Category: University Students and Young Architects Support Programs

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AURA Istanbul at Our Ayazağa Showroom: A Dialogue with Stone

Cities expand, populations grow, and spaces transform…
Yet in the midst of this rapid change, some things have remained quietly in place for thousands of years.

AURA Istanbul’s visit to our Ayazağa showroom was a powerful reflection of the desire to reconnect with this silent material—
to pause, to listen, and to enter into a renewed dialogue with stone.

In the noise of modern life, this meeting reminded us of something we often forget:
To understand the material, to speak to it, to listen to it.

As Cities Grow More Complex…

Today’s urban landscapes are more chaotic, denser, and layered than ever before. Understanding this complexity requires more than a single disciplinary voice. That’s exactly why AURA Istanbul exists:

To build a new shared language between architecture, urbanism, landscape, and social dynamics.

During the showroom tour, participants from AURA Istanbul didn’t just see natural stone as a material.
They read:

  • the rhythm of the city in its veins,
  • the questions of architecture in its shadows,
  • the memory of space in its textures.

And inevitably, one question emerged:
“What is the stone trying to tell us?”

Dialogue with Stone: A Practice of Listening

AURA Istanbul’s approach values research just as much as production.
For them, our showroom became not a “display,” but a space of conversation.

Participants explored the stone by asking:

  • its geological story,
  • its relationship with the urban fabric,
  • the emotion it evokes in designed spaces,
  • the meaning it carries for sustainability.

The stone, in this context, became an active interlocutor—
not an object, but a voice.

Stoneline Showroom: A Space for Dialogue

Our Ayazağa showroom is like a laboratory where the layers of natural stone can be seen with absolute clarity.

Every surface, every cut, every color is a sentence.

It is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking to engage in a meaningful dialogue with stone.

The Stones Speak, and We Listen

AURA Istanbul’s visit encouraged us to reconsider the relationship between material and design.
It reminded us that stone is not merely a physical element; it is:

  • a character,
  • a vessel of memory,
  • a partner in dialogue.

We thank AURA Istanbul for this inspiring exchange.

Here’s to new conversations—with stone, with space, with the city.

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Natural Stone Experience in Architectural Education: Balıkesir University Students at Stoneline

Students from the Faculty of Architecture at Balıkesir University recently visited our Stoneline Ayazağa Showroom, where they had the opportunity to explore the use of natural stone in architectural projects firsthand.

Welcomed by our expert team, the students received comprehensive insights into how natural stone can be evaluated accurately and consciously within architectural design processes.

An Academic Perspective on the Architectural Use of Natural Stone

During the visit, students attended a detailed presentation covering the geological formation of natural stone, extraction processes, surface finishing techniques, and its applications in contemporary architecture. Key criteria such as durability, sustainability, ease of maintenance, and environmental compatibility were discussed through examples from real-world projects.

Showroom Experience: A Close Look at a Wide Natural Stone Collection

Following the presentation, students participated in a showroom tour where they examined Stoneline’s extensive natural stone collection. Through observations of color variations, veining patterns, texture differences, and surface options, they gained valuable insights into selecting the right stone according to project requirements.

Stoneline’s Commitment to Educational Collaboration

At Stoneline, we consider engaging with architecture students an important investment in the future of the industry. These technical visits, conducted in collaboration with educational institutions, help students gain a professional understanding of natural stone—one of the fundamental materials in architecture. Furthermore, such interactions pave the way for future partnerships and project-based collaborations with the architects of tomorrow.

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Visit to Medipol University

An Inspiring Encounter with the Landscape Architects of the Future

As Stoneline, we were pleased to welcome the students of Istanbul Medipol University’s Department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture to our showroom yesterday.

A Closer Look at the Value of Natural Stone as a Material

During the visit, students participated in a comprehensive presentation covering the geological formation of natural stone, extraction processes, surface treatment techniques, and areas of use in various projects. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, important criteria such as durability, sustainability, and environmental compatibility were also discussed in detail.

Showroom Experience and Collection Exploration

Following the presentation, a guided tour of the showroom allowed students to closely examine Stoneline’s extensive natural stone collection. Key considerations in material selection—such as color diversity, textural properties, and surface options—were evaluated. This experience contributed significantly to helping students understand how to relate material to space and integrate it into their design decisions.

The Importance of Engaging with Future Landscape Architects

At Stoneline, we consider sharing knowledge with future architects and designers an important responsibility in fostering the development of the industry.

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Palezzo Design Student Pattern Competition

Subject of the Competition

The subject of the competition is the design of a palladian-type terrazzo composition.
The theme is open.

