Muretto Stone (Beige) Applications: Top 10 Commercial Projects in Saudi Arabia

Standing 300 meters tall in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District, the Riyadh Financial Tower is a beacon of modern finance—and a masterclass in how Muretto Stone (Beige) can elevate a skyscraper's presence. Foster + Partners, known for their sleek, minimalist designs, chose Muretto Beige for two critical areas: the exterior cladding (lower 10 floors) and the lobby walls. "We wanted a material that would ground the tower visually, balancing its glass and steel upper levels with something warm and organic," explains lead architect Maria Gonzalez. "Muretto Beige was the answer—it has the subtle texture of natural stone but is lightweight enough for high-rise applications."

The exterior cladding uses large-format MCM big slab boards of Muretto Beige, cut into 1.2m x 2.4m panels to minimize seams. The result? A smooth, monolithic base that contrasts beautifully with the tower's reflective glass facade. Inside, the lobby features floor-to-ceiling Muretto Beige walls, paired with Fair-faced Concrete columns and brass accents. The effect is both grand and inviting—a space where bankers and clients alike feel a sense of calm amid the city's hustle. "Clients often comment on how the stone 'feels like home,'" says the building's facilities manager, Ahmed Al-Mansoori. "It's not just a lobby; it's a first impression, and Muretto Beige makes it memorable."

Jeddah's waterfront is synonymous with luxury, and the Waterfront Mall lives up to that reputation—thanks in no small part to Muretto Stone (Beige) . Zaha Hadid Architects envisioned a space that would mirror the Red Sea's ebb and flow, and Muretto Beige became the perfect canvas. The mall's façade features undulating panels of the stone, shaped to mimic waves, while indoor courtyards use Muretto Beige in a more intimate setting: as cladding for seating walls and fountain surrounds.

"We needed a material that could withstand Jeddah's salty air and intense sun, but still feel soft and approachable," says project architect Lina Karim. "Muretto Beige checked all the boxes. Its neutral tone complements the blue of the sea, and its textured surface adds depth without overwhelming the design." The mall's food court is a standout example: Muretto Beige walls are paired with Lunar Peak Golden metal accents and warm wood ceilings, creating a space that feels both coastal and cozy. Shoppers often linger here, drawn to the stone's ability to absorb sound and create a relaxed atmosphere. "It's not just about looking good," adds Karim. "It's about creating a space where people want to stay—and Muretto Beige helps us do that."

NEOM is all about reimagining the future, and the Tech Hub is its crown jewel—a city within a city dedicated to innovation. For BIG, the challenge was to create a space that felt cutting-edge yet rooted in the region's heritage. Enter Muretto Stone (Beige) , which the firm used to soften the hub's high-tech aesthetic. "We wanted to avoid the cold, sterile look often associated with tech spaces," says BIG partner Jakob Lange. "Muretto Beige adds warmth, like bringing a piece of the desert into the building."

The hub's conference rooms are wrapped in Muretto Beige, chosen for its ability to enhance focus. "Studies show that natural materials improve productivity," notes Lange, "and Muretto Beige—with its earthy tones and subtle texture—does exactly that." The stone is also used in accent walls throughout the hub's common areas, paired with foamed aluminium alloy board (vintage silver) for a sleek, modern contrast. Perhaps most striking is the hub's entrance hall, where a massive Muretto Beige feature wall displays a digital art installation projected onto its surface. The stone's texture makes the projections come alive, turning a static wall into a dynamic storytelling tool. "It's a material that adapts," says Lange. "Today, it's a canvas for art; tomorrow, it could be a backdrop for a product launch. That versatility is why we love it."

Dammam's Convention Center was built to host everything from international summits to cultural festivals, and its design needed to reflect Saudi Arabia's status as a global player. Gensler turned to Muretto Stone (Beige) for its ability to convey both grandeur and humility—a rare balance. The center's main auditorium is a masterpiece: walls lined with Muretto Beige, arranged in a pattern inspired by traditional Arabic geometric motifs. The stone's warm hue softens the space, making even the largest gatherings feel intimate.

"Convention centers can feel impersonal, but we wanted this one to feel like a reflection of Saudi culture," says project designer Omar Al-Sayed. "Muretto Beige's earthy tone connects to our desert heritage, while its precision-cut panels speak to our modern ambitions." The exterior is equally impressive: 30-foot-tall Muretto Beige columns frame the entrance, paired with MCM big slab board series for the main façade. The columns' texture—rough-hewn at the base, smooth at the top—symbolizes the kingdom's journey from tradition to innovation. "During the recent GCC Summit, delegates kept asking about the stone," laughs Al-Sayed. "It's become a talking point, and that's the highest compliment an architect can get."

Madinah is a city of spiritual significance, and the Heritage Hotel was designed to honor that legacy. Dar Al-Handasah wanted a material that would blend with the city's historic architecture, and Muretto Stone (Beige) emerged as the clear choice. The hotel's exterior uses the stone in a traditional manner: as cladding for arches and domes, echoing the design of nearby mosques. Inside, guest rooms feature Muretto Beige accent walls, paired with rich fabrics and handcrafted wood furniture, creating a sense of understated luxury.

