The Macael Awards

were created in 1985 with the aim of recognizing professionals who have stood out in a special way in architecture, crafts, and design nationally and internationally, and people, institutions and the media who have carried out unique actions for the benefit of the industry. Throughout 35 years of existence, the Macael Awards have positioned as the most important event in the natural stone sector at a national level, and they have acquired a important international accent.

Many personalities such as presidents of the Andalusian Government, ministers, and presidents of the Spanish Government of Spain have been at the event. Important architects like Sainz de Oiza, Rafael de la Hoz, Cesar Portela, Alberto Campo Baeza, Ethan Anthony, Joaquín Torres, and Daniel Libeskind. Relevant international institutions such as MIA (Marble Institute of America) or ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), and winners of various kinds, such as Carlos Herrera, Jorge Lorenzo, Karlos Arguiñano, David Bisbal… In addition, the Queen of Spain, Ms. Letizia Ortiz was the presenter of the Macael Awards.

AWARDS 2024 XXXVII EDITION

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. Thanks to his passion for storytelling and showcasing Andalusian roots, Modesto Barragán has also left a mark on our region and played a vital role in promoting Macael in recent years.

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 sustainable materials such as Dekton and natural stone. This certification reflects the commitment to reducing the building’s carbon footprint and promoting a healthier work environment. A total of 5,500 and 10,000 square meters of Dekton and natural stone, respectively, were used for various exterior applications, including flooring, wall cladding, stairs, pool cladding, and decorative elements like planter coverings.

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 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. This solution, utilizing Dekton’s resistance to stains, scratches, and extreme weather conditions, has been perfectly adapted to the three-dimensional design of this mixed-use project, which is a fine example of interdisciplinary collaboration, also involving the contractor Riverside Group.

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. Notably, the design features marble such as Blanco Macael, Calacatta Lincoln, Negro Bambú, Cipollino Multicolor, Taurus Gold granite, Caliza Alba, Grigio Perla, Pietra Santafiora, and various semi-precious stones like White Quartz, Agata Thera, and Crystal Quartz. 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.

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. The kitchen features backlit Honey Onyx and White Onyx for both the countertops and wall coverings, while the bathrooms showcase Calacatta Gold flooring, Blue Roma Quartzite shower walls, Cyclone marble surfaces, and cladding in Caspian Grey, Nairobi Grey, Aspen White, Kayak Beige, and Montblanc. The master suite is adorned with Arabescato Fantastico marble. A handmade Emperor Brown marble sink stands out, placed against a backlit Pangea marble wall.

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. Additionally, the anchoring system was designed to withstand strong wind gusts, improving the building’s ventilation and insulation, which contributes to sustainability and reduced maintenance costs.

Museo Paleis Het Loo Kolen, Netherland.

The Jury grants the Europe International EAward 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. The stone, which covers nearly all spaces, has been installed on floors, wall cladding in various rooms and corridors, as well as in fountains and exterior decorative details. The brightness of the white marble, along with the filtered light through the glass panels, enhances the efficiency of the climate control systems designed by the architects.

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, 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. It incorporates five color ranges: Valterra, Sterling, Zenith, Irok, and Bento, selected for their perfect harmony with the beige and brown tones of the local landscape. Another key objective was to optimize the material as much as possible to minimize waste.

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. The project, which will transform this building into the store of a renowned fashion brand and a luxurious five-star hotel, is located just a few meters from the Plaza Mayor and in the commercial core, positioning the facade as one of the most outstanding in Valladolid.

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. It is also integrated into decorative furniture elements, such as the storage benches framing the large glass window. This work is inspired by the city of Baeza, its monuments, and the gentle contours of olive trees.

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 such as Verde Alpi, Crema Dolmen, Crema Terra, African Canyon granite, green slate, and various travertines. These materials, which provide a perfect combination of elegance, durability, and sustainability, are featured in iconic areas such as the lobby, pools, rooms, and common areas. The timeless design of this project, blending tradition and modernity, integrates seamlessly with the Mediterranean style of the complex, elevating its status and offering guests a luxurious experience.

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. It`s internationally recognized for its ability to blend design and natural materials. Its commitment to excellence in every detail has made the studio a leader in interior design.