Armina Stone Crafts a Natural Vision for the Ultimate House 2026
From dramatic marble feature walls to sculptural quartzite, Armina Stone helped bring the Ultimate House's warm, natural aesthetic to life with one-of-a-kind materials and expert craftsmanship.
PHOTO BY CASEY MAHAVEN
Since Armina Stone opened its doors in 2015, we have proudly partnered with Pittsburgh Magazine to showcase exceptional design while making a meaningful difference in our community. The Ultimate House holds special significance for our team because it supports UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund. Using our craftsmanship to contribute to this important mission is a privilege we value deeply.
For this year’s Ultimate House, we collaborated with builder Luke Madia of Madia Homes. Luke envisioned a home that felt earthy and warm with natural materials creating harmony from room to room. Natural stone was the ideal choice: timeless, tactile and unique. It brought richness to the home while complementing the warmth of the overall design. Luke was so committed to finding the right materials that he made a special trip to our Miami gallery. Together, we selected stones that would bring his vision to life while giving each space its own personality.
PHOTO BY CASEY MAHAVEN
The kitchen is anchored by Tempest Quartzite chosen for its subtle green undertones, expressive movement and veining. Understated yet powerful, the stone covers the oversized island where wrapped mitered waterfall edges create the appearance of one solid piece. Carrying Tempest Quartzite onto the perimeter counters, full-height backsplash and into the pantry creates continuity throughout the space.
Another showstopper is the primary bathroom where honed marble forms a dramatic double-sided feature wall with bookmatched veining. On one side, it provides an elegant backdrop for a freestanding tub. On the other, it becomes the shower wall complete with a coordinating marble bench. A vanity top with a three-inch built-up edge adds weight and refinement.
Creating this room was a true labor of love. Because of the size and location of the installation, the marble could only be delivered by crane lifted to the home’s top floor and brought directly into the bathroom. The feature wall arrived in six pieces which our talented installers assembled to achieve a seamless stunning result.
PHOTO BY CASEY MAHAVEN
Stone appears in nearly every room. The walk-in closet features a luminous quartzite island and bench seat, while the owner’s office takes on a more masculine character with a built-in credenza topped in black leathered granite. The textured finish brings depth and softness to the dark stone.
Our work with Cambria quartz brought another level of detail to the home. As a Cambria installation partner, we transformed the living room bookshelf walls and the basement TV feature wall and ledge. These intricate installations demanded exceptional skill, patience and craftsmanship. It was another labor of love and a detail that demonstrates how thoughtfully placed stone can elevate custom millwork into a defining design feature.
PHOTO BY CASEY MAHAVEN
Elsewhere, stone enriches shelf niches, vanities and custom furniture. In the basement, Taj Mahal Quartzite sweeps across a curved bar highlighting both the craftsmanship of the fabrication and the graceful movement of the material. Even the coffee table received a custom stone top of Ijen Blue Quartzite reinforcing the home’s cohesive visual language.
What makes natural stone so compelling is that no two slabs are identical. Each selection carries its own color, movement and history. Throughout the Ultimate House, those qualities helped transform Luke’s vision into spaces that feel grounded and elevated.
We are honored that Armina Stone’s work could be part of a home designed with such care and even more honored to help support children and families across our region. For a limited time in celebration of the Ultimate House, Armina Stone is offering 10% off your countertop project with a portion of the proceeds benefiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund.
Visit us in Cheswick, Robinson or Cranberry Township or learn more about Armina Stone at ArminaStone.com and our Miami gallery at Armina.com.
