S TO N E L I G H T ALABASTER COLLECTION
The Stonelight treatments Although alabaster has rich aesthetic qualities, these are offset by the constraints presented by its natural technical features – these include a lack of hardness (2), sensitivity to heat and shocks and roughness of surface. The Atelier Alain Ellouz has taken up the challenge of adapting alabaster for use in work demanding robustness and impermeability, such as bars or floors. The specific Stonelight techniques, involving a series of applications of resins and varnishes, give alabaster all the qualities required: rigidity, resistance to shocks and protection against liquids. Some of the treatments are carried out in the workshop and another is applied at the time the piece is installed. They cover both the stone and the joints, rendering them perfectly smooth to the touch. The finishes are also designed to improve light diffusion and the effects of lighting.
The constraints of alabaster The richness of the patterns within the alabaster are due to the variations in density and crystallisation. The alabaster may weaken around the (fragile) veins.
The gypsun alabaster that we use has a hardness of 1.5 to 2, which is low and therefore prone to scratching. (Marble is 4-5, quartz is 7, and diamond 10). Alabaster is sensitive to heat and shock. At 70°C its inner structure is altered and the stone looses its transparency. Any impact on untreated alabaster leaves a dull white mark on the surface of the stone.
Untreated alabaster is porous and penetrating liquids may stain.
Alabaster’s specific crystallization which gives it its transparency is unstable under the sun. It will naturally darken and yellow under UV rays and exterior aggressions.
Stonelight solutions Strengthening treatment This technique encloses the alabaster in an invisible structure, thus adding resistance to flex.
Shock and scratch protection This treatment encapsulates the alabaster within one or more layers according to usage.
Sealing the surface This treatment seals every pore of the surface and permits resistance against different degrees of aggresivity.
Anti UV treatment This treatment is applied to those pieces which will be exposed to daylight. The transparent qualities are then preserved.
PROTECTION AGAINST
STONELIGHT INDEX STONELIGHT INDEX
0 1
2
RIGIDIFICATION
0
natural alabaster: porous
1
air exposure with varying humidity in a living space
2
air exposure in a kitchen or bathroom
natural alabaster: none alabaster facade strengthening for plates laid on a solid surface
3
3
specific strengthening for flooring
4
4
maximum strengthening for suspended alabaster (partition walls)
5
ST
1
S to n e l i g h t
Specific protection of alabaster The Stonelight level indicators are composed of three numbers, corresponding to three levels of alabaster protection for strengthening, shock resistance, and waterproofing. It is followed by the UV sign when the object will be exposed to UV light.
2
HUMIDITY AND LIQUIDS
3
exposure to drinks exposure to aggressive products (perfumes, others) tests conducted.
UV
STONELIGHT INDEX
0
exposure to water projections (no standing water)
SHOCK RESISTANCE natural alabaster - weak
1
scratch resistance
2
small objects impact resistance
3
vertical impact resistance (shoes, stools)
4
bartop resistance, bartop impact resistance (plates, serving trays, bottles)
5
maximum resistance to impact (heels, furniture)
MOST COMMON STONLIGHT INDICATORS USE OF THE ALABASTER
LIVING SPACE
KITCHEN/BATHROOM
wall
ST
121
ST
122
art/light fixtures/ ceiling
ST
211
ST
212
bar top / table
ST
244
ST
244
bar front pannel
ST
234
ST
234
floor
ST
354
/
Nils Aziosmanoff
lights off
lights on
The contribution of light The apparent whiteness of alabaster reveals the richness of its patterns as soon as it is back-lit. The 15 or 20 mm of translucent materials play upon the clarity of the surface and the softness of the interior motifs. Alabaster is the true embodiment of chiaroscuro. Once lit, this fascinating stone possesses an amazing power of attraction.
The relationship between form and light The Atelier Alain Ellouz favours a very contemporary approach with mass lighting, which eliminates the effects of transparency. In this way, alabaster itself becomes the light source without any dazzling effect.
raw
polished
Soft to the touch With the finishes, our artisans ensure that a soft and pleasant tactile contact with the stone is preserved. Alabaster has a warm feel (like wood) which reinforces its soft and warm look. The satin finish, obtained through controlled polishing after treatment, gives an optimal and authentic look rising from the depths of the back-lit stone.
2700 K°
3200 K°
4000 K°
L’Atelier Alain Ellouz a mis au point plusieurs techniques de rétroéclairage particulièrement adaptées à l’albâtre pour valoriser ses qualités de transparence. MAÎTRISE DE LA DIFFUSION
5000 K°
Pour tous les projets, les positionnements de sources du retroéclairage sont mises au point afin de donner un rendu de lumière très homogène. MAÎTRISE DE LA COULEUR
Le mélange de deux sources variables, blanc chaud et blanc froid donne toute une palette de températures de couleur possibles pour choisir le meilleur rendu de l’albâtre selon l’ambiance désirée. MAÎTRISE DE L’INTENSITÉ LUMINEUSE 6000 K°
Le mode d’éclairage, la puissance de la source ou la variation permettent d’obtenir des niveaux d’éclairement contrôlés.
FRANCE SHOWROOM & ATELIER 121 rue Tabuteau - 78530 BUC + 33 (0)1 73 95 03 20 contact@atelieralainellouz.com
UK SHOWROOM Mayfair, London WIJ 8EA, UK +44 (0) 203 729 0609 contactuk@atelieralainellouz.com
USA BUREAU / OFFICE +1 (212) 381 6172 contactusa@atelieralainellouz.com
SHOWROOM 171 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 (open in june 2018)
www.atelieralainellouz.com
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