{"id":5332,"date":"2025-10-23T18:00:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T16:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/projects-and-professionals-setting-global-trends-at-the-macael-awards-2025\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T17:21:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T16:21:40","slug":"projects-and-professionals-setting-global-trends-at-the-macael-awards-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/projects-and-professionals-setting-global-trends-at-the-macael-awards-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Projects and professionals setting global trends at the Macael Awards 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With nearly four decades of history, the Macael Awards celebrate their 38th edition, recognizing the talent, innovation, and excellence of the professionals and projects that continue to elevate an industry regarded as a global leader. The Andalusian Marble Industry Association (AEMA) has announced the winners of a gala to be held on Friday, November 21, which will once again position Macael as a global meeting point for architecture, design, and innovation. <\/p>\n\n

This year\u2019s edition will honor ten projects and professionals that embody excellence, creativity, and global vision in an industry that continues to set trends across the five continents.<\/p>\n\n

The international awards recognize works and professionals from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, while the remaining distinctions highlight talent in areas such as sustainability, design and communication, the use of White Macael Marble, and national achievements. In addition, the Institutional Award underscores the collaboration of organizations and individuals who contribute to the development and visibility of the sector. <\/p>\n\n

The jury, made up of members of AEMA\u2019s Board of Directors, selected the winning projects from among 20 submissions corresponding to works completed between January 2022 and September 2025, following the extension of the eligibility period approved by the 2019 General Assembly.<\/p>\n\n

The gala will be attended by institutional representatives, industry professionals, architects, designers, media, and sponsoring companies, whose continued support, makes this event possible year by year. \u201cBehind the success of the Macael Awards lies a shared commitment. Our sponsors are an essential part of this story \u2014 their trust and ongoing support make it possible for us to keep showcasing to the world the vision of an industry that never stops moving forward,\u201d stands out Jes\u00fas Posadas, president of AEMA. <\/p>\n\n

The event will also welcome postgraduate and master\u2019s students from the fourth edition of the \u201cProgram for the Promotion of the Natural Stone and Innovative Surfaces Industry,\u201d aimed at future architects. Students from the Universities of Seville, Granada, and M\u00e1laga will explore the values of the Macael Marble Brand, its materials, and the transformative capacity of this industry. Furthermore, as tradition dictates, the celebration will coincide with the International Stone Meeting, organized by Andaluc\u00eda TRADE. <\/p>\n\n

The award winners of this 38th edition are as follows:<\/p>\n\n

COMMUNICATION AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

FOCUS PIEDRA<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the Communication Award to Focus Piedra, under the direction of its founder and CEO, Marisa Carrio. The publication has achieved continuous growth by adapting to the evolution of the natural stone and large-format surfaces industry, becoming a benchmark and leading reference for the sector in Spain. Throughout the years, Focus Piedra has strengthened its position as a specialized media outlet in natural stone, covering traditional topics such as quarries, processing, workshops, and machinery, while evolving into a platform that also addresses and influences areas such as Kitchen & Bath, construction, architecture, and interior design. It stands as a success story of a B2B sectoral media that has become a leader, prescriber, and authoritative voice for an entire industry. <\/p>\n\n

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALMER\u00cdA<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the Sustainability Award to the Port Authority of Almer\u00eda for its project to improve the energy efficiency of its administrative building, which includes a new envelope, the redevelopment of the surrounding area, and the enhancement of access points. This initiative is part of the port-city integration strategy and addresses the three dimensions of sustainability in a balanced way. On a social level, it creates accessible, multifunctional, and high-quality public spaces; economically, it generates employment during construction and contributes to tourism development; and environmentally, it reduces the carbon footprint through an energy-efficient building. The intervention combines locally sourced natural materials and innovative surfaces such as Dekton, Blanco Macael marble, Almer\u00eda travertine, and granite. <\/p>\n\n

NORTH AMERICA INTERNATIONAL AWARD<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

