Silver maps from marble

A few weeks ago, we introduced our new golden world map crafted from genuine slate stone. Today, we're excited to offer you a sneak peek at our latest creation: the brand new silver world map, also crafted from authentic stone, but this time using marble.

Varied heights in marble

In our previous post about the golden world map, we took al look into why we opted for a stone topping for that gold-plated map. Similarly, for this new silver map, we chose a comparable technique with equally stunning results. Extensive testing was conducted with various types of stone for this silver map. Each stone sheet available on the market and suitable for cutting with our powerful CO2 laser underwent a few sessions of airbrushing in our workshop and thorough evaluation. After scrutinising several silver airbrushed samples, we reached a unanimous decision. The stone of choice for our new silver world map would be marble.

When one thinks of marble, the image of large polished slabs commonly used for tables, kitchens, and flooring tiles often comes to mind. However, nowadays, marble can also be processed into relatively thin sheets. These sheets consist of a resin onto which the marble is affixed after being broken from larger blocks. Once dried, one side of the sheet is covered with rough marble, exhibiting varying heights and a porous surface. Following our silver airbrush testing, it became evident that this specific characteristic lends itself perfectly to the aesthetics of the new silver world maps. The featured photo provides a glimpse into the impressive outcome. We are currently fine-tuning the engraving process for the country borders. At present, it appears that they will be engraved after each individual piece of the map has been airbrushed, just like our golden world maps.

Keep an eye out for the silver world map, which will soon be available in our webshop. Stay tuned for updates!

Second generation stone map

In one of our earlier posts, you witnessed the creation of a world map crafted from a 2 cm (0.79 inch) thick slab of Grigio Orobico marble. This heavyweight champion was probably the most substantial world map ever made at this scale. However, due to its weight and the thickness of the stone, which posed significant challenges for transportation and installation, we found it necessary to make adjustments to the base design of the map.

Laser versus water-jet

When crafting a world map from any material, it's crucial to tailor the design to the specific map and choose an appropriate cutting technique. Most commonly, world maps, whether wooden or steel, are cut and engraved using laser technology. Wooden maps are typically crafted with a CO2 laser, while metal maps are cut by a fiber laser. Similarly, StoneCut world maps are often cut and engraved with a powerful CO2 laser. However, when dealing with a thick slab of genuine marble, neither CO2 nor fiber lasers suffice. Achieving the intricate precision required for detailed world maps necessitates the use of a water-jet. A water-jet is a CNC machine that operates similarly to a CNC router or laser but uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through stone. The water-jet's strong cutting capabilities make it ideal for crafting world maps from large slabs of thick polished marble.

Some of you may already be familiar with the remarkable precision of laser cutting, capable of engraving with millimetre accuracy. However, the water-jet's beam is thicker and less precise, resulting in less detailed cutouts compared to laser-cut maps. This discrepancy in precision led to significant differences between the initial design and the technical drawings intended for maps made from other materials like wood and steel.

Returning to the drawing board

The fragility of the previous Grigio Orobico marble map posed several challenges during production and transportation, prompting the need for reinforced packing and careful handling. To ensure safe transport from Italy to our workshop in the Netherlands, extensive safety measures were made. Each continent and island is packed in styrofoam and housed in a specially designed wooden casing. Upon arrival, the wooden casing is lifted by crane near our workshop, where we finalise the product. Assembling a customised mounting kit, and preparing it for delivery to one of our clients.

The marble world map arriving by truck — ***Lifting marble world map by crane***

Recognising the relative fragility of the marble pieces representing continents and islands, we chose to reinforce the entire marble slab with tempered glass. This added layer substantially increased strength and reduced the risk of breakage during transit and installation. In the close-up photo below, you can see how the marble layer is securely affixed to the tempered glass, with only a five millimetre thickness used for this topping. Not only did this reinforcement enhance durability, but it also significantly reduced the overall weight of the map, facilitating easier installation. And the best part of all. The luxurious outcome is just as good as the marble map from the first generation. If not surpasses.

A close-up photo of the stone world map made out of Grigio Orobico marble with tempered glass — ***Close-up photo stone world map - Grigio Orobico marble*** **& tempered glass**

Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll dig into another remarkable advantage of this production tweak. One that will blow your mind.

