Monitillo1980 was founded in 1980 in Altamura, Italy, from the experience of Francesco Monitillo and his passion for working with marble, granite and stone in general. For over 40 years the company has stood out for its way to interpret the peculiarities of each stone, enhancing their aesthetic and functional qualities. InteriorDaily interviewed Michele Monitillo to discover more about the Italian company and their recent participation at Maison&Objet.
The VILLE Collection Coffee Tables and Console by Atelier Daaa.
Can you tell us about the founding story of Monitillo1980?
'Monitillo1980 has been representing professionalism and human dedication through two generations now; Francesco Monitillo, founder of the company, and his adult children Michele and Liliana Monitillo have always been united by a strong passion for natural stone, simple but precious material. This familiar union leaves an unmistakable mark on every product.
Our territory: Altamura is in the middle of a land of great traditions, contrasts and cultural wealth; an area inextricably linked for centuries to the processing of stone. Here local artists are famous for working with passion and expertise, enhancing the expressivity of stone. Buildings, streets and every architectural piece testify the connection between stone and local artisans.'
How does Monitillo approach the process of interpreting and enhancing the natural qualities of different types of stone in its projects?
'Our aim is to transform marble into precious design elements. We are oriented at research, innovation and care for details. Over time, our technique has evolved, but the attention to people and workmanship has not changed. We stay true to ourselves, with a production completely made in Puglia. Every product is a combination of manual skills and cutting-edge techniques. Over the years, the company has introduced CNC (computer numerical control) machines for high precision work, new polishing machines, a 5-axis CNC machine, but all these technologies are still combined with artisan skills and high quality of hand finishing.'
The CITY Collection Table and Sculptures by Studiopepe.
Could you share some insights into the research, innovation, and attention to detail that go into creating tailor-made projects for indoor and outdoor spaces?
'From the concept to the final solution, to shape furniture of pure craftsmanship. Our products range from indoor and outdoor coverings, floors, inlays, up to accessories for bathroom furniture.
Our philosophy is based on a tailor-made production. Dedication and expertise distinguish every creation of Monitillo1980. Slabs are selected with care to guarantee the exclusivity of each project, whilst offering clients custom-made solutions. Among other things, Monitillo1980 engages in projects for large construction sites and private residences in Italy and abroad, offering an approach based on care for details and customers' needs. Multidisciplinary expertise and a consolidated network make Monitillo1980 the right partner for projects which involve different materials.
Over the years Monitillo1980 has forged cooperations with engineering and design offices to develop tailor-made solutions for every project. Furthermore, Monitillo1980 collaborates with research centers to gain know-how on materials and techniques.'
How does Monitillo stay ahead of technological advancements and market trends in the marble and stone industry?
'Experienced staff provide innovative solutions for the challenges posed by each project. Their multidisciplinary background and continuous training guarantee a proactive approach focused on design and production. Furthermore we started to invest on 4.0 Machinery. Last but not the least, the cultural contamination brought by the collaboration with international architects and designers, together with a continuous exchange of visions and ideas with them, give us the chance to stay in line and anticipate the different market trends.'
The VILLE Collection Table by Atelier Daaa.
What markets is Monitillo most active in and what are the market conditions like at the moment?
'We are most active in producing luxury products for a market that seeks high quality and exclusive products, in particular in the North of Europe, and different countries outside Europe, such as the United States and the UAE. Marble products are more and more demanded thanks to the natural qualities of the product.'
We met at Maison&Objet. What did you show at the fair?
'We showed the new collection of coffee and dining tables, in arabescato and travertine which are the two representative materials of the the present market trends. We presented two new collections: the CITY Collection by StudioPepe and the VILLE Collection by Atelier Daaa.'
What are the plans for Monitillo in 2024?
'We want to expand our network and create long lasting collaborations with distributors and dealers, which could help to answer the requests and needs we received from different regions of the world. Believing in genuine ideas, working for high quality products and opening up the horizons, will always give you an opportunity to stand out and succeed on the market.'
The Monitillo1980 stand at Maison&Objet. Ph. Ginevra Formentini.
More information:
Monitillo1980
Via Matera
70022 Altamura (Bari), Italy
+39 080 311.23.25
[email protected]
www.monitillo1980.it