Where the Future of Stone Is Envisioned: Olivah at the StonebyPORTUGAL SUMMIT 2026

Two days dedicated to the future of the industry

There are events that go far beyond simply presenting projects. The StonebyPORTUGAL SUMMIT 2026, organized by ASSIMAGRA, serves as a meeting place for the entire Portuguese mineral resources sector, bringing together industry representatives, academia, architects, engineers, researchers, and decision-makers to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that will shape the sector’s future. Over the course of two days, natural stone took center stage in the discussions, covering topics such as sustainability, decarbonization, digitalization, green financing, and new structural applications of stone in architecture and construction.

For Olivah, it is a privilege to follow these discussions. More than just creating objects from natural stone, we believe that understanding the realities of the industry, listening to different perspectives, and participating in the conversations that shape the sector’s future are all part of how we work. Being present means learning, building relationships, and continuing to develop a broader perspective on the material that inspires our work every day.

The first presentation of Crafted by Dialogues

This edition of the Summit marked a particularly special moment for Olivah: the first public presentation of “Crafted by Dialogues,” the second edition of the BROOT project, promoted by ASSIMAGRA and curated by Olivah. The collection fosters a dialogue between Portuguese natural stone and some of the country’s most iconic traditional crafts, resulting in four new pieces: Slate & Filigree, by Carlos Mello; Limestone & Blown Glass, by Catarina Nogueira Pacheco; Breccia & Tinsmithing, by Miguel Soeiro; and Basalt & Madeira Embroidery, by Nini Andrade Silva.

For the first time, this collection was presented side by side with “Dialogues from Within,” the first edition of BROOT, comprising “Schist & Acacia” by Studio Anansi; “Granite & Burel” by Studio Olivah; “Limestone & Clay” by Vítor Reis Cerâmica; “Marble & Cork” by JMM Design Studio; and “Basalt & Wicker” by Estúdio Eneida Lombe Tavares. Seeing the two collections together made it possible to trace the project’s evolution and reinforce its mission of bringing stone closer to other Portuguese materials, crafts, and traditions through design, revealing new possibilities for a material deeply connected to the country’s identity.

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Taking the Dialogue into the Future

For Olivah, participating in the StonebyPORTUGAL SUMMIT means much more than simply attending an event. It is an opportunity to hear from those who research, transform, design, and build the future of Portuguese natural stone. Discussions on sustainability, technological innovation, decarbonization, and the growing role of stone as a structural element have shown us an industry in constant evolution, capable of responding to contemporary challenges without losing touch with its roots.

It was equally rewarding to reconnect with partners, companies, institutions, and professionals who share a commitment to promoting Portuguese natural stone and contributing to its future. We returned from this Summit with new perspectives, new inspiration, and the conviction that the sector’s evolution stems from collaboration, the exchange of knowledge, and the ability to think of stone as more than just a material. We would like to thank ASSIMAGRA for organizing such an important event for the industry and for continuing to create spaces where dialogue drives innovation. For Olivah, it is an honor to be part of this community and to closely follow the discussions that help shape the future of Portuguese natural stone.