XL map made with quartz

In certain spaces, a standard world map simply doesn't suffice. For those fortunate enough to possess expansive homes or offices, the opportunity for grandeur beckons. Today, we delve into the realm of design with an exploration of an exceptional world map crafted from genuine quartz stone. A magnificent piece tailored to its environment with precision.

From the mine to the press

The journey from raw material to finished masterpiece is a testament to the artistry and dedication involved. Originating from the quarries of North India, large chunks of quartz rock undergo a big transformation. Through a process involving layering with synthetic resin and drying, these rocks are transformed into flexible sheets. Each with 1-5 mm (0.39''- 0.59'') of authentic stone in shades ranging from grey to warm brown, accentuated by glimmers across its surface.

For our featured client, a single massive plate of this quartz stone, measuring nearly 2.5 meters (3,28 ft) in length and 1.5 (4 ft) meters in width, served as the canvas for their vision. The resulting world map stretches almost 2.5 meters in width and nearly 2 (6,65 ft) meters in height—a true statement piece commanding attention and admiration.

A sheet of quartz stone from the north of India — ***Sheets of quartz stone***

Cutting an oversized plate of quartz into a world map

Crafting such a monumental artwork requires planning and execution. Alterations to the AutoCAD design ensure precision in the laser cutting process, while adjustments to installation templates account for the substantial weight of the quartz stone. Each step in the process reflects a commitment to quality and a dedication to realising the client's vision on a grand scale.

Through the fusion of natural beauty and expert craftsmanship, this extraordinary quartz stone world map stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities of bespoke design. Its presence not only enriches the space it inhabits but also serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend the ordinary and inspire awe.

The installation template of a stone map XL made from quartz — ***Installation template for a stone world map XL***

As depicted in the photo of the installation template, mounting this quartz stone map is a task best undertaken by two individuals. The sheer size and weight of this unique piece make it a singular addition to any space. Though the lighting may not have been optimal at the time of the photo, the impact of the XL map is undeniable.

Upon entering the hall where it resides, the map commands immediate attention, its presence both striking and captivating. The culmination of craftsmanship and exquisite materials, the stunning quartz stone world map stands as a testament to the beauty of bespoke design. For a closer look at the breathtaking result, refer to the photo below.

The XL world map made of quartz stone — **StoneCut Rusty Lady world map XL**

Redecoration with a StoneCut map

When embarking on a redecoration project, the opportunity for a complete transformation presents itself. New colours, furniture, and ornaments can breathe new life into a space, along with the addition of a stone world map to decorate the wall. In today's example, we explore one such instance featuring a StoneCut world map nicely integrated into a newly furnished room in the UK.

Injecting vibrancy into the space

The spotlight of today's display shines on a world map from the StoneCut series, proudly displayed in the United Kingdom. In the accompanying photo collage, the transformation of the space is evident; the client's renovation efforts have rejuvenated the room, with all walls painted a pristine white and the former fireplace replaced by a sleek cupboard wall. A strategically placed plant in the corner adds a refreshing touch of nature to the ambiance. The world map, with its rich, global hues, serves as a focal point against the clean backdrop of white walls and ceiling. Specifically, the StoneCut Autumn Forest world map is famous for its autumnal palette, ranging from vivid yellows to deep reds and from lush greens to earthy browns. The slate stone texture gives the impression that the map itself was crafted from layers of autumn leaves, patiently accumulating over time. It's truly remarkable how nature can produce such exquisite materials over millions of years, and it becomes even more extraordinary when those same materials depict the world from whence they came.

**Collection of photos from the StoneCut Autumn Forest world map**

Hawaii as part of the map

While not the most petite of world wall pieces, maps of this size certainly draw attention with their expansive coverage. However, despite their considerable dimensions, they inevitably fall short in accurately depicting the smaller islands scattered across our globe. To visualise the scale discrepancy, one need only consult Google Maps for a firsthand perspective.

Nonetheless, there are islands that warrant special consideration, such as segments of the Hawaiian archipelago, which are just slightly too small to be represented at this scale. In response to the client's desire to include these islands in the wall piece, select smaller ones were enlarged to integrate with the overall design. The resulting effect, in our opinion, is really pleasing.

