A new addition to the Pietre Luminose collection of modular 3D stone coverings from Lithos Design, Pietre Chiaroscure backlit walls continue the Italian manufacturer’s exploration of marble’s translucent properties. Designed by Raffaello Galiotto, the expansion series includes two sartorial-inspired patterns – Tweed and Stripe – that were developed after much research into the impact lighting can have on solid materials. 

Made using a sophisticated stone processing technique, the modular coverings enhance the aesthetics of walls with playful yet refined decorative details, light effects and turnkey configurations. Following the sgraffito (or scratched) technique in which coloured cement or plaster is layered onto a surface with portions being subsequently subtracted or scraped away, the modules are composed of two layered slabs of marble – the upper with a matte finish, the bottom more translucent. Carvings made to the top layer create the pattern and allow light to filter through to the gleaming surface below. 

The carefully calibrated width and thicknesses of the engravings form a 3D effect and produce varied perceptions depending on the intensity of the light. Both of the patterns are offered in four marble combinations: Liquirizia (Carrara Ghiaccio and Nero Marquinia), Smeraldo (Carrara Ghiaccio and Verde Imperiale), Caramello (Estremoz and Giallo Siena) and Greige (Estremoz and Harmony Grey). 

With Tweed, a kaleidoscope array of light and shadow emphasize the 3D quality of the textured surface, while Stripes features vertical engravings in equal widths but differing height profiles that reverse perception depending on whether they are illuminated or not.