FRENCH TERRAKOTTA CORP. DBA IMPRESSION, FOR VILLA NAPOLI, CALIFORNIA <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the North America International Award to the Villa Napoli residence, located in Newport Beach, California. The complex consists of two buildings with a total constructed area of approximately 1,200 m\u00b2 distributed over two levels. The main house fa\u00e7ade is inspired by Italian\u2013Mediterranean architecture It\u2019s executed in white limestone, used for both structural and decorative columns, claddings of various thicknesses, moldings, cornices, window and door frames, and flooring. The same stone was also used for the terraces, pool edges, and outdoor kitchen, with a total volume of 80 m\u00b3 supplied. Inside, the residence features natural stone flooring, fireplaces made of Nero Marquina and White Carrara marble, and a main kitchen crafted in White Carrara marble. As a distinctive element, the summer kitchen stands out, which is equipped with a large Taj Mahal quartzite countertop chosen for its durability and aesthetic appeal. <\/p>\n\n

LATIN AMERICA INTERNATIONAL AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

PALACIO DE HIERRO, LE\u00d3N, MEXICO<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the Latin America International Award to the Palacio de Hierro project, in Le\u00f3n, Mexico, designed by the firm Sordo Madaleno under the direction of Andr\u00e9s Cajiga, with engineering and distribution by Katorce Espacios. The building, a two-story shopping center, stands out for its combination of materials and colors on the fa\u00e7ade, achieving a balanced appearance between modernity and natural character. The large-format Dekton Marmorio fa\u00e7ade is complemented by interior applications in Dekton ID, used to define geometric forms that interact with the exterior. The project offers low maintenance, natural beauty, and a coherent integration between architectural design and construction functionality. <\/p>\n\n

ASIA INTERNATIONAL AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

NAGOYA SUBWAY STATION, JAPAN<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the Asia International Award to the Nagoya Subway Station project in Japan, designed by Ichikawa Michio Architects. Covering 1,800 m\u00b2 of walls and flooring, this public infrastructure project utilizes Dekton in a range of colors \u2014Helena, Keranium, Taga, Arga, Spectra, Lunar, Halo, and Kreta\u2014 chosen for their performance and aesthetic qualities. The station\u2019s defining feature is the use of polished Dekton Helena surfaces, which reflect light and transform the underground environment into a brighter and more welcoming space, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Dekton was selected for its durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to cracking and staining, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its subtle marble-like finish provides a refined visual continuity that enhances both functionality and atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n

INTERNATIONAL AWARD EUROPE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

BALTIC INFINITY, MI\u0118DZYZDROJE, POLAND<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the International Award Europe to the Baltic Infinity project, located in Mi\u0119dzyzdroje, Poland \u2014a residential and hotel complex on the seafront whose ventilated fa\u00e7ade has been entirely executed with Dekton. The five-story building houses 161 apartments, while the ground floor includes commercial premises, a restaurant, a spa, and wellness areas. The choice of Dekton was based on its almost zero porosity, resistance to humidity, salinity, and environmental factors, as well as its ease of maintenance and cleaning. The fa\u00e7ade, covering 4,200 m\u00b2 and composed of 11,000 prefabricated elements, was completed in a year and a half. To achieve visual harmony with the coastal surroundings, three tones were used \u2014Danae, Moone, and Domoos\u2014 in beige, white, and black finishes. <\/p>\n\n

NATIONAL AWARD<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

BASILICA OF THE SAGRADA FAMILIA, BARCELONA<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the National Award to the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia project in Barcelona for the manufacture and supply of natural stone elements used in the construction of the Evangelists\u2019 Towers (Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John), the Tower of Our Lady, and the Tower of Jesus. This represented a significant technical and artistic challenge, requiring the perfect integration of traditional stonemasonry with precision industrial fabrication, always in accordance with the technical specifications set by the Project Management.<\/p>\n\n

. The completion of these towers coincides with the preparation for the centenary of Gaud\u00ed\u2019s death in 2026, a milestone that will enhance the Basilica\u2019s international prominence and reinforce the association of the Macael brand with this iconic work.La entrega de estas torres coincide con la preparaci\u00f3n del centenario de la muerte de Gaud\u00ed en 2026, un hito que realzar\u00e1 la proyecci\u00f3n internacional de la Bas\u00edlica y reforzar\u00e1 la vinculaci\u00f3n de la marca Macael con esta obra universal.<\/p>\n\n

