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The Natural Choice Stone Offers Amazing Versatility
By Judy W. Talley Photography courtesy of Barbara Brown 
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When Suzanne Zayed and her husband decided to build their dream house on the lovely bayou of the Mississippi coast, Suzanne knew she wanted to use natural stone throughout the home. After discussing the scope of the project with her brother-in-law, who is a contractor in Cairo, Egypt, Suzanne wanted to locate a stone company state-side that could offer the wide variety of stone she sought and guide her through the complex selection and installation process. Following his advice, she connected with a supplier in Cairo who directed Suzanne to Marmi Natural Stone in Atlanta.
This international referral was not surprising when you consider the sheer scale of Marmi's offerings and the depth of their expertise. With more than 300 available colors, a myriad of different varieties of stone and with access to additional offerings from over 35 countries, Marmi Natural Stone is a one-source solution for the luxury custom home owner.
A Single Source
After more than 40 years of international stone quarrying, cutting, polishing and fabricating, Marmi came to Atlanta in 2006 and established itself as a single-source provider, with all importing, transportation, design, fabrication, delivery and installation services handled in house. Conveniently located on Interstate 85 North just outside the 285 loop, Marmi invites homeowners, designers, architects and home builders to its welcoming showroom and state-of-the-art fabrication facility. With 45,000 square feet of unique stone selections, Marmi has quickly become a preferred destination of design professionals.
Why is "one source" important to the homeowner? According to Dale Contant of Atlanta Design & Build, "It's all about time and quality. Our clients have so many decisions and choices to make that for them to be able to go to the showroom, have an incredible selection to choose from and know that it will be measured, fabricated and installed by one team is terrific. They know they're getting the best from the best."
Tuncay Ozay, Marmi's General Manager, adds, "There are so many fabricators who are here today and gone tomorrow and many who do not comply with EPA and OSHA regulations - we want our clients to know that we stay current with all regulators and that when we begin a project, we will see it through with compliance, experience and expertise. And, we'll be here tomorrow, next week and next year - for follow up or your next project." Tuncay continues, "All of Marmi's sales, fabrication and installation staff are full-time employees, experienced professionals who are well trained on the finest equipment in the stone industry worldwide."
Unparalleled Options
Yet when faced with so many options - rows and rows of beautiful slabs of granite, marble, travertine, limestone and a rare collection of semi-precious exotic stone - one is almost overwhelmed by having to choose the natural stone that is just right for a new home or renovation project. This selection is such an important one that you ideally want to work with someone who will listen to your vision and then provide unbiased expert advice about the appearance, functionality and practicality of each of your options, which is exactly what the experts at Marmi offer.
As Suzanne explains: "Since the natural stone in my home was to be such a central element, I spent several years picking out the exact stone I wanted from all over the world. Tuncay's knowledge and expertise allowed me to select the ideal slabs, then have them fabricated and installed." Designed by prominent Miami architect Ramon Pacheco, the Zayeds' 9,100-square-foot Mediterranean residence boasts natural stone in every room, demonstrating the incredible versatility of stone for so many applications other than its traditional placement in kitchens and baths.
As you enter into the vestibule, the craftsmanship of the marble staircase and artistry of the inlaid stone in the hall invite you into a beautiful yet very comfortable setting for this coastal family. "With two sons who are in college yet near enough to come home on weekends, our home is always open to the boys and their friends," says Suzanne. "I love the look and feel of the stone floor in the kitchen, and it certainly hides the many footprints of boys' feet after they have returned from a big fishing trip with dripping coolers, fish to clean and dirty clothes." The laundry room, powder room, walk-in bar and Suzanne's computer nook all feature natural granite which offers a refreshing look that is crisp and clean. Nearby, in the kitchen that seems to be the gathering place each evening, the welcoming look of its Brazilian Vitoria Regia polished granite island becomes the aesthetic focal point as well as a functional work surface. If one kitchen is not enough for gathering, the outdoor kitchen exudes a welcoming charm and is a comfortable place for grilling, enjoying libations and just coming together for relaxing family conversation. Utilizing honed Gold Travertine for the bar and wall surround, the leather finish Uba Tuba granite bar blends nicely to create a casual yet elegant space for entertaining.
Walking along the side of the vanishing-edge pool, with its surround of exquisite blue tile and terraces of Galala Extra Brushed Limestone from Egypt, your eyes are drawn to the other side of the pool, where another gathering spot boasts an inviting outdoor fireplace, also built of Gold Travertine honed with decorative stone adorning the mantle. Each curved archway rests nicely on architectural columns and completes the walkway along the five sets of double doors that open onto the pool area.
Next to the kitchen with doors that open onto the walkway, the family room has one of four fireplaces found in the home. The warmth of the glowing fire is enhanced by the clean lines of the Turkish Antique Beige Marble surround. The master bedroom also offers a stone fireplace surround that also encompasses the flat-screen television. Off the master bedroom is the master bath that is finished entirely of stone and tile, along with a lovely vanity topped with a gorgeous piece of Golden Silver polished granite and the cozy master suite morning bar, complete with a sink and beverage cooler.
Having survived Katrina during its construction phase, this jewel is the product of a real passion for making a residence that is a true home with attention paid to every detail. Tuncay of Marmi comments, "This home became more than just a project. Working alongside Suzanne and helping her find exactly what she wanted and then seeing it come to completion is very rewarding for all of us at Marmi - in fact, that's our desire for every project."
For more information on Marmi Natural Stone, visit www.marmistone.com or call (770) 921-7601. Visit www.TodaysCustomHome.com to learn more about Marmi Natural Stone's state-of-the-art equipment, their commitment to the USGBC's green standard for natural stone and an explanation of "natural" stone.