What is Palezzo?

We have named our artisanal palladian-style terrazzo creations “Palezzo.”
Inspired by the palladian flooring trend that was popular in Europe and around the world during the 1960s, we reinterpret this tradition with a contemporary approach, prioritizing the use of surplus and reclaimed stones.
We produce Palezzo either as precast slabs or through in-situ casting.

In in-situ casting, stones are arranged directly on the floor surface, over which an epoxy-based mixture is poured and then polished. This method allows the creation of seamless surfaces of up to 40 m².
If the terrazzo is used for wall cladding instead of flooring, or if in-situ casting is not feasible, the stones are arranged into a mold, filled with the mixture, and cast into slabs, which are later cut to size and installed like natural stone panels.

The maximum mold (slab) size is 120 x 240 cm.

Components of Palezzo:

  • Epoxy-based matrix:
    Known as the epoxy matrix, this mixture defines the background color of the Palezzo surface. The color can be selected from any standard color chart (RAL, NCS, etc.).
  • Aggregate:
    Small stone fragments ranging in size from 0.7 mm to 12 mm.
    The choice of aggregate affects the overall color perception and should be made carefully.
  • Stone pieces:
    The core compositional elements in palladian-type terrazzo.
    The stones may be cut precisely according to the design or broken by hand or with tools (e.g., hammer, guillotine) to achieve more organic forms.

Objective of the Competition

  • The aim of this competition, organized by Stoneline, is to develop new compositions for our artisanal Palladian-type terrazzo collection, known as Palezzo.
  • Prototypes will be produced for the works selected for the second stage.

Competition Type and Format

  • This is a concept competition for students, organized by Stoneline – Palezzo.
  • Participation is free of charge.

Competition Process

  • We expect participants to propose a new, original composition that has not been previously realized for Palezzo.
  • Since the final product will be customizable for clients such as architects or designers, participants are encouraged to imagine variations in background (epoxy matrix) color, stone types and colors, and aggregates. Each design will thus be unique.Designs selected for the second stage will undergo dry-lay prototyping in our Ayazağa showroom workshop, where designers will arrange their stone compositions into molds themselves.

Expectations for Stage 1:

  • Design a 50×50 cm palezzo composition. (An A1-sized poster presentation is required; it may be hand-drawn, collage or digitally printed.)
  • The selection of stones (stone type and/or colour-size-shape) must be specified in the 1:1 scale drawing to be made on the poster, and the composition must be coloured to match reality.
  • The epoxy base colour must be selected. The RAL or NCS code must be specified.
  • ggregate selection is optional at this stage and can be left for Stage 2.

Workshop Activities in Stage 2:

  • Arranging pre-cut or workshop-broken stones into molds (dry-lay process).
  • Fixing stones in the mold to prevent shifting during casting.
  • Selecting aggregates (optional; initial selections can be revised).
  • Determining aggregate ratios to finalize the preparation for casting.

Materials to be Used:

  1. Stone Selection: Participants must select stones from the following list (one or multiple):
  • Marmara (gray)
  • Dolomite (white)
  • Uşak green
  • Yellow travertine
  • Beige travertine
  • Pink travertine
  • Greige
  • Salvadori
  • Lilac

(Visual references for these stones can be accessed via the competition resource links below.)

Stone sizes may range from 2-20 cm.

If broken stones are used in the design, they will be broken during the workshop, so there may be slight differences from the original design. The main concept must be maintained.

  1. Epoxy Matrix Mixture: The epoxy matrix color chosen by the participant will be prepared in advance (must be selected from the RAL or NCS chart).
  2. Aggregate (small stone pieces) Options:
  • White: 1-6 mm (1 mm, 1-3 mm, or 3-6 mm)
  • Red: 1-6 mm (1 mm, 1-3 mm, or 3-6 mm)
  • Black: 1-4 mm (1 mm or 2-4 mm)
  • Yellow onyx: 1-6 mm (1 mm, 1-3 mm, or 3-6 mm)
  • Green: 1-6 mm (1 mm, 1-3 mm, or 3-6 mm)

If you have any questions, please send them to palezzo@stoneline.com.tr.
We wish you success, we look forward to your valuable work.

