In the heart of Zurich, on Bahnhofstrasse, the Bucherer Flagship Store, crafted in Cristallina marble, stands as an icon of Swiss elegance and precision.
Clad in Cristallina® White Venato marble, with details in Cristallina® Black&White, it represents one of the most significant collaborations between Cristallina SA and the world of contemporary architecture.
Designed by Office Haratori (Zurich) and Office Winhov (Amsterdam), the project was awarded in 2021 as “Zurich’s Most Beautiful Building”, a recognition of its architectural excellence and the superior quality of the materials selected.
From Vision to Installation: The Cristallina Method
Behind every perfectly installed marble surface lies a method refined over more than 130 years of experience and deeply rooted in the Swiss territory.
The Bucherer Zurich project, created in Cristallina marble, is the result of a process that combines architectural vision, technical expertise, and Swiss craftsmanship. It all begins with the concept phase: understanding the architectural intent, the desired atmosphere, and how light interacts with the stone.
Next comes the technical consultancy, where our team supports architects and clients in defining every detail — thickness, finish, tonality, and aesthetic performance. From there, the sampling phase begins, during which we carefully select and test marble samples in our laboratory. Each slab is then analyzed, numbered, and traced, ensuring consistency and full traceability through the cutting stage. The next step is project modeling: through renderings, calculations, and mock-ups, we translate the vision into precise execution drawings.
Block selection takes place directly at our quarry in the Valle di Peccia, where Cristallina marble is extracted at over 1,200 meters above sea level. Finally, in our Biasca workshop, the material takes shape. Each element is cut, honed, pre-assembled, and tested in a preliminary installation. Only after a final precision check is the marble packaged and shipped for on-site installation. This comprehensive approach — from the first consultation to the final installation — is what distinguishes Cristallina SA: not merely a marble supplier, but a true project partner, capable of supporting architects, builders, and designers through every phase, ensuring flawless results.
Bucherer Zurich: Elegance Sculpted in Stone
The façade of the Bucherer Flagship Store is defined by the geometric rhythm of its slabs and by the continuous dialogue between light and material.
Every Cristallina marble surface at Bucherer Zurich was carefully honed to achieve a soft, uniform sheen, reflecting natural light and giving the building a distinct sculptural presence.
Cristallina marble is not just a material: it is a universal language that spans centuries of history, transforming today into a meeting point between art, culture, and contemporary design. Extracted from the only marble quarry in Peccia, Switzerland, this extraordinary white marble continues to inspire sculptors, designers, and international brands, becoming a symbol of creativity and innovation.
The International Sculpture Center: an alpine hub for art
In 2021, the International Sculpture Center (CIS) was inaugurated in Peccia, Val Lavizzara: a cultural project that uniquely enhances three-dimensional art and Cristallina marble. The CIS is a true creative laboratory, offering workshops for marble, wood, and metal processing, welcoming international artists selected through competitions, and hosting temporary exhibitions and interdisciplinary events that transform the small alpine village into an open window to the world of contemporary art.
Thanks to this initiative, Peccia has today become an international reference point, where artisanal tradition merges with the most current artistic research. Here, Cristallina marble takes center stage in a narrative that unites nature, community, and contemporary sculpture.
The Peccia Sculpture School: an open academy for all
Next to the CIS stands the historic Peccia Sculpture School, founded to make art accessible to everyone: beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. The school offers courses in marble, wood, and metal, as well as drawing, modeling, and art history seminars. It is a place to experiment, learn, and live an artistic experience immersed in the nature of the Upper Valmaggia, with the possibility of renting studio-apartments for a deeper creative journey. In this context too, Cristallina marble becomes a central element, capable of stimulating the creativity of all who approach the world of sculpture.
When we launched the idea of a bridge in Cevio designed by Santiago Calatrava, we did not expect such enthusiasm from the community. The comments we received surprised and moved us: most people welcomed this proposal with enthusiasm, seeing it as an opportunity for the future of Vallemaggia.
The voice of the community: between enthusiasm and reflection
One of the comments we received perfectly sums up the spirit of this initiative: ‘Ticino, if it wants to, can show that the courage our ancestors had is still there, having visionary strength.’ This message, as well as many others, encourages us to believe even more in the value of this project.
