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Case Study

Lakewood Fireplace Wall — Sea Pearl Quartzite

Lakewood, WA

In Lakewood, WA, AbsoluteGM crafted a stunning 24-foot Sea Pearl quartzite fireplace wall for the HIVE Project, using advanced vacuum-lifting technology and precision fabrication.

Material
Sea Pearl Quartzite
Surface Type
Natural stone
Project Size
24-foot-high fireplace wall
Edge Profile
Eased
Location
Lakewood, WA
Timeline
18 days, planning to install
Before & After

The transformation

Before
Installers setting Sea Pearl quartzite panels on the 24-foot fireplace wall at the HIVE Project in Lakewood, Washington, with a vacuum lifter holding the next panel.
After
Full-height Sea Pearl quartzite fireplace feature wall professionally fabricated and installed by Absolute GM in Lakewood, WA.
The Challenge

Managing Height and Weight Challenges

The Lakewood project posed unique challenges due to its impressive 24-foot height and the substantial weight of the Sea Pearl quartzite panels. Achieving precise alignment across such a vast vertical expanse required meticulous planning and execution. The natural quartzite slabs, known for their heavy mass and delicate veining, had to be handled with utmost care to preserve their beauty and structural integrity.

One of the main technical challenges was maneuvering these large, heavy panels into place without damaging the stone or compromising the design vision. The installation site was also constrained by limited access, requiring a tailored approach to equipment and logistics.

Furthermore, maintaining the natural movement of the quartzite's pattern across the expansive wall was critical. This necessitated precision in slab selection and alignment, so that the veining runs continuously across the wall and no fixings interrupt the face.

Overhead view of a vacuum lifter presenting a Sea Pearl quartzite panel to the bare substrate of the 24-foot fireplace wall at the HIVE Project in Lakewood, Washington, with installers working from two scaffold levels.
Our Approach

Precision Techniques for Aligned Panel Layout

To overcome the challenges presented by the Lakewood project, AbsoluteGM employed cutting-edge technology and expert craftsmanship. We utilized STONEEX digital laser scanning to capture precise measurements of the fireplace wall, ensuring that each quartzite slab was cut and fabricated to exact specifications.

Our in-house CNC fabrication facility enabled us to execute these detailed plans with precision, crafting each piece of Sea Pearl quartzite to fit perfectly within the overall design. The use of Quattrolifts vacuum-lifting technology was pivotal, allowing us to handle the heavy slabs safely and position them with precision.

The installation process featured a custom high-capacity lifting system that allowed our team to lift, tilt, and maneuver the quartzite panels with controlled precision. This technology minimized manual handling and reduced the risk of damage to the stone, ensuring a flawless installation.

01
STONEEX Scan
Using STONEEX digital laser scanning, we captured precise measurements of the fireplace wall to ensure accurate slab cutting and layout.
02
CNC Fabrication
Our in-house CNC facility crafted each Sea Pearl quartzite slab to exact specifications, ensuring a precise fit and continuous pattern flow across panels.
03
Custom Lifting System
We employed a custom high-capacity lifting system with Quattrolifts technology to maneuver heavy slabs with precision and safety.
04
Final Installation
The installation team positioned each slab using the concealed L-hook system, followed by a quality check to ensure flawless seam alignment.
Technical Details

Project specifications

Total Surface
24-foot-high fireplace wall
Edge Profile
Eased
Sink
N/A
Seam Location
Aligned horizontal reveals, concealed fixings
Lighting
Natural ambient lighting
Fabrication Time
12 business days
Templating
STONEEX digital laser scan
Thickness
3cm (1¼″)
AbsoluteGM operator controlling a tracked vacuum lifter holding a Sea Pearl quartzite panel before placement on the Lakewood, Washington fireplace wall, with the firebox opening visible below.
The Result

A Captivating Architectural Centerpiece

The completed Sea Pearl quartzite fireplace wall stands as a striking architectural feature within the HIVE Project in Lakewood, WA. The full-height panel installation and the natural beauty of the quartzite combine to create a captivating focal point that enhances the space's aesthetic and functional appeal.

The concealed L-hook mounting system ensured that the structural elements remained hidden, allowing the natural elegance of the stone to take center stage. The precise seam alignment and pattern continuity achieved through meticulous planning and execution highlight AbsoluteGM's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

This project not only showcases the beauty of natural stone but also the technical expertise required to execute such a complex installation successfully.

Project Gallery

The details

Project Video

Watch the build

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