By Sara Chan | Sept 3, 2009

Marble-Lous Illuminations

“I have been in the industry for 10 years, and I have not seen anything as unique as this” says Peter Chu. He had been searching for over 3 years for an alternative to alabaster and onyx lighting but to no avail, until an acquaintance mentioned an Italian company which was experimenting with marble and turning it to lighting in stone. The first of its kind in Malaysia, marble lighting has now broken into the market, inciting a fervent interest in the classic stone material. Patented from the Italian innovation, this is a new design in lighting where real slabs of marble are cut so thinly that it allows light to pass through the crystals and veins of the marble, presenting a spectacular artistic display of the unique stone.

The Italian company had only recently perfected the cutting edge design after researching and experimenting for 7 years. In partnership with this company, marble lighting was brought into Malaysia for the very first time. Peter, now the regional representative for marble lighting added, “Marble lighting carries the depth and the character that onyx and alabaster lack due to its characteristic swirls and veins. It’s a new, one of a kind type of lighting that is rare, even overseas. Because marble has many different kinds of grains and colours, each piece presents a different kind of light design to the owner, which makes it irreplaceable - just like art”.

The unique light-in-stone pieces can be used to create a vast number of items, based on the customer’s creativity and needs. Easily converted into a counter top or bar, the marble pieces can also be turned into a centrepiece for homes. “Marble lighting can also be used as a backdrop for your walls or even on the ceiling for a spectacular effect” says Peter as he explains the fluidity of the material. For those worried about marble damages, Italian experts have fused the thin marble slices with glass to strengthen the already soft material.

Currently there are 18 choices in marble design and colour but will increase with further phases of development. The company is in the midst of expanding the use of marble lighting, soon offering it as a flooring option and eventually available as a floor tile, lit with fibre optics.

Cheaper than alabaster and onyx, the price range of marble lighting starts from RM160/sq ft, depending on the quality of the marble. “A nice space without the proper lighting has no ambience” says Peter, who is passionate about searching for unique, one of its kind lighting options from around the globe. The grains, texture and character of the illuminated marble pieces bring out a definite curiosity to many, making it truly a work of art.

	Inspired Designs Sdn Bhd
	603 – 03-22836011 | Fax: 03-22834011
	info@inspired2designs.com
	91, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
	www.inspired2designs.com