So many of you have written to us, expressing support and appreciation for this vision. Many see the bridge as a symbol of rebirth, a work that not only restores an essential link, but also gives a new impetus to the region. The possibility of valorising local materials, such as Cristallina marble and Valle Maggia granite, has aroused great interest. It is clear that the desire to see Ticino play a leading role in an ambitious project is strong, and the idea of combining tradition and innovation has met with broad approval.
Some of you have expressed the fear that politicians do not have the courage to support such a visionary project, that they might consider it unfeasible or not a priority. Many wonder whether the institutions will be able to seize the opportunity to create something unique, capable of enhancing the distinctive characteristics of Ticino instead of passively watching the depopulation of the valleys in favour of the cities. However, the community wants to be an active part of this journey.
In the context of modern construction in the Canton of Ticino, real estate developers and builders face the challenge of developing projects that not only adhere to high standards of environmental sustainability but are also energy-efficient, in line with the principles of Minergie in the Canton of Ticino. This commitment to energy efficiency highlights the need for an evolution in the construction sector, towards practices that minimize ecological impact without sacrificing architectural quality. The adoption of Minergie standards in the Canton of Ticino is therefore crucial, pushing towards a future of low-energy buildings that respect the delicate balance between innovation, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Pressure mounts as laws become stricter and the public becomes increasingly aware of environmental impacts. How can real estate developers and builders meet these expectations by rising above traditional building practices? The answer lies in balancing innovation and environmental stewardship, a balance not always easy to find but essential for effectively meeting the Minergie directives in the Canton of Ticino, ensuring that each new project is not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient and sustainable.
In this critical context, the use of Cristallina marble emerges as a strategic option that perfectly embodies the balance between local needs and global sustainability principles. Embracing Cristallina marble means opting for a local resource that significantly reduces transport-related emissions, a move in line with the Minergie principles in the Canton of Ticino. This choice not only boosts the local economy but also fits within a context of recovery and respect for extraction areas.
The use of Cristallina marble in Minergie projects underscores a commitment to constructions that are simultaneously environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Thanks to its exceptional thermal properties, Cristallina marble becomes an ideal material for sustainable construction. Its ability to contribute to the thermal comfort of spaces, combined with timeless aesthetics, makes it a valuable ally for cutting-edge projects, demonstrating how sustainability and quality can effectively go hand in hand.
Through the adoption of innovative practices such as the use of Cristallina marble, the Canton of Ticino positions itself at the forefront of sustainable construction, highlighting the importance of high-quality local materials in architectures that look to the future with respect for the environment and future generations.
Compelling Solutions for Sustainable Construction: The Role of Cristallina Marble
In the landscape of sustainable construction, the adoption of Minergie principles in the Canton of Ticino challenges architects and builders to find solutions that harmonize aesthetics, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The answer to this challenge may be less complex than thought, thanks to the extraordinary qualities of Cristallina marble:
Why Cristallina Marble?
Choosing Cristallina marble for your projects is not only an aesthetic decision but a commitment to sustainability and innovation. This material, extracted in the heart of the Swiss Alps, stands out for its remarkable qualities of durability, beauty, and environmental responsibility, making it the ideal choice for those seeking to harmonize aesthetics and ecological responsibility. With support from incentives in the Canton of Ticino for sustainability, the adoption of Cristallina marble becomes an increasingly accessible option, allowing for the realization of projects that embody deep values without compromise.
Investing in Cristallina marble and Minergie projects means not only raising the qualitative and aesthetic standard of constructions but also actively contributing to a more sustainable future.
Are you ready to elevate the value of your projects with the unique and sustainable beauty of Cristallina marble? If the vision of a future where innovation, exclusivity, and environmental stewardship converge in every construction resonates with your values, it’s time to act. Visit our website to discover more about the limitless possibilities that Cristallina marble can offer to your innovative and Minergie projects. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand out in the market with choices that combine aesthetics, durability, and environmental commitment. Contact us today to start shaping the future of sustainable architecture.
Explore, be inspired, and transform your vision into reality with us.
We are thrilled to share with you the exciting journey of Cristallina Marble on the television program “Siamo Fuori” on LA 1 RSI Radiotelevisione Svizzera. This entertainment and cooking program, directed by Carlotta Gallino, Davide Riva, and Christian Frapolli, is a traveling adventure in discovering local realities and the people who make them special. Our participation in this program allowed us to tell the unique story of our marble quarry, the only one in all of Switzerland.