INSTITUTIONAL AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, ENERGY AND MINES OF THE REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF ANDALUSIA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the Institutional Award to the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia for the implementation of the Value Chain Growth Plan for the Stone and Marble Industry of Andalusia. It is endowed with \u20ac18.8 million in incentives, aimed at strengthening business competitiveness through the flagship project \u201cProductive Modernization and Sustainability of the Stone and Marble Industry of Almer\u00eda\u201d. This initiative contributes to the transformation and consolidation of the stone and marble sector as a pillar of sustainability and regional development. The award also recognizes the Promotion Program for the Natural Stone and Innovative Surfaces Industry, focused on architecture students. This strategy fosters awareness and appreciation of the industry among the next generation of professionals. Fully funded by the Ministry, the program involves postgraduate and master\u2019s students from the Andalusian public universities of Seville, Granada, and M\u00e1laga. <\/p>\n\n

DESIGN AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

IB\u00c1\u00d1EZ-COSENTINO ART FOUNDATION, FOR THE BOTANICAL GARDEN AND GLYPTOTHEQUE, CITY OF CULTURE OF OLULA DEL R\u00cdO (ALMER\u00cdA)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Jury grants the Design Award to the Ib\u00e1\u00f1ez-Cosentino Art Foundation for the creation of the Botanical Garden and Glyptotheque of the City of Culture in Olula del R\u00edo\u2014an innovative space that brings together art, heritage, and technology. This glyptotheque houses 20 Greco-Roman sculptures reproduced in limestone, including universal icons such as the Venus de Milo, the Doryphoros, and the Spinario. The works, produced using advanced sculptural reproduction technologies, achieve an exceptional level of fidelity\u2014from the extraction of the stone blocks to their final machining\u2014while the finishing details have been carefully executed by the museum itself. The ensemble stands as a bridge between classical antiquity and the present, a space where natural stone regains its evocative power, connecting new generations with the universal artistic legacy of humanity. <\/p>\n\n

WHITE MACAEL MARBLE AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

R&D+i+TIC BUILDING AND FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF JA\u00c9N<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The jury grants the Blanco Macael Marble Award to the R&D+i+TIC Building of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ja\u00e9n, designed by Arquitrabe Arquitectos y Urbanistas and executed by the joint venture UJA I+D+i+TIC (Construcciones Calder\u00f3n S.A., Solar Jienense S.A. and Pinus S.A.). In this project, the White Macael Marble stands as the guiding thread of the entire complex, with over 7,000 m\u00b2 used in various formats. The building is organized around major axes that connect its different functions, prioritizing natural light and passive energy efficiency. On the south fa\u00e7ade, ponds clad in White Macael Marble serve as reflective surfaces and natural cooling elements, while the large central void structures the interior spaces and enhances luminosity through staircases and floors finished with this material. It is a symbol of identity and durability. Granite tiles were chosen for the exterior pavements. <\/p>\n\n

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INSTITUTIONAL AWARDMinistry of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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WHITE MACAEL MARBLE AWARDR&D+i+TIC BUILDING AND FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF JA\u00c9N <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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NORTH AMERICA INTERNATIONAL AWARD FRENCH TERRAKOTTA CORP. DBA IMPRESSION, FOR VILLA NAPOLI, CALIFORNIA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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LATIN AMERICA INTERNATIONAL AWARD <\/strong>PALACIO DE HIERRO, LE\u00d3N, M\u00c9XICO.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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ASIA INTERNATIONAL AWARD<\/strong>NAGOYA SUBWAY STATION, JAPAN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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INTERNATIONAL AWARD EUROPE<\/strong>BALTIC INFINITY, MI\u0118DZYZDROJE, POLAND<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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COMMUNICATION AWARDFOCUS PIEDRA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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SUSTAINABILITY AWARD<\/strong>PORT AUTHORITY OF ALMER\u00cdA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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NATIONAL AWARD<\/strong>BASILICA OF THE SAGRADA FAMILIA, BARCELONA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"-\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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DESIGN AWARD<\/strong>IB\u00c1\u00d1EZ-COSENTINO ART FOUNDATION, FOR THE BOTANICAL GARDEN AND GLYPTOTHEQUE, CITY OF CULTURE OF OLULA DEL R\u00cdO (ALMER\u00cdA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"-\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With nearly four decades of history, the Macael Awards celebrate their 38th edition, recognizing the talent, innovation, and excellence of the professionals and projects that continue to elevate an industry regarded as a global leader. The Andalusian Marble Industry Association (AEMA) has announced the winners of a gala to be held on Friday, November 21, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5314,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5332","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5332"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5332\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5359,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5332\/revisions\/5359"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/macaelmarmol.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}