We share the designs made by the Palezzo team for your information, you can access them from the link below.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uyFGwDDml6tcEcDflxmkKAXvNa_jyesO?usp=drive_link

Participation Requirements

Important Note:

  • Entries submitted during the first announcement period of the competition (originally announced on March 29, 2025) will remain valid after postponement.
  • Participants who were students at that time but have since graduated will still be eligible for evaluation.
  • The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Fine Arts, Interior Architecture, or Architecture departments at universities affiliated with the Council of Higher Education in Turkey or KKTC.
  • Individual participation is required (no group entries).
  • Participants must be under 25 years old and provide an official student certificate for the 2025–2026 academic year.
  • Jury members, advisors, alternates, rapporteurs, and direct relatives of organizers cannot participate.
  • Each participant may submit only one (1) composition.
  • All submissions must be delivered within the deadlines and under the specified conditions.
  • Entries must be original and previously unpublished/unrealized. If plagiarism or prior production is detected and confirmed by a qualified jury majority, the design will be disqualified, and any awarded prize must be returned.
  • Any identifying marks (name, initials, etc.) on the presentation board will result in disqualification.

Submission Format:

  • The composition must be presented on one (1) A1 (84 x 59.4 cm) vertically oriented board.
  • Explanations and notes must appear on the same board.
  • A five-digit code must be written in the upper right corner.
  • The composition must be drawn at 1:1 scale within a 50×50 cm layout.

Submission Requirements:

  • Sealed identity envelope (labeled only with the code)
  • One (1) A1 poster (print, collage, or hand-drawing)
  • USB drive containing digital copies of the presentation board and registration forms

Rules:

  • Participants grant Stoneline the usage rights for their submitted compositions.
  • Participants may not contact jury members or rapporteurs during the competition.
    All inquiries must be sent via email to palezzo@stoneline.com.tr with the subject line “Palezzo Design Competition” within the designated Q&A period.
  • By submitting an entry, participants agree to the terms of the specification, including data sharing and contact communication.
  • Entries that violate any rule, reveal participant identity, are incomplete, or submitted after the deadline will be excluded by jury decision.

Competition Timeline:

  • Announcement: 05.11.2025
  • Final date for questions: 05.12.2025
  • Answers to questions published: 12.12.2025
  • Submission deadline: 20.02.2026
  • Stage 1 jury evaluation: 23.02.2026
  • Announcement of results & Stage 2 invitation: 24.02.2026
  • Workshop: 28.02.2026
  • Stage 2 jury evaluation:
  • Final results announcement: 06.03.2026
  • Exhibition & Award Ceremony: 06.03.2026

Announcement of the competition, questions and results
All information and announcements about the competition are published on the Stoneline and Palezzo website.

Contact details of the competition and place of submission
Stoneline Building Products Inc.
Mimar Sinan Mah. Sarı Lale Sok. No:4/A 34075 Ayazaga-Eyüpsultan-Istanbul

Delivery information
A copy of the receipt (showing the date and time of shipment) of the projects sent by cargo must be sent to the e-mail address of the rapporteurship until 17:00 on Monday, 2 June 2025, which is specified as the ‘Deadline for submission of projects’ in the competition calendar.


Delivery address by hand or by courier:
Stoneline Building Products Inc.
Mimar Sinan Mah. Sarı Lale Sok. No:4/A 34075 Ayazağa-Eyüpsultan-Istanbul

Company Secretary
Feride Hanım
+90 541 799 98 27

Selection committee members

Consultant jury members

Arzu Bayrak

Mehmet Bayrak

Levent Özen

Özlem Karma

Principal jury members

Arif Özden

Eren Bayrak

Gül Ökten

Kerem Erginoğlu

Mustafa Toner

Nuray Uygur

Şebnem Buhara

Yeşim Bakırküre

Substitute jury members

Ceren Erman

Hasan Arslan

Awards:

Stage 1:

  • 7–10 designs will be selected.
  • Each selected participant will receive 8,000 TL.

Stage 2:

  • 1st Prize: 55,000 TL
  • 2nd Prize: 33,000 TL
  • 3rd Prize: 22,000 TL

Accommodation and transportation expenses for the second-stage workshop in Istanbul will be covered by the organizer.

Resources to be used for the competition:

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An Inspiring Day with the Architects of the Future

At Stoneline, we value not only natural stones, but also the sharing of inspiration, knowledge, and experience. With this vision, we were delighted to welcome architecture students from various cities across Turkey to our showroom as part of the annual scholarship program organized by İSMD (Istanbul Independent Architects Association).

Inspiration is Born from Knowledge

Our event began with a presentation by Stoneline experts tailored to the students. In this session, we emphasized that natural stone is not just a building material, but also a powerful design element. We explored the journey of stone from its origin to its role in a project, covering everything from technical details to implementation processes. The curiosity and interest of the students were truly inspiring to us.