During the episode in which we were interviewed, the School of Sculpture in Peccia and the International Sculpture Center in Peccia were also involved, demonstrating how marble can bring together different entities in interesting and fruitful collaborations for the Canton Ticino region.
A Journey to Lavizzara
In our episode, we traveled to the municipality of Lavizzara to narrate the story of our Cristallina marble quarry. We were delighted to unveil this hidden gem of Switzerland and share it with the audience of “Siamo Fuori.” The Cristallina marble quarry has been in existence since 1946 and has been highly appreciated abroad since its early years.
Values and Passion
During the interview, we had the opportunity to emphasize our unwavering commitment and deep passion for our marble. We have been passionately managing the quarry for 14 years, tirelessly working to showcase the extraordinary beauty and artistry of Switzerland through our precious marble. Before becoming devoted custodians of this valuable quarry, the previous owners had seriously contemplated the possibility of closing it due to significant challenges related to access and the search for the rare white marble. Our warm-hearted family has made every possible effort to enhance this unique resource and keep it alive for future generations.
We are happy to announce that we have installed a brand new machine in our manufacturing plant that decorates the surfaces of our marbles using a high pressure water jet (up to 2,000 Bar)!
This machine allows us to decorate the surface of our stones in an infinite number of ways and with different degrees of roughness, enhancing the original colour of the stone and its structure.
Thanks to the large number of possible finishes, water-processed stones are suitable for all environments and coverings, both indoors and outdoors. It is also possible to create surfaces that are very similar in feel to sandblasting and shot-blasting to make non-slip floors, with the difference that the color of the stone is enhanced rather than faded.
The new machine not only performs an excellent job, but also allows the stone to be processed in an environmentally friendly manner because it does not generate any smoke, heat or polluting waste materials.
Would you like to know more? Book your visit to our company in Biasca now and get a first-hand look at several water-processed marble and granite slabs.
Would you like to have samples? Contact us and we will be happy to prepare them for you.
In September 2021, Migros magazine journalist Dinah Leuenberger visited our Cristallina marble quarry to find out more about this natural stone.
After visiting the marble quarry and the Peccia Valley, she wrote a beautiful article, which you can read by clicking HERE.
In her article the journalist not only wrote about the Cristallina marble and its history, but she also talked about the art present in Peccia thanks to the Sculpture School and the new International Sculpture Center where our Swiss marble is carved.
Not only stone and art, but also food! In Peccia there is the Grotto Pozzasc, a wonderful grotto immersed in nature where you can taste the classic polenta cooked as usual in a large pot by the fireplace.
For the 18th time, the awards ceremony for the best buildings in the city of Zurich took place. Among 117 buildings, a jury of experts chaired by City Councillor André Odermatt awarded twelve prizes and nine distinctions, and the first prize went to the Bucherer building made both externally and internally of Cristallina marble from Peccia.
Councillor André Odermatt emphasized that “The award-winning buildings show in an exemplary way that architecture and urban development can also go hand in hand with the goals of social, ecological and economic sustainability” (see Stadt Zurich, Gute Bauten).
The Landuf, Landab team visited our Cristallina marble quarry (Peccia) and captured these beautiful images.
Through the journey of Nicole Bircher in the Maggia Valley, it is possible to discover the only Swiss marble quarry, Cristallina, and how the marble is crafted at the School of Sculpture of Peccia. Alex Naef, the owner of the School along with his partner Almute Grossmann-Naef, talks about marble, art, and the school.
A tip we can give you is to let nature into your home!
The choice of materials affects our daily well-being and mood. Natural materials, such as stone and wood, help us feel in touch with nature and feel good about ourselves. Plastics and furnishings made from non-natural materials, on the other hand, can be harmful to our well-being.
Well-lit spaces help you see better and avoid straining your eyes, much like the outdoors. By straining your eyes, you tire more quickly and begin to feel a general sense of discomfort. It is therefore very important to let natural light into your home.
Choosing the right colors is another key point. Favoring light colors in your home, both for wall and floor coverings is crucial to relieving stress. In addition to this, the use of light colors helps to make rooms visually larger.