German Natural Stone Award 2026
Category C with Special Recognition
The parametrically designed architectural sculpture adorns the new foyer of the Kastor Tower in Frankfurt am Main. Covering a total of 130 square meters, it extends across nearly the entire wall surface behind the reception desk, making it likely the largest wall sculpture made of natural stone in Europe over the past 50 years. Upon closer inspection, the fluting reveals itself to be a sophisticated, digitally produced stonemason’s work.
The technical challenge lay in the individuality of the smooth transitions. No two elements are alike, because the zero point between concave and convex is defined individually for each flute. The sculpture therefore had to be sketched out point by point across its full height and width and milled with extreme precision.
Arcs of light are embedded in the elements. The arcs can be perceived as either concave or convex. Their light emerges from the fluting precisely where the concave and convex curves meet.
The wall sculpture demonstrates the revival of traditional reliefs in modern architecture. The design could only be realized using today’s innovative technologies. While classical modernism was characterized by flatness, grids, and repetition, this wall sculpture shows that architects can now once again use natural stone to create sculptural, unique, and tactilely fascinating facades.
Stones: Creme Royal®,Limestone, white, honed C60,
, , chiseled