A Showroom Journey: Where Natural Stone Meets Architecture

Following the presentation, we toured the showroom together. The unique textures, color transitions, and surface details of each natural stone transformed them into architectural experiences. The young architects had the chance to explore Stoneline’s extensive stone collection in person, observing firsthand the aesthetic relationship between stone and space.

Palezzo Workshop: A Moment Where Creativity Meets Stone

The final—and perhaps most creative—part of the day was the Palezzo Workshop. Here, students worked directly with stones, freely expressing their own perspectives. They experienced how design comes to life not just on a screen or paper, but through a living material like stone.

Sharing Inspiration

Being in the same space with the architects of the future, exchanging ideas, and getting to know them was a powerful source of inspiration for us. The energy, questions, and creativity of these young minds continue to illuminate our vision at Stoneline.

We sincerely thank İSMD and all the students for this meaningful gathering.

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An Educational Experience Filled With Natural Stones For MEF University Students At Stoneline

Stoneline hosted MEF University Faculty of Architecture students in its showroom in an event organised to transfer its expertise in natural stone to future generations. This special visit offered an important opportunity for students to reinforce their sectoral knowledge and gain in-depth knowledge about natural stones.

Journey of Natural Stones: From Rock to Structure


In the first part of the visit, Stoneline Geological Engineer Kadir Akyıldırım made a special comprehensive presentation to the students. In the presentation; natural stone types, the production process from the extraction of stones to processing, and details were explained in all stages.
While the students had the opportunity to get to know many types of natural stones from marble to travertine, granite to limestone, they were equipped with critical information such as how these stones are used in different structures and which technical details should be taken into consideration.

Showroom Tour: Carefully Selected Stones from Turkey and the World


Following the training, the students took a comprehensive tour of Stoneline’s impressive showroom. In this section, natural stone samples extracted from all over Turkey and high quality stones imported from different parts of the world were closely examined. Students had the opportunity to see and touch the surface textures.

A Meeting Inspiring Young Architects

For the students, this meeting has become an inspiring experience where they can not only gain technical knowledge but also have direct contact with the sector and shape their interests. As Stoneline, we are happy to bring young architecture candidates together with the subtleties of the natural stone world.

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Material, Space And Inspiration: Landscape Architects Of The Future At Stoneline

Stoneline hosted Medipol University Department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture students in its showroom to explore the role of natural stone in architecture and landscape design. The visit offered young designer candidates a rich insight into the aesthetic, structural and environmental effects of natural stone.

Design with Natural Stone: Harmony of Function and Aesthetics


Within the scope of the event, Kadir Akyıldırım, Stoneline’s experienced Geological Engineer, gave a detailed presentation on all stages starting from the formation process of natural stone to its extraction, processing and integration into projects.
Students gained comprehensive information about the types of stone used in landscape projects, outdoor durability, ecological compatibility and the criteria to be considered in material selection. This information forms the cornerstones of creating both functional and visually sustainable designs.

Showroom Tour: Face to Face with the Aesthetics of Nature


Following the presentation, the students had a comprehensive tour of the showroom, which contains Stoneline’s rich collection. Turkey’s natural stone richness inspired the students both culturally and aesthetically.
The variety of different surface textures, colour palettes and textures allowed the students to explore the creative possibilities offered by natural stone in landscape architecture.

An Inspiring Experience for Young Designers


While raising awareness about the use of natural materials, this visit also provided students with in-depth information about the material details they may encounter in real projects. As Stoneline, we find these ties with design-oriented departments very valuable; we are happy to introduce young architects and designers to the timeless power of natural stone.

Why was this meeting important?


Exploring the role of natural stone in landscape design

The effect of material selection on spatial design was discussed

Students met with practical knowledge

The importance of natural materials and environmental harmony was emphasised

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Stoneline Hosted The Students Of The Geology Department Of Istanbul Technical University

N order to contribute to the recognition of natural stone, Stoneline has provided its training for architectural and interior design for the students of Istanbul Technical University this time. A tour of the Stoneline Central Showroom, led by Dr. Serkan Angı,  has been organized in the year of 2020 with the participation of nearly 20 students.

A presentation regarding natural stone types, production and process of stone has been conducted by Kadir Akyıldırım, a Geological Engineer of Stoneline, afterwards, Architect Doğan Sancar who is the Project Manager of Stoneline, has transferred his knowledge and experience concerning the applications and details of natural stones in buildings, to students with his presentation.  

After the training, the tour is completed by examining the various types of natural stones of Turkey and imported products in the Showroom.

