In the Baths and Spas issue, we showcase swimming pools and wellness areas with sophisticated craftsmanship and architecture. The Schwaketentbad in Constance impresses with the harmonious interplay of ceramic tiles throughout the interior. And the spa at the Hotel Plunhof in South Tyrol shows you why silver quartzite is so well suited to wet areas. You can also read about what 2024 will bring for the industry in economic terms.
Cover picture: Agrob Buchtal
The economic situation in the construction industry
What will the coming year bring? What can the stone industry expect? The guard rails seem to be in place for now. In the first half of 2023, incoming orders in residential construction had already slumped by more than a quarter compared to the same period in the previous year. And the signs are not pointing to a recovery in the construction industry in 2024 either. Even if inflation slowly settles at a tolerable level, Germany still has to contend with high energy prices and an unstoppable shortage of skilled workers. This means that entrepreneurs need to set the right course for the future. Our author Annette Mühlberger sheds light on the economic situation in the construction industry and shows how trade businesses can make good, forward-looking decisions in these difficult times. Read more from page 36.
Germany's swimming pools
It comes as no surprise that Germany’s swimming pools are also struggling with high energy prices and a shortage of skilled workers. But it is precisely then that quality and craftsmanship become the focus of customers and installers. We present some impressive examples of this in this issue of Baths and Spas. Starting on page 6, our author Anne Fischer takes us to the new Schwakentenbad in Constance. The bathing landscape under the sculpturally folded roof is characterized by the harmonious interplay of ceramic tiles from Agrob Buchtal.
The spa area in the South Tyrolean Hotel Plunhof is lavishly furnished with silver quartzite. Read from page 22 onwards why this stone is so well suited for swimming pool construction.
Trade fair impressions
Despite all the crises and unpromising overall economic forecasts, the STEIN editorial team was able to experience a good mood during their visits to the trade fairs in Verona and Bologna. That is encouraging. After the difficult times of the pandemic, the industry’s need to meet face to face remains high. Both Marmomac and Cersaie therefore enjoyed growing exhibitor and visitor numbers. You can get impressions of our detailed trade fair visits from page 46 onwards.
The magazine is available here in the store.
In the November issue of STEIN, we look at the contemporary design language of sacred spaces. Everything about the gravestone and sacral issue here.
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Your stone editors