culture of stone. Prizes will be presented Oct. 3 during Marmomacc in Verona, Italy, at the Museo di Castelvecchio.

Espigueros and Horreos
Espigueros and Horreos

Following are the honored architects, their projects and the primary stone material:

  • Asian Architecture Friendship –
    Osaka, Japan-based group of volunteers, mainly composed of architects from the construction firm Takenaka Corp.; School Complex, Philim, Nepal 2007; local stone and slate
  • Fermin V??zquez
    b720 Arquitectos – Barcelona, Spain, www.b720.com; Restoration of Plaza del Torico, Teruel, Spain, 2007; basalt
  • Cino Zucchi Architetti –
    Milan, Italy, www.zucchiarchitetti.com; offices in the former Alfa Rome Cafeteria at Portello, Milan, Italy 2007; Cardoso stone
  • Grafton Architects –
    Dublin, Ireland, www.graftonarchitects.ie; Luigi Bocconi University, New Building, Milan, Italy, 2008; Ceppo
  • Sn??hetta –
    Oslo, Norway, www.snoarc.no; Opera House, Oslo, Norway, 2008; Carrara marble
  • “Ad Memoriam” Award: Alejandro De La Sota;
    Madrid, Spain; Civil Government Offices, Tarragona, Spain 1957; local stone
  • Vernacular Architecture Prize – Espigueros and Horreos:
    Stone Granaries in the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain); granite
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

How TMC Is Reaching the Next Generation of Masons
January 2026

Advocacy, outreach, and education have never been more important to the future of Texas masonry. As the state continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled trades. Industry leaders, schools, and organizations are working together to make sure the next

Restoring South High School: A Beaux-Arts Icon in Youngstown
January 2026

By Eric Holm, Executive Director, Jubilee Urban Development A Testament To Time And Craftsmanship In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, stands a structure that has witnessed more than a century of history, resilience, and craftsmanship. South High School,

Risk Management Benefits of Reviewing the OSHA Top 10
January 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep employers aware of common risks that can have serious consequences. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspe