From Generation to Generation: The Art of Marble in Nicola's Family
HISTORY AND TRADITION From generation to generation: the art of stone in the Dell'Erba family Nicola Dell'Erba's story begins within a family tradition tied to the working of stone, marble, and lava rock from Mount Etna. From his grandfather Nicola, a marble sculptor, to his father Giuseppe, artisanal knowledge has been passed down through daily work, manual labor, observation of the material, and respect for ancient techniques. In the family workshop, art and craft have always intertwined: each block of stone has become an opportunity for a dialogue between memory, form, and function. This legacy represents not only a family history, but a way of understanding the material as a living presence, capable of transforming into sculpture, restoration, architecture, and design. From this journey, Foku was born: not simply a product for outdoor cooking, but the natural evolution of a culture of stone passed down through generations and reinterpreted through fire, conviviality, and contemporary design.
The New Marble Renaissance
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY: The sculptor's hand at the heart of the process. In Nicola Dell'Erba's workshop, artisanal mastery meets the most advanced stoneworking technologies. Industrial robots, CNC machines, and digital tools are used to support manual labor, not replace it. Chisels, hammers, experience, and sensitivity remain at the heart of the creative process. Technology allows for the expansion of the material's potential, improved precision, and the ability to tackle complex processes, but the artist's vision always guides every choice. Every work, every architectural element, and every design project is born from a balance between ancient knowledge and contemporary innovation. From this union, Foku was born: a cooking system made from Etna lava stone where craftsmanship, technique, and function come together to create a new way of experiencing fire and outdoor cooking.
Harmonies and Shapes: where inspiration takes shape.
PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES: Materials at the Center, Function as Form Nicola Dell'Erba's philosophy stems from a profound respect for the material. Marble, natural stone, and Etna lava stone are not simply materials to be worked, but living presences, capable of preserving memory, identity, and transformation. Artisanal tradition and technological innovation coexist in every project: the sculptor's hand remains central, while technology becomes a tool to increase precision, expressive possibilities, and quality of work. Every work, restoration, or design project is born from a balance between the natural beauty of the material, function, sustainability, and customer focus. The stone is selected, crafted, and enhanced with respect, avoiding waste and transforming even scraps into new creative possibilities. From these values, Foku was born: a line of Etna lava stone cooking systems that combine outdoor cooking, functional design, fire, and conviviality. Not a decorative object, but a useful, authentic form deeply rooted in the culture of stone.
From the quarry to the masterpiece: care and dedication at every stage.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES From stone to finished project, Nicola Dell'Erba Marmi offers a comprehensive service in the processing of natural stone, marble, and Etna lava stone, following every phase of the project with care, expertise, and artisanal attention. From material selection to design, cutting to finishing, shipping to installation, each step is meticulously managed to ensure quality, durability, and aesthetic consistency. The workshop creates sculptural works, architectural elements, restorations, cladding, design accessories, and customized solutions for interiors and exteriors. Each project begins with listening to the client and the ability to transform stone into a useful, beautiful, and long-lasting form. This technical and artisanal expertise also gives rise to Foku: a line of Etna lava stone cooking systems, designed to bring the culture of stone to the contemporary outdoor kitchen.