***Close-up Autumn Forest world map, Hawaii included***

We invite you to share your thoughts on this slate stone world map or to inquire further about the redecoration process and its accompanying map design.

Maps made with brown marble

We've explored the endless possibilities of crafting a world map from various types of stone, yet one particularly well worth option remains unexplored: the marble map. Today, we'll delve into an example featuring brown marble, known as the Hawksbill Brown.

Unpolished roughness

When you say marble, the image that often comes to mind is of a polished surface, mostly one with a glossy finish. This is similar to the map we discussed in a previous post. The stone world map constructed from a solid 2 cm (approx. 0.8 inch) thick slab of Grigio Orobico marble, this stone map underwent the same polishing process as any other fine piece of furniture. However, a distinctive approach was taken with this particular map.

Brown marble world map installed on a wall above a sofa — **World map made with brown marble**

Advancements in technology have paved the way for a novel technique: embedding various types of stone onto thin sheets of synthetic resin. By adhering rock fragments to this adhesive sheet, a thin layer of authentic stone is formed. Once fully hardened, the result is a slab of genuine rock suitable for wall decoration or further processing into furniture, among other applications. The featured map today was made with this innovative method, a layer of brown marble characterised by stunning veins ranging from light to dark brown.

This close-up photo shows the varieties in height/thickness of the slate of brown marble. — ***Close-up photo slab of brown marble***

Different thickness like real mountains

The key disparity between the traditional brown polished marble slab and the marble sticked to a synthetic layer lies in both surface finish and weight. Whereas a solid marble slab of this size weighs over 100 kg (approximately 220 pounds), a map created with this marble on a synthetic layer weighs just 3 kg (approximately 7 pounds). Additionally, while the massive marble has a glossy surface, the thin stone veneer possesses a really rough texture. Besides, this particular brown marble has notable variations in thickness, with the topping ranging from 1-5 mm (approximately 0.39- 0.59 inch). Upon closer inspection, these irregularities resemble authentic mountain formations, adding a captivating dimension to the map's aesthetic appeal.

Mega StoneCut world map

Most spaces are suitable for a regular-sized world wall map with a width of approximately 214 cm (7' 0.25'') and a height of approximately 117 cm (3' 10''). However, some are privileged to have large walls where they can install a truly expansive world map, one that nearly spans the entire wall. At MapaWall, they craft these magnificent world maps from a variety of materials. What's more, they ship them worldwide via UPS, making them practically available for everyone. This post focuses on one of these remarkable world maps: the StoneCut Hawksbill Brown XL, installed in Spain.

***Installation template StoneCut world map XL***

Bigger can be better for sure

Giant world maps can add a stylish touch to any space, whether it's an office or a private residence. A large map, like the one in this example, creates a striking impression on visitors as they enter the room, especially in case of this hallway. The larger-sized MapaWalls span almost 3 meters in width, approximately 10 feet, and stand at 160 cm (5' 1'') in height. As you can see from the photos in this post, these XL maps really set a new standard in size. However, it's not just the map itself that's massive; the included templates are also substantial. Two giant rolls of 1-meter-wide paper come with the map, along with all the necessary materials for easy wall mounting. Given that these XL maps are shipped worldwide, it's no surprise that the packaging is also sizeable. Whether the maps are crafted from wood, stone, or steel, the dimensions of the XL packages remain consistent. These dimensions are close to the maximum limit for shipping via UPS Capital (insured shipping).

***StoneCut XL brown marble world map***

Real marble on top of the wood

For some of you, StoneCut maps might be a new concept. Let me explain: StoneCut world maps feature a wooden base with a thin layer of real stone on top. These stone layers come in various types, including slate, limestone, quartz, and the brown marble from this example. While marble is often associated with polished finishes, the marble used for this world map is of a brown variety. Traditionally, stone can only be cut using a CNC router. However, this company has developed a groundbreaking method of laser cutting, which remains somewhat of a secret. This innovative approach allows them to cut through various thicknesses of stone, resulting in the most stunning world maps available on the market.

