April 2017: Unveiled today at the neoclassical Palazzo Serbelloni, leading quartz manufacturer Caesarstone presents "Stone Age Folk" by Jaime Hayon, the pinnacle event of their year-long collaboration with the world renowned Spanish designer for the 2017 Designer Collaboration Programme. Inspired by flora, fauna and folklore from different cultures, Jaime Hayon designed an architectural pavilion, which references the famous Crystal Palace built in Hyde Park, London for the Great Exhibition of 1851, combining over 40 Caesarstone colours with metal and stained glass.

Within the historical backdrop of the Palazzo's Ballroom, Caesarstone's quartz material was meticulously handcrafted and implanted into the metal frame of the pavilion as a precious jewel within Hayon's whimsical Caesarstone universe. Employing traditional high-end stone marquetry and stained glass window techniques, the designer imbued the space with his eccentric spirit and artistry to create a fantasy world made of different colours, forms and shapes. This fantasy world is inspired by the natural environment, the animal kingdom, and folklore of different cultures, ranging from Hungarian myths to African tribal influences.

Tribal masks and Hayon’s signature clowns faces are featured on large-scale wall panels and presented alongside playful carousels made of Caesarstone, handcrafted furniture pieces and light fixtures. Further demonstrating the versatility of Caesarstone’s material, through the lively, visionary eyes of the designer, dining tables, small coffee tables and cabinets became bird-like characters and animated faces. Together, all the pieces contribute to the kaleidoscopic feel of the installation and enable the visitor to playfully interact with the material in a fresh, unexpected way.

"The kitchen space is continuing its journey to the centre of the home and, what used to be the family's meeting point, is turning out to be a “future living room”, a place where we entertain and host. As such, I feel that the kitchen space will become more expressive and personal and we will see designers and consumers' increasing adoption of maximalism and material richness to confer a unique and personal look and feel to the kitchen. We are inspired by the visionary work of Jaime and the way this demonstrates the 'boundless boundaries' of our materials and their application. I am proud to work for a company that creates a product that generates emotions." Raanan Zilberman, CEO of Caesarstone.

"A combination of art, design and architecture, this kaleidoscopic installation will be something that visitors have never seen before. There is a strong element of surprise in the visible contrast between the Napoleonic, marble-made palace and this beautiful pavilion, made with 21st century Caesarstone's quartz. Visitors entering this fantasy world will see the Caesarstone material perform in a way that incites new levels of creativity and have an amazing visual image of its 'arty' and luxurious qualities. I hope, with this very graphic and folkloric installation, to put a smile on people's faces and compel them to think that they are in Milan for the furniture fair, but they have just seen a 'funtastico' world." Jaime Hayon, Designer