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2020 – Viewed Up To Seen/Group Exhibition

The group exhibition “Viewed Up to Seen”, consisting of the works of two young artists, Sırma Şiir Okan and Hatice Akyüz, who is working with concepts such as collective life, urbanization and migration. The show was opened to the visitors until 5 November 2020 at Stoneline Art Gallery.

The show gathers around  different techniques such as photography, painting, printing. Hatice Akyüz and Sırma Şiir Okan brings new perspectives on the social life’s personal and collective

structure. In Hatice Akyüz’s works, she works with  the ruins in the city that, there is not much left except the absence of its once inhabitants; on a plane blended with space, time, energy and memory

they come across. Through photographs and engravings; The “house”, which is a private place, collapsed in the political order, By being open to “others”, it is included in the public sphere.

In Sirma Şiir Okan’s works, the spatiality of the audience and the canvas or paper is dealt with by establishing a relationship between its spatiality.

It is detached from its original spaces and pasted on an artificial plane, beetles deprived of their belonging collectively and individually. The artist highlights concepts such as belonging and immigration and creates new space for alternative readings.

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Stoneline İzmir Marble Fair 2020 Contest Of Stand Design

As Stoneline family, we aspired to organize a contest in which students from various disciplines work together to produce in the field of natural stone, an area which we have internationally served more than 20 years. The theme we have designated, was the design of the fair stand on which the Stoneline products would be exhibited. With this contest, we aimed to encourage the students of interior design and industrial product design, to think on natural stone and create innovate ideas.  

Our contest which we have designed for architecture, interior design and industrial product design students to create innovative and creative ideas about natural stone and marble, to make them familiar with natural a material which they will use in their desings, to empower succesfull and creative young designers by improving their perspective on the natural stone and to ensure the creation of original and contemporary design with contest spirit, has been completed. 

Attention given to the contest is the best evidence to prove that we have reached our goal. 149 students from 43 universities have participated to the contest. As a result of the evaluation conducted by the jury, in addition to the first three prizes, five projects have been awarded with Equivalent Mention Award. We have happily observed that, within the scope of the contest; students of architecture, interior design and industrial product desing have created creative and innovative ideas, have embraced the importance of working with young people from different profiles and relationship between the disciplines. Every type of building material in the world, has a shelf life. Natural stone however, is one of the building materials which have the longest shelf life, with correct application and preservation. We hope that, with this contest, we have been able to help young people to familiarize themselves with the natural stone which is one of the materials they will use in their future designs and to explore the value which this material coming from the nature can add to architecture and the possibilities it can provide. As an establishment, we have always emphasized on enouring the sucessfull and creative young designers.  

With this contest, we are proud that we we will able to help create a platform to further create original and contemporary designs. We would like to thank the esteemed lecturers of universities which always provided their help, participant students and Members of the Elective Council for their interest in this contest which we plan to annualize.

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Stoneline Hosted The Students Of The Architecture Department Of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University

In order to contribute to the recognition of natural stone, Stoneline has provided its training for architectural and interior design for the students of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University this time.

On the date of 05.03.2020, within the scope of the Architectural Design IV course, with the coordination of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Fırat Diker and Project Managers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tolga Akbulut, Dr. Fac. Mem. Lana Kudumovic, Fac.  Mem. Kamil Gürbüz as well as Res. Mem. Emine Merve Okumuş and Res. Mem. Hayriye İsmailoğlu, and participation of 52 students, a tour has been organized in Stoneline Central Showroom.

A presentation regarding natural stone types, production and process of stone has been conducted by Kadir Akyıldırım, a Geological Engineer of Stoneline, afterwards, Architect Doğan Sancar who is the Project Manager of Stoneline, has transferred his knowledge and experience concerning the applications and details of natural stones in buildings, to students with his presentation.  

After the training, the tour is completed by examining the various types of natural stones of Turkey and imported products in the Showroom.

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Stoneline Hosted The Students Of The Architecture Department Of Beykent University

In order to contribute to the recognition of natural stone, Stoneline has provided its training for architectural and interior design for the students of Beykent university this time. A tour of the Stoneline Central Showroom, led by Architect Nazlı Güngen, has been oganized on December 3, 2019 with the contributions of nearly 40 students.

A presentation regarding natural stone products, production and process of stone has been conducted by Evren İyigönül, a natural stone purchasing expert of Stoneline, afterwards, Architect Doğan Sancar who is the Project Manager of Stoneline, has transferred his knowledge and experience concerning the applications and details of natural stones in buildings, to students with his presentation.  

After the training, the tour is completed by examining the various types of natural stones of Turkey and imported products in the Showroom.