Design Freedom with a Natural Stone Look

Natural stone without the limitations of stone

At Architect@Work, Cofac presented MarbleLook, a new application of aluminum composite. Natural stone serves as the visual inspiration, but behind it lies a lightweight and malleable material that can be formed, rolled, and processed into complete facade elements. Cofac manufactures aluminum composite facade elements for applications in residential construction, non-residential construction, and high-rise buildings, among others.

It was from this experience that the idea for MarbleLook was born. The company regularly sees natural stone used, particularly in residential and high-rise buildings. Natural stone gives facades a high-end look, but its weight also poses challenges for construction, transportation, and installation. With MarbleLook, Cofac aims to offer an alternative that goes beyond a printed panel. “We want to be able to create the same depth and appearance. It has to have real substance and not just be a simple print.” At the same time, aluminum composite weighs a fraction of what natural stone does and therefore places fewer demands on the supporting structure.

From a flat sheet to a round shape

Developing the right method proved to be technically complex. The challenge was to apply the natural stone look without compromising the quality and added value of aluminum composite. For Cofac, this is precisely where the strength of MarbleLook lies. After the decorative finish is applied, the material can still be milled, bent, and rolled. This makes it possible to create not only flat facade sections, but also sharp corners, curved shapes, and prefabricated elements. These elements can be glued, visibly screwed, or recessed and invisibly fastened.

From natural stone to a concrete look

Architects are not limited to the natural stone looks that Cofac presented at Architect@Work. A client can also suggest a specific look, and Cofac can then translate that aesthetic into the composite material. This is possible even for small orders. Wood and other stone looks are also among the options.

The presentation in Rotterdam also marked the next step in the development process. Cofac’s main goal is to discover which colors, textures, and applications architects find interesting. Other directions, such as a concrete look, are also still on the table. “The foundation is in place. Now we mainly want to engage with architects to discuss their creative ideas, wishes, and requirements.”