"Our guests come to Madinah to seek peace, so the hotel needed to feel like a sanctuary," says general manager Fatima Al-Zahrani. "Muretto Beige helps create that atmosphere. Its soft color and natural texture make the rooms feel calm and grounded." The hotel's prayer hall is particularly special: Muretto Beige walls are inscribed with Quranic verses in gold leaf, turning the space into a work of art. "The stone's neutral background makes the verses pop, but it never competes with them," explains Al-Zahrani. "It's a material that knows when to lead and when to follow—and that's rare."

Al Khobar's Marina Office Park is a waterfront development that caters to young professionals, and its design is all about work-life balance. Perkins+Will chose Muretto Stone (Beige) for its versatility, using it in everything from office building exteriors to outdoor terrace floors. The stone's non-slip surface made it ideal for terraces, which overlook the Persian Gulf, while its heat-resistant properties ensure the space stays cool even in summer.

"We wanted the park to feel like an extension of the marina," says project architect James Wilson. "Muretto Beige's warm tone blends with the sand and sea, creating a cohesive look. Plus, it's low-maintenance—perfect for busy professionals who don't have time to worry about upkeep." The office buildings' lobbies feature Muretto Beige walls with integrated planters, bringing a touch of nature indoors. "Employees love it," adds Wilson. "They say the stone makes the space feel less 'corporate' and more 'homey.' It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in morale."

Abha, nestled in the Asir Mountains, is known for its cool climate and traditional stone houses. The Cultural Center pays homage to this heritage, using Muretto Stone (Beige) to replicate the look of local mountain stone—without the weight or cost. The center's entrance portal is a showstopper: a massive arch clad in Muretto Beige, carved with patterns inspired by Asiri textiles. Inside, exhibition halls use the stone as a backdrop for artifacts, its neutral tone ensuring the focus stays on the displays.

"We wanted to celebrate Asir's culture, but we also needed a material that could handle the region's rain and fog," says project manager Amal Al-Turki. "Muretto Beige was the solution. It looks like the stone our ancestors used, but it's more durable and easier to work with." The center's outdoor amphitheater is another highlight: Muretto Beige seats are arranged in a semicircle, facing a stage backed by the stone. "During cultural festivals, locals gather here to watch performances," adds Al-Turki. "The stone's acoustic properties make the sound clearer, and its warmth makes the space feel welcoming. It's not just a venue—it's a community hub."

Qassim Retail Plaza is a family-friendly shopping destination in Buraidah, and its design prioritizes comfort and accessibility. Al-Rashid Architects chose Muretto Stone (Beige) for its ability to create a sense of continuity throughout the plaza, using it for storefronts, walkways, and rest area walls. The stone's soft color makes the space feel bright and open, while its smooth surface is easy for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate.

"Families are our main customers, so we needed a material that was safe, durable, and inviting," says architect Sara Al-Rashid. "Muretto Beige ticks all those boxes. It's scratch-resistant, so kids can run around without damaging it, and its warm tone makes the plaza feel like a big, happy home." The plaza's food court features Muretto Beige tables, paired with colorful mosaic chairs—a playful contrast that appeals to both children and adults. "Parents often tell us how much they love the space," adds Al-Rashid. "They say the stone makes the plaza feel 'clean and calm,' even on busy weekends. That's the best feedback we could ask for."

Jubail is Saudi Arabia's industrial heartland, and the Innovation Center is where the next generation of engineers and scientists will collaborate. AECOM wanted a space that would inspire creativity, and Muretto Stone (Beige) became a key part of that vision. The center's laboratories feature Muretto Beige countertops, chosen for their chemical resistance and easy-to-clean surface, while break areas use the stone as wall cladding, paired with wood grain board and vibrant art.

"Laboratories are often sterile environments, but we wanted to change that," says project designer Khalid Al-Farsi. "Muretto Beige adds warmth, making the space feel less like a lab and more like a creative studio. Researchers tell us it helps them think outside the box." The center's auditorium, used for lectures and workshops, has Muretto Beige walls with built-in acoustic panels, ensuring clear sound quality. "It's a material that works as hard as the people here," adds Al-Farsi. "Durable, reliable, and always up for a challenge—that's Muretto Beige in a nutshell."

Riyadh's Terminal 5 is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, and its design needed to handle millions of passengers with ease. SOM chose Muretto Stone (Beige) for its ability to create a sense of calm in a chaotic environment, using it for departure lounge walls, walkway floors, and baggage claim areas. The stone's neutral color helps passengers relax, while its durable surface withstands heavy foot traffic.

"Airports can be stressful, so we wanted to design a space that feels like a 'breath of fresh air,'" says project architect Emily Chen. "Muretto Beige's soft tone and natural texture do just that. It's a material that doesn't demand attention—it just makes you feel at ease." The terminal's VIP lounge is a standout: Muretto Beige walls are paired with travertine (vintage gold) accents and plush seating, creating a space that feels more like a luxury hotel than an airport. "Passengers often comment on how 'serene' the lounge is," adds Chen. "That's Muretto Beige working its magic."