Horm Stories #15
Today, we begin this story with a quote: “I want to see the yellow stones, all that light that takes your breath away.” This is spoken by the main character of “Mine Vaganti” by Ferzan Ozpetek, portrayed by the talented Ilaria Occhini, referring to the stone from which the most beautiful historic buildings of Lecce are made—a stone that even takes its name from the city itself. The protagonist is referring to this precious material, Lecce stone, which has been quarried in the Salento region for centuries and exported worldwide.
Historically, Lecce stone was used for constructing and embellishing palaces, public buildings, and churches, thanks to its ductility and ease of carving, which allowed artisans to create finely detailed ornaments. Perhaps the most iconic example is the Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce, a masterpiece of Leccese Baroque, adorned with expertly sculpted allegorical figures.
But why Lecce stone? Its main characteristic makes it unique: soft and malleable when first quarried, yet hardening when exposed to air and the elements, which is why the extraordinary heritage of Leccese Baroque has survived intact to this day. This feature also makes it highly suitable for contemporary architecture, from flooring to cladding in prestigious buildings, villas, monuments, and churches.
This feature also makes it highly suitable for contemporary architecture, from flooring to cladding in prestigious buildings, villas, monuments, and churches.
Understanding its aesthetic value and high degree of exclusivity, internationally acclaimed architect Steven Holl studied and designed for Horm a modular system composed of irregular hexagons made of Lecce stone. These modules are called Hexagon and, placed side by side, offer the possibility of creating infinite compositions for every social and functional need. They can be used as side tables or, when needed, as stools for enjoying a drink, perhaps by the pool. Given the product’s outdoor orientation, Horm also offers a version in Okoumé wood (an African timber from Gabon, moisture-resistant and also used in marine applications).
The Hexagon modules are versatile: they can serve as side tables or, when needed, as stools for enjoying a drink, perhaps by the pool. Considering the product’s outdoor orientation, Horm also offers a version in Okoumé wood, an African timber from Gabon, resistant to moisture and even used in marine applications.
