Case Study | OLD STONE Decades-Old Paving Stones in Contemporary Hospitality Design

Created on 09.15

Blending New Stone with Old Slabs — Entrance of a European Hotel Lobby

Project Background

In high-end hotel design, the lobby entrance is the guest’s first impression of the space. Solely using new stone often appears too uniform and austere, while the scarcity and historic character of old slabs infuse the scene with the depth of time. The design focus of this project lies in merging the "new' with the "old" to create a sense of value that is truly unique.

Design Concept

Axis Guidance: The central entrance axis employs OLD STONE long rectangular slabs (width 30–40 cm / 11.8–15.7 in, length 80–250 cm / 31.5–98.4 in). Their rough surface, rounded edges, natural cracks, and marks of erosion reflect decades of weathering. Each slab carries 20–30 years of natural history, making them a non-renewable and scarce resource.
Contrasting Paving: On both sides of the axis, new polished dark gray granite is used, providing a refined backdrop that highlights the historic texture of the old slabs.
Transitional Node: Near the steps, the old slabs are arranged in a simple rectangular “stone carpet” form, reinforcing the ceremonial sense of arrival.
Light and Shadow Ambience: The interplay of slanting evening sunlight with the lobby’s warm interior glow reveals layered reflections and textures across the aged stone surface.

Application Value

The Weight of Time

Old slabs are not replicas, but authentic building components that have existed for decades, even centuries. Every trace of wear on their surface embodies the accumulation of time.

Scarcity and Irreplaceability

Each slab is limited in quantity and cannot be reproduced. Their use in hotel spaces inherently conveys distinctiveness and exclusivity.

Enhanced Spatial Narrative

A central axis paved with old slabs resembles a "historic passage," immersing guests in an atmosphere where modernity and history intertwine from the moment they enter.

Sustainability Value

Reusing old slabs aligns with sustainable principles, extending the life of materials while embedding cultural narratives into the space.

Conclusion

By integrating decades-old slabs with modern new stone, OLD STONE has created an entrance for this European hotel lobby that unites contemporary aesthetics with historical rarity. The weathered slabs allow guests to immediately sense an irreplaceable value and story as they step into the hotel.

In today’s era of highly homogenized design, the authentic age and scarce nature of old slabs not only elevate the hotel’s identity but also make the space more precious through the passage of time.