StoneCut world map XL (brown marble) — ***Close-up StoneCut XL brown marble world map***

If you have any questions regarding this post. Feel free to send us a message through our contact form.

Marble world map

The web never fails to bring the pinnacle of luxury, from extravagant cars to opulent home décor. Among these treasures are world maps transformed into stunning wall decorations, and at MapaWall, we've been at the forefront of crafting such masterpieces for over a decade. However, there was one exceptional creation missing from our repertoire until just a few years ago—the Rolls Royce of world maps: The MapaWall Stone, crafted from genuine Grigio Orobico marble. Each piece is cut using waterjet technology and polished to a glossy finish reminiscent of a precious gemstone.

Designed in The Netherlands, produced in Italy

With nearly a decade of expertise in cutting and engraving world maps, along with a lot of custom designs, MapaWall has established itself as a leader in high-end wall decorations. While our previous maps were crafted in the Netherlands using CO2 and fiber laser techniques, the idea of creating a map from authentic stone sparked a new venture for us. Teaming up with a Dutch stone supplier, we embarked on the journey of crafting a world map from solid stone—a feat achievable only through waterjet cutting. Recognizing the unique challenges of this endeavor, we collaborated with stone specialists in Italy to bring our vision to life.

Cutting marble world map with waterjet — **Slab of Grigio Orobico marble cut by waterjet**

Following extensive consultation and sampling, we prototyped the world map using a precious slab of Grigio Orobico marble, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece measuring 0.78 inches (20 mm) in thickness. Despite its weight (almost 100 kg) and delicate details, the beauty of this stone map was undeniable.

Upon its arrival in The Netherlands, we encountered some handling challenges due to its fragility. Nevertheless, the allure of this exclusive world map captivated a discerning buyer who recognized its unparalleled uniqueness. As the proud new owner, she entrusted us with the installation, leading to a stunning display of artistry (see photo below).

**Stone world map installed on taupe wall**

The creation of our inaugural stone map marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with our stone processing partners in The Netherlands and Italy. Through quite some refinement, we developed innovative techniques to enhance the strength of the stone, ensuring a broader reach and availability for clients worldwide. Explore the process behind crafting our stone world map and experience the epitome of luxury wall décor.

Maps made from wood and stone

Wall decor featuring world maps comes in a variety of materials, with one of the most popular being the wooden world map. The inception of laser-cut wooden world maps can be traced back to 2015 when the Dutch company MapaWall BV pioneered this trend. Utilizing four types of wood, they set the standard that inspired numerous others to follow suit.

Fast forward almost a decade, and MapaWall BV is once again at the forefront of innovation, introducing a new trend: StoneCut world maps. Departing from traditional wooden maps, these unique pieces are crafted by placing a thin layer of real stone on top of a wooden base map. This fusion of wood and stone adds a captivating dimension to the world map, showcasing the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in decor.

Different types of stone

The all-new StoneCut series by MapaWall is a visual delight, crafted with utmost dedication, requiring a considerable amount of time to bring each piece to life. Similar to their iconic wooden maps, these creations predominantly feature wood, serving as the foundational layer. This wooden base provides the perfect canvas for the application of a genuine stone topping. Notably, MapaWall has recently achieved a breakthrough by developing a technique to press a thin layer of stone onto the wooden base.

What sets MapaWall apart is their exclusive ability to cut these types of stones using laser technology, a cutting-edge technique that remains undisclosed to the public. It is safe to say that MapaWall currently stands as the sole company known for its proficiency in laser-cutting stone, marking a significant milestone in the realm of map artistry.

They offer their StoneCut world maps in a variety of options, each featuring distinct stone types such as quartz, limestone, slate, and marble. It's important to note that the marble used in these maps differs from those created exclusively from solid marble, a topic we'll explore in a forthcoming post.

The layers of stone applied to the wood are positioned on a sheet of synthetic resin. Through a meticulous warm pressing process with specialized adhesive, the stone-infused sheet adheres seamlessly to the wooden base layer. Following several days in the press, the material is ready to undergo precision cutting and engraving, transforming it into a magnificent and unparalleled world map.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts, where we'll delve into the intricacies of individual StoneCut models and explore the fascinating process behind crafting these exceptional maps.