Granite Stone for Stairs: Global Projects with COLORIA MCM

In the heart of Riyadh, the Al Faisaliah Tower's new extension demanded a staircase that matched its iconic status—a sweeping, curved design that wraps around a glass elevator shaft. The problem? Traditional rigid stone couldn't follow the tight radius without cracking or requiring dozens of unsightly seams. Enter MCM Flexible Stone .

COLORIA's flexible stone is a game-changer for curved staircases. Unlike natural stone, which is brittle and unforgiving, this modified cementitious material bends up to 30 degrees without losing structural integrity. For the Al Faisaliah project, the design team chose a custom finish mimicking rough-hewn limestone, giving the stairs a rustic yet refined texture that contrasts beautifully with the modern glass and steel surroundings.

"We wanted the staircase to feel like a natural flow, not a series of stacked blocks," says Lina Hassan, lead architect at the project's design firm. "MCM Flexible Stone let us achieve that continuous curve. Even better, the installation team could cut and shape the panels on-site, adapting to the slight variations in the concrete substructure. With natural stone, that would have meant weeks of delays and wasted material."

Beyond flexibility, the material's lightweight nature (50% lighter than natural stone) reduced the load on the building's structure—a critical factor for the tower's extension. And because it's made from recycled industrial byproducts, the client earned LEED credits for sustainable construction. Today, the staircase is one of the extension's most photographed features, proving that durability and design don't have to be trade-offs.

Dubai is no stranger to bold architecture, and the Celestial Hotel wanted a staircase that lived up to its name: a spiral ascent featuring treads embedded with "star-like" patterns that glow softly at night. The problem? Traditional manufacturing methods would require custom molds for each unique tread, driving up costs and lead times. That's when COLORIA proposed their MCM 3D Printing Series .

Using large-format 3D printers, COLORIA's team printed each tread as a single piece, integrating intricate geometric patterns that would have been impossible with casting or cutting. The design called for tiny, recessed channels to hold LED strips—something 3D printing handled with precision, eliminating the need for post-production drilling or carving. The material chosen? A modified MCM blend infused with reflective particles, giving the stairs a subtle shimmer even in daylight.

"3D printing turned our 'impossible' design into reality," says Rajiv Mehta, the hotel's project manager. "We had 12 different tread designs, each slightly different to follow the spiral. With traditional methods, that would mean 12 molds, each costing thousands of dollars. COLORIA just uploaded the CAD files and printed them sequentially. The whole process took 10 days instead of 6 weeks."

But it's not just about speed. The 3D-printed treads are denser and more uniform than cast concrete, with no air bubbles or weak points—critical for a high-traffic hotel staircase. And because the material is 100% recyclable, the hotel aligned with Dubai's sustainability goals for 2030. Today, guests pause mid-ascent to take photos of the "starry" treads, making the staircase a social media sensation.

When a high-end fashion brand decided to revamp its Champs-Élysées flagship, the brief was clear: create a staircase that felt both timeless and contemporary. The design team dreamed of Granite Portoro —the iconic black stone with golden veins that has adorned palaces and luxury spaces for centuries—but with a modern twist. Natural Portoro, however, is rare, expensive, and prone to chipping on stair edges.

COLORIA's solution? A modified MCM version of Granite Portoro that captures the stone's dramatic contrast while adding durability and affordability. The result? A grand double staircase with treads in deep black, crisscrossed by shimmering gold veins that catch the light from the store's glass ceiling. What makes COLORIA's version stand out? The veins are not just printed on the surface—they're integrated into the material itself, so they won't wear off even after years of high heels and busy shoppers.

"Our client insisted on Portoro's look but needed it to withstand daily foot traffic," explains Jean Dubois, the store's interior designer. "Natural Portoro would have required constant polishing to hide scratches. COLORIA's version has a protective top layer that repels scuffs and stains. After six months, the stairs still look brand new."

Another advantage? The material's consistency. Natural Portoro varies widely in vein pattern, making it hard to create a uniform look across a large staircase. COLORIA's MCM version allows for controlled veining, ensuring each tread complements the next—a detail that elevates the staircase from "nice" to "extraordinary."

Berlin's trendiest neighborhoods are filled with converted factories, and one such project—a 1920s textile mill turned mixed-use space—needed stairs that embraced the building's industrial heritage while meeting modern safety standards. The design called for Rough Granite Stone (Dark Grey) —a material that looks raw and weathered but performs like a modern engineering marvel.

COLORIA's Rough Granite Stone (Dark Grey) mimics the texture of stone quarried straight from the earth, with uneven surfaces and natural-looking pits that add character. For the factory loft, the material was used for both treads and risers, creating a monolithic look that feels like the stairs were carved from a single block of stone. But unlike real rough granite, which is slippery when wet, COLORIA's version includes a subtle anti-slip additive in the top layer—essential for a public space with heavy foot traffic.

"We wanted that 'unfinished' industrial vibe, but we couldn't compromise on safety," says Markus Weber, the project's developer. "Traditional rough granite is beautiful, but after a rainstorm, it's a hazard. COLORIA's material has the same rugged look but with a grip that even our tenants with kids appreciate. Plus, the installation was a breeze—each panel weighs half as much as natural stone, so we didn't need to reinforce the floor structure."

The project also benefited from the material's thermal properties. In Berlin's cold winters, the stairs stay warm to the touch, unlike natural stone, which absorbs and retains cold. It's a small detail, but one that makes the space feel welcoming—proof that even industrial design can prioritize comfort.

Marrakech's architecture is all about connecting inside and out, and a private villa in the Palmeraie district wanted a staircase that blurred those lines. The client, an artist, dreamed of stairs that felt like stepping through a forest—with hints of green and subtle sparkle, like sunlight filtering through leaves. Travertine (Starry Green) from COLORIA's MCM series made that vision a reality.

Travertine (Starry Green) is a unique blend of modified cement and recycled glass particles, giving the material a soft green hue with tiny flecks that catch the light—hence the "starry" name. For the villa, the stairs wind from the indoor living area out to a courtyard garden, with treads that transition from smooth (indoor) to slightly textured (outdoor) to prevent slipping in the rain. The green tone complements the villa's lush landscaping, while the material's resistance to UV rays ensures the color won't fade under Morocco's intense sun.

"I wanted the staircase to feel like part of the garden, not just a transition to it," says the villa's owner, Amina Belkacem. "The starry green color shifts with the light—muted in the morning, vibrant at sunset. And because it's MCM, I don't have to worry about water damage when it rains or the kids track in dirt. A quick hose down, and it looks perfect again."

COLORIA's ability to customize the material's thickness was also key. The indoor treads are thinner (12mm) for a sleek look, while the outdoor ones are thicker (20mm) to withstand weather and heavier use. It's this flexibility that makes MCM materials ideal for residential projects, where personal style and practicality go hand in hand.